The Minnesota Archaeological Society will be at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park on Saturday to host displays, demonstrations and activities highlighting archaeology and Minnesota heritage. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the park's picnic area.
Demonstrations will include flint knapping, pottery making, birch bark canoes, spears and spear-throwing, primitive bow making, guns of the fur trade, prehistoric cooking techniques, Archery in the Park and children's activities. Displays include books and pamphlets from the Minnesota Archaeological Society, artifact collections and archaeology projects of St. Cloud State University, Maritime Heritage Minnesota, the Minnesota Historical Society, U.S. Forest Service and the Office of the State Archaeologist. An archaeological excavation will be ongoing and available for public viewing. Archaeology films will run continuously in the interpretive center.
Voyageur canoe tours will highlight the history of waterfowl hunting. Three 90-minute tours in 10-person canoes will be offered, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Paddles and life jackets are provided. Canoe tour participants must be at least 10 years old. Registration is required and is limited to the first 18 people for each tour. To register, sign up at the Kathio State Park Interpretive Center or call 320-532-3269 and leave your name, phone number, tour time and number of people attending.
There is no charge for any of the Archaeology Day activities. A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota State Parks. Vehicle permits may be purchased at the park office. Cost of a daily permit is $5. An annual permit, which allows entry into all Minnesota State Parks for one year from the date of purchase, is $25.
Mille Lacs Kathio State park is located eight miles north of Onamia, 14 miles south of Garrison, on U.S. Highway 169. For more information, call the park at 320-532-3523.
