Archaeological and recreational projects examine the complicated history of the Spirit Lake Conflict

Archaeological and recreational projects examine the complicated history of the Spirit Lake Conflict

From Talk of Iowa by Iowa Public Radio

July 21, 2026 · 48 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the Spirit Lake Conflict and ongoing archaeological projects related to it.

The Spirit Lake Conflict of 1857 is remembered at the Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin state historic site in Arnolds Park. This history is being re-examined and reinvigorated for Iowans today. On this episode, we talk with historian Kevin Mason about the event which came amid rising tensions between Dakota tribe members and new settlers. State Archaeologist John Doershuk joins to share about his Lakeside Laboratory class that just finished its years-long excavation at the state historic site, and what was discovered about generations of use at the land. Mason and Doershuk have also been players in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' efforts to make the Inkpaduta Canoe Trail a state waterway. This has been a life-altering project for John Wenck of the Iowa DNR, who has been working with Inkpaduta's descendants and local tribes to establish this state waterway, including Cody Seaboy, who shares his perspective.

People in this episode

Guests: Kevin Mason, John Doershuk

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Lakeside Laboratory

Books & works: Inkpaduta Canoe Trail

Places: Spirit Lake, Iowa, Arnolds Park

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