4.5Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower(17.7k reviews)from $44.00 - Great view of Chicago Sunday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers
Don't miss out on visiting Skydeck Chicago, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Check out the various exhibits here before heading straight up to the 103rd floor via a 70-second elevator ride. Visit on a clear day for panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows, where you can even see into the states of Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin or Indiana. For the adventurous, step out onto the Ledge, a glass box protruding 4.3 feet from the building. Skip the line at the elevator with a V.I.P pass. You can also choose the Chicago CityPASS for expedited entry, discounted admission and to combine your visit with other attractions in the city. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5360 Chicago Observation Deck(11.0k reviews)from $30.00 - Spectacular views of the Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers
Located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, 360 CHICAGO offers breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline, the lakefront, and four states. It’s the only place you can enjoy Chicago’s highest thrill ride, TILT – a giant moving platform that literally TILTs visitors over the edge of the building. Relax at BAR 94 with local favorites, a large cocktail selection, and front-row seating to the city’s best views from 1,000 feet up. Explore HD interactive touch screens in seven languages and learn more about the Windy City. If you really want to experience Chicago, make your first stop 360 CHICAGO.See more..
4.5Chicago Cultural Center(3.050 reviews) - Great free tour, very pretty building Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Architectural Buildings
The Chicago Cultural Center is the nation's first free municipal cultural center and one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. The stunning landmark building, opened in 1897 as the city's first public library, is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes, and annually presents hundreds of free cultural exhibits and performances. Admission is free.See more..
4.5Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio(1.334 reviews)from $27.00 - Learn about an American icon Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
In accordance with CDC recommendations, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust requests that both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons wear a face mask indoors at all Trust sites. (8/3/21) The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, Illinois served as Wright's private residence and workplace from 1889 to 1909--the first 20 years of his career. Today, Oak Park is home to the world’s largest collection of Wright-designed buildings. Wright used his first home to experiment with design concepts that contain the seeds of his architectural philosophy. In his adjacent studio, Wright and his associates developed a new American architecture - the Prairie style. Enjoy guided tours of the museum complex and neighboring historic district seven days a week. Trained interpreters offer insights into Wright's family life and architectural legacy. Tour details are available on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust websiteSee more..
4.5Holy Name Cathedral(1.112 reviews) - Spectacular Catholic Church Sunday: 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Whenever we are in Chicago on a Sunday, we always attend the 10:30am mass. Feels like attending a mass in a church in Europe. Not sure what is going on with the protestors in front of the Cathedral, they have been there every time there is a mass. They don’t harass or bother anyone, but it’s a bit strange.See more..
4.5Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House(848 reviews)from $27.00 - Excellent and informative guided tour Sunday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
In accordance with CDC recommendations, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust requests that both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons wear a face mask indoors at all Trust sites. (8/3/21) The Frederick C. Robie House on the University of Chicago campus is considered one of the most important buildings in the history of American architecture. This Prairie style masterpiece is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the 20th Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright List. Discover the residence Wright described as “a cornerstone of modern architecture” on guided tours that take in both the exterior and interior of the building. Inspired by the expansive landscape of the Midwest prairie, Wright’s Robie House is the most famous of the architect’s groundbreaking Prairie houses. Public tours are available Thursday - Monday. The museum is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Visit flwright.org to learn more.See more..
4.5Baha'i House of Worship(473 reviews) - Beautiful All Religions Temple Sunday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Every one of us has a soul that longs to connect with its Creator and to contribute to a better world. The Baha’i House of Worship stands as a testament to these purposes, offering a quiet and safe space to go inward and revitalize your sense of purpose in the world.See more..
5.0Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center(267 reviews)from $18.00 - Amazing VR experience Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Architectural Buildings • History Museums
The mission of Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is expressed in its founding principle: “Remember the Past, Transform the Future.” The Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference.See more..
4.5Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple(207 reviews) - Not to be missed FLW church. Sunday: Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Unity Temple (1905-08) is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the 20th Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright List, and represents a defining moment in Frank Lloyd Wright’s early career. Designed in Wright’s Oak Park Studio for his own Unitarian congregation, it is one of the first public buildings in America to feature exposed concrete and is Wright’s greatest public building of his Prairie era. The harmony of the building’s strikingly geometric architecture and decorative elements exemplifies Wright’s theory of organic design. Unity Temple announced a new era of innovation in modern architecture.See more..
One of the 7 Wonders of Illinois as designated by the Illinois Bureau of Tourism. Away from the distractions and noise of city life, enjoy luxurious surroundings in a century-old, Georgian-style mansion with gleaming floors, marble fireplaces, and elegant furnishings. Expansive windows offer picturesque views of a reflecting pond, natural meadow, and 1,500 acres of peaceful forest filled with deer, birds, and other wildlife.You will find this enchanting setting just 25 miles from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign—an easy drive from the University’s Willard Airport and a simple excursion from Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, or the Quad Cities. Plan your next meeting, conference, retreat or wedding at Allerton Park and Retreat Center. We look forward to welcoming you soon!See more..
5.0Farnsworth House(133 reviews) - Gem of a House Tucked in Remote Area Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Glass and steel residence notoriously designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Dr. Edith Farnsworth. Famous for its "almost-nothing" design and the legal battle between architect and client, the House is an architectural pilgrimage site for students and professionals from around the world. Open for public tours as a National Trust for Historic Preservation Historic Site. Part of the National Register of Historic Places.See more..
Vendors peddled their wares at this Greek Revival Market House in the 19th century, which now hosts changing exhibits, meetings and special events.See more..
4.5B. Harley Bradley House(83 reviews) - If you find yourself in Kankakee, you must visit the Bradley House! Sunday: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Architectural Buildings
The Bradley House was designed in 1900 by Frank Lloyd Wright and is considered his first Prairie house design. The home has a long and complex history and great care (and LOTS of money) has gone into restoring it as closely as it looked in 1900. Unfortunately, the home is missing most all of its original Wright-designed furniture accept for the built-ins. The stained class windows are gorgeous as are the views of the Kankakee River that the home fronts (the breeze coming in off the river was amazing). There is also a great gift shop in the restored stables (each horse had it's own window to look out). Bonus is another Wright-designed house next door that is still privately owned and in poor shop. "Wright in Kankakee" who owns the Bradley House hopes to purchase and restore it some day.See more..
4.5Mayslake Peabody Estate(43 reviews) - Wonderful Tour of a Beautiful Estate Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings
On the National Register of Historic Places, Mayslake Hall stands as a rare surviving example of the magnificent country houses that were built in DuPage County during the Gilded Age. It now serves the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County as a cultural education center, home to concerts, theatre, art exhibits and art and photo classes. We offer historic tours of the mansion on Wednesdays at 11am & 11:30am and on Saturdays at 9:30am, 10am, 11am and 11:30am.See more..
4.5University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign(38 reviews) - If You Want A Job - Graduate from the U of I Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites
The U of I has over 150 undergraduate majors. 95% of the graduates have a job in their major field within 6 months of graduation. Companies want U of I graduates.See more..
5.0Altgeld Hall Tower(24 reviews) - Before you leave UIUC, visit the Bell Tower Architectural Buildings
One of the funnest experiences of my college career has been a visit to the Altgeld Bell Tower. Go with friends and you will not regret it. The views are breath-taking. They even allowed us to ring the bells!See more..
5.0Elijah Iles House(22 reviews) - The oldest residence in Springfield! Architectural Buildings
My family and I arrived just in time to see "Mr. Lincoln" walking a small group of visitors from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site to the Elijah Iles House. We caught up to their walking tour on the way to the House. "Mr. Lincoln" was a delight as he talked to us about the town and our destination: The Elijah Iles House. Once inside, we proceeded to the lower level for a talk about historical events during his Presidency-- in character! The staff even provided refreshments (cookies and lemonade) while we sat and listened. "Mr.Lincoln" graciously posed for pictures with me and my family. What a delightful experience!See more..
4.0Livingston County Courthouse(19 reviews) - We love this courthouse! Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
We have seen many "small town America" courthouses on the square, but this is by far our favorite. It's just beautiful. We have been here in October and saw it lit up with pink lights at night, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Awesome to see. If you have the time to make the stop, be sure you do. One of many great stops in Pontiac. When we were there previously, we were able to go in and look around. We were there on a Saturday/Sunday this trip, so not sure if that's still a possibility in our "Covid world". If it is, take the time to check it out.See more..
4.0The Big Yardstick(17 reviews) - Still a yard stick? Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Monuments & Statues • Scenic Walking Areas
I thought this was cool, but my friend questioned how it's a yard stick if it's larger than a yard...but it did take up their whole yard ;-)See more..
4.0Magnolia Manor(16 reviews) - It's a gem Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
It is been quite kept up, and the docent knew a lot about it. We enjoyed the tour, even though it was a bit awkward to know where to go, ring the bell, etc. I can't imagine the amount of money it takes to keep up this property. Thanks for the tour! Too bad the town is so run down. There are other beautiful homes in the neighborhood--they ought to open them for tours too!See more..
4.5U.S. Custom House(15 reviews) - Worth the Trip to See It Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
This town broke my heart. You can see the remnants of a town that looked like it was quite something in its heyday. Sadly, there’s very little left of what was once a vital town. The museum is wonderful in that it preserves some of the local past. Located in the old Custom House, the museum has quite an extensive and eclectic collection over three floors. And they are trying to renovate the old courtroom as well. The building itself is something to behold, lots of cast iron supports and balustrades and floors made from stone out of the river. Worth the trip to see it.See more..
4.5Atlanta Public Library(10 reviews) - Beautiful Library with a Friendly Staff Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Atlanta's library is situated right on Route 66 and is a stunning building in an octagonal shape and a clock tower out front. A plaques out front tells visitors about the clock tower and the mill stones. What really makes a library is the people. The staff at the Atlanta Public Library is friendly and likes greeting visitors taking a journey down the Mother Road. In fact, the library is associated with the museum and Palm's Grill cafe in town. I will continue to stop every time I am on the road.See more..
4.5Appellate Court(5 reviews) - Stand where Abraham Lincoln stood! Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings
This is a MUST if you are in Mt. Vernon for a bit. I was surprised to find out the courthouse is still a working one. I am sure the employees feel as if they are in a fish bowl, but they do not seem to mind the tourists. The artifacts are amazing and the tour is free. Bring the kids for an educational and historical experience. Stand where Lincoln stood! How many people can say that?See more..
5.0Muirhead Farmhouse(4 reviews) - "A Must See for Frank Llyod Wright Fans" Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Muirhead Farmhouse is the only farmhouse designed & built during Frank Lloyd Wright's lifetime. Built in the 1950's for Robert & Elizabeth Muirhead,it is now the home of the 3rd & 4th generations of the Murihead family, with family members conducting tours by appointment. The Usonian design home is open for tours year-round.See more..
We had an awesome time at the Castle Gardens Summer Concert Series last summer! The bands were great, crowd-pleasers, not too loud ;) but still rocking!!! Can’t wait for this concert season!!!!!See more..
4.5George Stickney House(4 reviews) - The apple orchard is great in the fall The Stickney House is okay could of been better A private tour of Charles Go Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Need to visit the apple orchard in the fall for great apples and cider.. The apple donuts are amazing good.. while the Stickney House was okay to see . Dick Tracy Days in July and the Ground Hog Day activities are worth seeing and taking put in ..See more..
4.5Elgin Historic District(4 reviews) - Interest district, though we came for a more specific reason Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
As we were driving to the Elgin Academy and the Laura Davidson Sears Academy of Fine Arts at Academy Place, we realized that there were more than a few old, beautiful homes in the area. Parking seemed a bit tight and for the streets, a GPS might be necessary. The Sears Academy hosted a dance recital from my granddaughter's pre-school. It was well laid out for a small theatre. We enjoyed watching her, and I think she enjoyed being on the stage.See more..
The signs to the courthouse were a little hard to follow but the locals pointed us in the right direction. The courthouse was closed but the outside look-see was still worth the stop. Great view of the train bridge. Some gentlemen were there preparing to have a log cabin relocated to the area. It's a nice place, if in the area again will definitely stop.See more..
4.5Oughton Estate Windmill(3 reviews) - A Neat Stop Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings A neat little place to stop and see this windmill. Nothing was open to go in, but still a great photo opt.See more..
5.0Paul Schweikher House(3 reviews) - Excellent House Tour in Schaumburg Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Fantastic home and studio tour in Schaumberg. Hard to believe these buildings were built in 1938 and are still in incredible condition. Well worth the trip out to the suburbs or a great place to go during a long layover at O'Hare. The history of the house is fascinating and the grounds are gorgeous!See more..
4.0Edgar County Courthouse(2 reviews) - Definitely a Historical Gem! Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
Really neat out-of-the-way town for those who like this stuff--and we do. The whole town is quaint, but we spent most of our time at the courthouse grounds. The courthouse is pretty cool-looking, and apparently, Abraham Lincoln practiced law sometimes here. Several markers dot the grounds, including a couple to Abraham Lincoln, and a really cool historical marker commemorating Zion's Camp...a large body of Mormons traveling through Paris on their way to help fellow Mormons being persecuted in Missouri. There are also several historical buildings located in the extended town square and a very neat second hand store called Ella's Resale Shop right across the street.See more..
It wasn’t far from my friends and I like his work so we checked it out. Cute and interesting little place. It was cool to see at least once. It also has a cemetery around it. Go around it and look inside See more..
5.0Riser Home & Boot Shop(2 reviews) - Fascinating! Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings So many years I have worn shoes and even had shoes resoled in my time, but have never really thought about how a shoe/boot was made. This shop is a short tour, but is so fascinating to watch how shoes and boots are made from scratch - actually a piece of cowhide - with simple tools. On the American frontier, there were craftsmen who could do just about anything to make life more enjoyable. This is not a busy tour, but is highly recommended.See more..
4.0Martin-Boismenue House State Historic Site(1 review) - Great historical value Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings This isn't a big place and there's not a lot to it. The value comes from the tour guide's explanation of the place and people, so how knowledgeable the guide is and how well they present the information makes all the difference. Really wish we could have seen the basement area, but the door was broken.See more..
5.0Dr. Charles M. Wright House Museum(1 review) - A linkage to the past Sunday: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Altamont, Illinois, is a community of 2,300 people in Effingham County, a 3 1/2-hour drive or 224 miles from Chicago, on I-70 and U.S. Route 40, south of Champaign, southeast of Springfield, midway between St. Louis and Terre Haute, Indiana. If you enjoy visiting historic houses, as my wife and I do, you are encouraged to visit the Dr. Charles M. Wright House Museum in Altamont. Located at 3 West Jackson Avenue, it is a historic house that was built in 1889 for Charles M. Wright I and his family. Wright, one of the only doctors in western Effingham County until his retirement in 1878, ran the only bank in Altamont at the time. Architect Charles H. Spilman designed the brick house in the Second Empire (Mansard) style with Italianate style influences as evidenced by the Mansard roof patterned slate on the roof, the dressed stones on the exterior corners of the building and asymmetrical front facade with two tall bay windows to the left of the front entrance. The window bays are topped by a large half-hipped dormer. And the house's cornice and the tops of the window bays are decorated with brackets. Designated as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 6,000-square-foot house has seven bedrooms and one bathroom. Designed to be self-sufficient, it was the first house in Altamont to have a gas lighting system, indoor plumbing and a central steam heating system. Open for tours since 2003, it features some of the original furnishings. See more..
4.0Kinmundy Log Cabin Village(1 review) - A stroll back in time. Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Every year about the last couple weekends of September, I go to the Kinmundy Log Cabin Village Fall Festival. Many of the cabins were local cabins moved here for preservation. You can learn the cabins history and get a first hand glimpse of what cabin life was like. During this time, there are food and craft vendors. Also, they have several people in period wear doing demonstrations of activities people had to do back then. This year I noticed the grounds were very well manicured and they are working very hard to make improvements. Would recommend going during their festival. Always makes for an interesting walk to get some fresh air! See more..
So glad the town of Shelbyville stepped up and restored this incredible facility. Would be fabulous for a country setting wedding....or small concerts.... See more..
5.0Muller House(1 review) - Representing life of a middle class family during 1880-1900 Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings The Muller and Banta Houses, which are located adjacent to one another on the grounds of the Arlington Heights Historical Museum in Arlington Heights, Illinois, represent life of middle class families during the 1880-1900 period. The Muller House, at 500 North Vail Avenue, was built in 1882 for the family of F.W. Muller and his soda pop business, which he operated out of his basement. It was one of the first commercial establishments in Arlington Heights and was part of the city's early transition from a rural settlement to a large suburb of Chicago. An exhibit provides the history of the Arlington Club soda that Muller introduced in 1872. After touring the museum, visitors can purchase four-packs of Arlington Club soda in the gift shop. The house also is an uncommon blend of architectural styles with Victorian and Green Revival designs. Prominent among the house's middle class features is its woodwork, which includes a carved oak staircase. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Next door, at 514 North Vail Avenue, is the Nathaniel Moore Banta House, an Arts and Crafts residence that was built in 1908 and was the first architect-designed house in Arlington Heights. Today, it is used to display and store the Martha Mills doll collection of more than 1,000 dolls and the Lorraine Korenthal Dollhouse Collection. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.See more..
5.0Central Geneva Historic District(1 review) - A suburban paradise dating to the 1840s Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings The Central Geneva Historic District is a set of 102 buildings and structures in Geneva, Illinois, one of Chicago's far western suburbs. Of those, 68 contribute to the district's historical integrity. It encompasses most of the southern half of the town as it was originally platted. It is roughly bounded by the Fox River and South, 6th and State Streets, south of Illinois Route 38 or Roosevelt Road. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Among the notable buildings is the Kane County Court House and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed P. D. Hoyt House. Most houses are two-story frame residences built between 1840 and 1900. Wright's P. D. Hoyt House was designed and built in the Prairie School style of architecture in 1906. But the Greek Revival Unitarian Church was built in 1843 and the vernacular Eben Conant House in 1844 and the Benjamin Wilson House in 1848 and the Italianate Augustus Herrington House in 1851 and the Neoclassical Charles B. Wells House in 1850. The Kane County Court House, the focal point of the district, is the only structure in the 67-acre area to exceed three stories. Geneva's reputation as a scenic shopping area has contributed to the popularity of the district.See more..
5.0Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center(1 review) - Home of the inventor of barbed wire Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings Barbed wire is considered to be one of the most important factors in American progress and settlement of the United States west of the Mississippi River. The inventor of barbed wire was Joseph F. Glidden, who improved on an earlier concept by Henry Rose and developed a two-strand, twisted barbed wire, dubbed "The Winner," which eventually transformed him into a successful entrepreneur. Glidden built his French Colonial house in 1861. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The two-story house, located on Route 38 or the Lincoln Highway, near DeKalb, Illinois, 60 miles west of Chicago, is constructed from locally fired brick. It is supported by a fieldstone foundation and still features its original front porch, which spans the length of the building's south facade and is supported by four wooden pillars. The interior of the building remains much as it was when Glidden lived in the house. Also surviving is the barn where Glidden perfected his improved version of barbed wire. Despite its high historical significance, the barn wasn't included as part of the NRHP listing for the property until 2002. The museum is dedicated to telling the story of the invention of barbed wire and its broader impact on the nation's development. To access the Glidden House, via I-88, take the Glidden Road exit north to Lincoln Highway, turn east, one block, to the parking lot.See more..
5.0First Presbyterian Church(1 review) - Interesting looking turn-of-the-century church Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals Organized in 1857 as the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, it was only the fourth church formed in the county. The congregation initially met in a school, but its first church building quickly followed in 1858. By the close of the Civil War, the church was already beginning work on Lincoln University and decided the church's house of worship should be closer to its university. The new building, built on the corner of Pekin and Ottawa Streets, was completed in 1867. The church grew quickly though and by the 1890s was too small for the congregation. The present much larger building, built on the same site as the second, was completed in 1896. Built in the Romanesque style of red brick on a foundation of quarry-faced stone with a 109-foot spire, its sanctuary had a new Kimball pipe organ and seating for 600. The building cost $21,000. We just happened to pass by this church while driving through Lincoln, and its beautiful stained glass windows, particularly the two large arched windows with their unusual framing (particularly the one with the unusual six-pointed star at the center), really caught our eye. The sanctuary is very striking on the inside as well. It is well worth a look if you happen to be in town.See more..
5.0Cultural Hall(1 review) - The heart of Old Nauvoo's social life Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings The Cultural Hall was the heart of Old Nauvoo's social life, the community's cultural center, where the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gathered for church and civic and social activities. Located at 315 Main Street, near the Brigham Young Home, the three-story cultural and masonic hall was built in the early 1840s by Lucius Scovil, who owned the bakery next door and was instrumental in the design and construction of the building. Dedicated in 1844, it had at least 26 different uses while the Mormons were in Nauvoo. It served as the principal meeting location for the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge, served as a police office and headquarters of the Nauvoo Legion and also was used to store firearms and to conduct plays, theatrical productions, funerals, church meetings, dances, banquets and art exhibits. Plays and theatrical productions were held on the ground floor. Brigham Young performed in the first play, Pizarro, a popular play of the time in England and the United States. Offices of the Nauvoo Legion were on the second floor. The Masonic Lodge met on the third floor, which also hosted dances and banquets. When the Mormons were forced out of Illinois in 1846, the benches were removed from the hall and the space was used to construct wagon boxes for the trek west. The church purchased the building in 1967 and began restoration in 1977, finally restoring it so as to appear as it did in the 1840s. Today, Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo, a musical comedy and drama about life in Nauvoo, is performed nightly by missionaries throughout the year.See more..
5.0Seventies Hall(1 review) Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings See more..
5.0Heber C. Kimball Home(1 review) - A leader in the early Mormon movement Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings Next to Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball was the most significant and most influential leader in the early movement of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or the Mormons. He was one of the original 12 apostles, served in the Utah Territorial Legislature from 1851 to 1858 and was the first counselor to Brigham Young in the 1st Presidency of the LDS Church for more than two decades from 1847 until his death in 1868 at age 67. His home, located at 995 Munson Street in Nauvoo, Illinois, on the northeast corner of Munson and Partridge Streets, is one of the most impressive structures in the community. Kimball purchased a lot in 1841 after returning from a mission to England. He began to construct the two-story, red brick house with a front porch and verandah on the second floor in 1845, completed the work in six months but lived in the house for only three months before being forced to leave Nauvoo on the Mormons' westward trek to Utah in February, 1846. The interior of the house includes a parlor with period furnishings and portraits of Kimball and his wife Vilate, a dining room, stairway and hallway, master bedroom, music room with a piano, nursery and children's bedroom. Perhaps the most valuable relics in the house is one of the original temple plates commissioned by Lucius Scovil in 1847, which hangs on a wall in the dining room. A close friend of Brigham Young, Kimball joined the church in 1821 and was ordained an apostle in 1835. The Kimballs had six living children when they lived in this house. Three of them were born in Nauvoo. They had 10 children in all, with seven living past infancy. However, Kimball advocated plural marriage, then part of church doctrine. He eventually married 43 women and had a total of 66 children by 17 of his wives. He supported his families by farming, ranching, milling and freighting, in addition to his church responsibilities.See more..
5.0Nauvoo House(1 review) - "A resting place for the weary traveler" Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings In January of 1841, Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or the Mormons, received a revelation with instructions to construct a boarding house in Nauvoo, Illinois, which would serve as "a resting place for the weary traveler." The revelation also instructed that the building should be called the Nauvoo House. Construction of the Nauvoo House began later in 1841 with Smith placing the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon in the cornerstone of the building. Construction continued until 1844 when resources were pulled away from the Nauvoo House to concentrate on completion of the Nauvoo Temple. After Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob at the nearby Carthage Jail in June 1844, their bodies were secretly buried in the cellar of the unfinished house but later were removed and buried close to the Smith Homestead. After Smith's death, his widow Emma Smith retained title to the Nauvoo House. When the majority of the Mormons left Nauvoo for Utah in the late 1840s, the house was still only partially completed. In the 1870s, Emma and her husband Lewis Bidamon converted the unfinished hotel into a smaller structure called the Riverside Mansion or Bidamon House. At this time, Bidamon removed the Book of Mormon manuscript from the cornerstone and it was subsequently purchased by the church. The Bidamons lived in the house from 1871 until their deaths. Today, the house at 890 Main Street is part of the Nauvoo Historic District and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. In 1909, the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints purchased the property. Still owned by the church, it is now called the Community of Christ and is operated as a dormitory available for group rental. It also is a stop in the guided walking tour of the Joseph Smith Historic Site.See more..
