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About Nauvoo, IL

The Red Brick Store
Pendleton School House
Lucy Mack Smith House

Nauvoo Illinois has become a popular destination for visitors thanks to the city's history and a wide variety of available experiences. Located on a horseshoe bend of the Mississippi River, Nauvoo offers historic tours, wildlife trails, a beautiful state park, and the famous Nauvoo Pageant. Pick up your free tickets for a free wagon ride tour of Historic Nauvoo and get an overview of life in the 1800s. There are sites to fit everyone’s interests including the Joseph Smith Mansion House and homestead, Family Living Center, Brigham Young’s home, the Blacksmith and wheelwright, the Browning gun shop and dozens more. The shops in Nauvoo’s downtown district are also a must see to pick up those one of a kind souvenirs. You’ll enjoy visiting the famous Nauvoo Fudge Factory, the art galleries and more. Take a ride on the Nauvoo boat where you can ferry across the great Mississippi River to Montrose Iowa, or down through the Keokuk lock. When planning your trip to Nauvoo, make sure to schedule enough time to see everything because you don’t want to miss all Nauvoo has to offer. Visit Nauvoo this year. Remember it always.

Nauvoo Attractions

Below are some of the recommendations from the Nauvoo Vacation Villas staff. We love Nauvoo and we know you will too! With so many options there is sure to be something for everyone while visiting Nauvoo!

Wagon Rides in Nauvoo, IL

Horse-Drawn Wagon Tours

A great way to start your tour of Nauvoo is to catch a ride on the horse-drawn wagon. Pick up your free tickets for the wagon ride tour of Historic Nauvoo to view the sites and homes in an exciting way that will bring you back to the 1830’s. There are must see sites like the Blacksmith Shop and Browning Guns, stop by the Historic Visitor Center for more information.

Nauvoo Fudge Factory

If you have a sweet tooth, while you are staying at the Nauvoo Vacation Villas, make sure you stop at the Nauvoo Fudge Factory. They have a large variety of handmade fudge and other treats that you are sure to love. These fudge sweets are shipped all around the world to people who have visited the shop and can’t get enough of it!

JB Gunsmith & Blacksmith Tours - Nauvoo IL

Browning Gunsmith Tour

While you are here you should stop at the shop of Jonathan Browning who was the first man to start a gun shop in Nauvoo in the 1840’s. As part of your visit there you will be able to watch how they made musket and rifles.

Blacksmith Tours

You won’t want to miss out on this experience that will take you back to the American Frontier. You can take a free tour of the blacksmith shop and see a blacksmith’s work in action. They may even give you a free gift just for stopping by.

The Nauvoo Temple

One great historic site that is a must see is the Nauvoo Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It overlooks the Mississippi River and was first built in the 1840’s. It was destroyed by arson fire in 1848 and tornado-strength winds in 1850. The Temple was rebuilt in 2002 in its majestic beauty.  While entering the temple is for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, all are welcome to tour the grounds and visit the Temple Arrival Center to see a free film all about the temple. For the temple schedule visit: Nauvoo Temple and Beautiful Nauvoo.

Events for 2023 - 2024

July 2024 To Be Announced

Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks

Fourth of July is a great time to celebrate the Independence of our country. And it is a great time to go on a vacation in Nauvoo. Stay at the Nauvoo Vacation Villas where you will have a relaxing stay. Independence day is celebrated with lots of games, and many other activities as it should be!  Here in Nauvoo we do just that, for the whole weekend.

July 9 – August 3, 2024

The Nauvoo and British Pageants

When visiting Nauvoo, the pageants are a must see.

Come and see the Nauvoo and British Pageants. The annual pageant in Nauvoo will run throughout July. Each performance begins at 8:30 on Tuesday-Saturday. The Nauvoo pageant is a beautiful drama of music and dances that tell the story of the pioneer days of Nauvoo. The British Pageant covers the same era just a different location. Make sure you have time for all the other free activities surrounding the pageant. There are games for the kids and other dramas and musical performances to watch. 

Aug 30 - Sept 2, 2024

Annual Nauvoo Grape Festival

Coming to Nauvoo for labor day Vacation? Stay at the Nauvoo Villas and enjoy a peaceful, clean, relaxing environment. During the Labor Day weekend we have lots a great activities going on in Nauvoo. One of which is the Annual Nauvoo Grape Festival held on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday weekend of Labor Day. At this festival there are parades, competitive events, live entertainment, fun carnival rides for the kids and great food!

Aug 30 - Sept 2, 2024

Festival on Wheels Car Show

Labor Day weekend you don’t want to miss the amazing, largest open air car show. Many different models of cars from all parts of history will be showcased. Labor Day weekend there is lots to do in Nauvoo and Nauvoo Vacation Villas would love to welcome you in to stay with us during your visit.

October 26, 2024

Bootiful Nauvoo Pumpkin Walk

Autumn is a fun filled time for Nauvoo! This event has hundreds of beautifully hand-carved pumpkins, parade with free candy for the children and other great games. This event will be happening on the last Saturday night of October.

Are you coming to Nauvoo for vacation this Christmas?  There are many activities going on around the city of Nauvoo at this season.  With an annual Christmas Walk in Old Nauvoo, a great tree lighting ceremony with live music. If there is enough snow, you can take an old-fashioned sleigh ride! For more information visit their website.

Autumn is a fun filled time in Nauvoo! This event has hundreds of people from all around the world gathering in beautiful Nauvoo for a weekend of fun, friendship and learning. Don't miss out on this great event. Please watch their Facebook page for more information.