Lake Iowa Rendezvous 2026
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Iowa Long Rifles in conjunction with Iowa County Conservation are hosting the 6th annual Lake Iowa Rendezvous.
It's at Shelter 1A at Lake Iowa Park near Ladora ,IA.
Unfortunately we be starting in 2026 a $20 camp fee and/or trader fee. We are not charging extra for traders. No charge for visitors. And, will be accepting freewill donations to be able to continue to put this on.
This will be a reenactment of a pre-1840's rendezvous with traders, demonstrations, and camps. Open to the public from 9 AM-5 PM on Saturday May 16, 2025 and 10 AM-2 PM on Sunday May 17, 2025.
As of right now we are planning on rifle shoot, primitive bow shoot. hawk/knife throwing, trap setting, and fire starting competitions for the public to watch. To compete in competitions full period dress will be required by participants.
We are hoping to have some educational seminars/demonstrations going on for the public also. If you are wanting to do a seminar/demonstration let us know ahead of time and we will add the times to schedule of events.
Traders welcome just keep items to those related to the pre-1840's Rocky Mountain era. Items not deemed period correct will be requested by members of the Iowa Long Rifles to be taken off tables or trade blankets.
Small traders very welcome, even if you don't want to camp just bring a blanket and throw on the ground, If you made the items all the better.
Public bathrooms will be available.
Pets will need to remain on leashes inside the park.
Some wood will be available and good potable water will be available for campers in the park. Showers available on the far side of the lake in the modern camping area.
Camp Rules:
1. No modern tents or camp chairs. Modern camp sites will be available on the other side of the lake.
2. All pets must remain on leash at all times.
3. All modern coolers and any modern items need to be covered, have your cots hidden/covered to conceal them, or keep your lodge closed up especially during the day when the public is in camp.
4. Items for sale need to be from the pre-1840's Rocky Mountain Rendezvous era.
5. Camp quiet after 10:00 PM per park regulations. Sound travels good across the lake to the modern camp area.
6. Modern lights only to be used when absolutely necessary.
7. No loaded weapons in camp.
8. Cell phones use to be restricted to being inside lodge. You may use them to take a quick photo but, have them on silent. If you need to keep your cell phone on you at all times, permission will be granted on a case by case basis by the Dog Soldiers.
9. Early setup on Thursday May 15.
10. All vehicles out of camp before 8:00am on Saturday.
Once setup we do ask that vehicles be moved out of camp.
And, no vehicles in from 8:00am until 2:00pm on Sunday. In case an emergency comes up talk with a Iowa Long Rifles member for permission to tear down early.
We are talking about having a short term camp for those that can't be there until 2:00pm Sunday. Ask when you come into camp about that if needed.
Basically if it isn't anything you wouldn't do at the Rocky Mountain Nationals, don't do it!
Attention Traders!
Please remember this is a rendezvous. All trade goods should reflect this time period. If not from the rendezvous era, please do not try to sell it.
No items made of plastic or nylon
No plastic or modern price stickers or dry erase boards.
No unnatural colored items (moccasins, furs, feathers, etc.).
No bullwhips.
No rubber band guns.
No hematite zingers.
No modern items.
No collectible dolls.
No flea market type items (ceramic figurines or any figurines that depict unicorns, medieval, Far East, crystal balls, dyed rabbit’s feet, and all other questionable flea market items)
Maps, books, and artwork may be sold if they are relevant to our time period.
Dog soldiers (Iowa Long Rifles members) will have final say on any item!
It's at Shelter 1A at Lake Iowa Park near Ladora ,IA.
Unfortunately we be starting in 2026 a $20 camp fee and/or trader fee. We are not charging extra for traders. No charge for visitors. And, will be accepting freewill donations to be able to continue to put this on.
This will be a reenactment of a pre-1840's rendezvous with traders, demonstrations, and camps. Open to the public from 9 AM-5 PM on Saturday May 16, 2025 and 10 AM-2 PM on Sunday May 17, 2025.
As of right now we are planning on rifle shoot, primitive bow shoot. hawk/knife throwing, trap setting, and fire starting competitions for the public to watch. To compete in competitions full period dress will be required by participants.
We are hoping to have some educational seminars/demonstrations going on for the public also. If you are wanting to do a seminar/demonstration let us know ahead of time and we will add the times to schedule of events.
Traders welcome just keep items to those related to the pre-1840's Rocky Mountain era. Items not deemed period correct will be requested by members of the Iowa Long Rifles to be taken off tables or trade blankets.
Small traders very welcome, even if you don't want to camp just bring a blanket and throw on the ground, If you made the items all the better.
Public bathrooms will be available.
Pets will need to remain on leashes inside the park.
Some wood will be available and good potable water will be available for campers in the park. Showers available on the far side of the lake in the modern camping area.
Camp Rules:
1. No modern tents or camp chairs. Modern camp sites will be available on the other side of the lake.
2. All pets must remain on leash at all times.
3. All modern coolers and any modern items need to be covered, have your cots hidden/covered to conceal them, or keep your lodge closed up especially during the day when the public is in camp.
4. Items for sale need to be from the pre-1840's Rocky Mountain Rendezvous era.
5. Camp quiet after 10:00 PM per park regulations. Sound travels good across the lake to the modern camp area.
6. Modern lights only to be used when absolutely necessary.
7. No loaded weapons in camp.
8. Cell phones use to be restricted to being inside lodge. You may use them to take a quick photo but, have them on silent. If you need to keep your cell phone on you at all times, permission will be granted on a case by case basis by the Dog Soldiers.
9. Early setup on Thursday May 15.
10. All vehicles out of camp before 8:00am on Saturday.
Once setup we do ask that vehicles be moved out of camp.
And, no vehicles in from 8:00am until 2:00pm on Sunday. In case an emergency comes up talk with a Iowa Long Rifles member for permission to tear down early.
We are talking about having a short term camp for those that can't be there until 2:00pm Sunday. Ask when you come into camp about that if needed.
Basically if it isn't anything you wouldn't do at the Rocky Mountain Nationals, don't do it!
Attention Traders!
Please remember this is a rendezvous. All trade goods should reflect this time period. If not from the rendezvous era, please do not try to sell it.
No items made of plastic or nylon
No plastic or modern price stickers or dry erase boards.
No unnatural colored items (moccasins, furs, feathers, etc.).
No bullwhips.
No rubber band guns.
No hematite zingers.
No modern items.
No collectible dolls.
No flea market type items (ceramic figurines or any figurines that depict unicorns, medieval, Far East, crystal balls, dyed rabbit’s feet, and all other questionable flea market items)
Maps, books, and artwork may be sold if they are relevant to our time period.
Dog soldiers (Iowa Long Rifles members) will have final say on any item!
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