The 5,800-square-foot Visitors Center has a history all its own. Originally a fine resort known as Snowbank Lodge on Snowbank Lake, 22 miles east of Ely, Minnesota, the building was slated for removal when the federal government established the Boundary Waters Wilderness. The Wisconsin DNR purchased the structure and donated it to the Burnett County Historical Society for use at Forts Folle Avoine. Dedicated volunteers then carefully dismantled the entire building — including its large stone fireplace — and reassembled it at its current location.
Gift Shop
Fur Trade: Flint and steel strikers, fire starting kits, clay pipes, trade silver, tobacco boxes, powder horns, tea, sashes and garters, clothing, leather pouches, ostrich plumes, books.
Native American: Wild Rice (locally harvested), Birch bark baskets, dream catchers, jingle cones, beadwork (necklaces, earrings), smudge sticks, quillwork
Northwoods theme: Note cards, stuffed animals, key chains, pottery, photographs, books.
Books: Fur Trade, Native American, Wisconsin, Logging, Lake Superior, Local History, Animals, Wildflowers, Trees, Butterflies, Dragonflies, Mosquitoes, Mushrooms, and more.
Schedule
Great Room
The Great Room is used for multiple events throughout the year, and can be rented for your special events. If you are interested in renting the Great Room fill out the rental request form on our facilities rental page.
Exhibits
There are multiple exhibits throughout the Visitor Center, both Native American and Fur Trade, that represent the life and times of the 1802 -1805 period.
The museum contains a variety of archaeological artifacts uncovered during the excavation of the original fur trade site. On display are items from both the North West and XY Companies that offer visitors a vivid portrayal of fur-trade life along the Yellow River, over two hundred years ago.
-
Exhibits are included in General Admission
-
-
