Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site

With elements dating back to 1843, the home and business of mover and shaker Antoine Blanc Gingras are among the oldest surviving buildings in North Dakota. See his hand-hewn log store and home, which are rare tangible remains of the Red River Valley fur trade. Gingras was Métis, an ethnicity combining American Indian and European ancestry, language, and culture. In 1851, he joined the Red River and Pembina Outfit, a coalition of free traders. At this site, learn about Gingras’ far-reaching influence. Elected to the Minnesota territorial legislature in 1851, he also helped charter the city of Winnipeg. Tax records from 1861 indicate he had a net worth of $60,000 (about $1.7 million today).

The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Must See and Do

• Go inside Gingras’ house and check out the vibrant blue, yellow, pink, green, and brown color scheme, reproduced from original remnants. 
• Note the use of a French-Canadian log cabin construction technique known as Red River Frame in some of the rooms.
• Take a walk around this remote beautiful area.

The site is open year-round, however there is no snow removal. Gingras Trading Post buildings are open for events and by appointment. Check the website for events or call to set up a visit.