Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park, located near Danbury on 80 beautiful wooded acres along the historic Yellow River, is a living history site. On premises, you’ll find two reconstructed fur trade posts—North West Company and XY Company—on the site, which was active from 1802 to 1805. There is also an Ojibwe village, providing a glimpse into Ojibwe life during the time of the fur trade. Other aspects of Northwest Wisconsin history are highlighted by the other museums on site, which include a logging museum and a one-room schoolhouse. The Forts also host several great events throughout the year, like the upcoming Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous and Music at the Forts.

30th Annual Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous

When the traders packed their canoes with precious furs and began the difficult journey north after the long, cold winter at Forts Folle Avoine, they headed to Grand Portage, where they could relax and enjoy the long-anticipated Rendezvous celebration.

So each July, at Forts Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous, dozens of fur trade camps fill Sayer’s Field and Trader’s Row. Various unique characters gather together after a rigorous winter of trapping. As was done 200 years ago, goods are traded, stories are told, and a fun time is had by campers, traders, and visitors.

The 30th Annual Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous will be held July 23 through 26, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This exciting family-friendly event features demonstrations of period skills—such as black powder shooting, archery, and tomahawk throwing. Goods offered include period clothing, furnishings, camp gear, trade silver, animal skins, jewelry, and all sorts of other practical and decorative items. There will also be a medallion hunt, kids’ games, a scavenger hunt, candy cannon, and delicious food prepared as it was in the fur-trade era! Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 6 to 17, and free for children 5 and under and Burnett County Historical Society members. There are also discounts for families, seniors, college students, and military.

Music at the Forts

On August 22, 2020, come to the historical park to enjoy Music at the Forts (Summer Edition), which features six bands performing an assortment of musical genres, delicious food, and a free tour included with admission. Admission to this event is $10.

Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park is located at 8500 County Road U in Danbury (Burnett County). Visit theforts.org for more information about hours, tours, and events at the Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park.