Grand Portage National Monument Rendezvous Days

Canvas tents line the grounds outside the depot during Rendezvous Days

NPS photo

It is 1797, the Rendezvous is in full swing, and over a thousand people work and linger within the palisades and surrounding area. North West Company agents, clerks, and partners gather to conduct business and celebrate their good fortune. They arrived by canoe with the voyageurs bringing trade goods from the east, and furs from the north. Native American families gather by the shore to trade and reunite with friends and family. It all happened right here in Grand Portage. Today, during Rendezvous Days, costumed interpreters portray late 18th century life in the fur trade era. Park rangers and volunteer re-enactors provide you with a unique view into the hustle and bustle of Grand Portage over 220 years ago. This year we look at transportation. Transportation made up over 50% of the North West Company's budget.This summer, along with the usual canoes and Mackinaw Boat, you'll learn about the birth of hot-air balloons and the fascinating history of the Ojibwe Sprit horse.

 

Tinsmithing demonstration

NPS photo

Rendezvous Days Program

The stockade, reconstructed buildings and historic encampment are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Heritage Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visitors are not required to dress in period costume.
Come as you are!

Admission to Rendezvous and the monument grounds is free. Donations to support future events and interpretive programs are appreciated. Thank you for your support!

Historic Encampment Tours:

Join a free one-hour guided tour of the 18th century fur trade Rendezvous encampment. Meet at the information tent near the north gatehours. Friday: 12pm & 3pm, Saturday: 11am & 3:30pm

Archeological Site Tours:

A one hour tour of a mid- to late- 18th century archaeological site. Friday & Saturday: 11am & 2:30pm

Workshops Registration opens at 9:00 am

For more information or to register for a workshop, please visit the Information tent near the North Gate.
Workshops are free and open to the public.

Friday, August 12th

Activities and Programs

• 10 am: Stone Bridge Singers Drum Ceremony - Great Hall Lawn
• 1 pm: Meet the Ojibwe Horses - Great Hall Lawn
• 2 pm: 18th Century Music Jam! - Great Hall Lawn
• 3 pm: 18th Century Puppet Show - Historic Encampment
• 3:30 pm: Camp Chore Challenge - West Lawn of the Great Hall
• 5 pm: National Monument Closes - Thank You for Visiting Today

Workshops

• 11 am: Cornhusk Dolls/Voyageur Action Figures - Workshop Tent
• 11:30 am: Kids’ Wooden Voyageur Box - Workshop Tent
• 1 pm: Kids’ Wooden Voyageur Box - Workshop Tent
• 2:30 pm: Make a Trade Mirror - Workshop Tent
• 1:00/2:30/4:00 pm: Tinsmithing for Kids - Tinsmith Shop
• 2:30 pm: Blacksmithing for Men/Ice Creepers - Blacksmith Shop
• 3:30 pm: Blacksmithing for Men/Ice Creepers - Blacksmith Shop

Saturday, August 13th

Activities and Programs

• 9:30 am: Scavenger Hunt for Young’uns - Historic Encampment
• 10 am: Rugged Voyageur Contest - Inside West Gate
• 11:30 am: Lacrosse Match - Great Hall Lawn
• 1:30 pm: 18th Century Puppet Show - Workshop Tent
• 2:30 pm: Meet the Ojibwe Horses - Great Hall Lawn
• 3:30 pm: Over the Waterfall live music - Great Hall Porch
• 4 pm: Voyageur Storytelling & Magic - Historic Encampment
• 5 pm: National Monument Closes until 8pm
• 8-10 pm: Live Music & Dancing, Open to all - Great Hall Lawn

Workshops

• 10:30 am: Basic Blacksmithing techniques for Women - Blacksmith Shop
• 10:30 am: Historic Tool Sharpening - Lepley Camp
• 11 am: Kids’ Wooden Voyageur Box - Workshop Tent
• 11:30 am: Basic Blacksmithing techniques for Women - Blacksmith Shop
• 1 pm: Kids’ Wooden Voyageur Box - Workshop Tent
• 2 pm: History of Wampum - Workshop Tent
• 3:30 pm: Fingerweaving for Kids Ages 12 and up - Workshop Tent
• 5 pm: National Monument Closes - Thank You for Visiting

Sunday, August 14th

Activities and Programs

• 10 am: Flint & Steel Fire Starting Contest - Historic Encampment
• 11 am: Bead Hunt for Young’uns - Historic Encampment
• 11:30 am: The Yoke’s on You! Water Lifting Contest - Canoe Warehouse Yard

Workshops

• 10:00/11:30/1:00 Tinsmithing for Adults - Tinsmith Shop
• 11:30 am: Kids’ Program - Kora’s Camp