Hidden Nauvoo Tour

Beyond the well-known landmarks, Nauvoo holds a quieter layer of history—one you discover by stepping just a little off the main path. These ten lesser-known stops invite you to slow down, look closer, and connect with the people and places that shaped Nauvoo in meaningful ways.

Often overlooked, this site connects to one of Nauvoo’s most intriguing figures. The home of Porter Rockwell reflects the life of a man known for his fierce loyalty and larger-than-life reputation, adding depth and complexity to the Nauvoo experience. One of the earliest converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rockwell appointed himself as a personal bodyguard to Joseph Smith. After Joseph’s death, he continued in that role for Brigham Young, eventually following the Saints west to Utah.

If you have heard the story of the Nauvoo Expositor and the burning of the printing press you might have wondered where they happened at. It happened right on Mulholland Street in the downtown business district. Though the original building is gone, the Martyrdom Museum now occupies the spot next door to what was once the scene of one of the most notorious moments of Nauvoo history. Explore the museum to learn about the death of Joseph and Hyrum and know that you are in the spot where history happened.

Tucked quietly into the landscape, the Stone Arch Bridge offers both charm and a peaceful setting—an ideal spot for photos, a short rest, or simply enjoying a quieter side of town. Follow the stairs down behind the Veteran’s Memorial to discover this unique stone arch spanning the creek. Once used by horse and wagons, it now sits largely unnoticed, marked only by a small sign along the road.

A unique and lesser-known site, David’s Chamber adds a sense of discovery to your tour—unexpected, a little mysterious, and memorable for both kids and adults. Named for David Hyrum Smith, who was born after the martyrdom, this quiet spot has long been a place for picnics and reflection, where he was said to enjoy spending time. It is also believed to be one of the locations where the body of Joseph Smith was temporarily hidden. To learn more, visit the Tomb of Joseph Museum.

Located just outside the busiest areas, the Hyrum Smith Farm offers a glimpse into everyday life beyond the city center. The open space and rural setting make it easy to imagine the rhythm of work, family, and faith that shaped early Nauvoo. Hyrum Smith—brother of Joseph Smith and a central leader in the early Church—served as Patriarch and was deeply trusted within the community for his steadiness and devotion. Today, the farm remains privately owned and is located just across the street from the Nauvoo Park District, offering a quiet, respectful place to reflect on his life and legacy.

Did you know that Joseph Smith's body was moved several times? Explore the Tomb of Joseph Museum located in the basement of Zion's Mercantile to learn about this fascinating piece of Nauvoo history. Find out about how they found the hidden room in the basement and decide for yourselves if this was really Joseph's Tomb.

The home of Sarah Granger Kimball highlights the important influence of women in Nauvoo’s history. Known for her role in organizing and strengthening the community, her contributions make this stop both meaningful and inspiring. Located just off Main Street, the Sarah Granger Kimball Home is often overlooked, yet it is one of the oldest homes in Nauvoo—quietly preserving an important piece of the city’s story.

The home and store of Parley P. Pratt carries a unique and layered history within Nauvoo. After its early use, the building became the first Catholic church in the city, later serving as the parish rectory. Today, known as Villa Marie, it continues to function as a parsonage—making it a meaningful stop that reflects the evolving religious heritage of Nauvoo.

The home of Sidney Rigdon adds another important layer to Nauvoo’s leadership story. A close associate of Joseph Smith, Rigdon served as a counselor in the First Presidency and was a powerful preacher whose influence helped shape the early growth of the Church. He played a key role during some of Nauvoo’s most pivotal moments, including the period of uncertainty following Joseph Smith’s death, when questions of leadership came to the forefront. The Sidney Rigdon Home offers a chance to reflect on his contributions, his convictions, and the complex history that unfolded in Nauvoo during that time. Though currently Missionary housing and not open for tours, you can still see his home from outside located next door the the Mansion House.

A peaceful, open area just outside the main historic district, the Nauvoo Groves offers space to walk, think, and take in the spirit of Nauvoo. It’s a quieter setting that helps you imagine gatherings, daily life, and the natural beauty that surrounded Nauvoo’s early residents. Many of Joseph Smith's speeches in Nauvoo took place in one of the groves. This is a great spot to sit and think about the words that were spoken here.

This isn’t a checklist—it’s an invitation. These places may not draw the biggest crowds, but they offer something just as valuable: space to explore, reflect, and experience Nauvoo in a more personal way.