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Chippewa County Historical Society

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Dugout Canoe Display

Chippewa River Dugout Canoe

Welcome to the Chippewa County Historical Society’s Dugout Canoe display.

The Chippewa River canoe is the third oldest known boat in Minnesota. The Minnesota River canoe, located in the Gippe Log Cabin, is the fourth oldest boat in Minnesota.

These canoes were likely built by the Dakota or Ojibwa people 400 to almost 600 years ago.

These canoes are much more than hollowed out logs. They tell the story of the intelligence and resourcefulness of those Native Americans who were able to fashion tools out of ordinary stones and to craft a functional boat out of a single log.

We invite you to explore the information in this display and imagine yourself on the shores of the Chippewa and Minnesota Rivers 500 years ago.

Getting Started

Swiping to the left or selecting a menu option will get you started.

Dugout Canoes