A Hidden Gem
There is a hidden gem of American history that is free, open year round, and definitely off the beaten path. What is it? Historic Nauvoo—a sleepy little town on the banks of the Mississippi River in south central Illinois.
While the actual town of Nauvoo sits on the bluff surrounded by corn and soybean fields, the historic district is in the “flats.” With over 30 sites spread across 300+ acres, there is much to see.
But if you’re passing through and only have 3 hours to spend, what should you see and where should you start? We have broken your visit down by the hour with recommendations on how to see the most possible.
Location:
HIstoric District
Nauvoo, IL 62354
Contact:
Visitor's Center
(217) 577-2603
Site Hours:
Open year-round
Varies depending on Season
Call to verify
Website:
HistoricNauvoo.net
Horse-drawn wagons travel through the streets of Historic Nauvoo giving visitors a quick area overview.
1st Hour - Take the Wagon Ride
During your 1st hour, take a ride on an open-air covered wagon pulled by magnificent horses. During the ride, missionaries tell stories and give a brief history of each building you pass. The ride takes about 30-minutes.
As you pass the sites and hear a little history, pick out ones of most interest to you and visit those after your wagon ride.
Winter photo of Main Street where the Printing Office, John Taylor Home, Post Office, and Tin Shop are adjacent one another. Easy to see four sites quickly with little walking.
2nd Hour - See Where they Worked
In order to see as much as possible in a short time, we recommend visiting sites bunched together.
During your 2nd hour, you can quickly see 4 shops, 4 homes, and 1 schoolhouse all within one block. Located on the east side of Main Street is the Jonathan Browning Home and Gun Shop which is hands down the guys’ favorite. (See top image.)
Across from Browning’s is a cluster of buildings, making short work of travel between sites. See how newspaper type was set in the Printing Office. Visit the John Taylor Home to see one of the earliest brick homes in Nauvoo.
Next, stop in the Post Office to learn about 1840’s mail sending and receiving—and how it differs from today. The Stoddard Home and Tin Shop houses a display of tinwork tools plus a demo of how tinsmiths made useful everyday items.
Across Main Street from the Print Shop is the Pendleton Log Cabin and School. Hands on learning as you sit on benches in the school and try your hand at writing on a slate.
3rd Hour - See How They Lived
When you have seen all the shops, head north on Main Street two blocks to see how they lived. First stop, Scovil Bakery—the only building my 3-year old grandson recognized when we drove by again after his 1st visit.
For those of us who love our modern baking conveniences, Scovil Bakery is a marvel. Using a bustle oven and open hearth, Lucius Scovil baked bread, crackers, cookies, jellies and candies of all descriptions, along with “marriage cakes.” Inside you will see 1840’s bakers’ equipment—and also enjoy a gingerbread cookie.
TOP: Scovil Bakery is the place kids love best. Get a sample of gingerbread cookies like they made in the 1840's. BOTTOM L: Missionaries show their dance moves on the 3rd floor of the Cultural Hall. BOTTOM R: Cultural Hall where plays, dances, and meetings were held.
...And See How They Played
The Cultural Hall, just north of the bakery, was Nauvoo’s tallest building at three stories. It was the city’s social center. The 1st floor served as a place for meetings, funerals, and dramatic plays of the day.
Originally housing offices, today the 2nd floor contains display space for quilts and other 1840’s décor. The 3rd floor once used for dances, banquets and other meetings still has the original wood floor.
Behind the Cultural Hall you will find the Family Living Center. Here, are interactive demonstrations showing how rope, barrels, and candles were made. This center also includes a small display of surreys and carriages along with other demos of everyday items used in the 1840's
The Family Living Center gives you a taste of 1840's life as you learn how they made rope, bread, and barrels. Also learn about weaving, candle-making, and other skills needed for daily life plus a display of carriages used back in the 1800's.
Nestled between the shops on Main Street and the Cultural Hall you will find Pioneer Pastimes. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s their favorite place, with Scovil’s cookies and making rope a close 2nd place.
How do I know? Take younger kids inside more than 3 or 4 sites and they might repeat what my 10-year old granddaughter said, “I’m tired of looking at old people’s houses.” Pioneer Pastimes brought back their energy….and their smiles!
Pioneer Pastimes is another kid favorite where they not only learn how kids played in the 1840's, they can try the games, dressup in pioneer clothing, and play in kid-size log cabins.
Visiting Historic Nauvoo in 3-Hours
It is impossible to fully see and experience Historic Nauvoo when you only have 3-hours. However, in a short few hours you can get a feel for 1840’s lifestyle and enjoy Nauvoo’s beauty today.
On the other hand, 3-hours is just enough time to wet your appetite and leave you longing for more. You only covered a few sites and a few acres. Be sure to come back. There's plenty more to see!
Covered wagon ferry near the Mississippi River at Parley Street, similar to ones used during the 1846 exodus to the West.
About Historic Nauvoo
In a brief 7-year span from 1839-1846, Nauvoo grew from a mosquito-infested swamp to a burgeoning town of close to 20,000. During this time, Nauvoo was the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Economic, religious, and political conflict, along with the murder of the church’s leader in 1844, compelled the body of the Church to move westward, settling in the valley of the Great Salt Lake.
Due to great interest in the 1960’s, “Nauvoo Restoration, Inc.” was born for the purpose of rebuilding the historic town. Since that time, over 30 renovated or rebuilt sites have been completed using 1840’s style of construction. Visitors are now able to stroll the streets of Historic Nauvoo and experience the daily life of days gone by.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
