The Flood of 2012 was fierce, but the serene waters of the St. Louis River soon returned. Yes, this is the same river view below to match the image above.

In the 1600s and even earlier Fond du Lac was a Dakota village until the Ojibwe drove the Dakota away from northern Minnesota. The village then became a great gathering place.

From local historians:

Time covered: the 1800s
“The 1800s Roussain family: a love triangle, and “angels” in the surrounding wilds”

... “Frank and Zoe spent most of their lives in Fond du Lac. They lived right along the St. Louis River near the John Jacob Astor monument. [Located at Duluth’s Historical Park on the St. Louis River] Earlier in their marriage, they lived near Jay Cooke Park where the old Indian Cemetery is located. Previously that area was called the Roussain Farm. They had a small orchard and grew potatoes, turnips and put up hay. They also cut wood for themselves and sold it to others...”

Time covered: June 1835
Blind to hunger, happy to prosper. Edmund Ely’s years at the Fond du Lac Village

“The story of Edmund Ely at the old Fond du Lac Village in the Western end of Duluth is the story of a continuous historical transition for Indians and non-Indians alike. Ely’s diary entries show how the Ojibwe people went from their hunting/gathering ways to becoming indebted to non-Indian missionaries and traders for items like guns, food, cloth and ammunition. Many historical accounts paint Ely as a victim. I’ve read his diary three times, and have a different perspective...”

For exclusive fishing experiences, seaplanes flew fishermen in from the harbor in Duluth.

We would love to hear of your family histories which you may have experienced during the times when there was a dance hall and roller rink here at the campground. Or when Ray and Gertrude Vine had the garage and restaurant at the top of the hill.

Fond du Lac Campground has been family owned and operated by the Vine family since 1961.

The Fond du Lac Campground has been family owned and operated by the Vine family since 1961.

John Jacob Astor, the world's first millionaire, established a fur post at Fond du Lac in 1809.  Fur posts didn't just open up in the middle of nowhere. There was plenty of history here way before John Jacob hit the scene. The historical data on this land dates back to the early 1600s.

The Montuak paddle boat, pictured below, would park here at the pier and passengers would disembark for an afternoon of fun to picnic and enjoy the fairground. Have you noticed some building foundations on a few of the campsites?