Rails to Victory WW2 Reenactment

Wings to Victory 2026
From the Tracks to the Skies

Welcome

The engines are priming and the history is coming alive. Formerly known as "Rails to Victory," our 15 year WWII living history event is soaring into a new era at a brand-new hangar. Join us for Wings to Victory, a day of immersive tribute and action-packed education at the Wings and Wheels Museum in Poplar Grove. On June 6, 2026—the anniversary of D-Day—we aren't just looking back at history; we’re stepping into it.

Experience the Greatest Generation

We’ve packed the airfield with authentic experiences that span the home front to the front lines:

* The Encampment: Walk through a living military camp. Interact with reenactors, explore period-correct gear, and see how soldiers lived, ate, and prepared for the mission.
* The All-American Pastime: Grab a seat for a tribute to the Rockford Peaches. Watch a live exhibition of 1940s-style women’s baseball that captures the spirit of the AAGPBL.
*Tactical Demos & Displays: Get up close with vintage machinery and weaponry through narrated demonstrations by historical experts.
*The Afternoon Skirmish: Feel the rumble of history during our tactical battle simulation. Watch as Allied and Axis forces engage in a choreographed small-scale skirmish on the museum grounds.

This isn't just a museum visit—it's a time machine. Located at the historic Poplar Grove Airport, the atmosphere of vintage aviation provides the perfect backdrop for a day of remembrance and excitement.

Reenactors

Help us build a new tradition. Our goal is to make 2026 the launchpad for an annual weekend-long destination event. By attending this year, you’re helping ensure the stories of WWII stay grounded in our community for years to come.

Reenactors of all WWII impressions are invited to register at the following link: Wings To Victory Registration

About

The Wings& Wheels Museum at the Poplar Grove Airport in the Village of Poplar Grove is dedicated to transportation history spanning between the years of 1903 – 1957, our museum is located on the Poplar Grove Airport (C77) in northern Illinois and features 12 acres of land that are occupied by several early 20th century airplane hangars and automotive garages. Our buildings have been saved from destruction and relocated to our campus where they have been renovated for future generations to enjoy. Our mission focuses not only on preserving history, but also educating people and future generations on the history of wings and wheels.

The WWII Historical Re-enactment Society 'HRS' is an organization of over 1200 members from the US, Canada, and Europe. The mission of the HRS is to bring the history of World War Two to life with public displays, simulated battle, participation in parades, and a variety of other community activities. The HRS strives to honor and preserve the memory of those who served in World War Two, as well as preserve the artifacts of that period. The society focuses entirely on the military history of World War Two and has no sympathy for the ideology of nazism or fascism, and such beliefs are not welcome at HRS sponsored events.

A One-Day immersive WWII Living History Experience

Event Hours

Schedule

There's No Crying in Baseball!

See the famous Rockford Peaches play ball.

Museum Address

Wings to Victory 2026
From the Tracks to the Skies

Welcome

Experience the Greatest Generation

Reenactors

A One-Day immersive WWII Living History Experience

Event Hours

Schedule

There's No Crying in Baseball! See the famous Rockford Peaches play ball.

Museum Address

Wings to Victory 2026From the Tracks to the Skies

Welcome

Experience the Greatest Generation

Reenactors

There's No Crying in Baseball!

See the famous Rockford Peaches play ball.

Wings to Victory 2026
From the Tracks to the Skies