Historic Re-enactment

The 27th annual Platteville Historic Re-enactment returns to Mound View Park on September 5-7. Held since 1998, the three-day Platteville Historic Re-enactment showcases the history of America’s Upper Mississippi Valley from 1750 to 1840, featuring educators, artisans, and re-enactors taking part in a diverse encampment welcoming some 3,000 visitors per year. With one full day focused on welcoming schools and two days welcoming the general public, the Historic Re-enactment is one of the most popular attractions of Dairy Days weekend each September. The presenters of this event create a camp in Mound View Park and take pride in its educational and participatory spirit. Each of nearly 30 camp sites represents a team of historians and educators who focus on a particular historical theme. Some have participated since the inaugural event, with additional presenters bringing fresh and expanded interpretation with each passing year.

Platteville’s re-enactment highlights the unique and diverse history of the Upper Mississippi Valley region. It allows us to step back to a time before Wisconsin became a territory (1836) to see who played a role in creating our regional identity. There is no admission fee, but free-will donations are encouraged and a silent auction for hand-crafted history-related items will be held.

Camp hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, September 5, which emphasizes student tours for schools. Weekend hours include 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Mound View Park is located on the city’s northeast side at the intersection of Madison Street and Broadway Street (County Road B).