Historic Nauvoo

Nauvoo, Illinois, was the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1839 to 1846. Under prophetic leadership, Latter-day Saints worked together to build a faith-based community and a temple overlooking the Mississippi River. Today, visitors are inspired by the preserved buildings and landscapes of this “Cornerstone of Zion.” (Doctrine and Covenants 124:2).
Red-brick buildings with many windows, surrounded by large green trees in Nauvoo, Illinois.
The two-story red-brick home of Brigham Young in Nauvoo.
The Nauvoo Temple was a focal point in the historic landscape of Nauvoo and in the lives of the Latter-day Saints. Today Historic Nauvoo is open to the public. Visitors enjoy tours and activities in historic homes, shops, and other buildings. The temple has been reconstructed, and the temple grounds are open to the public year-round. Entrance into the temple is limited to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with current temple recommends. For information about entering the Nauvoo Illinois Temple, click or tap here.

In Nauvoo the Lord revealed truths and practices that continue to guide His Church today. His revelations to the Prophet Joseph Smith included the founding of the Relief Society, the practice of baptism and confirmation for the dead, and temple marriage. The Lord also inspired Joseph to confer priesthood keys on the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, preparing them to lead the Church if Joseph were to die. After Joseph’s death in nearby Carthage, President Brigham Young and other Apostles led the Church.
Last Updated On May 01, 2023
Historic Nauvoo
a green landscape of large trees and grass with brick buildings in the midground and a large white stone building at the top against a blue-sky background.

Summer season (April 1 – September 30)

Visitors’ Center
Monday – Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Historic Buildings
Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM

Winter season (October 1 – March 31)

Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Please confirm by phone

Physical Address
290 N. Main Street
Nauvoo, Illinois 62354

Contact
1-877-399-3046
View Map
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The Nauvoo Temple: A Joseph Smith Papers Podcast
The Nauvoo Temple: A Joseph Smith Papers Podcast
Listen to an eight-part miniseries that explores the history and legacy of the Nauvoo Temple.
Alt text: Museum setting including a life-size illustration of Joseph Smith, a Nauvoo Temple sunstone, the exhibit title banner, and a scale model of the Nauvoo Illinois Temple.
Cornerstone of Zion
Nauvoo’s covenant community followed prophetic direction to build the House of the Lord.
Temple City
Saints worked together to design, build, and dedicate the temple of the Lord—their crowning achievement.
A two-and-a-half-story brick home with a double white porch and sizable addition to the right with a white picket fence and road in front and large trees to the left and behind
Homes of the Apostles
Members of the Quorum of the Twelve worked to fulfill the commandment to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Relief Society Foundations
The worldwide female Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints traces its roots to Nauvoo.
Snow-covered streetscape with a red brick building in the background and fences in the foreground
Pioneer Trail
Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo spent months preparing to travel from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains in search of peace.