north west company fur post

We have visited this site twice now. The tours are led by a person in character. The first time we had a voyageur along with a French accent and this past weekend we had an Ojibwe woman. They tell the stories from the point of view of their persona. The year is 1804, the topic is the trading between the British Company and the Ojibwe people and you get to visit several locations on the site during the tour. Our first tour was about 45 minutes long and the second was more like an hour. So be prepared for any length although I think the main difference is that some curious people on the second tour asked way too many questions. I wish it had been asked that you keep the questions to the end so that while other people go off on their own, the others can stay and ask lots of questions. But it is fun to see the furs, hear the stories about the life back then (you get to see firsthand the differences in living conditions of the Ojibwe, voyageurs, clerk and even the main owner of the post). Lots of historical items. Exhibits in the visitor center while you are waiting to go on your tour. I recommend spraying up with mosquito repellant before the tour as you are near the Snake River and it's buggy out there!

Our recent road trip took us to the North West Company Fur Post, and this attraction would have received four (or possibly five) stars, except that our guided tour, which was supposed to be 40 minutes, was still going strong at an hour and 15 minutes. Maybe we just hit the wrong tour guide... it was interesting, but way too long, and hence we lost interest.

The guides are in character and take you through the grounds and post. You learn about how the Ojibwe lives, how the traders lived, and about how Minnesota fit into world commerce in 1804. Educational and fun.

The exhibits and the guided tour lead you through a very clear and interesting picture of the era. The tour guide was a reenactor who spun a very engaging tale about the details of life and travel of the fur traders. Outdoor re-creation of a stockade and indoor museum-type exhibits complete the picture.

Early Minnesota fur trading days played up by in-character staff. This is a great complement to a visit to Grand Portage State Park up north or Fort William in Canada. Our kids loved it!

What a nice time we have every time we step back in time at the fur post in Pine City. There are a number of interesting things to look at. The costumed guides are fabulous. And, the gift store is so blame cute. But, our favorite thing at the fur post is the nature trails. We often see wildlife and this is one of Minnesota's easiest accesses to nature.A bonus, nearby Pine City has over 30 restaurants, something for everyone.