It’s always 1804 at the North West Company Fur Post (12551 Voyageur Ln., 320/629-6356, www.mnhs.org/nwcfurpost [1], 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thurs.–Sat. and Mon., noon–5 p.m. Sun. May through Labor Day, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Fri.–Sat., noon–5 p.m. Sun. Sept.–Oct., $8 adults), and the voyageurs wintering here will share their lives with you at one of Minnesota [2]’s best living-history reenactments.
During your visit to this small fortified outpost, authentically reconstructed on the exact Snake River site as the original, they will show you their quarters; barter for blankets, pots, and trinkets; challenge you to games; and try to con you into doing some of their chores.
Outside, visit the summer-style wigwam to learn how the Ojibwe benefited from the fur trade, and check out the 25-foot birch-bark canoe and other exhibits in the visitors center.
The annual Fall Gathering with music and demonstrations takes place in mid-September. The post is located just west of Pine City.
Links:
[1] http://www.mnhs.org/nwcfurpost
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/minnesota