About This Festival

Event Overview: Trail of Courage Living History Festival

The Trail of Courage Living History Festival is a premier annual cultural heritage event held in Rochester, Fulton County, Indiana, at the Fulton County Historical Society grounds, approximately four miles north of Rochester at the intersection of US 31 and County Road 375 North. This immersive festival transports visitors to the pre-1840 era, focusing on the French-Indiana War, Revolutionary War, and the Western Fur Trade, with a special emphasis on the period before the forced removal of the Potawatomi along the Trail of Death.

Area Surrounding the Event

Rochester, the closest town, is a small, historic community in northern Indiana, known for its vibrant local culture and proximity to the scenic Tippecanoe River. The festival grounds are rural, set among rolling fields and woodlands, providing an authentic backdrop for the living history encampments. The Fulton County Historical Society maintains a Living History Village and museum on site, enriching the experience with additional exhibits and educational resources. While the area is primarily agricultural, the festival draws visitors from across the Midwest, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere in the countryside.

Vibe and Atmosphere

The festival has a family-friendly, educational, and participatory vibe. Attendees are encouraged to step back in time, interact with reenactors, and experience daily life as it was for Native Americans, settlers, and traders before 1840. The scent of food cooked over wood fires, the sound of period music, and the sight of authentic crafts and trades create an engaging, sensory-rich environment. Volunteers and participants dress in period-appropriate clothing, and the event fosters a sense of community, curiosity, and respect for history.

Activities and Schedule

Activities

  • Living History Encampments: Authentic camps depicting Native American, pioneer, and fur trade life, including teepees, wigwams, and historic dwellings.
  • Foods Cooked Over Open Fires: Sample traditional foods prepared using period methods.
  • Muzzleloading Competitions: Demonstrations and contests featuring historic firearms.
  • Traditional Crafts and Skills: Hands-on demonstrations of blacksmithing, weaving, basket-making, and more.
  • Indian and Pioneer Dancing: Performances and participatory dances, including scheduled Indian dances.
  • Canoe Rides: Explore the Tippecanoe River by canoe, weather permitting.
  • Historic Trading: Experience pre-1850s fur trade and barter systems.
  • Period Music and Entertainment: Live performances by bagpipe, fife and drum corps, Aztec dancers, and other musicians on two main stages.
  • Educational Programs: Talks, reenactments, and history lessons on topics relevant to the era.
  • Authenticity Competitions: Judges evaluate camps, booths, and participant clothing for historical accuracy.
  • Crafts for Children: Family-friendly activities and games.

Rough Schedule

Saturday, September 20, 2025 (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

  • 10:00 a.m.: Festival opens to the public; living history camps, crafts, and food stations begin.
  • Morning/Afternoon: Continuous demonstrations (blacksmithing, weaving, muzzleloading, etc.), trading, and canoe rides.
  • 2:00–4:00 p.m.: Indian dances and pioneer dancing performances.
  • All Day: Music on two stages (Bagpipes, Fife and Drum Corps, Aztec Dancers), historic programs, and children’s activities.

Sunday, September 21, 2025 (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

  • 10:00 a.m.: Festival resumes; encampments, crafts, and food continue.
  • Morning/Afternoon: Ongoing demonstrations, trading, and family activities.
  • 2:00–4:00 p.m.: Repeat of Indian and pioneer dances.
  • All Day: Music and historic programs on both stages.

Stage Locations

  • Chippeway Village Stage: Hosts a variety of music, dance, and educational programs.
  • Hillside Amphitheater Stage: Features additional performances and historical reenactments.

History and Founding

The Trail of Courage Living History Festival was founded to commemorate the rich and complex history of northern Indiana before the 1840s, particularly focusing on the interactions between Native Americans and European settlers. The festival’s name and theme also honor the memory of the Potawatomi people, who were forcibly removed from the region on the "Trail of Death." Through living history, music, dance, and education, the festival aims to preserve and share the stories, crafts, and traditions of this pivotal era.

Organized by the Fulton County Historical Society, the event has grown over the years to become a regional highlight, attracting thousands of visitors, school groups, and history enthusiasts. The festival’s commitment to authenticity, education, and community involvement has made it a beloved tradition, fostering a deeper understanding of the area’s heritage.

Admission and Accessibility

  • Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6–11), and free for children 5 and under.
  • Accessibility: The festival is handicapped accessible.
  • Prohibited: No dogs or animals are allowed except for service animals.

Contact

For more information, contact the Fulton County Historical Society at (574) 223-4436 or visit their website.

The Trail of Courage Living History Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and stories of early 19th-century Indiana, making history tangible for all ages.