Visitor guide
Civil War Reenactments in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has one of the strongest Civil War living history traditions in the Midwest, and most of it happens between April and October. Below is the 2026 calendar of Wisconsin events that Company E and the rest of the 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry take the field at — with street addresses, gate hours, and whether the host site charges admission. Everything here is a real, dated event, not a general listing.
Revised July 5, 2026
Upcoming Wisconsin events in 2026
- October 10–11, 2026ReenactmentAdmission chargedThis week
Norskedalen Reenactment
N455 O. Ophus Rd, Coon Valley, WI
Sat & Sun 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Company B sponsored event.
- December 5, 2026Meeting
Co. E Annual Meeting
Green Bay, WI
Begins at noon
Private event — contact us for more information.
Earlier in 2026
These have already happened, but most are annual — a good guide to what to expect next season.
- September 26–27, 2026ReenactmentMax effortAdmission charged
Pinecrest Village Reenactment
924 Pinecrest Rd, Manitowoc, WI 54220
Sat 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sun 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Association max effort event.
- August 22–23, 2026Reenactment
Point Basse Historical Park Reenactment
Nekoosa, WI
- July 18–19, 2026Reenactment
Old Falls Village Reenactment
Menomonee Falls, WI
- June 27–28, 2026Reenactment
New London Reenactment
New London, WI
- June 13–14, 2026Reenactment
Beaver Dam Reenactment
Beaver Dam, WI
- May 29, 2026School Program
Lineville Intermediate School Civil War Day
Howard, WI
- May 25, 2026Procession
Memorial Day Procession
Oshkosh, WI
- May 2, 2026Drill
Co. E Spring Drill
Fond du Lac, WI
- March 7, 2026Dinner
Company E Spring Dinner
Manitowoc, WI
Meme House at Pinecrest Historical Village.
- January 24, 2026Meeting
Association Annual Meeting
Fox Lake, WI
We also travel out of state for association national events. The complete 2026 schedule includes those.
What a reenactment weekend actually looks like
Living history camps
Rows of canvas tents where soldiers and civilians live, cook, and work in period clothing for the weekend. Walk in, ask questions — the camps are the whole point, and everyone there expects to be asked.
Drill and demonstrations
Infantry drill, musket and artillery firing demonstrations, medical and civilian-life talks run through the day, usually on a posted schedule at the gate.
The battle scenario
Usually mid-to-late afternoon and the loudest part of the day. Get there early for a good spot along the spectator line.
Sutlers and food
Many sites host sutlers — period merchants selling reproduction goods — plus food vendors run by the host organization. Bring cash; not every vendor takes cards.
What to bring
For yourself
Folding chairs or a blanket for the battle, sunscreen and a hat, water, closed shoes for uneven grass fields, and cash for admission and vendors. Hearing protection if you're bringing small children.
Before you load the car
Pet policies, parking, and accessible routes are set by each host site and vary a lot — check with the site, or ask us and we'll find out for you.
Common questions
- Are Civil War reenactments in Wisconsin open to the public?
- Yes. Every event on this list is a public living history event. Some host sites charge general admission at the gate; those are marked below. Members of the 2nd Wisconsin attend at no cost.
- What time should I arrive?
- Most weekend reenactments run roughly 9 or 10 AM to 3 or 4 PM each day, with the battle scenario in the afternoon. Arriving mid-morning lets you walk the camps, watch drill, and talk with soldiers and civilians before the battle.
- How much does it cost?
- Admission is set by the host site, not by us — typically a small per-person or per-carload fee, and often free for young children. Events without an admission note below are generally free to attend.
- Is it appropriate for children?
- Yes. Battle scenarios include musket and cannon fire, which is loud; hearing protection is a good idea for infants and small children. Otherwise, school-age visitors are the audience these events are built for.
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- Any event cancellations are posted on our Facebook group. We haven't had one in the past 10 years.
- Can I try reenacting myself?
- A new member should contact us so we can help them get started — we can loan equipment and give guidance on the right items to purchase. Dues are free your first year. You do not need to own a uniform or any equipment to start.
Other Wisconsin Civil War history to visit
Between reenactment weekends, these museums and historic sites are worth a trip.
- Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Madison museum honoring Wisconsin's veterans from the Civil War forward.
- Kenosha Civil War Museum
Upper Middle West Civil War history, exhibits, and programs.
- American Battlefield Trust
National nonprofit preserving America's battlefields and their history.
- Pinecrest Historical Village
Manitowoc County Historical Society — host of our max-effort September event.
- Charles Grignon Mansion
Historic 1837 mansion in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.
Want to be in the ranks instead of the crowd?
Company E has been reenacting since 1990 and we outfit new members with loaner gear. Read how to get started, or send us a message and we'll connect you with a member near you.