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Festivals & Events

May School Tours

Dates: May 7, 8, 15, 16

Grades 3-6

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park offers school groups an opportunity to explore the 1860s military post. Fort Sisseton provides a glimpse into our frontier heritage through interpretive tours of the 14 restored original military buildings. Each tour, conducted by costumed staff, illustrates the buildings and grounds in their late 19th century context. The tour is roughly two hours. Tour groups are best when kept under 30 students.

If your class is interested in arranging a guided tour, contact Fort Sisseton to reserve your date today. Please call 605.448.5474. Tours start at 10 a.m.

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Fort Sisseton Historical Festival

Date: June 7-9, 2013

Enjoy a journey back in time at the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival.

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Classic Fourth at the Fort

Date: July 4, 2013
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Fort Sisseton State Park will be hosting their Independence Day commemoration in classic style. A number of activities and interpretive programs will be offered for all ages. Contact Fort Sisseton for program details.

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Northern Fort Playhouse

Ticket info: 605.467.3247

Dates: 2013 Season

July 5, 7:30 p.m., Swingtime Canteen
July 6, 7:30 p.m., The Friendly Hour
July 7, 2 p.m., Swingtime Canteen

July 12, 7:30 p.m., The Friendly Hour
July 13, 7:30 p.m., Swingtime Canteen
July 14, 2 p.m., The Friendly Hour

July 19, 7:30 p.m., The Friendly Hour
July 20, 7:30 p.m., Swingtime Canteen

Swingtime Canteen

After 17 years with MGM, still-glamorous movie legend Marian Ames is being put out to pasture. But this is 1944 and Marian has gathered up her instrument playing gal pals from the Hollywood Canteen and headed for London to entertain the troops. Get ready for the rip-roaringest canteen show of them all as these five archetypal film haracters from the 1940’s prove their mettle while they sing over 30 vintage classics from the war years.

The Friendly Hour

Based on the actual minutes of a women’s club called The Friendly Hour (that was formed in Beresford. South Dakota in 1934), this poignant comedy charts 70 years of personal and national history, from skinning skunks and julebukking when the tale begins, to restoring the native prairie in the new millennium. Join these fascinating women as they laugh, cry, navigate the difficult changes in their relationships, and share their lives at their “friendly” monthly gathering.

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Lantern Tours

Dates:
June 15, 2013, 9 p.m.
July 27, 2013, 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 17, 2013, 8:30 p.m.

By the light of a traditional lantern, learn about the stories and lore that make up the tales told about historic Fort Sisseton. Tours will last about a hour and will depart from the Visitor Center.

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Fall School Tours

Date: Sept. 9, 10 12, 13

Grades 4-6

Fort Sisseton staff has scheduled four School Program Days for the fall of 2010. Five stations explain the history and culture of Fort Sisseton. There is no fee for your school to take part in the program.

The school programs will begin at 9:30 am and end at 2 p.m.; however, schools can come for part of the day and participate in as few or as many of the activities as their schedules allow. Each session is 45 minutes. A 45 minute lunch is scheduled from 11:45 to 12:30 for all groups. Lunch is on your own.

Groups are limited to 25 students per group, and teachers are asked to accompany the group.  If you have more than 25 students, you are welcome to break the class into two groups. To reserve space, please RSVP by calling Fort Sisseton at 605.448.5474.

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Frontier Christmas

Date: Dec. 14, 2013
Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Get in the holiday spirit at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park's 19th Annual Frontier Christmas! The event promises hours of fun for all ages as people relive Christmas traditions in a historic setting.

Throughout the day, visitors will learn how to make holiday decorations - popcorn garland and 12 different holiday crafts. Visitors will also get the chance to taste freshly churned butter and homemade bread. A number of artists will provide musical entertainment to round out the holiday setting.

The fort's horse drivers will be giving sleigh rides through the winter wonderland. Or, visitors can stroll the grounds and meet the various men and women of the fort. Demonstrations include carpentry, rope making, soap making, and spinning and weaving. Both the blacksmith and the carpenter will be on hand to show their professions. Visitors can also stop by the hospital, doctor's quarters and commanding officer's quarters for tours.

Father Christmas also will be at the fort to share Christmas wishes. At 4 p.m. join in as candles are lit on the fort's holiday tree.

Returning to this year's event is an antique sleigh and bell display. The collector will be available to take questions and explain the history behind the classic collectibles.

There is no cost to participate, although a park entrance license is required and can be purchased at the park.