Voyageur Rendezvous
- Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park
- Saturday, May 18 & 19, 2013
- 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- $3 per person or children 7 and younger free
Jump into our time machine and hang on! We're traveling back more than 250 years when Northwest Indiana was primarily a marsh land. You will see Native Americans, French-Canadian canoe men, called Voyageurs, British and French militia and many others who would have lived or traded along the Grand Kankakee River.
Bring your family for a day of authentic kid's games, historic demonstrations, tomahawk toss, musical entertainment, merchants, food, and much more. The re-enactors are eager to interact with you as they portray life during this Fur Trade Era. Kids receive a "See and Do" Scavenger Hunt list at the admission booth in the Buckley Barnyard. Mom and Dad… make it a family challenge!
As you travel amongst the inhabitants observe how they lived, played, entertained and traded. Find out how each trade item was vital for trade and its worth. Don't wander off just yet; the Native Americans will be joining them soon to offer their many furs in exchange for the goods that have traveled so far.
Kids may pick up a "See and Do" Scavenger Hunt list at the Trading Post next to the Admission Booth. There are authentic kid's games, historic demonstrations, bobber races, tomahawk toss, musical entertainment, merchants, food, and more. The reenactors are eager to interact with you as they portray life during this Fur Trade Era.
| 10:30 | Opening Ceremonies | Flag pole near red tent |
| 11:30 | Voyageurs arrive by canoe & Trade session with Native Indians | Pond |
| 11 (Sun) & 12:30 (Sat) | Theatiki Fife and Drum Corps | Red tent |
| 12:30 (Sun) | Fashion Show & Tell | Red tent |
| 1 (Sat) & 1:30 (Sun) | Storytelling by Dusty | Red tent |
| 1 (Sun) | Historic Dancing | Red tent |
| 2 (Sat) | Canoe bobber race | Pond |
| 2:30 (Sun) & 3 (Sat) | Supplies arrive from Montreal | Pond |
| 3:45 | Closing Ceremonies | Flag pole near red tent |
| On going both days | See and Do Scavenger Hunt | Children's Trading Post |
| On going both days | Tomahawk Throw | Lifestyle demonstrations in encampments | Tony's ham and bean or chicken and noodle soup and more Ice cold Sarsaparilla
| On going both days | Tony's ham and bean or chicken noodle soup and more | Ice cold Sarsaparilla |
Special School Invite to the Voyageur Rendezvous 18th Century Fur Trade Era
- Grand Kankakee Marsh
- By Reservation Only on Friday, May 17, 2013
- 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. OR Noon – 2 p.m. (Two hour tours each)
- $2 per person, children and adults
- Advanced deposit required: $20.00 (minimum)
- Appropriate for 4th - 6th grade curriculum
- Minimum (20 students); Maximum (140 students)
- Call 219-769-PARK M-F 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
History books open wide and come to life as your students visit the 17th century. The Fur Trade Era is bustling with activity when you arrive. Your students will see how the Grand Kankakee River waterway played an important role in early commerce and trade. Native Americans traded furs while the Voyageurs, British, and French clashed over whose land it belonged to. There is plenty for the students to see and hear and learn. They will feel like they just spent a day in the 17th century. The tour is entirely outside, so please dress for the weather. Upon registration, teachers will be sent a confirmation packet, complete with pre or post visit activity sheets. You too, will enjoy jumping back into history! Reserve your time slot now.
Directions to Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park. 21690 Rangeline Road (Clay Street) Hebron Indiana 46341. Exit Interstate 65 East at Rt. 2 to Rangeline Rd. (Clay St) then South for 5 miles.
For reservations and more information about the Lake County Parks Call 219-769-PARK
Mon-Fri 8:30am to 4:30pm Central Time (Chicago Time)
Lake County Parks and Recreation Department Corporate Office
8411 East Lincoln Highway, Crown Point, Indiana 46307
Just west of Deep River WaterparK 4.5 miles east of I-65 on Route 30