Nauvoo is a welcoming small town of just under 1,000 residents, and each year we’re delighted to greet tens of thousands of visitors who come to experience its history and charm. With so many people enjoying the city at once, a little courtesy goes a long way toward making the experience wonderful for everyone—both residents and guests.
Here are a few simple ways you can help keep Nauvoo safe, pleasant, and enjoyable:
Keep an eye on noise levels, especially during evening quiet hours (10:00 pm on weekdays and 11:00 pm on weekends).
Use sidewalks and stay off private residential property as you explore town.
Stay clear of traffic. Mulholland Street is an active highway with semi-truck traffic—please cross with care and avoid walking in the roadway.
Support our local businesses! Just remember that many shops and eateries have cozy spaces, so smaller groups or staggered visits are appreciated.
Ensure youth have appropriate supervision at all times.
Leave spaces tidy. Pick up after outdoor activities and help keep our community litter-free.
Follow posted signs and local traffic ordinances to help keep everyone safe.
Thank you for helping make Nauvoo a warm and welcoming place for all who visit!
Nauvoo offers a variety of charming lodging options—from historic inns to cozy vacation rentals—but availability can be limited, especially for groups. To make your stay smooth and enjoyable, we encourage advance planning.
Here are a few tips to help your group find the right accommodations:
Book early. Lodging in Nauvoo fills up quickly during peak seasons, and larger groups often require multiple rooms or properties.
Communicate your group size and needs. Many locally owned hotels, B&Bs, and rentals can accommodate groups with proper notice and coordination.
Consider multiple properties. Because Nauvoo is a small community, groups may need to split between nearby inns or rentals—planning ahead ensures everyone is comfortably situated.
Ask about group amenities. Some lodging providers offer meeting spaces, kitchen facilities, or other features that can simplify group travel.
For a full list of available accommodations and contact information, please see our Lodging Listings page.
Nauvoo Historic Sites are owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They offer many experiences including the Visitors’ Center, Live Performances, Summer Pageants, Oxen, Wagon and Carriage Rides. Tours are free of charge. Guided tours are only provided by missionaries. Groups of over 25 are asked to submit a reservation request. Group gathering places are also available on request.
Click here for more information.
Carthage is located approximately 23 miles from Nauvoo. Be sure to plan for travel time and waiting time to take a tour of the jail. Some days, the wait could be long. Tours are 30 minutes long and begin every 15 minutes. Tour size is limited to 15 individuals. While part of your group waits for others to finish touring, they can wait on the peaceful grounds of the site.
Click here for more information.
As you plan your time in Nauvoo, please keep in mind that our community has a small but dedicated selection of dining options. While we’re continually working to enhance visitor services, our restaurants cannot accommodate large groups without advance notice.
To ensure the best experience for your group:
Call ahead if you plan to bring a large party to any restaurant. This allows our locally owned businesses to prepare and serve you comfortably.
Explore group-friendly options. Many local establishments can host larger groups with prior scheduling.
Consider catering. Several businesses offer catering services that can make group meals simple and enjoyable.
For details on restaurants, hours, group policies, and catering contacts, please visit our Food Listings page.
Due to the historic layout of Nauvoo, many streets are narrow and not designed for buses or large recreational vehicles. During the busy summer months, increased traffic from oversized vehicles can create challenges for both visitors and residents. To help manage this, RVs measuring 30 feet or longer are classified the same as buses and must follow designated bus routes and parking guidelines. If you’re traveling with a tour company or driving a large RV, please ensure all drivers use approved routes and park only in designated bus areas. Buses are also required to obtain a city-issued sticker confirming they’ve reviewed these guidelines. Keep in mind that GPS directions may suggest roads that are not suitable for large vehicles, which can lead to damage for both the roadway and the vehicle, so careful route planning is essential.. Download a map of the approved routes for Bus & RVs.
Groups visiting Nauvoo can help keep the city welcoming and easy to navigate by using designated parking areas. Following local ordinances ensures a smooth visit and helps avoid tickets. Buses are asked not to park on the street and should instead use the lot west of the Visitors’ Center or the parking area near Kimball and Main Streets.
Groups visiting Nauvoo can add meaningful service to their experience by signing up for volunteer projects through JustServe. From beautification efforts to community support initiatives, these opportunities make it easy for groups of all sizes to give back while they’re here. It’s a simple way to connect with the community, make a lasting impact, and leave Nauvoo even better than you found it.
