HISTORICAL HIJINKS! Explore the Chippewa Valley's fur trade and logging era at this popular historic event.

Any museum will offer a physical depiction of history, either through artifacts or art, but the Past Passed Here brings local history to life in an interactive exploration of times long ago.

This year will mark 21 years of the event and the fourth year it’s been held in Chippewa Falls’ Marshall Park, where the Valley’s fur trade and logging eras will become tactile and engaging for audiences of all ages. “Adults and children will enjoy their journey back in time exploring dozens of fur trade era camps that portray life in the Chippewa Valley 150 years ago,” said Jim Schuh, coordinator of the event, which will run May 10-12. Over the years, more than 12,600 school children have become immersed in the experience.

For the intricacy and specificity of the history exhibited, those involved are dedicated to portraying the fur trade and logging eras with specialized accuracy. “Many of our authentic reenactors have been involved since this living history event began 21 years ago,” Schuh said. “They travel from all over the Midwest to demonstrate and explain pioneer life and survival skills as well as games they played back in the 1800s.”

The event will feature classic historic-themed food and shopping options, as well as the renowned “Voyageur Stew” to provide the energy needed to participate in voyageur camp demonstrations such as rope making, blacksmithing, Dutch-oven cooking, wood carving, and many other displays and demonstrations of the eras. However, audiences are in for a treat this year with the new addition of the voyageur canoe photo station, where participants can take a photo “inside” a voyageur canoe. With so much to do, it is no wonder why the camp stretches over three days: May 10-12.

The Past Passed Here will be open to the public at Marshall Park in Chippewa Falls on Friday, May 10, from 3pm to 6pm; Saturday, May 11, from 9am to 6pm; and Sunday, May 12 from 11am to 4pm • Admission is $6 for each adult or $15 for a family (children under age 5 are free)