The Mansion House was the final home of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his family. It served as a gathering place for the Nauvoo community and the place where many interested visitors met with Joseph.
Our experience at Nauvoo, "The Beautiful Place", was wonderful! Everyone was so helpful and kind! You do need to either go online and get FREE tickets just to reserve a spot or check in to the visitor center early in the day, in order to reserve spots to sit to watch the FREE shows, but their dancing and singing is worth the stopping in early, calling, or going online. If you don't care about the shows, but just want to see the life of a pioneer or the life of early Latter-day Saints and hear their story, then just show up, but early in the day. On Saturday and Sunday it was noon to 5pm in the Summer. Winter hours, you need to call ahead or check into the visitor center and see if some Senior Missionaries can get you a private showing. They've done that for our family once, 3 years ago. Always the best thing to do, is check in with the visitor center. Everything does close early at 5pm, and there are no grocery stores other than Dollar General and tiny shops. So, either bring food, shop in Keokuk, or get there early enough to get to the few shops or few eating options. They are nice but not conducive to a tight budget for a large family. Definitely get a hotel or place to stay ahead of time. We really do recommend visiting and one of our favorite things was on Sunday evening The Trail of Hope tour, where they led us down the trail that the Pioneer Saints walked on as they fled Nauvoo, and acted out and recited journal entries of their lives and then you got to dip your feet in the Mississippi River at the end, at sunset. It was beautiful and spiritual and you felt a connection with those who have gone before us!
EM
Ed McBride
Aug 14, 2025
5.0
Beautifully restored history
JC
John Cutler
Aug 3, 2025
5.0
In August 2025, we visited the Mansion Home in Nauvoo, Illinois. The Mansion House is part of the LDS Church's Nauvoo Historical Sites, and none of these Nauvoo Historical Sites charge an admission fee to enter. Joseph and Emma Smith lived in the Mansion Home starting in about 1843, and this would be considered their dream home. It is a well-maintained historic home, and the furniture and decorations give it an authentic feel. It is interesting to learn more about the lives of notable historical figures. The Nauvoo Historical Sites are amazing to visit and to experience.
What is the historical significance of the Mansion House in Nauvoo?
The Mansion House was the final home of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his family, serving as a gathering place for the Nauvoo community and visitors.
Where is the Mansion House located?
It is located at 610 Water St, Nauvoo, IL 62354, United States.
What are the Mansion House's opening hours?
Monday through Saturday, it is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On Sundays, it opens from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Is the Mansion House wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Mansion House has both wheelchair accessible entrances and parking.
How can I contact the Mansion House for more information?
You can reach the Mansion House by phone at +1 217-577-2603.
Where can I find more information or plan my visit to the Mansion House?
You can plan your visit and find more info at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/feature/historic-sites/historic-nauvoo?lang=eng
What nearby historical sites can I visit along with the Mansion House?
You can visit the Smith Family Cemetery, Nauvoo House, Joseph Smith Historic Site Visitors' Center, and the Red Brick Store, which are all nearby historical sites.
Are there any museums close to the Mansion House?
Yes, the Joseph Smith Historic Center, John and Elizabeth Browning Home and Gun Shop museum, and Nauvoo House history museum are nearby.
What recreational or natural attractions are near the Mansion House?
Nearby attractions include the Mississippi River, Nauvoo State Park, Horton Lake Dam, and Pioneer Pastimes Picnic Area.
Are there places to stay nearby if I want to visit the Mansion House?
Yes, you can stay at hotels or B&Bs like the Willard Richards Inn and Ellis Sanders House INN Nauvoo close to the Mansion House.