July 30-August 1, 2026
Thursday, July 30
Things kick off with Katie Camp, a three-day adventure for children ages 6 to 12. Three half-day sessions (Thursday and Friday afternoon and Saturday morning) will enable youth to follow in the footsteps of Katie, the young girl who is the subject of Lisa Mueller Howard and Joan Mueller Peters book series. It will be held on the museum and arboretum grounds. Space is limited to 20, so early registration is encouraged by contacting HHM&A (605-925-7545 ) or emailing lisa@heritagehallmuseum.com. Registrations close July 17.
Thursday evening, the Freeman Prairie Arboretum and HHM&A will sponsor a trivia night. It will be held at the Prairie Arboretum Visitor Center starting at 7:30, with opportunity for up to 10 teams (up to six members each) to participate. The four rounds will include questions on national, state and local history. Refreshments will be available. The winning team will receive half of the total collected $25-per-team registration fees; the other half will go to arboretum and museum projects. Teams are asked to register with the museum by either stopping in, calling, or emailing tim@heritagehallmuseum.com.

Friday, July 31
In addition to the museum’s extended hours, a Friday evening program – “Freeman’s Food Traditions; Chislic & Schmeckfest” – will be presented by museum staff Marnette D. Hofer and Tim L. Waltner at 7:30 at historical Bethel Church.
The Freeman Lions will be serving hot dogs, chili dogs, sloppy joes and root beer floats from 4 to 7 on Friday evening, July 31, at the Freeman Senior Citizens Center.

Saturday, Aug. 1
Saturday will include a number of special activities at the museum, including “Heritage Pickers,” artisan demonstrations and activities for youth, similar to what has been shared during past Schmeckfests. Watch for more details in the upcoming weeks.
The arboretum will be hosting pinball games at the Prairie Arboretum Visitors Center from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The pinball games are The Champion Pub (1998), Taxi (1988), Fishtales (1992), Dirty Harry (1995), Rollergames (1990), and F14 Tomcat (1987). Donations will be accepted to benefit the arboretum.
A car/motorcycle/tractor show will start at noon as a free “show and shine” at the museum/arboretum grounds. Although pre-registration is encouraged, there is no entry fee. Anyone is welcome to bring a vehicle starting at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Kevin Albrecht – 605-661-0650 or Kevin Waltner – 605-661-4958.
The arboretum is bringing food trucks to the grounds to serve both arboretum and museum guests: Armando’s Tacos, Backyard BBQ, Berrybrook Ice Cream and Sheep Flockers.
Saturday evening, Courier editor and publisher Jeremy Waltner will present “Tradition, Tragedy & Titles; Freeman’s Top Ten Stories” at the historical Bethel Church starting at 7:30 p.m.