WWII Re-Enactment Weekend at Old Falls Village Park
Inside the Encampments: How Reenactors Bring 1940s Life Back to the Present at WWII Days
By Friends of Old Falls Village Park
The past doesn’t simply sit in museums—it breathes, cooks, marches, and laughs inside the living‑history encampments that fill Old Falls Village during WWII Days. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself transported not just to the 1940s battlefield but to the 1940s home‑front world that shaped the generation who rebuilt America after the war.
These reenactors don’t just dress the part. They recreate the daily rhythms, challenges, and triumphs of mid‑century life with remarkable authenticity.
Here’s how the reenactors bring the WWII era back to life, allowing you to learn from it and become fully immersed in the experience.
Authentic Tents & Living Quarters
Canvas tents line the encampment, each one carefully furnished to reflect the living conditions of mid‑century soldiers. Inside, visitors find cots covered with wool blankets, footlockers packed with period‑correct gear, and lanterns, enamelware, and personal items that would have accompanied troops in the field. Reenactors don’t just display these spaces—they inhabit them, sleeping in the tents, cooking over field stoves, and living out the weekend exactly as soldiers once did. Their commitment to authenticity transforms the encampment into a living snapshot of history, allowing guests to immerse directly into the daily routines of the past.
Cooking Over Field Stoves
The smell of frying potatoes and hot coffee drifts through the encampment as reenactors prepare meals over authentic WWII–era field stoves. Using metal mess kits and ration‑inspired recipes, they recreate the simple, hearty dishes that fueled soldiers through long days in the field. Visitors gather to watch the process, seeing firsthand how meals were cooked in the 1940s military—without modern conveniences, but with plenty of skill, improvisation, and camaraderie.
Restored Vehicles: Machines That Tell Stories
From nimble Jeeps to heavy troop carriers, and even a German Kubelwagen vehicles on display are rolling time-capsules that bring the past roaring back to life. Their owners, usually reenactors themselves, spend years tracking down parts, repainting insignia, and researching the histories of the units that once operated them. These vehicles represent WWII icons, and through careful restoration, showcase living history stories to be shared with new generations. Each engine rumble and each coat of paint become a tribute to the men and women who once relied on these machines.
Weapons Demonstrations
Weapons demonstrations offer visitors a safe, controlled look at the tools of mid‑century warfare. Reenactors showcase rifles, sidearms, machine guns, and even mortar equipment, explaining how each weapon functioned and who would have used it in the field. These demonstrations go beyond the mechanics—they provide historical context, illustrating how evolving technology shaped tactics, survival, and the outcome of battles. The result is an engaging blend of education and historical realism.
Authenticity
Every reenactor’s uniform is researched down to the stitching, creating an immersive visual experience that reflects the era with striking accuracy. Wool service uniforms, HBT fatigues, women’s auxiliary attire, and civilian 1940s dresses and workwear all appear throughout the encampments. Many participants sew their own garments or carefully source original pieces from vendors such as Maria Rodriguez, the owner of Vivacious Lady Vintage specializing in women’s clothing. Reenactors hold authenticity to high standards; ensuring that every button, patch, and fabric choice matches the period. Their dedication brings authenticity to every interaction and photograph.
Battle Reenactments
The highlight of the weekend is the battle reenactment at 2 pm both days, where blank‑fire weapons, smoke effects, and coordinated maneuvers recreate the intensity of mid‑century combat. These staged battles are meticulously choreographed for both safety and historical accuracy, offering spectators a powerful glimpse into the chaos and strategy of wartime engagements. The sights, sounds, and movement immerse visitors in a moment that feels both dramatic and deeply respectful of those who lived it. The Reenactment units put on quite a show that you do not want to miss.
Living History through the Eyes of a Reenactor
Reenactors strive to portray the realities of a WWII soldier’s life with honesty and respect, giving visitors a glimpse into the harsh conditions troops endured. The sounds of war—explosions, gunfire, shouted commands—were often deafening, creating a constant backdrop of tension and fatigue. Soldiers battled lice, slept outside in all weather, and welcomed any food they could get, no matter how simple or repetitive. Their weapons were not just tools but their sole line of survival, carried alongside every piece of heavy gear they owned as they marched for hours from place to place. Clean water was scarce, showers were rare, and fire pits became essential not only for warmth but for moments of camaraderie that broke through the hardship. Above all, the brotherhood within each unit formed bonds stronger than steel, creating friendships that carried soldiers through the darkest moments of war. Reenactors bring these realities to life with care, ensuring that every detail honors the men who lived them.
Honoring Veterans
Throughout the encampments, reenactors serve as caretakers of memory, honoring the veterans whose experiences they portray. Many camps display photographs of local service members, letters sent from home, medals, and preserved service records. Visitors are encouraged to share stories of their own family members, transforming the space into a living memorial. This personal connection bridges generations and reminds every one of the real people behind the uniforms. Friends of Old Falls Village Park have a display of our own hometown heroes of WWII. Check out their Wall of Heroes and read their stories at the WWII Days.
USO Themed Variety Show and Dance
On Friday night, June 19th, we’re honoring our Military Appreciation Night with a USO‑themed variety show beginning at 6:30 pm, featuring a Bob Hope impressionist, music by Seagull and Friends, and stirring patriotic performances by the Oconomowoc Community Choir.
On Saturday night, lace up your dancing shoes and step into the era at our USO‑themed dance, accompanied by the lively sounds of the Command Performance Big Band starting at 6 pm.
Both shows are free to the public. Come dressed in your favorite 1940s outfit and join in the WWII‑era fun, or bring a chair and relax as you take in the festivities. Brought to you by dedicated reenactors honoring our military veterans.
WWII Days Fashion Show
On both days of the event, you can enjoy a 1940s fashion show that brings the era’s style to life. From men’s tailoring to women’s iconic silhouettes, these talented gals and reenactors will showcase a wide range of looks that defined the decade.
Axis & Allies both
The encampments bring World War II to life with an impressive range of units represented from both the Axis and Allied sides, creating a balanced and educational look at the global scale of the conflict. Visitors can walk among Polish forces, German units, British troops, American paratroopers, and other historically accurate portrayals, each camp offering its own unique perspective on the war. Reenactors take great care to present the uniforms, equipment, and daily routines of their respective units with authenticity and respect, allowing guests to experience the diversity of cultures, strategies, and stories that shaped the era. This blend of international representation transforms the event into a living, breathing history lesson that honors all who served and helps modern audiences understand the complexity of WWII.
Scavenger Hunts for All Ages
Families are invited to explore the encampments through scavenger hunts that turn learning into an adventure. With a list in hand, children search for specific uniforms, vehicles, cooking tools, and other WWII related items throughout the grounds. The activity keeps younger visitors engaged while encouraging them to observe details they might otherwise overlook and learn first-hand about what soldiers had with them at their camps. It’s a playful way to introduce history while keeping the experience interactive and fun as well as a chance for children to ask questions of the reenactors. Collect Trading Cards at select locations and get a reward for completing the scavenger hunt.
Teaching Younger Generations During School Days on Friday June 19
Reenactors are passionate educators, always ready to answer questions and share stories. They explain how soldiers lived, what families experienced on the home front, how technology evolved between WWII and the 1940s, and why preserving these memories matters. For many children, this is their first hands‑on encounter with the past—one that sparks curiosity and leaves a lasting impression. Through conversation and demonstration, reenactors ensure that history remains alive, accessible, and meaningful. WWII Days School Day is June 19th from 9 AM to Noon. $3 per student and parents are free. Reserve your spot and purchase your school day tickets online at https://www.oldfallsvillagepark.org/school-days
WWII Days at Old Falls Village Park is on June 19-21, 2026 in Menomonee Falls WI at Old Falls Village Park!
Event Details:
- Dates: June 19-21, 2026
- Location: Old Falls Village Park, Menomonee Falls, WI
- Admission Saturday and Sunday only: Adults $10, Children under 12 $5, Children under 5 are Free, and Veterans $5
- Parking: Available On-Site, FREE
- Battles: at 2 pm each day
- Tickets available at the Gate (cash or credit cards accepted)
- AdvancedTickets: oldfallsvillagepark.org/world-war-2-days
For more information, including a detailed schedule of events and directions to the venue, please visit our event website , email us or call 262-239-1489.
Join us for a weekend of remembrance, reflection, and reverence as we honor the heroes of World War II at Old Falls Village Park.
