Light up your winter with a touch of frontier history! Join us at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park for a creative, hands-on workshop where you’ll craft your own 19th-century-style lantern.

Punch the Lights Out: Tin Lantern Making

Date: December 17, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, Lake City, SD

Before the days of electricity, pierced tin lanterns were a staple of prairie life. These durable "candle carriers" were designed to protect flames from the wind while casting beautiful, intricate patterns of light across a room.

In this class, you will:

Master a Traditional Craft: Learn the art of tin punching, a technique used since the 14th century to create functional and decorative household items.

Design Your Pattern: Use hammers and punches to pierce custom designs into tin, just as pioneer families once did to identify themselves in the dark.

Take Home a Keepsake: Walk away with a finished candle holder perfect for your holiday mantel or for your own evening stroll around the historic grounds.

Registration & Details: Click on the above link marked "login to register" to register your spot today. If you are having trouble, please contact the Fort office at 605-910-4465

Park Entry: A South Dakota State Park Entrance License is required for all vehicles.