Welcome! As a former seminary teacher and church history fan, I am inviting you to read a little about Historic Nauvoo, sometimes know as the Williamsburg of the West. For those unfamiliar with Nauvoo, it is located in Illinois along the banks of the Mississippi River. The original city of Nauvoo was established when Joseph Smith led followers there after persecution in Missouri. After his martyrdom, Brigham Young then led many of the Saints across the river and westward as pioneers to settle the Salt Lake Valley in what later became Utah. The city of Nauvoo at its heyday had beautiful brick homes, thriving businesses and happy people. It's crowning glory was a magnificent temple, which was burned by mobsters as the saints were driven out. Today, Nauvoo has been largely reconstructed, featuring many of these buildings once again with the beautiful Nauvoo Temple is a focal point. Tours of the city are offered for visitors which include demonstrations of crafts and trades.
Photo of Brigham Young home c. Chalae Cox 1998, courtesy of www.byways.org
Photos of Nauvoo Illinois
Take a walk through Old Nauvoo and see some of the sites.
Photos taken by visitors to Nauvoo Illinois.
History of Nauvoo, Illlinois
Learn more about the early Mormon settlement and the re-built historic city.
Sunstone photo c. 2001 Tony Dutson, courtesty of www.byways.orgEvery seminary students learns the history of Nauvoo as they study the lives of the early Saints. These individuals and families sacrificed all they had for their beliefs. Some immigrated from England and Europe, others came to Nauvoo from Kirtland, Ohio & Missouri, where persecution kept driving them from their homes. In Nauvoo the church, under the leadership of Joseph Smith, flourished and grew until it became truly "the city beautiful."
If you want to immerse yourself in the culture and surroundings of what it was like to be a Latter Day Saint in the early 1840's, then Historic Nauvoo is the place to do it. Whether you are LDS or not, the historical significance is well worth the time you will spend. My sons were recently there and both of them were so impressed by all there was to do. In addition to all the historical buildings and demonstrations of trades, there is the Nauvoo Pageant every year in the month of July, plus performances by visiting groups such as the BYU Ballroom Dance Team. Once again, the magnificent newly-rebuilt Nauvoo Temple stands above the city. It's worth the visit just to see that one building alone. So why not make Nauvoo the place for your next vacation? You'll be glad you did.
Here is a synopsis on the history of Nauvoo, from Historic Nauvoo :
"Nauvoo, Illinois rose from the swamplands of the Mississippi River to become a thriving settlement that once rivalled Chicago in size. After 1839, Nauvoo provided a refuge for the Prophet Joseph Smith and the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Between 1839 and 1846, Nauvoo became the religious, governmental, and cultural center for the Church. More than 2,000 homes built of brick, frame, and logs housed the growing population, as members gathered to rejoice in the newly established city. Difficulties increased, however, and in 1846 the Saints left their homes behind and began a monumental westward trek to the valley of the Great Salt Lake.
Today, visitors can explore more than 40 authentically restored historic homes and businesses of early Church leaders and craftsmen and the landscaped grounds of the reconstructed Nauvoo Temple, all of them free of charge."
Nauvoo Illinois Information Websites
Official Sites, LDS Products and more
- Historic Nauvoo Official Site
- This is the official site for Historic Nauvoo and contains travel information such as visitor's center hours, a calendar of events, which historic buildings are available for touring etc. If you're planning a trip, this is the site to visit.
- Nauvoo Pageant Info for 2008
- "This summer enjoy the second year of the new Nauvoo Pageant. The pageant is an outdoor musical drama that celebrates the restored gospel, the prophetic mission of Joseph Smith, and the legacy of early Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo. No tickets are required. The pageant performs nightly (Tuesday through Saturday) from July 6 through August 3, 2007. As part of the pageant, historical vignettes (15- to 20-minute performances) take place in Old Nauvoo through the day. Pre-show activities begin on the pageant site at 7:00 p.m., and the pageant begins at 8:45 p.m. Visit the Historic Nauvoo Web site for more information." (from lds.org website)
- Participate In The 2008 Nauvoo Pageant
- Want to participate in the Nauvoo Pageant in 2008? Here is the place to find out more....
- Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
- This is the Official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where you can find up to date church news and information, helps for parents and church members, and links to other church sponsored websites such as those showcasing genealogy and basic church beliefs.
- Link to photo of the Mansion House in Nauvoo
- this link will take you to a photo of the Mansion House on the LDS website
- Nauvoo on Wikipedia
- Fun facts, history and geography of Nauvoo and the surrounding area...
- Nauvoo Grand Bed & Breakfast
- Another accomodation to check out is the Nauvoo Grand, an historic home now operated as a Bed & Breakfast.
- Sunday Stuff LDS shirts & Christian Gifts
- If you love fun LDS t-shirts, you'll find a great selection at this website. Missionary, seminary, primary, young women's and more. Cute designs, great for gift giving.
Nauvoo The Beautiful
Sit back and enjoy music and movies of Nauvoo Illinois.
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Things To See In Historic Nauvoo
Take the whole family to Nauvoo Ilinois.
- Nauvoo Temple grounds & Visitor's Center
Historic Nauvoo Visitor's Center
Smith Family Cemetery
Family Living Center
Carthage Jail, just 29 miles S. of Nauvoo
Cool Nauvoo Slideshow
Accompanied by music, this Nauvoo slideshow is really cool.
Want To Be In The 2008 Nauvoo Summer Pageant?
Find out how you can participate in the pageant.
- Historic Nauvoo Pageant 2008 Details
- Get all the details here for the pageant in 2008. Dates, background, etc. - everything you need to know!
- Historic Nauvoo Pageant 2008
- This link will take you directly to info about all kinds of participation levels for the Nauvoo Pageant in 2008.
Nauvoo and LDS Books On Amazon
Want to know more about Nauvoo or the LDS Church? Here are some good reads:
Nauvoo: Mormon City on the Mississippi River
Amazon Price: $17.00 (as of 10/06/2008)
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
Amazon Price: $18.96 (as of 10/06/2008)
Nauvoo, the City of Joseph
Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)
Dowdle Puzzles Nauvoo 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)
The Essential Mormon Cookbook: Green Jell-O, Funeral Potatoes, and Other Secret Combinations
Amazon Price: $19.55 (as of 10/06/2008)
LDS Milestones T-shirts and Gifts on CafePress
Missionary, vintage look, YW, Primary, Seminary, RS & More all original designs

Looking for a great new t-shirt or jersey, or a warm hoodie to wear? LDS Milestones on cafepress has great, original designs and slogans to choose from. For the whole family - Baby Boutique, Primary kids, YW, Seminary, College students, EQ & RS. We also have magnets, buttons, mug & more. Our products make great gifts, or treat yourself - you deserve it. Make your mail Mormon Mail with custom postage stamps, stickers and cards. Check out our new vintage look section!
Seminary Rocks Women's Light T-Shirt
Cute SEMINARY ROCKS t-shirt for LDS Seminary students and teachers.
Price: 21.99
LDS News And Updates
Read newsroom releases from the LDS Church
Find out what is happening from the LDS newsroom.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byNew Windows For Old Nauvoo
Painstaking historic work by Charles Allen to help restore Nauvoo's beauty.
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Growth of the LDS Church
This video shows the astonishing growth of the LDS Church around the world.
- Growth Of LDS Church Stakes Video
- Video of the growth of LDS Church stakes throughout the world. Accompanied by music, it is a dramatic representation of the growth of this worldwide religion.
- Modest Clothing Lens
- Here's a link to one of my other lenses that focuses on the search for modest clothing for LDS and other teens. It has lots of websites listed that offer either LDS designs or modest prom and wedding dresses, shorts and other modest clothing.
The Beautiful Nauvoo Temple
Day or night, the Nauvoo Temple is a shining beacon on the hill.
Here are some lovely photos of the Nauvoo Ilinois temple of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints.
Places To Stay In Nauvoo
Navoo offers beautiful accomodations for an enjoyable stay.
- Willard Richards Inn
- Offers complete hot breakfast each morning, with 5, 7 and 12 bedroom accomodations for large groups.
- The Inn At Nauvoo
- Beautiful rooms, gorgeous views and a step back into the history of Nauvoo make this a perfect place to stay. Large group accomodations plus 1, 2 & 3 bedroom family suites available.
- Visiting Nauvoo? Stay At The Nauvoo Country Lodge
- If you decide to visit try out the Nauvoo Country Lodge. Their website looks inviting and prices seem reasonable. Breakfast is included. If you've stayed there, please leave a report in our guest book module!
- Nauvoo Villas
- The website for Nauvoo Villas says they have 1, 2 and 3 bedroom condos that can accomodate from 4 to 11 people depending on the size/layout. Current pricing is on the link. Stayed there? Please leave a comment in the guest book to let others know about your experience.
- Rent A Home For Your Nauvoo Stay
- This website offers a list of 18 Nauvoo vacation home rentals, some within walking distance of the temple. A nice way to have a comfortable stay while exploring Historic Nauvoo.
Please Bookmark My Nauvoo Visitor Site
Share Visit Historic Nauvoo With Friends
(NAUVOO Pageant is July 11, 2008)
Share Your Own Nauvoo Illinois Experiences
Or let me know what you think of this Visit Nauvoo lens.
I hope you've enjoyed learning a little about the history of Nauvoo, Illinois and the Latter Day Saints. If you have visited Nauvoo yourself, or plan to visit it soon, leave a message here for others to help them with their planning too. Know of a great place to stay? Let us in on the secret...
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jmmoore321
We went on a road trip from Utah to New York, Washington DC, and many places along the way ... and I have to say my favorite place was Nauvoo! The temple dedication actually occurred DURING our trip. It was a really special time. Great lens! Posted August 12, 2008 |
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capybara
Great Lens 5* and a favourite and welcome to Travelmania group. Posted June 21, 2008 |
| poddys
Looks like a nice place, and a nice lens too. Great job. Posted June 17, 2008 |
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KimGiancaterino
Welcome to All Things Travel. I'm also featuring this fabulous lens on my Squid Angel Diary this week. (That means you've been blessed!) Posted June 06, 2008 |
| ldstruth
You've put together a tremendous resource here--great job. We're going to Nauvoo soon so I enjoyed the read! Posted January 03, 2008 |
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heathrow
I went to Nauvoo with my parents on a family vacation when I was a kid, and it's one of the neater places we ever visited. Tons of history, not your average destination, and you should be sure to get a Nauvoo brick as a souvenir! What a fun lens. Posted July 25, 2006 |
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