Whitefish Dunes State Park
Village Site

Take a step back in time and discover the lives of three different periods in human history. Two archaeological digs, in 1986 and 1992, revealed that Whitefish Dunes has been occupied at eight different time periods during the 3,000 years that the sand dunes have been here.

Discover glimpses of life in past times as you view these recreated village sites.
DNR Photo by Joseph Warren

Middle Woodland

A reconstructed Middle Woodland campsite.
DNR Photo

These people were the first known settlers at the park. They lived here around AD100. Evidence shows that they spent spring and summer in the park fishing for sturgeon and many other fish in the lake.

Late Woodland

A large summer village once stood here during this occupation (AD 500 – 900). As many as 50 wigwam lodges may have been constructed here, probably made of maple sapling frames, basswood lashings birch bark, and cattail mats. Besides fish, local animals were a large part of their diet.

Oneota

This reconstructed lodge illustrates what an Oneota family might have lived in.
DNR Photo

The Oneota people lived here in about AD 1300-1400. These people did some gardening in addition to the hunting, fishing and gathering of food that the earlier peoples did. Corn and squash were cultivated nearby.

To read more about the digs and the people who lived here, pick up a “People of the Dunes” booklet at the nature center or ask the park naturalist, (920) 823-2400.