Civil War Days Returns to Lake County

Lake County Forest Preserves' 21st annual Civil War Days will take place at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 7 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 8.

Civil War Days is the largest Civil War reenactment in northern Illinois. This annual event draws more than 600 reenactors from seven states, and 5,000 visitors from Illinois and surrounding areas. The event features infantry, cavalry and artillery reenactors, 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 reenactors bring to life activities such as pay day, weapon checks, mail call and drills. The event culminates each day with a narrated battle reenactment, at 3 p.m. Saturday  and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. These one-hour battles feature artillery, cavalry and infantry re-enactors.

While exploring the grounds visitors can also meet historical figures including 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.

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

Tickets include parking and free admission to the museum. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for youth ages 4 to 17. Children 3 and under are free. Download and bring discount admission coupons, or purchase advance tickets online and coupon is automatically applied.

Find more information online or call 847-968-3400.

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— Submitted by Lake County Forest Preserve District