Nauvoo Temple

What happens inside LDS/Mormon temples?

In the temple the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aka Mormons, are taught covenants, make covenants, and are promised blessings. They receive ordinances that enable them to live in the presence of God. They do not use the building for Sunday worship and it is only used for sacred ordinances.

Endowment

One ordinance they receive in the temple is the endowment. The word endowment means “gift” or “bestowal.” As part of this ordinance, the LDS are taught about the purpose of life, the mission and Atonement of Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father’s plan for His children. They gain a glimpse of what it will be like to live in His presence as they feel the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.

Sealing

Another temple ordinance is the sealing ordinance, in which husbands and wives are sealed to each other and children are sealed to their parents in eternal families. This means that if the LDS members are faithful to their covenants, their family relationships will continue for eternity. People sometimes also refer to this ordinance as “temple marriage” or “eternal marriage.”

Ordinances for the Deceased

In addition to receiving these ordinances for themselves, the LDS can receive them for their deceased ancestors. In this way, people who died without receiving essential ordinances such as baptism and confirmation, the endowment, and sealing have the opportunity to accept these ordinances.

Entrance is limited to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are at least 12 years old and have received a temple recommend from their local leadership to enter the temple. Public tours are not provided inside the Nauvoo temple.

Phone:: 217-453-6252
Website:: Nauvoo Temple

Address:: 50 North Wells St.
Nauvoo, IL 62354

History Comes Alive

Take a step back to when a blacksmith was a vital part of the American frontier. Enjoy a hands-on demonstration of what it took to keep progress moving. Also get a free gift just for stopping - a hand forged iron ring hammered from a horseshoe nail. Visit www.HistoricNauvoo.net for further information.

Wagon and Oxen Rides

There is no better way to see old Nauvoo than to take a FREE wagon ride around all the historic sites. This 30 minute, guided tour of Nauvoo is available for your entire family all year. Tickets are free and may be picked up at the Historic Nauvoo Visitor Center. You can board the wagon on Hotchiss between Main & Granger, by the Family Living Center. There are oxen drawn rides as well. You'll have a great time when you visit beautiful Nauvoo. Visit www.HistoricNauvoo.net for more information.

Nightly Shows

Whatever the time of year - Nauvoo has entertainment to offer. Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo is shown all year. From May to August, the entertainment schedule in Nauvoo increases with Sunset on the Mississippi along with plays and vignettes by Young Performing Missionaries. Tickets are necessary and free for any show that is indoors and not necessary for any show that is outdoors. Visit www.HistoricNauvoo.net for further information.

Historic District Shopping

Nauvoo has a variety of great shops right along Mulholland in the historic downtown district. These unique stores offer everything from country general store gifts and collectibles to a selection of furniture, fine art, and antiques. The old buildings and windows create a great ambiance and a fun place to spend some time exploring one-of-a-kind items.

Nauvoo craftsmen and merchants offer a variety of items made in Nauvoo. Find handmade furniture and tableware, hand sewn hats, bags, and clothing, hand dipped candles, original paintings and artwork . . . and more. Look for the Made in Nauvoo products when you're in Nauvoo.

Visit - https://www.beautifulnauvoo.com/shopping-in-nauvoo/ for more information.

Browning Tour

Nauvoo is home to one of the most famous gunmakers in the world. Jonathan Browning of Browning guns and rifles started his first gun shop right here in Nauvoo in the 1840's. You will enjoy seeing his old shop and home. Also, actual demonstration of true musket & rifle making. This is a great stop for those coming to Nauvoo. Visit www.HistoricNauvoo.net for further information.

Vineyard Tour

Nauvoo is home to Illinois' oldest winery. Baxter's Vineyards has been producing delicious wine here since 1851. Tour their beautiful vineyard and winery and take home pies, wines, and cheeses. You'll love historic Baxter's in old Nauvoo.
Learn More and See Daily Activities.

Live Music

Performing all summer, these authentic bagpipers march through the main street of Nauvoo and it's historic district regularly, taking time to teach and give demonstrations for visitors. The spirit and music that fills the air is unforgettable. Visit www.HistoricNauvoo.net for further information.

Kids Pioneer Activities

Historic Nauvoo is home to several interactive sites that are ideal for children and families - Pioneer Pastimes, the Family Living Center, the Scovil Bakery, the Blacksmith Shop, and the Brickyard are examples of fun for the entire family! Visit www.HistoricNauvoo.net for specific site details.

iDig Nauvoo

Join in an exciting effort to find the location of the home built for Samuel H. Smith in Nauvoo. Descendants and Friends of Joseph Smith Sr. family are invited to participate in a real archaeological dig this summer in Nauvoo, Illinois.

View a schedule and to register.

Looking for Lincoln

We invite you to explore the Looking for Lincoln Story Trail. More than 50 communities throughout central Illinois have installed over 210 Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits. Here in Hancock County, we are home to 11 of these wayside exhibits designed to tell you about each community's connection to President Lincoln.

Learn more about Looking for Lincoln.