Heritage Stories are made possible by St. Croix 360’s partnership with the Heritage Initiative.

Some of the first Europeans to call the St. Croix River region home were the French-Canadian fur traders called voyageurs. They traveled the many waters of the area by canoe, trading with the local Ojibwe people for valuable furs.

On the banks of the Yellow River near its confluence with the St. Croix, two fur trading companies built trading posts in 1802. Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park is now located at the site, just outside present-day Danbury, Wisconsin.

This coming weekend, the park will host its annual Fur Trade Rendezvous, featuring a large encampment of historical reenactors giving demonstrations of many aspects of life along the rivers during

Each July, here at the Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous, dozens of fur trade camps fill Sayer’s Field and Trader’s Row. Represented is a variety of unique characters–all gathering together after a rigorous winter of trapping. As was true two hundred years ago, goods are “traded”, stories told, and fun times enjoyed by rendezvous campers, traders, and every visitor!

Rendezvous also includes demonstrations of period skills– including black powder, archery and tomahawk. Tasty food prepared in the fur-trade era manner is truly a treat to be enjoyed as one strolls along taking in the always colorful “traders’ row”. Goods offered by the traders include period clothing, furnishings, camp gear, trade silver, animal skins, jewelry and a fascinating variety of other utilitarian and decorative items.

This event is something the entire family can enjoy! Make plans to be at Rendezvous 2012 – July 27, 28 & 29! Wild Rice Pancake Breakfast Sunday July 29 8am to 12:30pm

The voyageurs didn’t spend long at the Fort Folle Avoine location. They packed up their canoes in 1805 and never returned. But they will be back this weekend in Danbury. Click here for more details.

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