Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous Photo Gallery

Rate This Gallery

 

A River Thru History, The Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous is a living history reenactment of early American life, as it was on the Illinois frontier prior to 1848 that emphasizes local history from the fur trade era to the canal era. The rendezvous creates an exciting, entertaining and educational experience for all ages, and for both participants and visitors. The event organizers worked to have the most authentic and highest quality reenactors and trade goods to reenact an accurate demonstration of a fur trade rendezvous of the period. This is consistent with the overall goal of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Civic Center Authority, which is to promote and enhance the historic, recreational and economic development of this new style National Park. The annual event takes place the weekend after Labor Day.

Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous School Day – Friday
A River Thru History – The Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous is a “living history” re-enactment of an event that would have occurred along the Des Plaines River prior to 1848. The Rendezvous participants are in historically accurate clothing and shelters. We expect to have over ninety encampments and demonstrators. The students, parents and teachers will be immersed in a rich discussion of history, social customs, and the skills and items that were necessary to survive on the frontier. The time period we encompass with the Rendezvous is from the period of early exploration, through the fur-trade era, to the early colonization of our area, approximately 1660 to 1848. This material is appropriate for most 4th, 5th and 6th grade classes studying American and local history. Our capacity is limited so participation in “Student Day” is by invitation only. We continue to direct our focus toward making this a truly educational event.
All students attending our School Day are free, including chaperones and teachers. We are proud to offer such a rich educational experience at no cost to area schools. Our Rendezvous is run by a non-profit organization and committee of volunteers; a suggested donation of $3 per person would be greatly appreciated from those who are able.

Each student will be given one free “student” pass so that they may return with their families on Saturday or Sunday when the Rendezvous is open to the general public.

View Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous Details