We love stopping and exploring forts, but truly lucked out this weekend by stopping in Fort Atkinson! Living history weekend there, and we got to see volunteers in period costumes, living and working at the fort, explaining what they were doing and how they did it "Back in the Day". Loved seeing the soldiers muster, the women who were weaving and churning butter, the cabinet maker with his antique tools - it was so much fun! Some great trails to hike and see some other hidden gems (cabins and gardens), terrific display at the Visitor Center although there is an admission fee. Kudos to the foundation for recreating such an important part of history - and remember to cover your ears when they fire off the cannon, it is much louder than I expected!
Living history is not every weekend, recommend you check their website for when they have that opportunity: http://www.fortatkinsononline.org/

This was the largest fort in the West. It is now mostly rebuilt in it's original form. In the spring and summer they have living historians there depicting life in the fort. This is very educational for adults and children as well. The living history weekends are the first weekend in the month, and occassionlly the weekend is split - Saturday in one month and Sunday of next. You might check their website or call to ensure the weekend is open. The only catch, you have to purchase a Nebraska park permit - - one day 5.00 which is sold on site.