Voyageurs Fall Into Winter Encampment

Late fall arrives at the remote fur trading post at La Baye. It is the year of 1784 and the fur trade has been regulated by the British for about 14 years. For nearly 100 years prior to the capitulation of the French to the British in 1759, the French fur traders of New France dominated the fur trade industry. After the region fell into British control, many of the local French fur traders had to obtain a license from British merchants in Montreal to continue their trade operations.

Now the onset of winter is approaching and most of the American Indian men have gone to their winter hunting camps. The English clerk is still actively providing trade goods on credit to the them and the wintering voyageurs known as hivernaut (winterers) or hommes du nord (northmen).

This two-day event at Heritage Hill State Historical Park will educate the public about how a fur trading outpost at La Baye operated in the fall of the year. Inside the fur trader’s cabin you will learn how the clerk manages the fur trade in the fall and winter season by offering trade goods on credit to the voyageurs and American Indians for their winter camps to hunt beaver, muskrat and other fur bearing mammals for the following spring trading season. Learn about how the voyageurs eked out their existence in the winter backcountry from this remote region.

• October 25, 2025 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
• October 26, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

General admission applies and may be purchased day-of. Reminder that members are FREE! To become a member or learn more, click here.