Frontier Museum in Williston, North Dakota: Western North Dakota History and Culture

The Frontier Museum of Williston, North Dakota is a museum dedicated to Western North Dakota History and Culture. Frontier Museum not only showcases the history of this vast region but also offers educational programming for children, adults, and families that are designed to foster an appreciation for the natural environment and our cultural heritage. Learn information about Williston, ND.  

The Frontier Museum in Williston, North Dakota was founded in 1992 by a group of concerned citizens who recognized that there were no museums dedicated to preserving Western North Dakota history or educating children about their heritage. The museum opened its doors on January 13, 1993, with an exhibition called “A Remarkable Place” which featured items from Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site: home base for Lewis & Clark Expedition (1804-06), site of 1859 Indian massacre, one time largest trading post west of Missouri River, the birthplace of Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders (1901). Discover facts about Amazing Park: Davidson Park in Williston, North Dakota.

Over the course of more than two decades, Frontier Museum has grown from a small local institution to one whose exhibitions are now seen around the world through loan agreements with museums in countries including Poland, China, and France. Frontier’s most recent exhibit “Frontier Fashions” featured clothing of the day from around North Dakota: dresses, aprons, bonnets, and more.

Today Frontier Museum is home to three permanent exhibitions: “A Remarkable Place”, Frontier People – The Story Continues (featuring Indian culture) and Frontier Lives on the Prairie (historical life).