Travel 200 years back in time and experience history on the Great Plains at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park! The theme this weekend will be “Preparing for the Arrival of the 1st Infantry”.

Living History events occur from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first weekend of each month between May and October. Ongoing demonstrations featuring military and civilian life of the 1820s will occur throughout the park. Reenactors portray fur traders, coopers, blacksmiths, carpenters, tinsmiths, weavers and other period trades. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors.

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

10 a.m. – Troop Call

10:45 a.m. – Church call (Sunday only; School Room in the north barrack)

11 a.m. – Lisa Grabenbauer presents: “Exploring the Prairie Ecosystem” followed by Native Plant Walk (Visitor Center)

11 a.m. – Making Dutch Oven Cobbler (ongoing at the bake oven)

Noon – Assembly & noon gun (Flag pole)

12:30 p.m. – Bill Hayes presents: “Private Shannon of the Lewis & Clark Expedition” (Visitor Center)

1:30 p.m. – Native Drumming (near Council House; Saturday only)

2:30 p.m. – Garrison Defense (Flag pole)

3:30 p.m. – Whiskey rations (Flag pole)

4 p.m. – The Retreat – end of public hours (roll call, inspection & evening gun)

A valid Nebraska Park Entry Permit is required for all vehicles to enter the park and can be purchased at the site. A per person fee is required at the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center of $4 per adult and $1 per child.

For more information, please contact the park at ngpc.fort.atkinson@nebraska.gov or (402) 468-5611 or visit https://outdoornebraska.gov/location/fort-atkinson/.