Voyageur Rendezvous

Annual Voyageur Rendezvous 

  • Grand Kankakee Marsh*
  • 18th Century Fur-Trade Era Reenactment 
  • Saturday and Sunday, May 20 & 21, 2023 from 10 AM - 4 PM
  • $5 per person, ages 5 and under are free

*in the event that the Kankakee River is too high, the Voyageur Rendezvous will announce a secondary location. Please double-check the location before heading out. 

Painted Canoe

About the Program

Peek into the lives of those who would have lived or traded along the waterways of the Midwest more than 250 years ago when the marshes were a source of valuable furs desired by merchant traders to take back to Europe.  Meet Native Americans, French-Canadian canoe men, called Voyageurs, British and French militia, early settlers, and many others.

This is a family-friendly event with lots of fun things to learn and experience for visitors of all ages. 

Event Highlights include: 

  • Arrival of Voyageurs by canoe
  • Opening and Closing Ceremonies
  • Storytelling
  • Tomahawk Throw
  • Trade Session with the Native Americans
  • Hot Food, Cold Sarsaparilla and more


Special School Invite to the Voyageur Rendezvous 18th Century Fur Trade Era

  • Early Indiana History - 18th Century Fur Trade Era School / Group Tours
  • Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park
  • Reservations and deposit required at least ten business days in advance
  • Appropriate for 4th to 6th grade curriculum

Please call the Lake County Parks main office at 219-769-7275 or email us for more information on dates and times. 

Fur Trade Demonstration
Tents by the Lake

Reserve your time slot now. Space is limited and is closed when filled. Call 219-769-7275, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

History books open wide and come to life as your students visit the 18th century. The Fur Trade Era is bustling with activity when you arrive. Your students will see how the French Voyageurs played an important role in early commerce and trade right here in Northwest Indiana. Native Americans traded furs while the Voyageurs, British, and French clashed over ownership of the land. There is plenty for students to see, hear and learn. They will feel like they just spent a day in the 18th century. You too, will enjoy jumping back into history!  The tour is completely outside, so please remind your students to dress for the weather. Upon registration, teachers will be sent a confirmation packet, complete with pre or post activity sheets.