Re-enactors restage the Battle of Vicksburg in Wauconda forest preserve

With the crack of gunfire and the boom of cannons, Civil War Days returned to Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda Saturday.

Civil War Days, billed as the largest Civil War re-enactment in northern Illinois, involves re-enactors from several states and thousands of visitors from Illinois and surrounding areas.

The two-day event, which continues Sunday, features infantry, cavalry and artillery re-enactors, as well as musicians, sutlers, historical figures and civilians.

Visitors of all ages 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, tin smiths and other historical figures from the era. In the military camps, re-enactors bring to life activities such as payday, weapon checks, mail call and drills.

Visitors can bring a picnic lunch or purchase food at the event.

The event culminates each day with a narrated one-hour battle. Saturday's battle was McClernand's assault at Vicksburg, Mississippi, while the Battle of Fort Blakely, in Alabama, will begin at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

Lakewood Forest Preserve and the Lake County Discovery Museum are on Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road in Wauconda.

Tickets include parking and free admission to the museum. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and older, $5 for youth ages 4 to 17 and free for kids 3 and younger. Active duty military personnel and their families (up to five members) are free as part of the Blue Star Museums program. Military veterans are free.

For info, www.lcfpd.org/museum/events/ or (847) 968-3400.