Every year since 1989, visitors and locals alike have flocked to Riverton, Wyoming for the 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous celebration and reenactment. The Rendezvous is an authentic look into the vast history of the area. It is expected that this year there may be a larger number of Traders in attendance. These Traders and Artisans come from all over the country and travel the Rendezvous circuit, selling their wares. We are encouraging everyone to come on down and give a warm Fremont County “Welcome” by providing them with a plethora of foot traffic. Traders are the backbone of the 1838 Rendezvous Reenactment, and the best way to keep them coming to Fremont County year-after-year is by showing them how much we appreciate them. You can do this by stopping in, visiting with them, and purchasing a one of a kind Rendezvous momento.
When you set up camp with us, you literally walk the same ground as the Trappers, Traders, Missionaries, and Indians of old.
Join the fun and learn what mountain man’s life was about! The Rendezvous features:
- Primitive Black Powder Shooting Matches
- Hawk/Knife Throws
- Games
- Nightly Council Fire
- Seminars
- 25 Traders and more!
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The Rendezvous focuses on authenticity and offering of courses in “skills & history” related to the mountain man era. For a complete list of Rendezvous events, click here.
Saturday, July 4th features a Calcutta to buy shooters for Saturday’s “Knife Shoot” beginning at 9 am with the auction. You can bid on your favorite “shooter” and win big! Each shooter will be auctioned off twice.
Following the auction, Black Powder Muzzle Loaders are used to shoot at a variety of fun, yet difficult, targets. Playing cards, clay pigeons, bowling pins, etc. are used to test the shooter’s skill. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places are awarded. If your shooter wins, money is also awarded to those that purchased the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place shooters in the auction, AND 30% goes to the 1838 Rendezvous Association. It’s a great fundraiser for the organization! The shooters that participate in the Knife Shoot have a chance to win a very special knife donated by a Rendezvous regular, Fish. It’s become a tradition ever since Fish’s son died in a car accident on the way to the Rendezvous years ago. He donates a knife every year in dedication to his son. This makes winning extra special!”
The gallery below, h/t 1838 Rendezvous Association Facebook page.
This year they have a very special guest visiting the Rendezvous. Josh Kirk of History Channel’s “Mountain Men” TV show and his baby buffalo “Custer Pendelton” will be in attendance!
Josh Kirk of History Channel’s “Mountain Men” TV show (h/t Amanda Fehring)
Early set-up and camping begin on June 28-30. Camp activities will begin on July 1-5.
E Monroe Ave, Riverton, WY 82501
For the complete map and directions, click here.
Register here. For more information, news, discussions, and updates visit the website. Questions about attending or camping on site, please contact Gary Gavin at [email protected] or call
307-851-4059.
Everyone is welcome! You do not have to dress “primitive” to share in the fun.