AUGUST 14 - 16, 2026 ◇ WHITEHALL, MONTANA
Lost Hawk
Rendezvous
Step Back in Time. Experience the Frontier.
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Experience three days of living history with historic encampments, Mountain Man reenactments, live demonstrations, period entertainment, hands-on activities, and historically inspired vendors in Whitehall, Montana.
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Where History Comes to Life
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The Lost Hawk Rendezvous invites visitors to step into the world of the Rocky Mountain fur trade, when trappers, traders, Indigenous families, merchants, and travelers gathered to exchange goods, share news, resupply, and reconnect after months spent across the mountains.
Today, Lost Hawk brings elements of that tradition to life through historic encampments, period clothing, traditional skills, live demonstrations, specialty vendors, and hands-on experiences.
Historic Encampments
Live
Demonstrations
Specialty
Vendors
Explore the Rendezvous
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Mountain Man Reenactments
Meet trappers, traders, travels, and frontiersman associated with the Rocky Mountain fur trade. Through clothing, equipment, storytelling, and demonstrations, visitors will discover the skills and realities of life in the mountains.
Historic Encampments
Walk through camps inspired by the temporary settlements that formed around Rocky Mountain rendezvous gatherings. Canvas shelters, cooking equipment, tools, trade goods, period clothing, and camp furnishings help recreate the atmosphere of frontier life.
Gold Panning & Gem Sifting
Try your hand at gold panning and gem sifting while exploring another chapter of western history. Prospecting and mining would later play a major role in Montana's development, bringing new waves of people, industries, and communities in the region.
Lewis & Clark Mural Tour
Join Jefferson Valley Museum historian Arlene Weber for a guided tour of Whitehall’s 10 Lewis and Clark murals, created by artist Kit Mather. Along the way, you’ll hear the stories behind the murals, learn about the buildings they call home, and discover how the Lewis and Clark Expedition connects to the Whitehall area.
Lost Hawk Historical Talk: The Battle of Little Bighorn
Rebecca Warner presents a closer look at one of the most widely remembered events in Montana history. Learn about the people involved, the circumstances that led to the Battle of Little Bighorn, and the conflict's lasting historical significance.
The Montana Western Legacy Center
Grit & Grace Estates
Auction & Sales Event
Come browse, and bid, on a lively mix of beautiful furniture, antiques, collectibles, and one-of-a kind finds at the Western Legacy Center and Grit & Grace Sales Event & Auction. You'll find everything from hand-tooled saddles and antique furniture to turquoise jewelry, a vintage loom, architectural pieces, and a large antlered skull wall art piece that has already drawn plenty of interest. This is the perfect stop along your Lost Hawk journey. Take your time, look through a little bit of everything, and see what unexpected treasure awaits you.
HISTORY IN THE DETAILS
Trade Goods at the Rendezvous
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Historic rendezvous were important centers of trade. Trappers brought beaver pelts and other furs, while merchant caravans carried supplies into the mountains. Blankets, cloth, traps, knives, cookware, beads, firearms, tobacco, coffee, sugar, and other provisions changed hands alongside news, knowledge, and stories.
Lost Hawk's specialty vendors continue the marketplace spirit through period-inspired displays, handmade goods, traditional materials, and demonstrations that help visitors connect with the history of the Rendezvous.
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A SPECIAL PART OF THE 2026 RENDEZVOUS
Marking America's 250th Anniversary
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As communities across the country commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, the Lost Hawk Rendezvous will include special activities recognizing this national milestone. The weekend will bring history, community, and celebration together alongside the living-history experiences at the heart of the Rendezvous.
USA 250th Anniversary BBQ
Saturday, August 15th, 2026 @ 12:00pm
At the Fire Hall Pavilion, 200 W Legion Avenue, Whitehall, Montana
Supported in part by
See the Rendezvous Come to Life
EXPERIENCE LOST HAWK
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From historic-style camps and period clothing to demonstrations, food, vendors, and community gatherings, every detail helps bring the Lost Hawk Rendezvous to life.
THE STORY BEHIND LOST HAWK
A Tomahawk, a Trail, & a Story that Endured
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The name Lost Hawk comes from a story dating back to the Lewis and Clark era. According to the tale, members of the Corps of Discovery camped near what is now Whitehall and left a tomahawk behind during their journey. Lewis & Clark traveled through southwest Montana's Jefferson River country, a region that remained important in the larger story of exploration, trade, and movement across the West.
That same spirit appears later at the Rocky Mountain rendezvous. Trappers, traders, Indigenous families, merchants, guides, and travelers gathered in temporary camps to trade goods, share news, build relationships, and prepare for the road ahead. Today, Lost Hawk Rendezvous brings these historical events together. Its name comes from a story passed down in the community, and celebrates the exploration, craftsmanship, trade, and relationships that shaped the American West.
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FROM HISTORY TO LIVING HISTORY
The Spirit of the Rendezvous Lives On
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The Rocky Mountain rendezvous reflected its unique time and place, but the ideas behind those gatherings are still important. These include craftsmanship, trade, sharing knowledge, storytelling, and connecting people.
The Lost Hawk Rendezvous draws inspiration from that history with period-style camps, traditional skills, historical interpretation, handmade goods, demonstrations, and community activities. The spirit of the gathering will return to Whitehall this August.
Come walk through the camps, meet the people bringing history to life, and become part of the 2026 Lost Hawk Rendezvous!
VENDORS, ARTISANS & DEMONSTRATIONS
Become a Part of the Rendezvous
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The Lost Hawk Rendezvous welcomes artisans, craftspeople, food producers, demonstrators, and specialty vendors whose work complements the historical character of the event. Period-inspired presentation helps create an immersive experience for everyone who attends.
Follow the Trail to the Lost Hawk Rendezvous
STAY IN THE LOOP
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Be the first to hear about schedule announcements, demonstrations, featured vendors, special activities, the USA 250th Anniversary BBQ, and important visitor updates as the 2026 Lost Hawk Rendezvous approaches.
