This weekend was our 10th annual Civil War Weekend at Hurricane's Valley Park.
This event is an excuse for a day off. Walking around the fields at Valley Park is suddenly like taking a trip back in time. You're allowed to walk around camp, where the soldiers camp out like they would have during the Civil War. It feels like spying on people from another time, and it's fascinating.
Cannons are set up on the battle fields, ready for war. However, I was surprised by the genteel manners of the men in uniform. I was quite pleased by the tipped hats and early morning greetings I received as I walked around. There's nothing quite like having a man in uniform bow slightly and say, "Good morning, ma'am. And how are you this fine day?" Yep, I'll admit it, I blushed a little!
There is a LOT to do here. You can take a ride on a horse drawn wagon. Enjoy some quiet time at the Ladies' Tea. Attend the military ball. Watch the raising of the colors (flags), see the dress parade, attend an 1800s style church service or shop among the Sutlers. You can stay busy here!
The main draw is the battle. This is, after all, a Civil WAR reenactment. Tactical demonstrations are given in dramatic fashion. Prepare to be awed.
All of this is available with no admittance fee, but donations are warmly accepted.
Please view the tour below, which are pictures taken by myself and my best friend Tina. Tina had the brilliant idea to take some pictures in a sepia tone and I ran with the idea as well. I was also pleased to find that Real Estate Shows had banjo music available, which seemed just right.


Sarah: Very nice tour, I enjoyed it. I'll have to spend some time this summer at the Old Fort Snelling historic site, where all summer they portray 1820s life at the fort, and grab some photos.
Jay