Celebrate the History of Fort Massac

The upcoming fall season means cooler days, beautiful fall trees, and the highly anticipated annual Fort Massac Encampment. This is the third largest event hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural resources (IDNR) and southern Illinois’ premier event. Between 80,000 and 100,000 visitors have made this a yearly tradition.

Join the festivities on October 15 and 16 as this funfilled Ohio River town brings history to life. Prepare to take a step back in time because everything on the grounds must prove to be something that was, or could have been available during the early 1700s. Get ready for the blasts from the cannons, the beat of the drums, and tasty authentic treats. Stroll the paths to find blanket and fur traders, craftsmen, and merchants with unique goods and trinkets of all sorts. Children’s activities, military camps, historical reenactors, and live music will transform the grounds of Fort Massac into exciting realistic scenes of the yesteryear.

One of the biggest attractions of the Encampment is the battle. At 3pm on both days, observe military tactics and maneuvers that would have been used by the soldiers during that time. Reenactors spend countless hours honing their skills to ensure everything from their actions to uniforms is true to the era. Their realistic portrayal of the battles makes spectators feel as if they are truly on the battlefield. Whether this is your first or tenth visit, the battle is a must-see event!

“The tradition of this entire event keeps people coming back year after year,” said Trish Steckenrider, Director of Tourism for Metropolis. “It’s always the same weekend with fantastic events and delicious, amazing food. The Encampment is part of the rhythm of the seasons in southern Illinois”

Pets are allowed, but they must be on a leash at all times. Any deposits left behind by pets need to be immediately picked up by the owner. Keep in mind there will be a huge crowd as well as very loud noises. If your pet isn’t accustomed to cannon and muzzleloader booms, it may be best to leave them safely at home.

Not only is the Encampment a lot of fun, but it is also the primary fundraiser for many of the local non-profit organizations represented as food vendors. Bring your appetite and cash! Some of the vendors accept credit cards, but not all. Parking on the Fort Massac property is free and a shuttle service will bring you directly to the event. Visit metropolistourism.com/fortmassacencampment or call 618.524.5025 for more information. 