05/27/2026
Greetings from the staff of the Old Northwest!
The National Rendezvous and Living History Foundation is proud to partner with the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association to host the 40th Annual Old Northwest Primitive Rendezvous in beautiful Friendship from June 26 – July 3, 2026.
This year’s event is shaping up to be one for the history books! Whether you’re a seasoned rendezvous camper or attending for the first time, you’ll find a full week of fellowship, competition, hands-on learning, and family fun waiting for you at camp.
All your favorite traditional events will return, including:
• Muzzleloader shooting
• Hawk & knife competitions
• Archery events
And for this special anniversary year, we’re adding even more excitement with:
• Atlatl competition
• Pastry toss
• Fireworks
• A spirited “water balloon” battle
• And plenty of surprises throughout the week
Families and young campers will have plenty to enjoy as well. Kathy Huey will once again host the always-popular children’s games, while Hawk returns with the crowd-favorite Highland Games. There’s even a creek nearby for campers of all ages to cool off and relax during the summer heat.
To make your stay more comfortable, the site includes modern restrooms and showers — and yes, a few classic ho***rs too for the full rendezvous experience!
Hands-On Seminars & Workshops
This year’s seminar lineup offers something for everyone:
• Randy Dilday will lead a traditional broom-making workshop
• Jan Lowe of Sunshine Prairie Homestead will host:
o Strawberry pincushion crafting
o Block-printed cotton scarf making
A small materials fee ($8–10) will apply for these seminars, so plan ahead if you’d like to participate. Seminar dates and times will be announced during camp meetings.
Camping & Registration Information
Pre-registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Registration forms are available at: https://www.nrlhf.org/2026-old-northwest-primitive-rendezvous.
Campers will stay in the Living History area, with shaded and open campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. A campground map and additional camping information can be found at: https://www.nmlra.org/camping.
For those who prefer a few modern comforts, “tin teepee” camping and full-hookup campground spaces are available through the NMLRA. Please note that campers using those facilities must register separately with the NMLRA and pay applicable camping fees.
Free boondocking remains available in the event parking area for those camping off-grid, though hookups will not be provided there.
For those who may be interested in checking out the ONW - public will be welcomed to visit on Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28 from 9:00am -5:00pm. A $5.00 per donation is requested at the gate.
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary With Us
There may be no better way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary than gathering around the campfire with friends old and new at the ONWPR. With competitions, demonstrations, laughter, and living history all week long, this promises to be a rendezvous you won’t want to miss.
And with July 3 designated as tear-down day, you’ll still be home in time for your local Fourth of July celebrations — truly the best of both worlds.
Questions? Contact Booshway Chris “Panda” Peterson at 937-407-4284.
We look forward to seeing you at camp!
Jeff Colwell
Delegate, ONWPR
