"Hardtack & Hearth" – 19th Century Cooking and Camp Life
Leave the modern kitchen behind and step into a living history experience where the campfire is your stove and the frontier is your dining room. This hands-on workshop immerses you in the essential skills of a 19th-century soldier and pioneer, focusing on the survival staples that fueled the Dakota Territory.
What You’ll Experience:
The Soldier's Ration: Learn the history of "hardtack"—the infamous tooth-dulling flour biscuit of the Civil War era—and try your hand at preparing this durable frontier staple.
Hearth & Dutch Oven Mastery: Gather 'round the coals for Dutch oven cooking demonstrations. Discover how to manage heat and fire to bake bread and hearty stews just as they were made in the fort's original kitchens and field camps.
Camp Life Essentials: Beyond the plate, explore the daily rhythms of an 1860s encampment. From the art of fire-starting to the setup of period-accurate shelters, you'll gain insight into the resilience required for frontier life.
Savor the History: Cap off the evening by sampling authentic frontier fare under the wide South Dakota sky, sharing stories much like the troops and settlers did over a century ago.
Set within the beautifully preserved 1864 army outpost, this class is perfect for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to "unplug" and reconnect with heritage.
Date: July 16, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, 11907 434th Ave, Lake City, SD 57247
To register for this event: click the "log in to register" at the top of the page.
Important Details:
Entry: A South Dakota State Park entrance license is required ($8 daily or $36 annual).
Accessibility: The park provides wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms.