Legion Baseball Brings Thousands To Williston And The Area Delivers

Thousands of baseball fans will make their way to Williston for the North Dakota A Legion Baseball State Tournament at Ardean Aafedt Stadium.

While the games will be the main attraction, visitors will have plenty of time between first pitches to explore the area. Whether a team has a day off, a game later in the evening, or simply some free time between activities, Williston and the surrounding area offer plenty of ways to spend a few hours.

From historic sites along the Missouri River to family-friendly attractions around town, here are 10 places worth checking out during your stay.

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Fort Union Trading Post

About 25 miles from Williston, Fort Union Trading Post offers a look back at one of the region’s most important chapters.

During the mid-1800s, Fort Union was the busiest fur trade post on the Upper Missouri River. Native American tribes traded furs there in exchange for goods brought from around the world, including cloth, firearms, blankets, and beads.

At its height, the post traded more than 25,000 buffalo robes and $100,000 in merchandise each year.

A visit to Fort Union also gives travelers a chance to briefly cross into Montana, as the site’s parking lot sits just across the state line.

Fort Buford

Located about 24 miles from Williston, Fort Buford preserves the history of a major military post established in 1866 near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers.

The fort played an important role as a supply point for military operations throughout the Northern Plains. Visitors can still see several original features, including the stone powder magazine, the post cemetery site, and the officers’ quarters building, which now houses a museum.

Fort Buford is located less than a mile from Fort Union, making it easy to visit both sites during the same trip.

Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center

Just down the road from Fort Buford is the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center, another stop that highlights the history of the region.

The center shares the story of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s visits to the area in 1805 and 1806.

Inside, visitors can view three large murals featuring quotes from the Lewis and Clark journals while taking in the same river views that greeted members of the expedition more than 200 years ago.

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Lund’s Landing

For those looking to spend some time outdoors, Lund’s Landing provides a chance to enjoy the scenery along the Missouri River.

Located about 25 miles from Williston, the destination offers dining, lodging, and outdoor recreation. The restaurant serves homemade favorites, including Juneberry pie and pan-fried walleye.

Visitors can also rent cabins, kayaks, canoes, and boats for camping, fishing, hiking, and exploring the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail.

Spring Lake Park

Visitors do not have to travel far to enjoy the outdoors. Spring Lake Park, located on the edge of Williston, offers plenty of space to relax or get some exercise.

The park includes Spring Lake, an 18-hole disc golf course, dog park, picnic area, and a 1.2-mile walking path around the lake.

The trail is popular for walking, birding, biking, and running, and provides a quieter option away from the tournament crowds.

Williston Area Recreation Center

The Williston Area Recreation Center offers a little bit of everything for families looking to stay busy indoors.

The facility includes a waterpark, FlowRider, four indoor tennis courts, indoor turf field, 200-meter competition track, basketball courts, golf simulator, racquetball courts, elevated walking track, fitness areas, and an indoor playground.

Whether visitors want to burn off some energy or escape the summer heat, the ARC has plenty of options.

Williston Water World

A summer trip to Williston would not be complete without spending some time in the water.

Williston Water World gives visitors a place to cool down with pools, water slides, and other aquatic attractions. The facility offers a family-friendly way to spend an afternoon between games or after a day at the ballpark.

Safari Trampoline Park

Safari Trampoline Park offers another indoor option for families looking for something active.

The facility features trampoline areas for open play and dodgeball, along with a foam pit, bumper cars, arcade games, and a toddler area.

It is a popular choice for younger visitors who need to burn off some energy.

Grand Theatres

For those looking for a more relaxed activity, Grand Theatres has been a Williston staple for decades.

With two downtown locations and showtimes throughout the day, visitors can catch the latest movies while working around their tournament schedule.

And, as always, a trip to the theater is better with a bucket of popcorn.

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Davidson Park

Davidson Park will be the center of attention during the tournament as the home of Ardean Aafedt Stadium, but there is plenty to do even when there is no game being played.

The stadium features a natural grass field, shaded grandstands behind home plate, and concessions for fans. Around the ballpark, visitors will find the Williston Splash Pad, a large playground, open park space, and picnic areas.

For families traveling to the tournament, Davidson Park offers a place to enjoy the outdoors without having to go far from the action.

For more information about things to do, attractions, and events in the Williston area, visit the Williston Convention and Visitors Bureau website.