Take A Carriage Ride Through The Historic City Of Nauvoo For A Truly Unique Illinois Experience
Nauvoo has a population of just under 1,000 people and with its history, this small city is the perfect place to explore by one of the oldest forms of transportation. A horse-drawn carriage ride is a truly special, even romantic, way to get around. It’s like a step back in time, especially in a historic city like Nauvoo where carriage rides are offered year-round.
Nauvoo became an incorporated city in 1840 after it was populated by the Mormons who were led there by Joseph Smith. Nauvoo was originally covered in a swamp, which these settlers drained in order to make it a livable settlement.
Although this city is steeped in religious history, you don't have to be religious to enjoy and appreciate Nauvoo --especially on a horse-drawn carriage tour through its historic district.
Although you can take a self-guided walking tour, it's a more memorable experience to book a horse-drawn carriage ride. Offered year-round, the rides last 30 minutes starting at 10 a.m. daily, Monday through Saturday. There are no rides on Sundays.
A wagon ride is another fun, old-fashioned touring option around Nauvoo. Reservations must be made in advance for either a carriage or wagon, both of which were common forms of transportation when the city was first settled.
Wagons run every 30 minutes and depart from the wagon depot located close to the Family Living Center. Carriage rides run every hour, departing from the carriage depot that's located in the Vistor Center's east parking lot.
Carriages and wagons are pulled by draft horses. A tour guide will narrate the history of Nauvoo as you are led around the city's main historical spots on a wonderful ride that will take you back to a simpler time.
It may be hard to believe, but there are numerous things to see and do for FREE around Nauvoo, including the carriage and wagon tours! Come and explore this historic small city for a memorable (and affordable) time.
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
