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What To See In Nauvoo (Once The Largest City in Illinois)

What To See In Nauvoo (Once The Largest City in Illinois)

What To See In Nauvoo (Once The Largest City in Illinois): Our Double Decker Fam Guide

Hey, it’s Dane from Double Decker Fam! If you’ve been following along on our RV adventures across the U.S., you know we love uncovering destinations with major historical vibes AND plenty of fun, hands-on family experiences. Recently, our crew (yep, all EIGHT of us!) rolled into Nauvoo, Illinois. Did you know that back in the 1840s, Nauvoo was actually the largest city in Illinois—bigger than Chicago at the time? Wild, right? Today, it’s packed with history, charm, and activities that’ll excite kids and adults alike.

So, buckle up as I share our family-tested, parent-approved guide to what to see in Nauvoo—the ultimate must-stops, fun activities for kids, hidden gems, and travel tips to make your adventure unforgettable.

Why Nauvoo Should Be On Your Family Travel Radar

Nestled along the Mississippi River in western Illinois, Nauvoo is a living history destination. It’s most famous as a 19th-century religious settlement with deep roots in the story of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), but today it welcomes families from every walk of life to explore its blend of pioneer history, river town charm, and hands-on experiences.

Our family loves Nauvoo not just for its history but for its warm hospitality and family-friendly activities. Here’s everything you should see and do while exploring the town that once outshined Chicago!

1. Nauvoo Historic District — Step Back In Time

Must-See: Give yourself at least a day to explore the Nauvoo Historic District, which is basically an entire neighborhood frozen in the 1840s. Over 30 lovingly preserved homes and working businesses take you deep into pioneer life.

What’s There?

  • Blacksmith Shop: Watch a live demo, and yes, kids get their own iron keepsake to take home!
  • Family Living Center: Our kiddos loved trying their hand at candle making, bread baking and old-fashioned games.
  • Print Shop: A real working 1800s printer! (Sneak in a quick homeschool history lesson, like we did.)
  • Scovil Bakery: Warm cookies and baking demonstrations—don’t miss it!

Pro Tip: Grab a map at the Visitors’ Center (stop #1) and join a free walking tour. The staff and volunteers are phenomenal with kids, and everyone dresses in period costumes for major Instagram potential.

Learn more about the Nauvoo Historic District at the official site.

2. Nauvoo Temple — Iconic Views & Photo Ops

Even if your family isn’t religious, you’ll be wowed by the Nauvoo Temple’s stunning architecture and peaceful location. The current temple, rebuilt in 2002, is a central landmark in Nauvoo and visible from nearly anywhere in town.

You can walk the beautifully manicured grounds, check out the visitor’s center, and snap those must-get family pics with the Mississippi River in the background.

Note: Only members of the LDS church can tour inside—but the views outside are amazing for everyone.

For more information about the temple and its history, check the official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Nauvoo Temple page.

3. Horse-Drawn Wagon & Carriage Rides — Pioneer Style

Family Favorite! For our clan, the horse-drawn wagon ride ranked as a top highlight—not just because of the big, excited smiles from the twins. We all piled into a covered wagon and set off with a costumed guide around Historic Nauvoo. Along the way, our kids got the full low-down on Nauvoo’s transformation from swampy land to bustling city, and stories of pioneer families just like ours who made it home.

Details:
– Rides are FREE (yes, seriously!) and depart regularly throughout the day.
– The teamsters welcome questions and keep even fidgety kids entertained.

4. Nauvoo Family Living Center — Hands-On Adventure

Mentioned above, but it really deserves its own spot. This center is next-level for families:

  • Try Pioneer Chores: The staff encouraged our kids to try washing laundry on a washboard, haul buckets, and even churn butter!
  • Games & Music: The old-time games kept all six kids giggling and competing, and everyone loved the singalongs.
  • Handicraft Activities: We made rope, twisted candles, and brought home DIY souvenirs—big win for engagement.

5. Trail Of Hope — Walk In Pioneer Footsteps

If you’re up for a little reflection and fresh air, stroll the actual Trail of Hope. This riverside walk retraces the path taken by Nauvoo’s emigrants during the Mormon Exodus of 1846.

  • Each post has firsthand journal entries from the pioneers—reading them aloud as a family really put the adventure (and challenges!) of pioneer life into a new perspective for all of us.
  • The paved path is stroller-friendly and dog-friendly too.

We ended up deep in conversation about gratitude and adventure with the older kids, which made it one of those unexpectedly meaningful stops.

6. Nauvoo State Park — Picnic, Fish, and Play!

After a deep dive into old buildings, your crew will want to stretch out somewhere green. Nauvoo State Park hits the spot:

  • Lake-side Picnics: Bring lunch! Plenty of shaded tables and grassy hills right on the lake.
  • Playground: Our younger kids needed a run—and this park delivered.
  • Hiking Trails: Beautiful, easy trails wind through the park, so everyone gets to move after museum-ing all morning.
  • Fishing: If you bring a pole, you might catch a catfish or bluegill with the kids.

Find out more on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources site.

7. Joseph Smith Historic Sites — Deep History For Teens and Adults

For families with older kids or anyone keen on American religious history, the Joseph Smith Historic Site (maintained by the Community of Christ) offers guided tours through key locations tied to the early LDS church. We especially enjoyed:

  • Smith Family Homestead
  • Red Brick Store
  • Mansion House & Nauvoo House

Our oldest was fascinated by the stories of leadership, faith, and migration, and the guides were excellent about answering our offbeat, kid-inspired questions.

8. Baxter’s Vineyards — Family Friendly Local Flavor

Need a change of pace? Head to Baxter’s Vineyards, Illinois’ oldest, family-owned winery. While parents can sample local wines, the whole family can enjoy homemade grape juice and a beautiful outdoor space.

The property is super welcoming to kids, with yard games, friendly staff, and sometimes even live music. (Don’t forget to try their jams and preserves, too!) More details on Baxter’s Vineyards’ website.

Tips For Visiting Nauvoo With Kids

Timing Is Everything

  • Best Months: Spring through fall is ideal—the summer “Nauvoo Pageant” season in July features even more events, outdoor shows, and activities. (Think parades, live music, and costumed actors.)
  • Crowds: If you prefer quieter experiences, visit in the shoulder months (May or September).

Packing Checklist

  • Stroller or Wagon: Especially handy for younger kids, as Historic Nauvoo is spread out.
  • Comfortable Shoes: You’ll cover a LOT of ground.
  • Water Bottles and Snacks: There are a couple of bakeries/cafes, but plan ahead especially if your bunch snacks as much as ours!
  • Sun Protection: Plenty of walking and not much shade in some sites.

Accommodations

RVing? Nauvoo State Park has a well-kept campground with electric sites, showers, and nearby playgrounds. We easily parked our Double Decker RV and found plenty of room, even with our big crew. Want something different? Check out the charming local inns and vacation rentals—historic, clean, and family friendly.

Our Favorite Local Eats

Hungry after a long day exploring? You’ll find classic diner fare, bakeries, and ice cream shops. A couple our family tried and liked:

  • Annie’s Frozen Custard: Perfect chilly treat on a summer afternoon.
  • Hotel Nauvoo Inn & Restaurant: Local comfort food, known for their family-friendly buffet!

Final Thoughts: Is Nauvoo Worth A Family Stop?

Absolutely. Nauvoo blends hands-on education, fresh air, and deep American history—all in a compact, genuinely friendly package. Even if you’re not a history buff, there’s enough here to keep all ages busy, learning, and smiling. We left with a trunkful of homemade candles, bread, and more than a few “DID YOU KNOWs” from our kids.

Have You Been To Nauvoo?

Did we miss your favorite hidden gem? Let us know in the comments, or check out our YouTube channel for more from our adventure. And if you plan your own trip, tag us (@DoubleDeckerFam) on Instagram—we LOVE seeing other families hit the road.

Happy travels from our crew to yours!

Sources and Further Reading

  • [Smith