Friends of Old Falls Village, Inc.

A historical reenactment scene with three people dressed in colonial-era clothing, sitting on a blanket outdoors near a historical house with tents in the background. One person is engaged in a craft activity, possibly knitting or sewing, while the others watch.
Download our Annual Report

2025 Guest Survey Summary – Old Falls Village Park Events


Prepared by: Friends of Old Falls Village Park
Season Covered: 2025 Event Season

Executive Summary

Guest surveys from the 2025 season demonstrate that Old Falls Village Park has become a highly valued regional destination for living history, education, and family-friendly community events. Across seven major events—World War II, Vietnam 1960s, World War I, Revolutionary War Days, Renaissance Faire, Pirate Fest, and Spooky Walk—feedback was consistently positive, with strong intent to return and recommend events to others.

Guests repeatedly praised the authenticity of reenactments, the quality of presenters and volunteers, and the immersive historic setting of the park. Importantly, each event attracted a significant percentage of first-time visitors, including out-of-town and out-of-state guests, demonstrating a measurable tourism impact for Menomonee Falls.

Key Findings

✔ Educational & Cultural Impact

  • Living-history demonstrations and reenactments were the top-rated feature at every historical event.

  • Guests valued hands-on learning, storytelling, and the ability to speak directly with reenactors.

  • Parents and grandparents frequently cited children becoming newly interested in history.

✔ Community & Tourism Value

  • Approximately 25–55% of guests at events were first-time visitors to Old Falls Village Park.

  • Multiple events attracted visitors traveling 50–100+ miles, including out-of-state attendance.

  • Guests indicated they would return for other events and encourage friends and family to attend.

✔ Volunteer & Reenactor Excellence

  • Reenactors and volunteers were consistently described as knowledgeable, welcoming, and passionate.

  • Interaction with presenters was a defining feature separating OFVP events from traditional festivals.

✔ Event Diversity Works

  • New and themed events (Pirate Fest, Renaissance Faire, Spooky Walk) successfully broadened the park’s audience beyond traditional reenactment attendees.

  • Guests explicitly supported the continued growth and diversification of programming.

Overall Conclusion

Survey results clearly indicate that Friends of Old Falls Village Park events are:

  • Delivering strong educational outcomes

  • Supporting tourism and local economic activity

  • Enhancing community pride and cultural awareness

  • Building a loyal and expanding visitor base

Continued investment in these programs will further strengthen Old Falls Village Park as a regional living-history destination.

Mission

"The Mission of Friends of Old Falls Village, Inc. (501(c)(3) Charitable organization) is promoting and developing Old Falls Village Park into a venue for entertainment, education, dining, and lodging in a historical setting that draws in visitors from near and far.  The focus is to preserve the past while providing immersive and exciting experiences in the present."

In conjunction with the Menomonee Falls Historical Society, it intends to preserve the past while providing adventure and excitement in the present. Further, the mission is to provide long-range development planning for the park with innovative on-site programming powered by broad-scale fundraising efforts. It is the goal of Friends to enrich life today by connecting people with history, education, and entertainment through immersive experiences.

Vision

Old Falls Village Park will be a showcase for Menomonee Falls and an exciting destination for residents and visitors, making it a premier historical resource. Complete with exhibit space and rentable areas, it will be a vibrant tourism attraction that draws visitors from across the Midwest.