Civil War Days returns to Lake County
Hear the crack of gunfire and the boom of cannons at the Annual Civil War Days Saturday and Sunday, June 30 and July 1.
Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the military and civilian camps to learn about life in the 1860s. Meet historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth and generals Lee, Jackson, Custer and Grant, and learn how the Civil War affected people in Lake County.
The event usually draws more than 600 re-enactors from seven states, and 4,000 visitors from Illinois and surrounding areas.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Lakewood Forest Preserve, 27277 Forest Preserve Road, Wauconda.
Explore the military and civilian encampments to learn about life in the 1860s. In the civilian camps and Civil War shops, visitors can meet blacksmiths, quilters and tinsmiths.
In the military camps, re-enactors bring to life activities such as payday, weapon checks, mail call and drills. Visitors can also experience the 1863 Summer Fair, a recreation of an agricultural fair featuring craftsmen, demonstrations, entertainment and more. Children can make and take period crafts and play 19th century games.
The event culminates each day with a narrated battle re-enactment. View large-scale battles to see artillery, infantry, cavalry and medical units in action. A new event, which began last year, is the firing of an 1862-era Gatling gun, the precursor to the modern machine gun that was used during the Civil War.
A large Civil-War era shopping area, period music and food vendors round out the event.
Tickets may be purchased online or on-site; save $1 off admission by buying tickets online, or download a coupon and present it at the event.
Daily admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 4-17 or 62 and older, and free for children 3 and younger. Weekend passes are available for $15 for adults, $7 for youth and seniors. Admission for military veterans is free.
Active duty military personnel and their families (up to five members) are free as part of the Blue Star Museums program.
For information and online ticket purchase, visit www.lcfpd.org or call (847) 968-3400.
Civil War Days
Events take place Saturday, June 30, and Sunday, July 1, at Lakewood Forest Preserve. Tickets are available on-site or visit www.lcfpd.org.
SATURDAY
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Union and Confederate Military Camps
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1863 Summer Fair
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids' Crafts and Games
10 a.m. Dress Parade
10:15 a.m. Battlefield Drill
11:30 a.m. 1860s camp cooking tour
Noon President Lincoln
12:45 p.m. 1863, Year of Decision with Grant, Lee, Custer and Co.
1 p.m. Summer fair food judging
1:30 p.m. A Visit with President Lincoln
1:45 p.m. Harriet Tubman
2:15 p.m. Gatling gun, Model 1862 firing demonstration
2:30 p.m. Pre-battle activities and safety inspection
3-3:45 p.m. Narrated battle
3:45 p.m. Post-battle ceremonies and address by President Lincoln
SUNDAY
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Union and Confederate Military Camps
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1863 Summer Fair
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Kids' Crafts and Games
10 a.m. Dress Parade
10:30 a.m. Battlefield Drill
11:30 a.m. President Lincoln
12:15 p.m. Sojourner Truth
12:15 p.m. A Visit with President Lincoln
12:45 p.m. Gatling gun, Model 1862 firing demonstration
1 p.m. Pre-battle activities and safety inspection
1:30-2:15 p.m. Narrated battle
2:15 p.m. Post-battle ceremonies and address by President Lincoln
2:30 p.m. Meet the Generals with Grant, Lee, Custer and Co.