This information was updated on Tuesday, February 23, 2008 at 11:00 pm CST

Video by The Hawk Eye is here. 

General

    This is a COME AS YOU ARE event - everyone is welcome!
        No matter your denomination, no matter your occupation, no matter your experience,
        join us for a day, a weekend, a few days, a week, all month, whatever you prefer.
        This is a terrific way to enjoy time with family and friends, learn of our history, and
        make new connections that will last a lifetime.
        We'll take care of your meals, the wagons, and the horses for you (rates below).
        Or, you may bring your own food, ride your own horse, walk, or pull your own handcart
        - the choice is yours!

 

    Trail Ride Rates (Click here to VIEW DISCOUNTS)

 

         - Riding in our wagons (WITH meals: 3/day per person):

           Adults /13 & older: $90/day

           Children under 13: $40/day

 

        - Riding on our horses (WITH meals: 3/day per person):

          $125/day

        - Riding in our wagons (NO meals):

            Adults /13 & older: $70/day

            Children under 13: $20/day

 

        - Riding on our horses (NO meals):

          $105/day

        - YOUR WAGONS / HORSES WITH meals:

            Adults /13 & older: $70/day

            Children under 13: $40/day

       
         - YOUR WAGONS / HORSES NO meals:

            Adults /13 & older: $50/day

            Children under 13: $20/day

     

    Wagon Rentals
        Experienced teamsters can rent a wagon to drive their own group. Call 309-337-1100
        for rates. We will need to know how many will be riding in your rented wagon.

      

    Days on the Trail

        You can join us for one day, two days, a week, every other weekend, the entire month,
        whatever you prefer. Join us whenever you can! The ride begins on May 31st and
        tentatively ends on June 29th, 2008 [ map/itinerary ].

 

    Walk-Ons are Welcome!

        If you have not pre-registered, please feel free to join us at Nauvoo, Illinois, before we
        leave. Walk-on registrations will be accepted prior to departure. We will be there a few
        days in advance. Feel free to come to Nauvoo early and visit all the historical sites.

 

    Cancellation and Refund Policy
        75% refund if cancellation is made 30 days prior to the ride. No refunds can be made
        after May 2, 2008. Note: If you or members of your family are experiencing extenuating
        circumstances out of your control that has made it impossible for you to make the
        trip with us, we may be able to provide exception. If this is the case, please contact us
        as soon as possible.

 

Schedule

We've placed the route itinerary on our map page. Click here to view.

We are planning a solid schedule for the trip west. We do not anticipate any changes. However, as thorough as we may be, one can never know what will occur out on the trail. Therefore, we want you to be aware that the schedule is tentative and the itinerary is meant as a guide.

Resources & Links

    Glimpse of the ride ...Read about the Sesquicentennial Mormon Trail Wagon Trek

    Nauvoo Lodging/Accommodations:

            Nauvoo Family Inn & Suites

            Nauvoo Log Cabins

    Check out our Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

History of the Mormon Trail

The Mormon Migration from Nauvoo to Utah in 1846 was the largest human migration in United States History.

The Mormon Church was organized by Joseph Smith in 1830 in the town of Fayette, New York. After moving to Ohio and Missouri, the church settled in Nauvoo, Illinois where, between 1839 and 1846, the Mormon citizens built an attractive and economically successful community. Political and religious pressure from their neighbors, however, forced them to leave Illinois in 1846.

This time they decided to found a new community far to the West, near the Great Salt Lake. After assembling in their Winter Quarters, in what is now Omaha, Nebraska and Council Bluffs Iowa, they set out on the long trail to Salt Lake. A small group, led by Brigham Young, made the trek in 1847. About 30,000 others followed over the next twenty years.

The Mormon trail followed the North banks of the Platte and North Platte Rivers, unlike the Oregon Trail which followed the South banks. West of Fort Laramie, however, the two trails united and followed the same track until the Mormon Trail turned southwestward toward the Great Salt Lake.

The early Mormon pioneers were mindful of those that would follow them on the trail to Utah. They planted crops and built homes near the Salt Lake, and traveled back along the trail to assist those that would follow them. They also made improvements to the trail, including the Mormon Ferry across the North Platte River near the present day town of Casper, Wyoming.

 

Provided by www.iowamormontrails.com. Used with permission