Church History
& Adventure

Hit the road heading east on I-80 through Wyoming and Nebraska. The adventure begins!

A legendary Wyoming I-80 tradition — you simply can't drive through without stopping for their famous 75¢ soft serve cones. Little America has been a road tripper's oasis since 1934 with a gas station, restaurant, hotel, and the best cheap ice cream cone in the West. Look for the billboards starting miles before the exit — the kids will be counting them down! Best of all, Grandma's treating — so it's completely free! 🎉 Located at Exit 68 off I-80 in southwestern Wyoming.

Rest up for a big Day 2.

Attend a local ward on your first Sunday of the trip! Council Bluffs and Omaha have several wards — a perfect fit since you're stopping at Kanesville and Winter Quarters right afterward. Use the meetinghouse locator to find times. Find a meetinghouse near Council Bluffs →

Where Brigham Young was sustained as prophet, the Mormon Battalion was organized, and Oliver Cowdery returned to the Church. Beautiful memorial gardens.

Right next to the Kanesville Memorial. A replica of the original tabernacle where Brigham Young was sustained as Church president in 1847. Museum inside tells the story of the Council Bluffs staging ground for the pioneer exodus west. A fascinating companion stop.

Excellent museum — try pulling the handcart! Pioneer cemetery on grounds. Winter Quarters Temple nearby.

A key pioneer trail encampment and settlement between Nauvoo and Winter Quarters. Hundreds of saints are buried here. A quiet, sacred outdoor site with a monument and pioneer cemetery. Bring water.

Check in and rest up for a full day of exploring tomorrow.

The 'City Beautiful' on the Mississippi River. Dozens of restored homes and shops. Free wagon rides, blacksmith demos, brick-making, pottery. Easily a full day of exploring!

Where Sarah Granger Kimball's desire to form a sewing society led directly to Joseph Smith organizing the Relief Society in 1842 — one of the most significant women's organizations in Church history. A beautifully restored home in the heart of historic Nauvoo.

One of the most important buildings in Nauvoo — Joseph Smith's general store and personal office on the upper floor. The Relief Society was formally organized here on March 17, 1842. Joseph also taught the endowment ceremony here before the temple was completed. Beautifully restored with period furnishings.

Joseph Smith's original log home and the Mansion House where he and Emma lived until his martyrdom. One of the most personal and sacred sites in all of Nauvoo. The Joseph & Hyrum Smith graves are located on the grounds.

One of Nauvoo's most visited restored homes. Beautifully furnished period rooms with guides sharing stories of Brigham's leadership and the Saints' preparations to leave Nauvoo.

Right next door to the Brigham Young Home. Heber C. Kimball was one of the original Twelve Apostles. His restored home tells the story of faithful sacrifice during the Nauvoo period.

Headquarters of the Church's official newspaper in Nauvoo, where Joseph Smith served as editor. Important proclamations and early Church doctrine were published here.

Where the early Nauvoo Saints gathered for plays, dances, concerts, and social events — a reminder that even amid hardship, the Saints celebrated life and community.

One of the few original surviving buildings from Nauvoo's golden era. Used by the Quorum of the Seventy as a meeting hall and school to train missionaries. A rare and tangible piece of original Church history that wasn't destroyed or rebuilt.

A beautiful and historic stone arch bridge in Nauvoo — a great photo stop and peaceful walk. One of the charming hidden gems of the city that many visitors overlook. Perfect for a quick stretch between the historic sites.

The graves of Joseph and Hyrum Smith on the Homestead grounds — one of the most reverent spots in Nauvoo. The nearby Pioneer Cemetery holds the graves of many early Saints who gave everything for their faith. A powerful and quiet place to reflect at the end of the day.

A whimsical hobbit-hole style home tucked into Nauvoo — a unique photo stop and fun detour the kids will love! Great for photos and a lighthearted break between the more serious historic sites.

Start the day at the temple before leaving Nauvoo. Beautifully rebuilt in 2002 on the original 1846 foundation with stunning views of the Mississippi River from the bluff. Grounds and exterior open to all. Members with a current temple recommend may schedule an appointment to go inside.

Stand in the room where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred on June 27, 1844. Guided tours are deeply moving.

Staying with the awesome Melvilles for two nights! Lake Geneva is just 15 minutes away for a great side trip.

Full second day to enjoy Elkhorn and the surrounding area. Lake Geneva is just 15 minutes away for a great scenic side trip!

Arriving around 9:30 AM — spend a few hours hitting Chicago's highlights before the drive to Sandusky!

One of the world's largest indoor aquariums — beluga whales, dolphins, sharks, and a massive coral reef exhibit. Right on the lakefront, about 10 min from Navy Pier. Great for kids! Book tickets in advance at sheddaquarium.org to skip the line.

Right on I-90 between Chicago and Sandusky — barely adds any time! Sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, towering sand dunes, and great hiking. A perfect stretch-your-legs stop for the whole group. No entrance fee with America the Beautiful pass.

Catch a White Sox home game if the schedule lines up! Guaranteed Rate Field is about 20 min from Navy Pier. Note: a day game works best since you still need to drive to Sandusky. Check the 2026 schedule at mlb.com. Would push departure to Sandusky later in the evening.

Head east on I-90 through Indiana and into Ohio. Arrive Sandusky in the evening — check in and rest up for a full day at Cedar Point tomorrow!

A full day to conquer the park! Top rides: Steel Vengeance, Millennium Force, Maverick, Top Thrill 2. Hit the big coasters first thing in the morning when lines are shortest. Buy tickets in advance!