Grand Portage National Monument Rendezvous Days

NPS Photo / GM Spoto

Rendezvous Days 2025 - August 8, 9, 10
Dressing the Fur Trade

This year the theme is all things textiles - clothing, finger weaving, moccasins, rabbit fur blankets, beaded garters...


More information about this year's programs.

 

Grand Portage Rendezvous Days is Free and Open to the Public

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 arrive by canoe with the voyageurs bringing trade goods from the east, and furs from the north. Anishinaabe, Cree, and other Native families gather by the shore to trade and reunite with friends and family, all right here in Grand Portage.

During Rendezvous Days, costumed interpreters reenact 18th century life of the fur trade era. Park rangers and volunteer reenactors provide you with a unique view into the hustle and bustle of Grand Portage over 220 years ago.

Rendezvous Days - second weekend in August

Grand Portage Rendezvous Days is a celebration where friends and family return year after year to attend and participate in events held in the community. Held on the second weekend of August, this event is one you do not want to miss! Music, dancing, craft demonstrations, and hands-on workshops ensure an exciting visit to Grand Portage National Monument.

• Admission is free. Visitors are not required to wear period clothing. Come as you are!
• No vendors, demonstrations only
• Visit our Eating & Sleeping page for information about where to stay.
• Directions to the Monument from Duluth, Minnesota.
• No pets (except service animals) within the stockade (Historic Depot)

For more information:

Questions? Please call 218-475-0123 or email us.

Rendezvous Days Pow Wow

The Pow Wow, hosted by the Grand Portage Band, is located just up the road within walking distance of the Monument.

• For questions about the Pow Wow, including vendors, please email Brittany Anderson at the offices of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• For details about the Pow Wow and schedule (coming soon) see the Grand Portage Rendezvous Days Facebook Page
• Service animals are allowed outside of the arena as long as they have their vests on. All dogs are prohibited within the dance arena.

 

Map of Grand Portage during Rendezvous Days.

NPS Graphic

Map of the Grand Portage National Monument Grounds Including Historic Encampment

Other Grand Portage maps, including a downloable PDF of the Mount Rose trail and Historic site area.

 

Additional Map Alternative Text

Map of a section of Grand Portage National Monument adjacent to Lake Superior. An arrow pointing toward the top of the map indicates north. Grand Portage Bay of Lake Superior is on the bottom right: a gray shape bordered by a wavy diagonal line near the middle of the map. At the top of the map, an arrow points to the Pow Wow Grounds.The following descriptions begin in the upper right corner and move clockwise around the map:

• Reenactor parking labeled with a P parking symbol.

• The Stone Bridge is labeled with lines over the main road. Grand Portage Creek is labeled.

• The Historic Encampment is indicated with a line drawing of tents.

• A First Aid station is marked with a cross within a circle below the Historic Encampment. A footbridge crosses a creek from the encampment to the Historic Depot.

• West of the creek is the Historic Depot. Within the Depot are the Great Hall, Kitchen, and Gardens.

• An Information Station is marked by a question mark within a circle. The Workshop Tent is north of Information.

• Southeast of the Depot is a dock jutting out into the bay.

• West of the Depot are wheelchair accessible restrooms, the Canoe Warehouse, and Ojibwe Village.

• The Heritage Center is across the main road to the southwest. Parking and a shuttle stop are adjacent to the Heritage Center. The shuttle runs continuously from 6 am to 10 pm Saturday and 6 am to 5 pm Sunday.

• The Mount Rose Trail begins in the northeast corner of the Depot and continues across the main road to a summit of 906 feet (276 meters). The trail continues from the summit to the parking lot/picnic area in the lower left corner of the map.

• An arrow points to the Trading Post and Casino, .75 miles (1.2 km)

 

 

Thank you to our generous sponsor!

If you’re interested in finding out how you can support Grand Portage National Monument, please visit our partner, National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF), at nplsf.org for more information. The mission of NPLSF is to provide financial support for projects and programs that preserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of all five national parks along Lake Superior. NPSLF is charged with their stewardship and is committed to their long term support, preservation, and enhancement.