There Is A Tiny 1800s Village Hiding In The Middle Of The Countryside In Southern Illinois

As we're sure you know, reading a history book and watching a documentary are great ways to understand the past. However, it can't quite do justice to what life was like back in the day. And let's be real, there is a lot of interesting history in Illinois to get caught up on. That's why we love looking at local historical societies to explore and learn.  So, if you're in Mt. Vernon, we recommend heading to the Jefferson County Historical Village for an immersive experience that'll help you understand what life was like in Illinois years ago.

The Jefferson County Historical Village is located on the northwestern edge of the charming Southern Illinois town of Mt. Vernon. Envisioned in 1990, the village has grown into an educational and entertaining outdoor museum that showcases what life was like for area residents in the 1800s.

The village is open on weekends between May and October and admission is free, though donations help maintain the museum.

Entering the historical village is like stepping back into the early pioneer days — a more simple and rugged time when reliance on technology was essentially nonexistent. The area consists of 19 buildings, as well as several trails, a nearby cemetery, and an indoor museum.

While some of the buildings in this Mt Vernon historical village have been recreated, some have been rebuilt using donated historic materials, while others have been relocated entirely. The medical building here is made from two area families' cabins and its contents were donated by local dentists and doctors.

The Jefferson County Historical Village also displays the Calaboose log cabin jail, a print shop, a school, several residential cabins, a grist mill, and a blacksmith shop.

The Mt. Olive Church, built in 1873, was moved from Bluford, Illinois to the historical village in 1992 — and still performs weddings to this day!

Though the general store itself is a replica, it is home to several real artifacts that would have been found in the original. Therefore, you'll get a good sense of Illinois history when you check it out.

It also houses a barbershop inside!

There are also two convenient trails filled with informative signage that help you explore the grounds. The Time Line Trail has 24 signs that tell of important local historical events, and the Kitty Irvin Trail contains a small gravesite.

Each trail in this historical village takes you through forested land, filled with lush trees and wild fruit.

Volunteers are usually on hand to show off the Mt Vernon Historical Village and the actual lifestyle that early settlers abided by. As part of your immersive Illinois history experience, you may see (or get to try!) weaving, blacksmithing, wood carving, basket making, and more.

The historical village is also next to several old cemeteries and contains its small burial grounds on site.

Throughout the year, Jefferson County Historical Village hosts several community events, such as the Heritage Festival, which includes tours of the village, antiques, local vendors, old-fashioned foods, crafts, historical demonstrations, kids' activities, and more.

So, would you check out this hidden historical village in Mt. Vernon, Illinois? What's your favorite historical destination in Illinois? Are there any other unique museums you would recommend? Feel free to share your thoughts in the following comments section.

To get started on your adventure, visit the Jefferson County Historical Society to plan your unique outing. And, if you're interested in learning more, check out our Illinois history guide and this story on the legend of a Mt. Vernon witch. We also suggest referring to Airbnb Experiences if you'd like to experience more one-of-a-kind activities in Illinois.