Pond-Dakota Mission Park and Gideon Pond House, Bloomington

We arrived before the starting time and were warmly welcomed inside. The staff was dressed in period attire and were very knowledgeable about the family. The great great grandson of the family was there as well! It was awesome talking and learning from him. They had beverages, songs, and activities for the guests. I would definitely go back again to experience the home and grounds during different times of the year.

September 16-20 2019 is River Rendezvous at Pond Dakota Park. This in a wonderful, fun event that is held one week in September each year. Monday through Friday school children from all over the state come to learn about life in Minnesota in the period 1800-1870. The daily work and chores are brought to life by a talented group of re-enactors. Each has their specialties from candle making, blacksmithing, trapping and how to wash your clothes. Teddy Roosevelt tells you about the Rough Riders and the charge up SanJuan hill. The Norwegian immigrant tells the store of how he came to America with everything he owned in one small trunk.The history of Native America life and culture is told as it was passed down through dance, music and ceremony. On Thursday evening the event is open to the public from 4:00 to to 8:30 pm. There in a admission charged of $6.00 children 4 and under free.