A visit to Grand Portage Rendezvous Days is a step into the past. Left: You can see voyageurs at work—these men are peeling a log with a lot of “helpful supervision” from friends at the encampment. Above: The Grand Portage Powwow offers wonderful ceremonial dance and drumming.
The first rendezvous of native Ojibwe, voyageurs, fur trade agents and company partners at Grand Portage was over 200 years ago. However, according to the Cook County News-Herald archives, the current version of Rendezvous Days—a mixture of activities at the historic fur depot and a traditional powwow, as well as more modern competitions— began just 50 years ago. That tradition continues Friday – Sunday, August 10 – 12.
A July 26, 1962 News-Herald article titled Grand Portage “ll Set” For First Rendezvous Days describes a two-day weekend event. The article notes that there will be voyageurs, traditional dancing, a bagpipe band from Canada, speakers, canoe racing and more.
There is some doubt about exactly when Rendezvous Days began—some say Rendezvous has always taken place, just not as formally as it does now. But no matter when Rendezvous Days began, it has grown to one of the North Shore’s premier events with something for everyone.
Visitors and tribal members are invited to the Grand Portage Powwow to see the dignified flag raising, grand entries and ceremonial dancing. There is delicious food for sale, such as Indian tacos, strawberry shortcake, and more. Check out the beautiful crafts for sale and visit the veterans tent. And take a chance at the raffle with its $1,500 grand prize.
At the Grand Portage National Monument, visitors can walk through history at the stockade and the encampment just outside the gate. There is lots to do—catch the 18th Century Puppets show; watch the Rugged and Dainty Voyageur contests; listen—or join in—during the 18th century music jam; watch lacrosse or take a workshop. There are courses such as finger weaving, basic blacksmithing, tinsmithing, birchbark basket making and more.
In the Grand Portage Heritage Center, visitors can see history come to life in the film produced entirely in Grand Portage by the National Park Service and Great Divide Pictures, Rendezvous with History: A Grand Portage Story. They can also learn about the connection between the rugged North West Company territory and the city streets of London in a new exhibit Furs to Fashion.
In a wonderful melding of past and present, the Rendezvous events at the Grand Portage National Monument will begin with the Grand Portage Stonebridge Singers at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 10. “We are honored to have the Drum with us to continue what has become a long-standing tradition at Rendezvous,” said Pam Neil, Chief of Interpretation at the monument.
The stockade and historic encampment are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by the Grand Portage Heritage Center for a full schedule of events for the national monument. The Heritage Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
And of course, Rendezvous Days offers some thoroughly modern events, such as the Old Timer’s Softball game, the mixed softball tournament, the 1-or 3-mile walk-run, and entertainment at the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino—comedian Don Burnstick on Friday, August 10 at 9 p.m. and dancing with Rock-ABilly Revue on Saturday, August 11 at 9 a.m. See a schedule of Rendezvous Days Powwow and other events below.
See you at the rendezvous!
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