Family Adventure on Genuine Covered Wagon Train

Since 1969, we hold an annual family oriented (bring the kids!) covered wagon train adventure, history talks, camping, nature lore, saddle horses permitted. The wagon train is usually held during the month of June and starts at Jamestown, North Dakota USA. We welcome families and individuals from all walks of life and it is not required to own or to ride a horse to participate. However, you should enjoy the outdoors and camping. Dates set for 2007 are June 24th through June 30th.

On the trail the daily schedule begins early while the sun is still young. Breakfast is eaten, gear is packed, and the covered wagon train moves out. The wagons string out in a line, bordered by riders and walkers in small groups. The wagon train averages 3-4 miles per hour, depending on how "hard" everyone pushes up those steeper hills.There is a noon stop for lunch. In the evening the wagons are circled at our campsite. Then the horses are cared for while preparations for supper are made. In camp, activities involving arts and crafts, camp-crafts and nature lore spring up. Trail riders are encouraged to bring their musical instruments, craft material, etc., and to share them. Singing, skits, history talks and sharing stories around the campfire signal the end of the day.

FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS ARE WELCOME Since 1969 people from all over the United States and foreign countries have participated in the Fort Seward Wagon Train. Both families and individuals are encouraged. Our youngest passenger has been a five-month old baby and our oldest passenger was over 80. There are no restrictions on age, however, Fort Seward, Inc. requires that those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Furthermore, Fort Seward, Inc. recommends that those parents with infants and younger children be mentally and materially prepared to cope without modern conveniences. NOTE: Some parents have found it difficult to participate with children under four years of age.

During the wagon train, we are trying to relive over 100 years ago, so please choose items accordingly. Keep baggage light and pack in a sturdy duffle bag lined with a plastic garbage bag. Do not use suitcases!Make yourself a checklist, pack only what you really need. Our toilet facilities are provided by a portable "biffy", designed with a canvas top similar to the covered wagons. Toilet paper is provided, however, you will need your own other personal toilet items and wash basin.Sleeping gear should be adequate for cooler nights. Shelter is not provided, so tents are encouraged as protection against rain and mosquitoes. Tents should be as small and light as possible. Set up tents at home and hose down with water, even new tents leak and may need waterproofing prior to the wagon train to assure that you and your gear stay dry. If you are not bringing a tent, bring a ground cloth for adequate protection from rain and dew.

Like the pioneers, our wagon train is necessarily a community. We are all dependent upon one another. All trail riders are assigned to a wagon as their home base. Families are kept together. All members of the "wagon family" are expected to participate fully in the activities of their wagon. The Fort Seward wagon train is a "hands on" experience. We cook our food as a group over open fires and everyone has to be a part of this. A "K.P." chart organizes the entire wagon train community into crews, chosen to perform all the necessary daily chores--cooking, serving food, chopping wood, carrying water, clean-up, latrine duty, building fires, etc. Due to insurance restrictions, along with the fact that this is a family affair and some families do not believe in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, therefore, the storage and consumption of alcoholic beverages will not be tolerated in or near the wagons, within the wagon circle, or on the day-time trail. Those who find access to alcoholic beverages at campsites, will be expected to keep social moments respectfully quiet.

Description	Distance
National Bison (Buffalo) Museum	2 miles
World's Largest Buffalo	2 miles
Frontier Village	2 miles
Fort Seward Park	0 miles