superior trails | lake superior sunset superiortrails - shovel point

Grand Portage Rendezvous Days Pow-Wow
& Heritage Center

Chippewa Tribe Couple at the Grand Portage Rendezvous
A couple from the Wisconsin Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Band of
Lake Superior Chippewa
on their way to attend the annual Minnesota Grand Portage Band Pow-Wow

A companion event to the Grand Rendezvous is in the nearby village of the Grand Portage Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa where they host their annual Pow-Wow. The centerpiece of the annual Celebration Pow-Wow is the drumming, singing, and dancing that occurs in the Pow-Wow Arena. Around 400 dancers from the midwest and Canada attend . . . as well about 25 drum groups perform.


In addition to the drum performances and dancing, the weekend event is much like other annual community festivals: with food stands, softball games, bingo, run-walk race, a turkey shoot, horseshoe tournament, and contemporary dancing and music. No beer tent, however, as the festival is alcohol free which makes it a more family-friendly activity for all ages.

Another new experience for us was visiting the recently completed Grand Portage Heritage Center. In addition to replacing the outdated welcome center and ranger station offices, the new facility offers a number of educational exhibits, including a bookstore, museum, interactive displays, collections of artifacts, art, and photographs from the trading era and the famed eight and half mile portage trail that gave the village and stockade its name.

The Traditional Grand Portage Pow-Wow

Indian Princess

Two young maidens on their way to the Pow-Wow Arena. I'll bet they were entries in the Junior Princess contest held later in the afternoon.

 

Grand Portage Drum Dance

One of many couples participating in the "All Nations" drum-dance.

Grand Portage Pow-Wow

A group from one Chippewa Band assembles for ceremony prior to the start of another drum-singing-dance performance. Some drum dances were for and performed by members of certain bands while others were "All Nations." Watching the performances reminded me somewhat of being at a Barn Dance where the caller would call out the dance and who would be dancing.

Indian Taco Stand Grand Portage Rendezvous


The Indian Taco stand was quite popular. Always a line every time we walked by.

red triEvent Schedule for the Rendezvous & Pow-Wow



The Grand Portage Heritage Center

grand portage heritage center

heritage center movie theater

The welcome desk in the lobby of the new Heritage Center offers brochures, maps, guides and helpful service by the National Park Service staff. The multi-media theater offers a worthwhile 20 minute movie on the voyageur era and objibwe history throughout the day.

Grand Portage Museum

< < < The museum exhibits has a number of interactive displays. The mannequin shown here is one of the "pork eaters" who lugged 90 lb packs over the 8 1/2 mile portage.

Birch Bark Canoe

< < < A replica of the birch bark transport canoes used by the Northmen. In the warehouse and stockade grounds are several more genuine birch bark canoes.

The Heritage Center also houses a classroom with video presentations running on a posted schedule, an archives room, a bookstore-gift shop, and park offices.

The Voyageur Routes

This map shows the paddle and portage trading routes followed by North Men and the Montreal Men. > > >

red triMore info on the Grand Portage National Park

red triScenes from the Grand Portage Rendezvous

Spring & Summer Events - Grand Portage, Minnesota

More Visitor Information Links

SuperiorTrails.com - Reinhold Development - 2023

 

SuperiorTrails.com Mobile-Friendly Lake Superior Circle Tour Travel Planner

bentleyville tour of lights
Duluth's amazing Bentleyville Duluth Christmas Lights Village.

santa visit
Duluth Holiday Events and Fun.

gooseberry falls park
Winter - Michigan UP
Winter - Wisconsin Winter - Minnesota
Winter - Sault Ste Marie.


Duluth Enger Park Tower
Duluth's Enger Park and Enger Park Tower.

tall ships

Tall Ships Festival

dragon boat paddlers
Grand Marais DragonBoat Festival & Race

SuperiorTrails

duluth harbor and lift bridgeThings to Do and See in Duluth, Minnesota

Canal Park Brewery Beer Garden Enjoying lake breezes and views at the Canal Park Brewery Beer Garden - Canal Park.

gooseberry falls
Gooseberry Falls
State Park

porcupine mountains hiking trails
Hiking and Camping Guides & Books

Fall color photos from Enger Park Tower
Skyline Drive offers best views of Fall Color in Duluth

About the Superior Hiking Trail


lake superior road map of the circle tour
Lake Superior Circle Tour Road Map & Guide to Travel Attractions around Lake Superior.


John Beargrease Race
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Duluth to Grand Portage
Minnesota North Shore


Best Minnesota
North Shore
Agate Beaches.

burlington bay beach

Lake Superior Agate?
Identifying Lake Superior Agates and Beach Rocks.

WEATHER REPORT WEATHER REPORTS

Understanding and Finding Agates
Our Reviews of the best guides to Lake Superior Agates and Beach Rocks.

red bar

hotel planner
Hotel, Motel Lodging
Duluth, Mn, Two Harbors, Grand Marais, Minnesota
North Shore

red bar

Reviews Golf Courses Around Lake Superior
See our
Reviews & Ratings of Best Minnesota North Shore golf courses.

Canoe Trails:
Wabakimi Canoe Trips
Canoe Trip Stories