Grand Portage National Monument invites visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and  stories of the 18th-century fur trade during the annual Rendezvous Days, taking place Aug. 7-9, 2026. This year’s theme,  “Games & Entertainment of the Fur Trade Era,” highlights the lively contests, traditional pastimes, and cultural exchanges that once filled the summer gathering at Grand Portage.  

Held the second weekend of August each year, Rendezvous Days remains the Monument’s largest celebration of the  year, featuring historical reenactments, hands-on workshops, music, dancing, and craft demonstrations. Admission is  free, and visitors are welcome to come as they are—no period clothing required.  

Event Highlights 

• Daily programs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the Historic Depot, stockade, Ojibwe Village, and encampment  areas 
• Demonstrations of historic games, including Anishinaabe traditional games, English vs. French checkers, billiards,  Jeu du Trac, and more 
• Interactive workshops, children’s scavenger hunts, historic garden tours, dye-pot demonstrations, and live music into Saturday evening 
• Access to the reconstructed Great Hall, Kitchen, Canoe Warehouse, and heritage exhibits

About the National Park Service.  Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural  and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov