“Even if you're not big into history or reenactments, there is something at the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival for everyone of all ages,” said Ali Tonsfeldt , park manager at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park . Since 1978, the three-day event has taken place every year on the first full weekend in June and is one of the longest- running annual events put on by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks . “The purpose of the festival was to bring visitors to Fort Sisseton and to raise funds for improvements that were needed to take the buildings from a very sorry state to what you see today,” said Tonsfeldt. Since the first festival, the event quickly turned into a tradition, and people started to come from all over the Midwest to participate. During the event, the park grounds transform into a fort from the 1860s. Cavalry troops and infantry unit reenactors form a Civil War encampment complete with soldiers, women, children, tents, uniforms, horses, and memorabilia. A walk around the lively campgrounds reveals fur traders, muzzleloaders, a chuckwagon, riflemen, musicians, arts and crafts, knife throwing, gypsies, and more. “You feel like you’ve stepped into the past when Fort Sisseton was a hub of activity for the northeast corner of the Dakota Territory,” shared Tonsfeldt. “The buildings are authentic, the reenactors give their all, and the entertainment and speakers are top-notch.” 605 stops by Fort Sisseton Historical Festival
written by greta smith + photos by greta smith & john snyder
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker