EDINBURGH — For the first time in months, the public will have an exclusive opportunity to step inside one of Indiana’s most vital military training installations.
The Indiana National Guard has announced that Camp Atterbury will host its annual Community Day celebration on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The event serves as a public celebration of the base’s historic anniversary and gives residents a firsthand look at modern military operations, heritage displays, and hands-on activities.
The roots of Camp Atterbury trace back to the onset of American involvement in World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. War Department rapidly accelerated plans to construct a massive training camp in south-central Indiana to prepare troops for service overseas.
In early 1942, construction crews broke ground on more than 40,000 acres carved out of portions of Bartholomew, Brown, and Johnson counties—displacing more than 500 local farming families and the small communities of Pisgah and Kansas to support the war effort. The base officially opened its doors in June 1942, eventually training more than 275,000 troops and housing four major U.S. Army infantry divisions before their deployment to the European and Pacific theaters.
Camp Atterbury Historical Impact (1942-1946)
- Troops trained more than 275,000 soldiers under the 5th Service Command.
- More than 1,780 buildings were constructed to house over 44,00 personnel.
- Homefront Support: Housed a major Axis POW camp and Wakeman General Hospital.
- Post-War Separation: Processed 561,000 returning soldiers into civilian life.
Community Day Schedule of Events
The anniversary gates will open early for athletic events before transitioning to a full afternoon of family-friendly military demonstrations and base access.
Schedule for Saturday, June 13, 2026
Gates open for athletes: 7:45 a.m.
Base access begins specifically for participants taking part in the morning fitness events.
5K Run/Walk and Ruck kickoff: 8:30 a.m.
The official event athletics begin. Participants will traverse a mixed paved and gravel course winding through the base terrain. Advanced registration is required for the race.
Public base attractions open: 10:00 a.m.
The base officially opens all community exhibits, simulators, and tours to the general public. Admission to the grounds is free, and local food vendors will be on-site with items available for purchase.
Event conclusion: 3:00 p.m.
Exhibits power down, and final public bus tours return as Camp Atterbury transitions back to normal training security.
Organizers have curated a wide array of interactive attractions designed to give visitors of all ages an immersive look at military life past and present:
- Guided Post Bus Tours: Visitors can board guided buses to tour the expansive facility, learning about the base’s evolution from a WWII training ground to a premier modern mobilization site.
- Virtual Marksmanship Simulator: An interactive experience allowing civilians to test their aim using advanced training simulators utilized by modern soldiers.
- Aviation & Field Hardware: A static display featuring an up-close look at military machinery, headlined by a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
- Rappelling Tower: A hands-on opportunity for adventurous attendees to experience tactical descent techniques under safe supervision.
- Live Entertainment: The 38th Infantry Division’s Rock Band, “Hoosier Havoc,” will perform live sets throughout the afternoon.
- Living History & Animals: The event will feature youth activities, historical military vehicle displays from various eras, and live animal exhibits brought in from the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center.
For community members looking to explore regional history or catch a glimpse behind the wire of active military training, the June 13 event offers a rare, up-close lesson bringing the legacy of Hoosier service members alive.
