In 1839, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints established a small town named Nauvoo in Illinois. Today, Nauvoo is one of Illinois' premier historic communities with a population of 1,063. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark District. More than 40 historic sites from the 1840's period are restored and are open for public guided tours.
Take a family vacation or organize a church outing in the town of Nauvoo. Horse-drawn wagons carry visitors along the streets. Family entertainment is offered daily with children's plays, musicals and stage shows available. Everything in Nauvoo is free, although the Historic site will ask for a $3 donation for its tour. Plenty of accommodations are available for a fee, including bed and breakfast sites and cabins with full amenities.
Dave Hardle, a church member of the LDS, searched out old log cabins throughout the United States for accommodations in Nauvoo. When he found old cabins, he would dismantle them and move them to Nauvoo. Today, six of the cabins that originally stood in North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, and Illinois are housed at the Nauvoo Log Cabins site.
There are a total of twelve log cabins and one lodge. The Weary Traveler Lodge accommodates up to 13 guests with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Each cabin includes a booklet filled with historical information on its original owner and family life. All cabins have private bathrooms with towels and soap. A microwave, refrigerator, and satellite television are some of the amenities. Wireless Internet access is also available.
Nauvoo Log Cabins
65 North Winchester St.
Nauvoo, IL 62354
217-453-9000
nauvoologcabins.com
Camp Nauvoo is a 30-acre campground set on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi river. The camp's focus is to provide a place for camping to church youth and families. It is available to other groups when not scheduled for church outings. Overall, it offers plenty of space for youth groups and family reunions.
Two double and 12 single cabins offer two to five bunks each for sleeping. All but two of the cabins offer air conditioners. A restroom building contains four toilets and five shower stalls. A washer and dryer is available. Outdoor activities include a baseball diamond, basketball pad, volleyball court, and a children's playground.
The camp's lodge is a two-story building for meeting and gathering. A meeting room for 250 people is housed in the upper level. The lower level has a fully equipped kitchen and dining area. The kitchen offers utensils and dishes for up to 100 people. In the wintertime the cabins are closed and the mattresses in the cabins are moved to the lodge for camping near the large wood-burning fireplace.
Camp Nauvoo
1095 South Warsaw St.
Nauvoo, IL 62354
217-453-2236
campnauvoo.org
Country Pleasures Lodge is nestled in the woods overlooking the Mississippi river. The log cabin is an old turn-of-the-century lodge with overnight accommodations for up to six people. Modern conveniences are offered with a queen-sized bed and two single beds. A small kitchen is available for light cooking. An outdoor grill is great for barbecues. The lodge has a comfortable living area and loft for additional gathering.
Country Pleasures Lodge
1961 N. Highway 96
Nauvoo, IL 62354
217-453-6560
countrypleasureslodge.com
