It is required that men, women and children attire themselves in proper period clothing during the wagon train, in order to maintain the essential flavor and atmosphere. Examples of clothing can be seen in western movies and TV shows (Example: "Dr. Quinn"). Patterns may be obtained at fabric stores in clothes pattern books such as Simplicity, McCalls, etc. You might want to check with Etsy, they list sewers of custom sewn pioneer clothing, and list many pioneer clothing items ready to ship. In 2018 we heard from Classic Images, custom sewing and design. Who would also make custom pioneer clothing. Phone 651-793-0392 or email
What You Need To Know:
During the wagon train, we are trying to relive over 100 years ago, so please choose items accordingly. Keep baggage light and pack in a sturdy duffle bag lined with a plastic garbage bag. Do not use suitcases! Make yourself a checklist. Click here for our Handy Packing Check List in .pdf . Pack only what you really need. Our toilet facilities are provided by a portable "biffy", designed with a canvas top similar to the covered wagons. Toilet paper is provided, however, you will need your own other personal toilet items and wash basin.
WHAT TO WEAR ON
THE TRAIL
On the trail and when riding horses, females may wear jeans, however long dresses (aprons encouraged) and bonnets are a MUST for the evening meal. Males must wear pioneer-western wear (vests, suspenders, and the like are encouraged). Children are included in these clothing requirements. Hats (western okay) should have tie strings, PLEASE, NO BASEBALL TYPE CAPS! Bonnets are a must for protection from the sun. Look over the photos on these pages, except for wagon train visitors, most are wearing acceptable clothing.
EXPECT VARIABLE
WEATHER
The weather is variable so include rain gear and a warm jacket. Work gloves are helpful for "K.P. Duties" and cooler weather. Shoes and boots must be well broken in to prevent blisters. Bring at least three changes of clothes, some warm and some cooler to wear, and designed for outdoor living. Evenings are often cool, and many trail riders find that sleeping in a sweat suit both comfortable and practical. It is unknown at this time if conditions will permit swimming, however, cutoffs are preferred, tennis shoes are a must. If you are coming on the wagon train, be sure to print out a copy of our Handy Packing Check List (.pdf).
OTHER ITEMS TO
CONSIDER
Sleeping gear should be adequate for cooler nights. Shelter is not provided, so tents are encouraged as protection against rain and mosquitoes. Tents should be as small and light as possible. Set up tents at home and hose down with water, even new tents leak and may need waterproofing prior to the wagon train to assure that you and your gear stay dry. If you are not bringing a tent, bring a ground cloth for adequate protection from rain and dew. If you bring musical instruments , they should be packed in sturdy cases. Canteens are essential. Flashlights, chapstick, and insect repellent are helpful. Many people find an empty plastic ice cream pail, with lid and carry handle, to be a handy wash basin. All eating utensils will be supplied and will be disposable for sanitation purposes.
HORSE BACK RIDERS
A limited number of saddle horses will be allowed on the wagon train. Fort Seward, Inc. does not rent out saddle horses. However, upon your request, we will supply a list of private individuals who do. Horse rental is a private agreement between owner(s) and person(s) renting. Veterinary costs, if any, are the responsibility of the owner(s) and person(s) renting. Be sure the horse you are riding is covered by liability insurance, as Fort Seward, Inc. does not provide liability insurance coverage on private owned saddle horses. This is very important to check out with your renter, you don't want to get caught paying legal bills if the horse you are renting, as an example, kicks a person and causes injury. Consider bringing your own grooming equipment such as brush, curry comb, etc. A good halter and a good lead rope. A fly spray for your horse. A hay fee is required, bagged feed such as oats or pellets are not provided. If you wish to feed your horse bagged feed, bring your own packed in a duffel bag. Measure your daily feedings into the duffel, so you don't have to pack much more then you need for the week. Make sure your saddle blanket and cinch are freshly washed and cleaned to reduce the chance of sores to your horse. Since we'll probably be traveling 75-85 miles, we recommend that you have your horse shod for the wagon train. West Nile is also in North Dakota, so make sure you have your horse vaccinated for that, as well as other common horse diseases. For those who bring their own horse from outside of North Dakota, State Law requires a certificate of health and a negative Coggins test. It may also be wise to have a brand release for your horse.
NOT ALLOWED ITEMS
PLEASE, NO BASEBALL TYPE CAPS! Do not use suitcases! No modern clothing, printed or mod T-shirts, halter-tops, etc., are allowed. During the wagon train please do not wear clothing with advertising or modern heat pressed and screenprint artwork. Pets, coolers, suitcases, radios and any other modern conveniences are not allowed. Use will require confiscation until the end of the ride. Your vehicles will be parked in one spot during the ride and watched as much as possible by local police. The use of private vehicles by non-staff members during the ride is not allowed.
It is required that men, women and children attire themselves in proper period clothing during the wagon train, in order to maintain the essential flavor and atmosphere. Examples of clothing can be seen in western movies and TV shows (Example: "Dr. Quinn"). Patterns may be obtained at fabric stores in clothes pattern books such as Simplicity, McCalls, etc. You might want to check with Etsy, they list sewers of custom sewn pioneer clothing, and list many pioneer clothing items ready to ship. In 2018 we heard from Classic Images, custom sewing and design. Who would also make custom pioneer clothing. Phone 651-793-0392 or email
What You Need To Know:
During the wagon train, we are trying to relive over 100 years ago, so please choose items accordingly. Keep baggage light and pack in a sturdy duffle bag lined with a plastic garbage bag. Do not use suitcases! Make yourself a checklist. Click here for our Handy Packing Check List in .pdf . Pack only what you really need. Our toilet facilities are provided by a portable "biffy", designed with a canvas top similar to the covered wagons. Toilet paper is provided, however, you will need your own other personal toilet items and wash basin.
WHAT TO WEAR ON
THE TRAIL
On the trail and when riding horses, females may wear jeans, however long dresses (aprons encouraged) and bonnets are a MUST for the evening meal. Males must wear pioneer-western wear (vests, suspenders, and the like are encouraged). Children are included in these clothing requirements. Hats (western okay) should have tie strings, PLEASE, NO BASEBALL TYPE CAPS! Bonnets are a must for protection from the sun. Look over the photos on these pages, except for wagon train visitors, most are wearing acceptable clothing.
EXPECT VARIABLE
WEATHER
The weather is variable so include rain gear and a warm jacket. Work gloves are helpful for "K.P. Duties" and cooler weather. Shoes and boots must be well broken in to prevent blisters. Bring at least three changes of clothes, some warm and some cooler to wear, and designed for outdoor living. Evenings are often cool, and many trail riders find that sleeping in a sweat suit both comfortable and practical. It is unknown at this time if conditions will permit swimming, however, cutoffs are preferred, tennis shoes are a must. If you are coming on the wagon train, be sure to print out a copy of our Handy Packing Check List (.pdf).
OTHER ITEMS TO
CONSIDER
Sleeping gear should be adequate for cooler nights. Shelter is not provided, so tents are encouraged as protection against rain and mosquitoes. Tents should be as small and light as possible. Set up tents at home and hose down with water, even new tents leak and may need waterproofing prior to the wagon train to assure that you and your gear stay dry. If you are not bringing a tent, bring a ground cloth for adequate protection from rain and dew. If you bring musical instruments , they should be packed in sturdy cases. Canteens are essential. Flashlights, chapstick, and insect repellent are helpful. Many people find an empty plastic ice cream pail, with lid and carry handle, to be a handy wash basin. All eating utensils will be supplied and will be disposable for sanitation purposes.
HORSE BACK RIDERS
A limited number of saddle horses will be allowed on the wagon train. Fort Seward, Inc. does not rent out saddle horses. However, upon your request, we will supply a list of private individuals who do. Horse rental is a private agreement between owner(s) and person(s) renting. Veterinary costs, if any, are the responsibility of the owner(s) and person(s) renting. Be sure the horse you are riding is covered by liability insurance, as Fort Seward, Inc. does not provide liability insurance coverage on private owned saddle horses. This is very important to check out with your renter, you don't want to get caught paying legal bills if the horse you are renting, as an example, kicks a person and causes injury. Consider bringing your own grooming equipment such as brush, curry comb, etc. A good halter and a good lead rope. A fly spray for your horse. A hay fee is required, bagged feed such as oats or pellets are not provided. If you wish to feed your horse bagged feed, bring your own packed in a duffel bag. Measure your daily feedings into the duffel, so you don't have to pack much more then you need for the week. Make sure your saddle blanket and cinch are freshly washed and cleaned to reduce the chance of sores to your horse. Since we'll probably be traveling 75-85 miles, we recommend that you have your horse shod for the wagon train. West Nile is also in North Dakota, so make sure you have your horse vaccinated for that, as well as other common horse diseases. For those who bring their own horse from outside of North Dakota, State Law requires a certificate of health and a negative Coggins test. It may also be wise to have a brand release for your horse.
NOT ALLOWED ITEMS
PLEASE, NO BASEBALL TYPE CAPS! Do not use suitcases! No modern clothing, printed or mod T-shirts, halter-tops, etc., are allowed. During the wagon train please do not wear clothing with advertising or modern heat pressed and screenprint artwork. Pets, coolers, suitcases, radios and any other modern conveniences are not allowed. Use will require confiscation until the end of the ride. Your vehicles will be parked in one spot during the ride and watched as much as possible by local police. The use of private vehicles by non-staff members during the ride is not allowed.