D-Day Ohio 2025
D-Day Conneaut in Ohio is one of the largest and most immersive World War II reenactments in the United States. Each year, more than 1,500 reenactors portray both military personnel and civilians during a three-day event centered around the D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944. Conneaut’s long, flat Lake Erie shoreline and the steep ridge that rises behind it make the location remarkably similar in appearance to the beaches of Normandy, France. Throughout the park, each participating nation sets up its own camp, allowing visitors to feel as though they’re stepping into different parts of Europe as they explore.
I have been volunteering as a staff photographer at the event since 2016, and in 2022, I took on the role of lead photographer. My job is to ensure that our team captures every aspect of the event—from the camps to the battles to the evening activities—so that the full story of the weekend is represented. Photographing at Conneaut offers a unique, visceral experience; for a moment, you feel as though you’re standing on the beaches of Normandy in 1944. The attention to detail is extraordinary, and every year I discover something new I hadn’t noticed before.
Across the three-day event, several smaller skirmishes unfold, in addition to the major beach landing reenactment. The smaller battles near the stone bridge portray the early-morning clashes between the French Resistance, American Airborne troops, and German forces. The main beach battle features Allied troops landing in authentic WWII landing craft, fighting their way past hedgehogs, foxholes, and obstacles before pushing up the hillside to overtake the German defenders.
On Saturday evening, reenactors gather for a formal dinner followed by a 1940s-style jazz dance—a highlight of the weekend. During the dance, I set up a vintage portrait booth so participants can have period-style portraits taken in their uniforms and best attire.
The 2026 D-Day Ohio event is scheduled for August 13–15, 2026. If you’ve never attended, make plans to go—you won’t be disappointed.
