Near Arpin in Wood County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Indian Dance Rings
Photographed by Keith L, June 28, 2007
1. Indian Dance Rings Marker
In early spring, the native ceremonial dances took place here. At their conclusion the Indians returned to their firesides amid chants and the symbolic beat of drums to thank the Great Spirit for the Spring's return. Indians from other tribes attended these rites, coming from other counties and neighboring states. Some arrived by train, alighting at Arpin, which was the nearest station. The Winnebagos of Wood County regularly came to these Potowatomi ceremonies. The dances of Thanksgiving took place in July. The drums beat again, the sound of chanting filled the summer air. Warriors addressed the assembly between chants. The women joined in the chanting, but did not dance. Although the ceremonies followed a sacred pattern, the rites varied from day to day. The fourth and last day the Indians appeared in their best dress, often in full regalia, their faces painted in brilliant colors. White visitors were allowed to witness the ceremonies, but the taking of any pictures was strictly prohibited.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 44° 31.746′ N, 90° 4.298′ W. Marker was near
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Northern Wisconsin. It was also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Geological History of Powers Bluff (within shouting distance of this marker); Indian Bill Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Slidre Evangelical Lutheran Church and Cemetery (approx. 5.7 miles away); City Founders Cemetery (approx. 6.7 miles away); Center of the State of Wisconsin (approx. 6.9 miles away); History of the Bataan Death March Memorial (approx. 7.1 miles away); Prisoners of War (approx. 7.2 miles away); World's Largest Round Barn (approx. 9.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arpin.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Powers Bluff (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Keith L, June 28, 2007
2. Indian Dance Rings Marker
Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, September 27, 2025
3. Indian Dance Rings
The structure remains, but the text is missing.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,930 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on September 28, 2025, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 11, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on September 28, 2025, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
