Dates & Times
Saturday, April 11
from 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday, April 12
from 10 am to 3 pm
Admission Prices
$15 - Adults Ages
$12 – Children Ages 5-12
$12 - Senior 62+
Free - Infants/Toddlers 0-4
Free - Museum Members
Admission tickets can also can be purchased upon arrival to the event. This is a Rain or shine event – no refunds.
Free parking is available. Bags will be checked by security upon event entry. No pets allowed, however service animals are permitted. Only registered re-enactors may wear historic military uniforms. Our Vet Tank is available for individuals with limited mobility. Call the museum to make a reservation at 815-397-9112.
Thank you to our generous event sponsors: Kjellstrom Family Foundation, Aqua Aerobics, Beth & Rudnicki Insurance, & Midland State Bank.
The Great War: World War I Days
This two-day public special history event is back for 2026 at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, IL
The sights and sounds of The Great War will come to life when over 200 reenactors portraying soldiers and civilians from the United States and Europe come together in the museum’s historic village. This is a unique, not-to-miss immersive experience! See how soldiers lived and fought as you tour encampments, inspect a 150-yard trench system*, and witness narrated battle reenactments.
* We are offering tours of our trench system, built to replicate the trenches used throughout Europe in World War I. Trench Tour tickets ($3 ea) are available with pre-ordered tickets and will be for sale at the general admission tent on the day of event.
Come see First World War reenactors portraying soldiers from the US, Britain, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Italy and the Ottoman Empire. See WWI uniforms, weapons, and memorabilia, plus:
Visit encampments and see WWI uniforms, memorabilia, weapons and equipment including:
- A Russian Armored Car
- A Replica WWI Era Tank
- Mortars and more!
Learn about:
- Trench Warfare and tour a replica trench
- Blacksmithing
- Donut Dollies
- WWI Popular Songs - Phonograph Concert
- The American Homefront
- The 1918 Influenza Epidemic
Visit our NEW permanent exhibit, You're in the Army Now: Camp Grant, Rockford's Legacy! Camp Grant was an important Army training camp in Rockford during World War I and World War II, bringing thousands of soldiers to the area. It helped the city grow by creating jobs, building roads, and adding new services. Our exhibit shares stories, artifacts, and history about how the camp changed the community forever.
Shop for military collectibles, reproductions and books with our sales vendors in the Red Barn. Be sure to bring your appetite for our food vendors Bing’s Food Truck, Polish Shack, and MISSION BBQ! Pig Minds Brewing Co. will be in attendance serving beer for guests 21 and older.
Weekend Schedule:
Saturday, April 11: Events 10am - 4pm
- 11am - Field Battle (1916 Scenario)
- 11:30am - 2:30pm - Trench Tours
- 12pm - 2nd City Celebrates the Music of WWI
- 1:15pm - Woods Battle: Camp Grant Goes to War
- 2pm - Suffragettes during WWI (presentation)
- 3pm - Suffragette Rally & March
- 3:30pm - Field Battle (1918 Scenario)
Sunday, April 12: Events 10am - 3pm
- 10:30am - Suffragettes during WWI (presentation)
- 11:30am - Suffragette Rally & March
- 12pm - Field Battle
- 12:30pm - 2:00pm - Trench Tours
- 1pm - 2nd City Celebrates the Music of WWI
- 2:15pm - Woods Battle: Camp Grant Goes to War
Check this web page regularly as the event date nears for up-to-date features and activities.
For those interested in the Great War: WWI School Day – exclusive to school and home school groups – on Friday, April 10th , please visit our site, here.
Questions? Call 815-397-9112.