Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site

Gingras Trading Post is a restored fur trading center near Walhalla with two preserved buildings standing on the grounds. One is a store made of oak logs, while the other is a residence with a deep red exterior and white trim.

Antoine Blanc Gingras founded this trading post in 1844 as part of his commercial operations in the region. His mixed French-Canadian and Métis heritage shaped both the location and the nature of the business conducted there.

The trading post reflects how European merchants and local indigenous peoples conducted business and exchanged goods in the Red River Valley region. The buildings and their contents show the practical aspects of this daily interaction.

The site is located about 1.5 miles northeast of Walhalla and is open year-round for self-guided exploration. Outdoor interpretive panels provide information, and there is no admission charge to visit the grounds and buildings.

The house interior reveals an unexpected color scheme with blue walls, yellow floors, and pink ceilings accented with green and brown trim. This bold palette stands out as surprisingly modern for a structure from that era.

Location: North Dakota

GPS coordinates: 48.93690,-97.89080

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:46