GREAT LAKES PRIMITIVES GATHERING
31st Annual Event Dates for 2026 August 12-16, 2026
Welcome to Our Website
Get ready for the BIG EVENT!
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- Date:08/15/2026 06:00 PM - 08/15/2026 09:30 PM
- Location The Lodge
things to do
This is a place to wheel and deal with the other members of the tribe. Bring your overstock, old hobby wares and baubles to trade, make smart deals, trade with the best, let's see who will be the wisest trader in the land. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and help the younger generation learn about bartering.
Come join us for our annual event in Chelsea Michigan. We've put together a wonderful list of instructors to teach classes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Classes may have a nominal fee for supplies. In the evenings you can hang out with the Flintknappers, or hang out at the campfire or work on projects in the Lodge. Come on Wednesday and set up your camp or stay in one of the cabins which are included in the price. Wednesday evening will be the first meal, with Thursday, Friday and Saturday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday we will have a free for all with all the events left overs and food supplies up for taking.
Pumpkin Spice Potluck at Grandma Sue's House on the Lake, come one, come all, but let us know your coming. Please bring a dish to pass and your own beverages to the feast. Come for the fellowship and fun for all. Anyone that needs to spend the night let us know. Sue Vigliotti 248-821-7838 greatlakesprimitivesgathering@gmail.com
Trading Blanket for children and adults, put something on the blanket and you get to take something off. Pertinent item(s) that you have made, no longer use or would like to pass along. We start with youngest picking first and go to oldest.
You will need to bring a sharp working knife (ex: Mora knife 3 1/2" blade). Tools you can bring: Flashlight, hatchet, small saw. Favorite fire making implements for class with Tom Wilson. 10 Mora's with 3 1/2" blade will be available for sale. Abe will be holding a Sharping Class.
GREAT LAKES PRIMITIVES GATHERING
Check It Out Today!
Great Lakes Primitives Gathering is now planning another legendary event in August. Our first day is set up and orientation, with classes beginning after breakfast the second day. Camp is held at Cedar Lake Outdoor Center, Chelsea, MI. As you may be aware, this historic event is scheduled for the 3rd weekend in August, a date you can depend on. Our goal is to continue to offer ALL participants the same reasonable, affordable, value filled 4 day event of learning and sharing. Our community welcomes individuals and families, young and seniors and all skill levels. Your economical registration fee does not affect the quality you receive and covers most of your expenses for the 4 day GLPG Event. Day rates will be available. Here is what is included, -Cedar Lake Outdoor Center, acres of woods, flora, trails and lake. A great setting for the Great Lakes Primitive Gathering. -Open, wooded or secluded areas for tent camping, RV space on site, bunk houses available to anyone on a first come basis, no extra cost. -Running potable water, flush toilets, free hot showers on site, handicap accessible. -Lake for swimming, fishing, canoes and kayaks available for your use. -Archery and atlatl ranges available. -Home cooked meals, on site, by a wonderful kitchen staff. Dinner Wednesday evening, 3 meals daily-Thursday, Friday and Saturday; and Sunday Breakfast . Options available for everyone just let us know your dietary restrictions. Meals are included in the price, with no discount if you do not partake. You are encouraged to bring goodies from your garden, to be incorporate it into the meals. -Daily class schedules, workshops and impromptu offerings. Hands on classes with different instruction skill levels. You will learn from experienced, knowledgeable and skillful craftsmen. -There will be an Auction, Saturday evening, with donated items and items created by our instructors and participants. You are encouraged to participate in the Auction, proceeds go towards supporting our instructors. Bring your own items to donate to the Auction or for display, sale or trade. Save up for the Auction so you can out bid and get the unique items available. GLPG does not take a cut of your sales, donations are appreciated. You will be responsible for your travel, gas money, possibly some small fees for certain classes and special materials.
GLPG 2026
GREAT LAKES PRIMITIVES GATHERING 31st ANNUAL EVENT, AUGUST 12-16 2026
Web-site: http://www.greatlakesprimitivesgathering.site123.me
FaceBook: Great Lakes Primitives Gathering
For an application please email: http://www.greatlakesprimitivesgathering@gmail.com
Instructors/Classes
GLPG Contact
- 2500 Pierce Road, Chelsea, MI 48118, United States
- Cedar Lake Outdoor Center
- +1-8102101014 - Heidi Dayringer
- greatlakesprimitivesgathering@gmail.com
- August 12, 2026 @ 2 pm
Great Lakes Primitives meet in August for a yearly event to teach and learn primitive skills.
What is Great Lakes Primitives Gathering 2026?
This is a place to wheel and deal with the other members of the tribe. Bring your overstock, old hobby wares and baubles to trade, make smart deals, trade with the best, let's see who will be the wisest trader in the land. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and help the younger generation learn about bartering.
Come join us for our annual event in Chelsea Michigan. We've put together a wonderful list of instructors to teach classes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Classes may have a nominal fee for supplies. In the evenings you can hang out with the Flintknappers, or hang out at the campfire or work on projects in the Lodge. Come on Wednesday and set up your camp or stay in one of the cabins which are included in the price. Wednesday evening will be the first meal, with Thursday, Friday and Saturday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday we will have a free for all with all the events left overs and food supplies up for taking.
Pumpkin Spice Potluck at Grandma Sue's House on the Lake, come one, come all, but let us know your coming. Please bring a dish to pass and your own beverages to the feast. Come for the fellowship and fun for all. Anyone that needs to spend the night let us know. Sue Vigliotti 248-821-7838 greatlakesprimitivesgathering@gmail.com
Trading Blanket for children and adults, put something on the blanket and you get to take something off. Pertinent item(s) that you have made, no longer use or would like to pass along. We start with youngest picking first and go to oldest.
You will need to bring a sharp working knife (ex: Mora knife 3 1/2" blade). Tools you can bring: Flashlight, hatchet, small saw. Favorite fire making implements for class with Tom Wilson. 10 Mora's with 3 1/2" blade will be available for sale. Abe will be holding a Sharping Class.
About us
The organization based in Michigan with a focus on primitive technology. Since its conception in 1995, Great Lakes Primitives has held an annual gathering to welcome old and new participants to learn and share skills and ideas.
During the beginning years one of the instructors suggested Great Lakes Primitives adopt the "Boat People" which is cave art from 900-1100 AD for the brand logo. "Boat People" logo is still recognized as the identifying logo of the Great Lakes Primitives today.
The original gathering was sponsored by three groups who shared common interests; they were Flint Knappers, Atlatl competitors and Primitive Skills enthusiasts. The initial event was held on Bois Blanc Island, a remote island in Lake Huron. The group of instructors and participants camped on the beach overlooking the straights of Mackinaw. The event lasted three days in the primitive setting, folks were immersed in learning and promoting primitive skills. The group decided to make it an annual event and stayed on the island until 2010. In 2013 the event found a new home in Chelsea Michigan at the Michigan Out of Doors Youth Camp which offers camping sites, bunkhouses potable water, toilets, showers and a lake. At the main lodge meals are provided from a commercial kitchen staffed from the GLPG community.
Our Mission is to offer an affordable opportunity to learn new skills, share knowledge and pass on ancient and present traditions. Come and join a relaxing environment with an opportunity for everyone to enjoy. Many instructors will be on hand to teach on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There may be materials fees for certain classes. Prior experience or skill levels are not necessary to join most of these activities. Evening campfires will be a time to share stories, music and laughter with new friends and renew old friendships.
