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.
hidden historical village in Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Aaron Beatty/Google
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.
Jefferson County Historical Society/Facebook
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.
Jefferson County Historical Society/Facebook
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!
Jefferson County Historical Society/Facebook

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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.
Jefferson County Historical Society/Facebook
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.
Jefferson County Historical Society/Facebook
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.
Jefferson County Historical Society/Facebook
The historical village is also next to several old cemeteries and contains its small burial grounds on site.
Jefferson County Historical Society/Facebook
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.
Jefferson County Historical Society/Facebook

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.

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Jefferson County Historical Village

Marla S. | June 13, 2024

What are some fun facts about Illinois history?

Check out the following fun facts about Illinois history:

    • In 1865, Illinois became the first state in the country to end slavery.
    • Collinwood, Illinois is home to the largest bottle of catchup in the world. The 170-foot landmark was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
    • Twinkies were invented by James Dewar in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago.
    • Casey, Illinois is home to 12 of the largest objects that have been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.

 

For more fun and unique facts, we suggest checking out our Illinois State Pride Guide. We also think you'll get a good laugh when you read about these quirky Illinois laws.

Is there a historical village in Nauvoo, Illinois?

Nauvoo, Illinois was once the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Back in 1839, religious followers built a thriving community along the Mississippi River in this part of Illinois for local Mormons to practice their religion and create a community. Unfortunately, residents were forced to head further west due to persecution.

Nowadays, there's a lot to explore in this historical village. This includes the Nauvoo Temple, the Temple Stones Pavilion, and the former home of leaders who established the once-thriving Mormon town.

Check out our Illinois history guide to learn more about the Prairie State.

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Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 N 27th St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA