Hills Fort Rendezvous

10/03/2026

09/13/2026

We were happy to have some more modern visitors at the fort today! Thank you Chris Harnetiaux for our wonderful morning sermon and Thang Ho Photography for capturing some great shots of our last day!

09/13/2026

🌧️ Due to increased chances of rain after lunchtime, we will be closing early at 12:00 noon today out of an abundance of caution and to make sure our participants with long travels make it home safe and dry. We would like to thank everyone who came out and made this weekend great and hope to see you all again next year!

09/13/2026

Today is your absolute final chance to experience the living history, thunderous iron, and deep community spirit of the Hill's Fort Rendezvous before the camp packs up and the smoke clears! Sunday brings a special energy to the fort grounds, blending authentic frontier traditions, hearty cooking, and black powder action into one incredible grand finale.

​Sunday's Must-See Lineup:
✝️​10:30 AM – Non-Denominational Church Service: Gather around as Chris Harnetiaux leads a classic, open-air frontier worship service. It's a peaceful, grounding moment on the fort grounds that brings the whole community and reenactor camp together.

🔥​Open-Fire Cooking Samples: Follow the aroma of hardwood smoke to the pioneer hearths. Taste historic frontier recipes cooked over open flames in cast-iron Dutch ovens—you won't get flavor like this anywhere else!

💣 ​Live Shooting Demonstration: Hear the roar and see the flash of period black powder ri**es! Experience firsthand the raw power and marksmanship that kept early settlers safe on the Illinois frontier.

🍗 Hog Stalkers BBQ breakfast and lunch with mouthwatering, low-and-slow pit barbecue packed with deep, smoky flavor. Known for tender pulled pork and juicy brisket cooked over real hardwood, every bite pairs rich wood-smoke notes with signature savory-sweet sauces for an authentic, crowd-pleasing feast.

​Once the final salute echoes across the field, the gates close until next year. Grab your friends, bring the family, and come make the most of the rendezvous's big finale!

09/13/2026

Whew! What a great second day!

We hope y'all had a great time and are ready for day 3!

A little less in the schedule, but you'll hear a great message from Chris Harnetiaux as he leads our church at 10:30 am.

This evening we had our first cook-off with special judges: Rosemary Oglesby of the Hill's Fort Society, Billie Worstell of Hog Stalkers BBQ , and Laura Harmon Schreckenberg.

Our winner was Eric Huber with his delicious burgoo stew!

Be sure to check out our schedule for tomorrow!!

FYI, if you missed Hog Stalkers today you get your chance tomorrow!!! Breakfast and Lunch are ready for you!!!

09/12/2026

Just a few scenes of the 2026 Hills Fort Rendezvous, happening now!
Currently there's a GRWM (get ready with me) happening at the small cabin as well as our craftsman/ladies, Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corps walk about, and more!

Hog Stalkers BBQ and Greenville Acres are set up and ready!

Come out and enjoy the American Farm Heritage Museum!

City of Greenville, Illinois Enjoy Illinois Discover Downstate Illinois Hills Fort Rendezvous Globe Theatre Hill's Fort Society Wgel Radio GET to Greenville IL

09/12/2026

09/12/2026

Kevin Kaegy’s program about Lydia Little Pursely, Tom Higgins, and the Battle at Hill's Fort.

Thank you to those who were able to attend and a very special thank you to Carol Wood, the 4th great granddaughter of Lydia, for attending!

Enjoy Illinois City of Greenville, Illinois Discover Downstate Illinois 2026 Hills Fort Rendezvous American Farm Heritage Museum Hills Fort Rendezvous