Trek through time

Take a step back in time Aug. 9 with the Saratoga Museum, as Chilly Rollison shows people how to identify tipi rings located on the Big Creek Ranch.

Rollison has a Bachelor's Degree in American Indian studies.

More than 200 years ago, most of the residents of the Valley were Native Americans. They were nomads that moved around from place to place following the game.

Shoshone, Arapahoe, Comanche and Ute's were four tribes that passed through what is now known as the Platte River Valley.

Tipis ranged in size depending on whether they were used before or after horses were available to the tribes.

Rollison will explain how to identify whether the camp was a winter or summer camp.

The tipi village that Rollison will show to people on the Saratoga Museum Trek is close to a buffalo run. Rollison will explain why Native Americans chose those particular places to camp.

Historic Euroamerican homesteads are sprinkled throughout the ranch including one close to what Rollison calls war lodges.

The Trek will take people into an aspen-laden area, which still houses two war lodges, also referred to as wickiups by archeologists. Rollison will explain how, and why, the war lodges were built.

The Big Creek Ranch is home to a segment of the Cherokee Trail, which will also be included in the tour.

Rollison will also erect a tipi to demonstrate how tipi rings are formed.

Trekkers who visit the war lodge site are advised to wear long pants, close-toed shoes and bring a walking stick.

Lunch will be near a homestead cabin. Trekkers should bring plenty of water, a chair and a lunch.

Because of road conditions, high clearance vehicles are required.

To register for the trek, contact the Saratoga Museum at 307-326-5511.