The Prairie du Chien Rendezvous is a modern celebration of the historic event that drew Indians, trappers, and traders to the confluence of the Wisconsin River for many years in the late 18th and early 19th century. Every few years it draws me back, this year with my son Drew and granddaughter Eden.
First stop was the Shadewald Mound group on a small hill near Muscoda with a spectacular view of the Wisconsin River Valley.
Eden didn’t know what to think about this place. Actually the mounds are more spectacular from the air than from ground level, but that perspective was not available to us.
One of the most interesting things about the Rendezvous are the people and their “authentic” costumes.
People
and more people.
Vendors come from all over. Drew recognized one of the vendors from a similar event in Georgia he attended several months ago.
At noon we found a shady table to enjoy our buffalo burgers.
One of the hottest spots was the blacksmith tent (right). Drew found just the accessories he needed for the frontier look.
Hats were an important accessory in those days, but on a day when the temperature is nearing triple digits, furry hats are not in high demand.
Eden found just the hat that fit her.
Something to try next time we come, a carriage ride.
After the rendezvous, a visit to Pikes Peak State Park, overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and the Wisconsin Rivers. Eden’s first time in Iowa.
We enjoyed the ice cream bars at Pikes Peak, and watching the hummingbirds.
Since it was mom’s birthday, we visited the homes where we used to live…Marquette Road…
And the farmhouse on Govier Road in Grant County.
And the Mt. Zion church yard on county K.
Mom and Dad
John Govier, my great, great, grandfather (born in the 18th century), meet Eden Govier, my granddaughter, (born in the 21st century).
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