Archaeology Day at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

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The Minnesota Archaeological Society will be at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park on Saturday, September 26, to host a day of demonstrations, displays and activities highlighting the archaeology and heritage of the region.

Demonstrations will include flint knapping, primitive bow-making, pottery making and children's  learning activities. Displays include artifacts, books and pamphlets from the Minnesota Archaeological Society, as well as archaeology research by the Minnesota Historical Society, St. Cloud State University and the Minnesota Office of the State Archaeologist. The public is invited to observe an archaeological excavation in progress, where previous work revealed artifacts and a house floor from A.D. 1200. Films about archaeology will be shown continuously at the park's interpretive center. Check out a GPS unit, receive basic instruction and go on a GPS tour of Kathio State Park's heritage sites.

Archaeologists will give tours in 10-person canoes while discussing sites of the Kathio National Historic Landmark District. Three 90-minute tours will be offered, at 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Registration is required and is limited to the first 18 people for each canoe tour. Register for the canoe tours at the park's interpretive center or call 320-532-3269 and leave your name, phone number, and number of people attending. Paddles and life jackets are provided.

There is no charge for any of the Archaeology Day activities, which will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota State Parks. Vehicle permits may be purchased at the park office, $5.00 for a daily permit or $25.00 for an annual permit, which allows entry to all Minnesota State Parks for one year from the date of purchase.

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is located 8 miles north of Onamia and 14 miles south of Garrison, on U.S. Highway 169. For more information, call the park at 320-532-3523.