Discover Flint Knapping

Families had a unique opportunity to walk the grounds and experience the same artistry of their ancestors.

For more than 13,000 years Flint Ridge State Park has been a home to the art of napping flint. This weekend individuals skilled in the ancient craft of making stone tools and weapons came together for the annual Flint Ridge Knap-in which is all about education and entertainment.

"It is a real family event," said Assistant Site Manager Bill Weaver. "We have hands-on activities for kids, for example they used to use a tool called an atlatl, to throw spear , to kill dear, and be able to live and eat and have clothing. We teach the kids how to do that, how to throw the atlatl and use the spears."

Flint Ridge Lithic Society Vice President Ed Moreland said the greatest reward is seeing a child’s curiosity grow into a lifetime passion and skill, as it did for him and his father.

"I always loved arrow heads as a child," said Moreland. "I found one at seven-years-old in grandma’s garden and I always thought to myself, I’ve never seen these made before so Indians must really have been cool. It was just a draw, dad always had a tool box and couple coffee cans of points he picked up in the fields as a boy as well."

Proceeds from the event will go towards the future growth of Flint Ridge State Park. To learn more visit the Flint Ridge Museum – open weekends through October.