By The Banks Of The Mississippi River Is Illinois' Historic State Park With Lake Beauty And Shaded Trails

Water is never far from the experience at Nauvoo State Park in Illinois. The Mississippi River runs just beyond the park's western edge, while its own 13-acre lake offers a pretty setting for fishing and boating. Woods and trails surround the lake and provide a habitat for migratory birds — Nauvoo has even been designated a Bird City Illinois community. The landscape here comes with a long, distinctive story, too. The park sits within a former bustling Mormon settlement from the 19th century, per the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The town's history is present throughout the park, from a house originally built by Mormon settlers to a vineyard recognized as Nauvoo's first, which still grows on park property.

Nauvoo State Park sits on the south side of the active city of Nauvoo, where you can still see horse-drawn wagons. It's about a 40-minute drive from Burlington, Iowa, which has a regional airport and Amtrak station. The land was first home to a village of the Fox tribe, according to the IDNR. After Mormons arrived in 1839 seeking refuge from religious persecution, Nauvoo's population continued to grow until it became the biggest city in Illinois in its time. That period is still tangible at the park — its museum is a restored Mormon house from the 1840s and holds artifacts from across eras. 

After the Mormons left Nauvoo in 1846, the nearly abandoned city attracted a group of immigrants who attempted to create a utopian society here. They eventually disbanded, but not before leaving behind a legacy of winemaking. The park preserves Nauvoo's first vineyard, planted in the mid-1800s. You can see a historic wine cellar at the park museum and walk among vines that connect the modern park to its former chapters, all while enjoying a day out in the woods and on the water.

Once you've explored Nauvoo State Park's historic house and vineyard, you can shift your attention to the water and trails. As a plus, there's no cost (Illinois is one of the friendly, welcoming states with free state parks). The manmade Horton Lake was added primarily to serve fishers, per iFish Illinois. Per the IDNR, it has roughly a mile of shoreline lined with trees, giving it a scenic, sheltered character. Anglers can come for its supply of largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and bluegill, while boaters can put in at the primitive launch to explore by water (swimming, however, is not permitted).

The park's main hike is the 1.5-mile Lake Trail, according to the IDNR. Much of the trail wraps around the lake beneath a shady tree canopy. "Great shady mile hike around the lake. It does have some steep hills on the trail," a Google Maps reviewer noted. The IDNR specifically cites the trail as a prime spot for birdwatching — over 100 species have been logged here on eBird, from warblers of various shades to wading egrets and herons. There are a few smaller trails, including an accessible trail that loops for under 0.5 miles from the park's campground. If you want to get views of the river just beyond the park, the Lake Trail connects to a Health & Wellness Trail mapped out by the Nauvoo Betterment Association. It's roughly a mile from the state park to the riverbank, with the walk going largely along sidewalk rather than through wilderness. For travelers combining the park with a visit to Nauvoo, one of Illinois's charming towns with relaxed vibes, the hike lets you explore woods and wildlife before you head toward the historic town and riverfront.