Wakely Historical Site

Category: Pioneer (Page 1 of 2)

Historic Encampment

Saturday & Sunday, October 4th & October 5th, 2025 | Cost: Free

  • Travel back in time to experience the sights, sounds, and even the smells of 18th century life at a French outpost during the fur trade era. Witness skilled artisans demonstrating traditional crafts and trades that were essential for survival, from tanning hides to forging iron tools. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of the era as participants dressed in authentic reproductions of clothing worn by people from all walks of life in the 18th century. Be dazzled by the splendid and precise military drills of the French soldiers.
  • Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm | 9:00am to 2:00pm
  • Where: Historic Point Basse | 364 Wakely Road | Nekoosa WI 54457


Take in the scents of the 18th century, from the sweet fragrances of kettles simmering over open fires to the pungent smell of wood smoke. Catch the whiff of molten lead, hot iron, and black powder mingling with the aroma of melting candle wax. Savor the flavors from another time as participants prepare traditional foods over an open fire, including parched wild rice with maple sugar, spiced apple cider, and roasted pumpkins filled with blueberries and cranberries. Get a taste of history as you experience life as it was lived centuries ago.

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Pioneer Festival

Saturday, June 7th, & Sunday, June 8th, 2025 | Cost: Adults $5.00 -Students $3.00 – Pre-School & Members Free

  • The Point Basse Pioneer Festival is the premier event at Historic Point Basse. The 2-day event is open to the public and takes place the second full weekend in June
  • Time: 10:00am-5:00pm | 10:00am-4:00pm
  • Where: Historic Point Basse | 364 Wakely Road | Nekoosa WI 5445


Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of a bygone era at this exciting festival. Immerse yourself in history as you participate in the activities of the day, from watching expert craftsmen demonstrate their period techniques to savoring delicious period foods that will transport your taste buds to another time. Don’t forget to visit the Civil War area and watch the cannons being shot off along the river. Take part in the Tomahawk Throw or enjoy afternoon Tea at Two. The festival offers fun for the whole family, with exciting enactments that will bring history to life right before your eyes!

Abraham Lincoln addressing the crowd

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