About This Festival

The Stone's Trace Pioneer Festival and Fall Rendezvous in Ligonier, Noble County, Indiana, is a cultural and heritage event held annually in early September, specifically September 6-7 in 2025. The festival celebrates early American settler and pioneer life through historical reenactments, craft demonstrations, music, food, and various hands-on activities. It takes place at the historic Stone's Trace site, home to Richard Stone, the second white settler in Noble County, located at SR 5 & US 33 across from West Noble School.

Event Atmosphere and Surroundings:
The festival creates an immersive pioneer village experience with settlers' encampments, black-powder shooting events, and demonstrations that recreate life in the 1800s. The environment is family-friendly and educational, set among historic buildings like Stone's Tavern and open grounds suitable for picnicking and nature enjoyment. The vibe is lively and engaging, with a focus on hands-on learning about pioneer skills and crafts.

Key Activities and Attractions:

  • Reenactments and Living History:

    • Pioneer camp life with the Stone's Trace Regulators and Midwest Muzzle Loading events
    • Demonstrations of black-powder shooting skills
    • Frontiersman camp and long hunter's cabins

  • Craft and Skill Demonstrations:

    • Blacksmithing
    • Tomahawk and knife skills
    • Primitive archery
    • Weaving, felting, needlepoint, quilting, rug weaving and hooking
    • Leatherwork and wood carving
    • Pottery, pewter casting, and tinsmithing
    • Basket weaving and chair caning
    • Maple syrup making and bee keeping

  • Trading and Shops:

    • Sutler shops offering historical goods
    • Blanket trader and herbs
    • Folk toys and duck decoys

  • Music and Food:
    Period music performances and traditional pioneer foods are available to enhance the immersive experience.

Rough Schedule:
While a detailed hourly schedule was not fully accessible, the festival officially runs from Saturday and Sunday, roughly 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day. Activities are spread across the grounds, with encampments, craft stations, and shooting demonstrations happening throughout daylight hours.

Event History and Mission:
Stone's Trace Historical Society, established in 1964, manages the site and the festival with a mission "to give the past a future." Stone's Trace itself is an important historic site commemorating early settlers, including the Stone family and other pioneer influences. The festival connects visitors to Indiana pioneer heritage through education and celebration.

Admission and Accessibility:
Admission is $8 for ages 12 and up, with children under 11 admitted free. The event is handicapped accessible. Visitors are encouraged to contact the site for more information and site rentals for parties or weddings.

In sum, the Stone's Trace Pioneer Festival is a multifaceted event combining historical education, cultural activities, and community celebration, offering a rich pioneer experience in a charming historic setting near Ligonier, Indiana.