Civil War Days comes to Lake County
Hear the crack of gunfire and the boom of cannons at the Lake County Forest Preserve District’s 20th annual Civil War Days at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 9, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at the forest preserve on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road.
Civil War Days is the largest Civil War re-enactment in northern Illinois, drawing more than 600 re-enactors from seven states and 5,000 visitors.
It features infantry, cavalry and artillery re-enactors, as well as musicians, sutlers, historical figures and civilians.
Visitors are invited to explore the military and civilian camps to learn about life in the 1860s. In the civilian camps and Civil War shops, visitors can meet blacksmiths, quilters, tinsmiths and other historical figures.
In the military camps, re-enactors bring to life activities such as payday, weapon checks, mail call and drills.
The event culminates each day with a narrated battle re-enactment, Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. These one-hour battles feature artillery, cavalry and infantry re-enactors.
While exploring the grounds, visitors can also meet historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth and generals Lee, Jackson, Custer, Grant and Sherman. Kids can enjoy special period crafts and games, and complete a scavenger hunt around the site.
Visitors can also experience a recreation of the 1863 Agricultural Fair, which features public amusements and horticultural and domestic arts exhibitions. A large Civil War-era shopping area and period music and entertainment are also featured. Visitors can bring a picnic lunch or purchase food at the event.
Tickets for Civil War Days include parking and free admission to the Lake County Discovery Museum, which is located in the forest preserve.
Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for youth ages 4 to 17 and free for kids ages 3 and younger. Purchase advance tickets or download discount admission coupons at www.LCFPD.org/civilwar.
For details, call (847) 968-3400 or visit www.LCFPD.org/civilwar.