World War II Days Returns to Rockford This September

I have been to Midway Village Museum in Rockford more times than I can count, and I especially love wandering through the Victorian Village there.

Walking through those old buildings, seeing how people lived, and imagining what Rockford looked like generations ago is completely fascinating to me. One of my favorite school memories is from fourth grade when we spent a week of classes in the Victorian Village's school house.

I've seen and done a lot of cool things at Midway Village Museum over the years, but there's still one major thing I have never experienced firsthand: World War II Days.

World War II Days at Midway Village Museum

World War II Days is coming to Midway Village Museum on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, and this year is extra special because the event is celebrating its 30th year!

For two days, the museum's massive 148-acre property is transformed into a European village straight out of the World War II era, complete with Allied and Axis encampments, military vehicles, reenactors, battles and activities that make history come alive. It's one of the largest World War II reenactments in the Midwest, and thousands of people come to Rockford for it every year.

More Than a World War II Reenactment

I'll admit, when I first think of a historical reenactment, I picture people dressed in period clothing standing around talking about history.

World War II Days takes that idea to a completely different level.

One of the things that really caught my attention is how much more there is to do beyond the battles.

Visitors can also check out military demonstrations and rare military vehicles, lectures, live 1940s-era music, USO shows, a period wedding, even vendors selling military collectibles, antiques, vintage clothing and books.

Honestly, the more I learn about World War II Days, the more I wonder why I have lived in the Rockford area for so long and never actually gone.

World War II Days at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road in Rockford, runs Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, September 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is free parking, and tickets can be purchased at the gate.

To see the complete lineup of World War II Days events and admission prices, visit midwayvillage.com.