Heinz Family Part 2!

This summer, Bodhi, Leo, and I decided to do something a little different.

Instead of filling every day with plans, we created our own “Side Quest” series. The idea is simple: pick a place we’ve never been before that’s close enough for a day trip, hop in the car, and see where the adventure takes us. Our first side quest led us to Fort Sisseton State Park, and somehow we timed it perfectly.

When we arrived, the annual Fort Sisseton Rendezvous was in full swing. Visitors from all over the country had gathered to recreate life on the frontier in the early 1800s. Their camps filled the grounds, complete with canvas tents, cooking over open fires, period clothing, and demonstrations that made history feel surprisingly real.

One of the coolest parts was that the reenactors stayed completely in character. In fact, visitors weren’t even allowed into the roped-off camp area unless they were dressed in period clothing.

The boys had a clear favorite part of the park: the old jail!

Bodhi and Leo took turns locking each other inside the tiny jail cell, laughing the entire time.

Our first side quest turned out to be much more than just a drive. It was a chance to slow down, learn something new, and spend time together making memories.