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Grand Portage National MonumentCrepuscular sun rays illumminate a dark island and gray water just above the irregular wooden stockade enclosing the depot at Grand Portage.
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Grand Portage National Monument
Rendezvous Days and Pow Wow
 
Re-enactors gather at the historical encampment during Rendezvous Days.
NPS photo
Re-enactors share fur trade skills in period dress at the historic Rendezvous Days encampment just outside the stockade at Grand Portage.

The Grand Rendezvous

The hustle and bustle of summer activity peaked with the North West Company Rendezvous held here at Grand Portage. This was the time when furs from wintering posts, which reached into Canada, were delivered down the historic Grand Portage. The annual Rendezvous is still celebrated here during the second weekend of August. The event is held in conjunction with the Rendezvous Days Pow-Wow, sponsored by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The annual gathering is our biggest and most grand celebration of the year, a time when Grand Portage comes alive and reflects on its rich heritage. Re-enactors from across the country and Canada gather to camp and challenge each other to games and skills from our historic past. This is one event you do not want to miss. Music, dancing, craft demonstrations and hands-on workshops ensure an exciting weekend at the Grand Portage National Monument!

Water boiling for canoe building.
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Visitors viewing a camera obscura in the Great Hall.
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Fish and beef cooking over an outdoor kitchen fire.
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A Red River Ox Cart presentation.
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A Montreal canoe at Grand Portage National Monument  

Did You Know?
The 40 foot “Montreal” class of birchbark canoe used on the Great Lakes during the 18th century, could carry the weight of two mid-sized cars…that’s over four tons or about 8,000 pounds!

Last Updated: April 17, 2009 at 10:08 EST