Nauvoo Travel Information
In the 1830s and ’40s Nauvoo was one of the largest cities in the
state, a thriving, Mormon-founded town with a population of more than
10,000. By the late ’40s an exodus of Mormons to the west had reduced
the town’s population to 2,000. Now, visitors come to explore the
city’s numerous, restored historical venues and enjoy festivals, wine
and outdoor recreation. The city, population 1,000, draws more than
250,000 visitors each year. Four visitors’ centers, Historic
Nauvoo Visitors Center, Joseph Smith Historic Visitors Center, Nauvoo
Christian Visitors Center and the Nauvoo Temple Visitors Center,
provide displays, artifacts, genealogy records and guided tours of the
area. Many of the original buildings from the city’s peak have been
restored and hold center stage in the historic and business districts.
Buildings of specific importance to the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints include founder Joseph Smith’s Homestead and the
restored Nauvoo Temple, as well as the site of his death, Carthage
Jail, located south of the city. Hymns and folksongs highlighting the
settlement of the city are performed during a weekly Nauvoo Pageant,
July through August. Visitors can explore 19th century life at
more than 40 sites like the Family Living Center, where rope making
and weaving are demonstrated. Other restored shops provide glimpses of
brick making, gunsmithing and boot making. A drug and variety store,
schoolhouse, post office, newspaper printing press, bakery and other
sites can be toured. The city is home to Baxter’s Village, the
state’s oldest winery. In September, the Nauvoo Grape Festival
celebrates the area’s winemaking heritage. Outside of the city,
visitors can take trail rides, golf with a Mississippi River backdrop
or camp, hike, boat and fish at Nauvoo State Park. Nauvoo is 125
miles west of Peoria and 47 miles north of Quincy. It is located on
State Highway 96. In addition to hotels and motels, there are bed and
breakfasts, guesthouses, log cabins and condominiums.
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