River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation

Lecture: Evolution of firearms in the Old Northwest
2024-06-05 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Detroit) | River Raisin National Battlefield Park Visitor Center, 333 North Dixie Highway, Monroe, MI, 48162, United States
Lecture: Evolution of Firearms in the Old Northwest
June 5
7:00-8:30pm

Presentation of the evolution of firearms used on the American frontier in the 18th and 19th Centuries by firearms historian Bruce Simmet.

River Raisin National Battlefield Park
Visitor Center: 333 N. Dixie Hwy., Monroe, MI 48162
For more information call: 734-243-7136

Intro to Historic Leatherworking Workshop: 18th Century Wallet
2024-06-09 12:00 - 17:00
Discover craftsmanship with 18th- and 19th-century tools and techniques. Participants learn the fundamentals of historic traditional trades, such as hornsmithing, leatherworking, sewing and fiber and woodworking. Each workshop will offer instruction and take home projects.
Class Offerings:
April 27, 2024 Introduction to Woodworking: 5 Board Bench | $50 per person
June 9, 2024 Introduction to Leatherworking: 18th Century Wallet | $40 per person
REGISTER HERE
For more information call (734) 243-7136 or email: info@battlefieldfoundation.org

LaCroix's Company of Michigan Territorial Militia Muster - CANCELLED
2024-06-22 11:00 - 16:00
LaCroix’s Company of Michigan Territorial Militia Muster:
Living History Encampment and Demonstrations
June 22, 2024
EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO HEAT INDEX CONCERN AND SAFETY OF OUR VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF
Living history encampment of the U.S. volunteers from Michigan Territory during the War of 1812. Musket and cannon firing demonstrations, local French habitant food ways, and camp life displays. Presented by the LaCroix’s Company and Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield. See schedule below.

SCHEDULE:
CANCELLED
Visitor Center will be OPEN 10am to 5pm
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
Visitor Center: 333 N. Dixie Hwy., Monroe, MI 48162
For more information call: 734-243-7136

Summer of 1812 Encampment
2024-07-13 09:00 - 16:00
Summer of 1812: Living History Encampment and Demonstrations
July 13, 2024
9am-4pm

River Raisin National Battlefield Park presents “Summer of 1812″, a living history army encampment at River Raisin National Battlefield Park on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 9am until 4pm.
The American army is on the move. See history come alive as these early war volunteers are marching through Michigan Territory on their way to Detroit and an invasion of Canada in the Summer of 1812. See what soldier life was like as they complete all the necessary tasks of camp and learn to be effective fighters along with the local civilians who aided their advance during the first major campaign of the War of 1812.
Walk through the 1812 army encampment and see the variety of demonstrations, including black powder firing, period cooking, fortification construction and more!
Camps Open 9am-4pm, civilians-in-camp programs, military drills, soldier work details throughout the day. *Note date change to July 13 only.
Flintlock musket and rifle demonstrations at 11am, 12pm, and 2pm.
Location:
Visitor Center grounds of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park
333 North Dixie Highway
Monroe, MI 48162
For more information call: 734-243-7136
History of the Spring Muster & Anniversary of Captain Herbert Lacroix’s Company of Michigan Volunteers
At the start of the War of 1812, Michigan was defended by small garrisons of U.S. troops, backed up by the 1st & 2nd Michigan Militia Regiments and the Legionary Corps of Michigan Volunteers. These forces were soon joined by General Hull’s army of U.S. regulars and Ohio volunteers as they moved north through Michigan Territory on their way to Detroit and an Invasion of Canada.
At the River Raisin, Hubert Lacroix was elected captain of an 80-man company. Mustered into service on May 18, 1812, Lacroix’s Company became part of the Legionary Corps & was assigned to guard the settlement, escort the mails, and help build Hull’s Road to Detroit. Lacroix’s Company participated in General Hull’s opening campaign of the War of 1812, guiding the army, and participating in the Battles of Brownstown and Monguaga.

CANCELLED LaCroix's Company of Michigan Territorial Militia Muster
2024-08-17 11:00 - 16:00
IMPORTANT SPECIAL EVENTS UPDATE!
Due to extensive construction on the Visitor Center parking lot and surrounding grounds, the following special events have been CANCELLED for the month of August:

August 17th: LaCroix Company Living History
August 24th: National Park Service History Day

The Visitor Center will remain open during parking lot construction. Please follow posted signs for temporary parking and visitor entrances. Alerts and construction updates can be found at https://ow.ly/vJwh50SY0GX

LaCroix’s Company of Michigan Territorial Militia Muster:
Living History Encampment and Demonstrations
August 17, 2024
11am-4pm
Living history encampment of the U.S. volunteers from Michigan Territory during the War of 1812. Musket and cannon firing demonstrations, local French habitant food ways, and camp life displays. Presented by the LaCroix’s Company and Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield. See schedule below.

SCHEDULE:
11am Camps Open
4pm Camps Close

All demonstrations take place at field of Visitor Center at
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
Visitor Center: 333 N. Dixie Hwy., Monroe, MI 48162
For more information call: 734-243-7136

CANCELLED National Park Service History Day
2024-08-24 10:00 - 16:00
IMPORTANT SPECIAL EVENTS UPDATE!
Due to extensive construction on the Visitor Center parking lot and surrounding grounds, the following special events have been CANCELLED for the month of August:

August 17th: LaCroix Company Living History
August 24th: National Park Service History Day

The Visitor Center will remain open during parking lot construction. Please follow posted signs for temporary parking and visitor entrances. Alerts and construction updates can be found at https://ow.ly/vJwh50SY0GX

National Park Service History Day
August 24, 2024
10am-4pm
Celebrating the 108th Anniversary of the National Park Service. Living history encampment of the Civilian Conversation Corp (CCC), Park Rangers through the ages, NPS Trivia and special Junior Ranger Programs.

SCHEDULE:
10am Activities begin
4pm Activities end

Event will take place at field of Visitor Center at
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
Visitor Center: 333 N. Dixie Hwy., Monroe, MI 48162
For more information call: 734-243-7136

Member's Only Event: National Park Service Birthday
2024-08-25 17:00 - 19:00
River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation Member’s Only Event August 25, 2024 5-7PM
Foundation members are invited to celebrate the National Park Service Birthday at the Visitor Center. Light refreshments will be served, games can be played, and new films available to premier for our Members Only! Members are invited to bring a guest for prospective membership.
Not a member, get your membership online at www.thebattlefield.org or stop in the Gift Shop to purchase yours today!
REGISTER HERE: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTg1NDI0

Harvest on the Raisin
2024-10-19 10:00 - 16:00
The River Raisin National Battlefield Park will host the Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield’s annual Harvest on the Raisin event on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Join us as the habitants of Frenchtown celebrate the harvest and prepare for winter with historic foodways and trade demonstrations. This is a free outdoor event for the whole family. Programs include crafts, tomahawk throwing, blacksmithing and woodworking demonstrations, period games and much more. For more details call (734) 243-7136 or visit: thebattlefield.org
Location:
Visitor Center grounds of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park
333 North Dixie Highway
Monroe, MI 48162
For more information call: 734-243-7136

Wyandotte Days Field Trips
2024-11-04 - 2024-11-08
November 4-8, 2024
Wyandotte Nation hosts cultural Field Trips at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park for Native American Heritage Month. Students will learn native ways by exploring hands on activities, listening to elders and participating in the harvest at the Visitor Center of the park.
For more information contact:
Josh Adams, Academic Liaison for River Raisin National Battlefield Park
Monroe County Intermediate School District
(734) 342-8777
josh.adams@monroeisd.us
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
333 N. Dixie Hwy, Monroe, MI 48162
(734) 243-7136

Tomahawk Challenge Fund A Need Event
2024-11-07 17:30 - 20:30
presents the
Tomahawk Challenge
Fund A Need Fundraiser
Thursday, November 7, 2024
5:30pm-8:30pm
Held at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Visitor Center, 333 N. Dixie Hwy, Monroe, MI 48162
Proceeds fund a need for the “Batteau & Don’t Rock the Boat” activity/station exhibits and Foundation operational funding.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Click Here!
Admission: $30 per person ( includes Hors d’oeuvres and one drink ticket)
$27 per Foundation Member
Come witness Teams from local organizations battle for the 2024 Championship to earn a trophy and bragging rights for one year!
Wyandot of Anderdon is the team to beat, the 2023 Champions!
Experiences Raffle: $25 per ticket, 3 tickets for $50
Some of the experiences to be raffled:

DTE Eagle Tour
La-Z-Boy Gift Certificate
Capitol Tour with Sen. Joe Bellino with lunch

Bulova Wall Clock from Carroll Ochs Jewelers
Explore Dundee including $100 Cabelas’s Gift Card
Axe Throwing for 4 people
Make Family Memories Video Transfer Gift Certificate
Dinner cooked in your home
Tour Michigan Beers from Around the State
Dine around Monroe Gift Cards
Theater Tickets … and more!

50/50 Raffle: $5 for 5 tickets, $10 for arm-length
Play games of long ago; card tables, shut the box
Wyandotte Nation demonstrations

See the progress of the Education Center
Refreshments: Hors d’oeuvres, Cash Bar

Call the Foundation: (734) 243-7136 for more information.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! Click here!

HUNTER SPONSORS

MAYOR ROBERT AND VALERIE CLARK

FISHER SPONSORS

TRAPPER SPONSORS
Al’s Cabinet Shop

Military Display for Veteran's Day
2024-11-11 09:00 - 2024-11-18 17:00
Military Display for Veteran’s Day
November 11-18, 2024

The River Raisin National Battlefield will be hosting a military display in honor of Veteran’s Day in the Visitor Center. The display will highlight the evolution of the gear of the individual soldier. Starting with the Revolutionary War and moving along to current day. The visitor will see the gear carried by soldiers and marines. Display is during Park hours, 9am to 5pm daily beginning November 11th through November 18th. For more details call (734) 243-7136.

Intermediate Leather Working Historic Trades Workshop
2024-11-23 10:00 - 15:00
POSTPONED TO 2025
NOVEMBER 23, 2024
A Leather Working course is planned for the next Historic Trades Workshop. Students will be making an 18th Century hunting pouch. This is a good intermediate project for folks with some leather working experience.

RiverBots III Signature Event VEX Robotics Dec 6-9 and 13-16, 2024
2024-12-06 - 2024-12-16
The Event Center at the Visitor Center of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park will host the 3rd Annual RiverBots 2024, aVEX Robotics Signature Event, on December 6-9, 13-16, 2024. The public is invited to attend. Signature Event schedule shown below.

VEX IQ “Rapid Relay” Elementary School
December 6-7

VEX IQ “Rapid Relay” Middle School
December 8-9

VEX V5 “High Stakes” High School
December 13-14

VEX U College
December 14-15

VEX V5 “High Stakes” Middle School
December 15-16
https://www.robotevents.com/robot-competitions
Volunteers welcomed, login to robotevents.com to register. Food Trucks open to the public during event dates.
Venue: The Event Center in the Visitor Center – River Raisin National Battlefield Park, 333 N. Dixie Hwy, Monroe, MI 48162. Park Visitor Center Hours: 9am-5pm, daily.Parking in designated spaces in Visitor Center parking lot, or overflow parking area on the corner of N. Dixie Hwy. and Noble Ave.

French Noel
2024-12-07 13:00 - 16:00
Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield present

French Noel
December 7, 2024 – Saturday
1pm to 4pm
Visitor Center
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
333 N. Dixie Hwy, Monroe, MI 48162
Call (734) 243-7136 for more information.

Fantastic Family Movie Night by the City of Monroe Parks & Recreation
2025-01-10 18:15 - 19:45
Fantastic Family Movie Nights in partnership with the Great Start Collaborative offers Children’s activities, FREE Movies, light concessions, and more family fun inside the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Visitor Center. Movie begins promptly at 6:15pm with children’s organizations activities from 5:00-6:00pm.
Registration link: Fantastic Family Movie Nights January 26, 2025

River Raisin Battles Commemoration
2025-01-18 09:00 - 17:00

Military History Lecture
2025-01-22 19:00 - 20:00

Cabin Fever Beach Party by City of Monroe Parks and Recreation
2025-02-07 18:00 - 20:00
Cabin Fever Beach Party hosted by the City of Monroe Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Great Start Collaborative. We are bringing some fun and sun to the cold month of February so pick out some summer or beach-y attire and join the party for music and dancing with DJ Big Mike of Totally Focused Entertainment Company, along with kids games and activities by local organizations inside the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Visitor Center.
Registration link: Cabin Fever Beach Party February 7, 2025

CANCELLED Native American History Lecture Dr. Martin Hershock
2025-02-26 19:00 - 20:00
CANCELLATION NOTICE:
We are sorry to report Dr. Hershock has cancelled the lecture. Please return to our event page to see future lectures.

Native Storytelling 10am
2025-03-01 10:00 - 12:00
Pre-registration required, call (734) 243-7136
Groups limited to 30 people. Storytelling FREE approx. 2 hour long per session. Craft Cost: $5/per person.
The Wyandot of Anderdon and River Raisin National Battlefield Park Program.

Native Storytelling 1pm
2025-03-01 13:00 - 15:00

Siege of Fort Meigs Program Speaker Series
2025-04-16 19:00 - 20:00
Siege of Fort Meigs presented by Ashley Phlipot
Join us as Ashley Phlipot, executive director at Fort Meigs Historic Site, presents Siege at For Meigs on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 7:00pm in the Visitor Center theater. This event is free and open to the public.

Location:
Visitor Center
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
333 N. Dixie Hwy.
Monroe, MI 48162
For more information call: (734) 243-7136

Foundation Members Only Night
2025-04-25 06:00 - 20:00
SAVE THE DATE: April 25, 2025
Members Only Night
It’s National Park’s Week April 19-27, 2025!
Members Only nights are for River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation members and their guests. Get the inside scoop on new developments, door prizes, snacks and fun activities among other perks, like 10% off in the gift shop!
Please register: https://riverraisinfoundation.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjMwODE2
For more information: (734) 243-7136 ext 171 or info@battlefieldfoundation.org

Event Center: Young Entrepreneur Showcase
2025-05-07 17:00 - 19:30
Generation E Showcase
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
5:00-7:30pm

Co-Hosts: Monroe Public Schools and Generation E Institute
Event Center
Inside the Visitor Center of the
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
333 N. Dixie Hwy.
Monroe, MI 48162

31st Michigan Model-A Roundup
2025-05-16 17:00 - 19:30
Michigan Model-A Roundup

Hosted by Floral City Model-A Region, Monroe, Michigan
“Come and See” the 1928-1931 Model-A Fords
Location:
Visitor Center Parking Lot
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
333 N. Dixie Hwy.
Monroe, MI 48162

AmVets Post 1942 Fallen of Monroe County Display
2025-05-24 - 2025-05-26
On May 24-26, 2025 the Corl-Gaynier AmVets Post 1942 of Monroe, Michigan will erect 800 tombstones to represent the Fallen of Monroe County on the Visitor Center grounds at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park. The display will take place on Memorial Day weekend to remember and honor Monroe County’s fallen.

Military Chaplain Display by Bob Heskett
2025-05-24 - 2025-05-26
Mark your calendar to visit the River Raisin National Battlefield Park during Memorial Day weekend for displays indoors and out to remember and honor the fallen. The exhibit inside the Visitor Center of the park will feature several Military Chaplain displays of altar fittings used on base or ships with uniforms. Collector Bob Heskett will be on hand to share the stories of the clergy who were experienced religious leaders dedicated to serving soldiers and their families. Visitor Center hours are 9am to 5pm, daily.
For more information call (734) 243-7136.

Grand Opening Gala: Education Center Preview, Donor Recognition Dinner, and Great Lakes Art Exhibition Opening
2025-06-20 17:00 - 20:30
The River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation
invites you to
Grand Opening Gala
Friday, June 20th, 2025
5:00pm – 8:30pm
River Raisin Education Center Grand Opening Preview,
Donor Recognition,
Great Lakes Past & Present Art Exhibition Opening,
Dinner and Fundraiser
River Raisin Education Center presented by La-Z-Boy Foundation
Opening to the Public for the 15th Anniversary of the
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
Special Guests: The Honorable Chief Glenna Wallace Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma and the Honorable Chief Billy Friend of the Wyandotte Nation
Special Donor Recognition Wall Unveiling
TICKETS
Get your advanced tickets now online or at the Visitor Center, tickets will not be sold at the door.
Ticket includes admission to Grand Opening Gala, dinner, and one complimentary beverage.
Individual (1) One Advanced Ticket: $50.00 or
Couples (2) Two Advanced Tickets: $90.00 (1 purchase per transaction)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS NOW

FUNDRAISERS DURING GRAND OPENING GALA:

-Great Lakes Themed Painted Rocks Auction by Local Artists
-Silent Auction

TEN Different WPA Style National Park Posters Signed and Numbered by artist Robert Decker
Michigan Beer Pack donated by Molly Coy
STIHL Battery Powered Pressure Washer donated by Leckler’s

-50/50 Raffle
-Cash Bar
Help us raise funds to support Grand Opening activities made FREE to the public, artwork program, and Foundation operations
Ticket includes admission to Grand Opening Gala, dinner, and one complimentary beverage.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS NOW
Fundraising proceeds will directly support artwork, educational programming and Foundation operations.

VENUE:
Visitor Center
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
333 N. Dixie Hwy, Monroe, MI 48162
For more information contact: (734) 243-7136 or info@battlefieldfoundation.org
June 20-22, 2025 Grand Opening Events online at: www.thebattlefield.org
Call Foundation for more information: (734) 243-7136

MAJOR SPONSORS

DTE Energy Foundation Energy Foundation

La-Z-Boy

PARK PARTNERS SPONSORS
Allen Chevrolet Cadillac of Monroe

William H. Braunlich and Michael R. Meyer
Doug and Diane Chaffin
Consumers Energy
ITC Holdings Corp.
ProMedica

SUPPORTERS SPONSORS
Al’s Cabinet Shop
The Honorable Robert E. & Valerie Clark
Fluid Equipment Development Co.
KC Logistics
Don & Lorna Lieto
Michigan Gas Utilities
MCCU

Monroe Superstore

National Parks Conservation Association

Rotary Club

Sieb Plumbing Sieb Plumbing & Heating – In Memory of Richard A. Sieb
UA Local 671 Monroe
Wyandot of Anderdon

FRIENDS SPONSORS
Molly & Todd Coy
DRC Cleaning Solutions
Keith Masserant
Mid-American Group

Rick & Susan Vanisacker

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS NOW
Visitor Center
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
333 N. Dixie Hwy, Monroe, MI 48162
For more information contact: (734) 243-7136 or info@battlefieldfoundation.org

"Great Lakes Past and Present" 6th Annual Art Exhibition & Sales
2025-06-21 - 2025-07-20
Great Lakes Past and Present 6th annual Art Exhibition
6th Annual Art Exhibition
June 21-July 20, 2025
Daily, 9am-5pm (Free)
during Visitor Center Hours
at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park
Stroll thru a gallery exhibition of Great Lakes Past and Present works of art at the Visitor Center of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park. Artwork will be available for sale during the exhibition curated by Darlene Belair, Brandy Gerber, and Becky Mullins.
GRAND OPENING GALA TICKET INFORMATION
For more information contact: (734) 243-7136 or info@battlefieldfoundation.org

Rally on the Raisin Military Living History Timeline
2025-06-21 09:00 - 17:00
Join us for the Rally on the Raisin June 21-22, 2025!

Now Recruiting Living History Troops!
Participants for the Rally on the Raisin Living History Timeline should contact Ranger Joseph Dowd at Joseph_Dowd@nps.gov or call (734) 243-7136

Event held in conjunction with the River Raisin Education Center Grand Opening weekend of events June 20-22, 2025.
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
MAJOR SPONSORS

DTE Energy Foundation Energy Foundation

La-Z-Boy

PARK PARTNERS SPONSORS
Allen Chevrolet Cadillac of Monroe

William H. Braunlich and Michael R. Meyer
Doug and Diane Chaffin
Consumers Energy
ITC Holdings Corp.
ProMedica

SUPPORTERS SPONSORS
Al’s Cabinet Shop
The Honorable Robert E. & Valerie Clark
Fluid Equipment Development Co.
KC Logistics
Don & Lorna Lieto
Michigan Gas Utilities
MCCU

Monroe Superstore

National Parks Conservation Association

Rotary Club

Sieb Plumbing Sieb Plumbing & Heating – In Memory of Richard A. Sieb
UA Local 671 Monroe
Wyandot of Anderdon

FRIENDS SPONSORS
Molly & Todd Coy
DRC Cleaning Solutions
Keith Masserant
Mid-American Group

Rick & Susan Vanisacker
