With a population of just 923, Nauvoo is home to an impressive twenty museums—that’s one for every 46 residents! This remarkable concentration of museums reflects the town’s deep historical roots and the passionate dedication of those who work to preserve and share Nauvoo’s unique past. Each museum is truly one-of-a-kind, offering its own perspective and treasures. Some are intimate “mini-museums,” tucked into a single room or small space, where you can enjoy a close-up look at rare artifacts and stories you won’t find anywhere else. Others fill entire historic buildings, transporting visitors back in time the moment they step inside. From exhibits on early pioneer life to collections celebrating religious heritage, craftsmanship, and local culture, every museum offers a distinct window into the people, events, and traditions that shaped this unforgettable riverside town.
The Nauvoo Historic Sites is a living history museum with over 30 historic homes to explore.
Main Street
Open daily. Hours vary by season.
The Weld House Museum is a timeline of Nauvoo history with each room featuring an era of Nauvoo's past.
1380 Mulholland Street
Open 1-4pm May to October or by appointment.
The Rheinberger Museum features impressive stone arch wine cellar and local history items.
980 S Bluff Street
Open 1-4pm May to October or by appointment.
Visit the Bible Museum to see archeological artifacts from the Old Testament.
1385 Mulholland Street
Open by Appointment
Learn about the history Baxter's Winery, the oldest winery in the state of Illinois!
2010 Parley Street
Open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am - 5pm Sundays
The Joseph Smith Museum is housed in an 1840 log cabin that was relocated from near Pittsfield, Pike County, Il. only a few miles from Mormon town.
65 N Winchester Street
Open 24/7
The Martyrdom Museum focusing on the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Carthage.
1279 Mulholland Street
Open 9am-9pm May-August or by appointment
Where Faith and Science Meet. The Flood Museum presents the Bible as an accurate record of history, including Creation and the great flood of Noah through immersive experiences and informative exhibits.
1310 Knight Street
Open by appointment
Discover the history behind the tomb of Joseph Smith at the Tomb of Joseph Museum.
1200 Mulholland Street
Open 10am-5pm Monday to Friday or by appointment
Annie's Frozen Custard is preserving the heritage of the ice cream scoop with a mini museum of scoops! Enjoy learning how ice cream was scooped over time.
1320 Mulholland Street
Open Seasonally Monday to Saturday from 8am to 9:35pm
The Willard Richards Inn was once the home of Apostle Willard Richards. This beautiful residence now serves as both a bed and breakfast and a mini–museum filled with artifacts connected to Richards’ life.
950 White Street
Open by appointment
Zion’s Mercantile is more than a store—it's a mini–museum woven into a modern shopping experience.
1240 Mulholland Street
Open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday
The State Bank of Nauvoo has been operating in the same location since 1892. The bank lobby features a museum of artifacts through the many years of operation.
1205 Mulholland Street
Open 8:30am-5pm Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 11am Saturday
Nauvoo has had a variety of pharmacies through the years. The Nauvoo Pharmacy Museum preserves the history of pharmacies over time.
1350 Mulholland Street
Open 8am-5pm Monday to Friday, 8am- Noon Saturday
Quarry House Gallery has a beautiful collection of Christian art and Nauvoo history pieces that tell the history of Nauvoo through art.
1360 Mulholland Street
Hours vary seasonally
Lock 19 Restaurant was named after Lock 19 Dam in Keokuk. They feature photos from the building of the Keokuk Dam throughout their museum.
1395 Mulholland Street
Hours vary seasonally
Located in the Nauvoo Chiropractic office, the Funny Bones Museum features various plastic skeletons that dress for the holidays in funny ways.
1390 Mulholland Street
Open 9am - 5pm Monday and Thursday
The Way We Were: Walking Tour is a self guided journey through Nauvoo's history as told by the buildings in Nauvoo. The story boards located in the park tell the story of the various groups that have called Nauvoo home.
1230 Mulholland Street
McCarty Art & Design has been in business since 1972. John McCarty has created some of the most memorable signs in Nauvoo following in the footsteps of Nauvoo sign makers of the past. The museum in the shop highlights signs from Nauvoo businesses of days gone by.
85 N Iowa Street
Open by appointment
