Chippewa Grove of Joy
For centuries, the Potawatomi and Mole Lake Chippewa tribes have harvested wild rice, hosted pow-wows, and enriched Forest County’s historical and cultural legacy. Learn more about the Potawatomi and Chippewa by visiting these sites!
The recently renovated Wilhelm Dineson Cabin in Mole Lake (one of Wisconsin’s oldest) will give you a glimpse in to 1860’s prairie life. Dineson, a Danish inventor and traveler, called the cabin “Frydenlund,” or “Grove of Joy,” because he so loved the Chippewa friends he made there and the fishing and fur-trapping life. Visit the cabin to learn about pioneer and native history, taste Chippewa food (including wild rice soup), hear folk music, see a variety of Chippewa crafts, and more!
The Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi tribes are members of a brotherhood confederacy to preserve their culture: the Chippewa (elder brothers) are Keepers of the Faith; the Ottawa (middle brothers) are Keepers of the Trade; and the Potawatomi (younger brothers) are Keepers of the Fire. The Potawatomi keep passion for their culture well-kindled at their Forest County Potawatomi Cultural Center, Museum, and Library: all visitors are welcome there!
The Potawatomi Cultural Center features four main exhibits themed around tradition, history (including a Wall of Treaties), language, and contemporary works. A birch-bark canoe was constructed live at the museum and remains there for visitors to see. Learn a Potawatomi art yourself at community classes featuring canoe building, basketry, language, music, and more. Join the Potawatomi at Bingo Casino’s Hunting Moon Pow-wow each October, and for other fun cultural events.
For more information and stories about Forest County and other Wisconsin tribes, visit http://www.travelwisconsin.com/pdf/2010-natow.pdf.
Image courtesy of Krappweis / www.sxc.hu (stock.xchng)
Tagged: Forest County WI , Mille Lacs County MN , Mahnomen County MN , Wisconsin Counties , Wisconsin Tourism , Four Score
