Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All the United States Indiana West Lafayette Fort Ouiatenon

Fort Ouiatenon

Historians and hobbyists head to this former French outpost for the annual Feast of the Hunters' Moon.

West Lafayette, Indiana

Added By
William Davis
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
Moon over the fort.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Blockhouse.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Stone oven.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Wood targets.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Native village.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
State marker.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Activities during the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon.   Valerie Everett
The rabbit dance at the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon.   Valerie Everett
Sunset at the fort.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Molding iron at the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon.   Dina-Roberts Wakulczyk
Historical marker.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Blockhouse Museum.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Fort Ouiatenon.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Wabash River sunset.   satxwdavis / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

Every fall, historians and hobbyists descend upon this old fort to celebrate a festival called the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon. They don 18th-century clothing and indulge in feasts of rabbit stew and venison sausage. Participants spend the weekend reenacting battles, practicing trades, and dancing and marching to period music. The quirky festivities honor the annual fall gathering between the French settlers and members of the Wea Tribe that once took place at the fort.

Before the United States was established, the French settled significant portions of North America. They set up forts throughout the land to mark their claimed territory and commence commerce with the Native Americans. One of these outposts was Fort Ouiatenon along the Wabash River located in what’s now West Lafayette, Indiana.

Built in 1717 by the French as an effort to slow the expansion of the British, Fort Ouiatenon was the first fortified European post established in the Indiana territory. At that time, Indiana was lush woodland with fresh rivers and lakes. Unlike the British, the French were able to befriend the area’s Native American residents as allies, which helped them delay the encroaching English.

The post was used as a place for trade and communication until the French surrendered the fort in 1761 during what’s now recorded as the French and Indian War. After 1763, native tribes continued to occupy the fort until American soldiers destroyed it in 1791.

Today, the site is open daily for hikers and history enthusiasts. On the site is a reconstructed fort called the Blockhouse that’s used as a museum during summer months. There is also a reconstructed Native American village, a stone outdoor oven, and trails that meander throughout the old, historic grounds.

Parts of the original French fort were built up to a mile west of the actual park location. Sadly, those areas fell victim to development long ago. Be that as it may, this historical slice of Indiana is still a fascinating, and somewhat remote, spot to visit.

Related Tags

Forts Colonialism Colonial America Festivals Tradition Rites And Rituals

Community Contributors

Added By

satxwdavis

Edited By

erjeffery, Kerry Wolfe

  • erjeffery
  • Kerry Wolfe

Published

June 12, 2018

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Fort Ouiatenon
3136 S River Rd
West Lafayette, Indiana
United States
40.407988, -86.963885
Get Directions

Nearby Places

The Smoking Fence

West Lafayette, Indiana

miles away

Neil Armstrong Footprints

West Lafayette, Indiana

miles away

Family Tree Gravestones

Lafayette, Indiana

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of West Lafayette

West Lafayette

Indiana

Places 4

Nearby Places

The Smoking Fence

West Lafayette, Indiana

miles away

Neil Armstrong Footprints

West Lafayette, Indiana

miles away

Family Tree Gravestones

Lafayette, Indiana

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of West Lafayette

West Lafayette

Indiana

Places 4

Related Places

  • Darshan of Athi Varadar at Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple.

    Kanchipuram, India

    Athi Varadar Idol

    An effigy of the deity emerges from a temple's water every 40 years.

  • Zozobra.

    Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Burning of Zozobra

    Setting this massive marionette aflame rids Santa Fe of doom and gloom for another year.

  • Revelers are often noted for their glamour and artistry.

    Brooklyn, New York

    Coney Island Mermaid Parade

    The famed amusement district marks the beginning of summer with a wild procession of nautical creatures.

  • The Russian Orthodox chapel at Fort Ross.

    Jenner, California

    Fort Ross

    The southernmost outpost of the Russian Empire in colonial America.

  • Toss for the Cross.

    Tarpon Springs, Florida

    Tarpon Springs Epiphany Celebration

    Every January 6, young men dive into Spring Bayou in search of a cross and a year's worth of maritime blessings.

  • Beltane Fire Festival.

    Edinburgh, Scotland

    Beltane Fire Festival

    Summer in Scotland begins with a spectacularly wild and colorful event rooted in ancient pagan traditions.

  • Moulton Crow Men.

    Moulton, England

    Moulton Crow Fair

    Every July, men dressed as giant crows dance around a scarecrow who comes to life.

  • Old Fort Harrod State Park.

    Harrodsburg, Kentucky

    Old Fort Harrod State Park

    A full-scale replica of a 1774 colonial settlement in Kentucky.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.