North West Company Fur Post

Venture into the world of British fur traders, voyageurs, and the Ojibwe, and learn about the strengths that each contributed to this early enterprise. Visit the trade shop, voyageur bunkroom, and Ojibwe encampment. Allow additional time to explore museum exhibits and walk the Snake River trails.

Academic Standards: 

All programs support state of Minnesota academic standards in social studies.

Classroom Materials: 

Classroom materials to help teach the fur trade in your classroom include short essays, a vocabulary list and articles from Minnesota History.

Field Trip Options

A Child's World Circa 1804

Through an interactive story about a young Ojibwe child and her rabbit friend, students discover the similarities and differences between the world of 1804 and today. They’ll explore an Ojibwe encampment, visit the traders’ living quarters, and learn how toys of the time were fashioned out of materials at hand.

Grades: K, 1, 2
Cost: $6 per student
Details: 2 hours

Portage Into the Past

Students step back in time and learn about the interaction between British traders and the Ojibwe in east central Minnesota, giving them a glimpse into this important time period spanning almost 200 years before statehood. Through an interactive game they will gain knowledge of hunting and gathering as a successful way of life and discover the importance of the trade by fashioning a voyageur pouch.

Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Cost: $6 per student
Details: 2 hours

Winter Adventure

Activities at the post quieted down for the winter, but today things are just getting started. During the winter months your students will hear stories told in the wigwam, play a spirited game of snow snake, and identify animal tracks while snowshoeing at the site. Experience winter life as the voyageurs did!

Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Cost: $6 per student

History Mystery

Who made these tools? How were they used? Investigate tools of the past by handling reproductions to learn the lost art of starting fires without matches. Students learn to look at objects and see the stories that they tell about people of the past.

Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Cost: $6 per student
Details: 2 hours