My spouse and I were driving home and both of us at the same time noticed the majestic color of the sky and clouds on Saturday night. Yeah, blue sky and white clouds. But not just any blue sky, but the color we remember from our child hoods.
As you remember last summer, there were forest fires in Canada and most mornings we would wake up to smoke that had travelled hundreds of miles and now we had more of a grey sky than blue. The other contributing factor, so the local meteorologist tells us, is the amount of rain we have had that has cleared the particles out of the sky. Whatever the reason for the blue sky that reminded us of our youth, we’ll certainly accept and enjoy.

Best Kept Secret
This week’s best kept secret will be quite a bit longer, with a bit more explanation. Around 125 miles west of Minot, just down Highway 2 is Fort Union. The original fort, and now the re-built Fort Union is located on the Missouri River. It was once the hub of fur trading and merchandising for the area, and it is a great day trip for you, and/or your family.

Fort Union has been restored, right down to the canons, and is certainly historically correct and gives you a true sense of frontier North Dakota. But it isn’t just the Fort Union that makes the trip interesting. It is also a small cavalry fort, Fort Buford, that is located in the same area. If the 2 forts were not enough, a short walk from Fort Union is the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence interpretive center. Another best kept secret filled with historical exhibits about the confluence where, some 230 years ago, Lewis and Clark met up after their famous journeys to “open the west”.

If you are into day trip hiking, the Fort Union area is a perfect destination. There are several overlooks on the bluffs around the confluence and Fort Union area. There are several unmarked trails.

If hiking isn’t in your plans, Fort Union Trading Post has a great visitor’s center. The original Fort Union opened around 1828 and was an active trading post until 1867. In 1966 congress established Fort Union as a historic site to commemorate the significant role the fort and trading post played in American history.

If you made the decision to head to the Fort Union area, the Williston Convention and Visitor’s bureau is a great first stop. A friendly smile will welcome you and assist you with brochures and other information to make your trip special. One of those great day trips that is certainly a best kept secret.

Today’s Chuckle
No matter how much a hospital charges for a private room, they still only give you a semi-private gown.