Celebrate the season and journey into a 19th-century fall gathering at the North West Company Fur Post on Sept. 21 and 22. The "Festival of the Voyageur" brings hundreds of re-enactors together, portraying Ojibwe, fur traders and voyageurs preparing for winter trade along the Snake River.

Children can participate in hands-on activities including making a wax candle, going on a scavenger hunt and participating in popular games of the early 1800s like the "cat-and-mouse" game. Discover how playing games helped everyone develop hunting skills and how toys prepared children for their adult lives.

Visit with La Compagnie as they set up camp at the river with replica fur-trade canoes, an extensive collection of genuine trade goods, real furs and a reproduction trade musket. Plus, watch as they demonstrate fire starting, finger weaving, campfire cooking and more. If weather allows, visitors can participate in canoe rides.

The day is also devoted to the annual contest for the title of best all around voyageur. Watch as contestants test their strength and cunning.

Vendors will also sell handmade crafts and demonstrate historic artisan skills. On Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. meet Ryan Gale who will talk about and show a display of American Indian artwork including beadwork, quillwork and basketry as well as items related to the British fur trade. Learn how these items were made and how the fur trade transformed traditional American Indian art forms.

The highlight of the weekend festival is a country dance with live fiddle music and lessons beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. All dances are taught beforehand, so no experience is necessary. The dance is designed for all ages.

Festival of the Voyageur is held Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 22 from noon to 4 p.m. Activities are included with admission of $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and college students, $6 for children ages 6-17 and a $2 discount for Minnesota Historical Society members.

About the North West Company Fur Post

The Minnesota Historical Society site is located 1.5 miles west of I-35 at Pine City along County Hwy. 7. An authentically reconstructed post from the winter of 1804-05, the site includes a visitor center, designed to complement the surrounding environment, featuring a Great Room, fireplace and retail space. Exhibits explore how the fur trade shaped the region. Costumed guides help interpret the site and guide visitors back to the days when furs were traded here under the British flag. For more information, call 320-629-6356.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Society’s calendar of events is posted online at www.mnhs.org/calendar. The website also has information about all of the Society’s programs, museums and historic sites.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, the Society preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.

The Minnesota Historical Society is supported in part by its Premier Partners: Xcel Energy and Explore Minnesota Tourism.