Visitors Guide to
Attractions
in Hancock County Illinois

   
Carthage Jail
305 Walnut Street
Carthage, IL
217-357-2989
  The Old Carthage Jail was constructed of native yellow limestone between 1839 and 1841. It was the site where the Mormon leader, Joseph Smith Jr., and his brother Hyrum, were killed by an angry mob on June 27, 1844. Their action resulted in the Mormons abandoning nearby Nauvoo on their famous trek west that led to the founding of Salt Lake City, UT.
Family Living Center
Main & White Streets
Nauvoo, IL
  Explore the sights and sounds of pioneer life in historic Nauvoo. Hands-on-experiences include woodworking, weaving, rope making, pottery, and candle making just to name a few. A free, must see place for children. Visit www.historicnauvoo.net for more information.
   
Historic Nauvoo
Visitors' Center

350 N. Main Street
Nauvoo, IL
1-888-453-6434
  Stop by the Visitor’s Center before you begin your tour of historic Nauvoo. Tour 65 separate and distinct sites from a bakery to a brick maker. Hands on activities, pioneer games, and even a horse pulled wagon ride through the city can be enjoyed all year. Rides are available daily, weather permitting, except Sundays. Take time to explore the Monument to Women Garden while stopping at the Visitors Center. Within the garden area are statues depicting and celebrating women’s roles at every stage throughout life.
   
Kibbe Hancock
Heritage Museum

306 Walnut Street
Carthage, IL
217-357-3119
  The majority of this large collection of historic artifacts was donated by Dr. Alice Kibbe. The collection now includes Civil War and Indian artifacts, fashion items dating from 1840 to 1920, fossils, rocks, and geodes, and other historic artifacts from around Hancock County.
   
Nauvoo Temple
50 Wells Street
Nauvoo, IL
217-453-6252
  The Nauvoo Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was recently rebuilt in Nauvoo, one of the early settlements of the Mormon people. The structure is 150-foot tall and overlooks the Mississippi River. The temple was reconstructed on the site of the original temple, which was built between 1841 and 1846, but later destroyed by arson and a tornado after the Mormons left Nauvoo.
   
Nauvoo State Park
50 N. Wells Street
Nauvoo, IL
217-453-6252
  This 148-acre park includes the 13-acre Lake Horton with a mile-long shoreline. In addition to fishing, boating, camping and hiking, people return to these serene surroundings for the park's recreational features, its annual grape festival, and to soak up the area's history. The park has a museum in a restored 1840s home staffed by the Nauvoo Historical Society from May 1 through October 15. There are 150 camping spaces and several hiking trails, one that is wheelchair accessible.
   
Weld House Museum
1380 Mulholland Street
Nauvoo, IL
217-4x
  The Weld House Museum is located in Nauvoo's business district and is one of western Illinois's best examples of mid 18th-century Greek revival architecture. The property was purchased by the Nauvoo Historical Society which undertook a major restoration program. The Society continues the restoration and rooms that have been adopted by local families. The Weld House Museum covers the full range of Nauvoo’s history including Native American, pre-Mormon, Mormon, Icarian, German, agriculture & business eras.
Weinberg-King
State Fish and Wildlife Area

P.O. Box 203
Augusta
, IL
217-392-2345
  3 miles east of Augusta north of Route 101. Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources site for more information.
Adventure Zone
Nauvoo, IL
  885 E. Hwy 96
217-453-2882
Bar Y Stables
Nauvoo, IL
  20 N. Winchester Street
217-453-2091
Montebello Morgan
Horse Farm

Nauvoo, IL
  716 E. County Road 1720
217-847-2481
     
   
 
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE GREAT RIVER ROAD
Chief Keokuk Statue
Keokuk, Iowa
John Wood Mansion
Quincy, Illinois
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Abe Lincoln
Talking House Tour