NAUVOO: Nauvoo Temple is located in Nauvoo, Ill., on Illinois 96, also known as the Great River Road, in western Illinois, near Keokuk and Fort Madison, Iowa; www.beautifulnauvoo.com or www.historicnauvoo.net or 217-453-6648.
ATTRACTIONS: Dozens of historic Mormon sites, including a five-story temple that opened in 2002, replacing the original structure destroyed after Mormons were chased from Nauvoo in 1846. The grave and home of church founder Joseph Smith also are located in Nauvoo, along with the home Brigham Young built before leading the Mormons to Salt Lake City. A 21-day pageant is held every July re-creating the lives and struggles of the Mormon settlers who founded Nauvoo in the 1830s. Also in the area, Baxter's Vineyards, Illinois' oldest winery; Nauvoo State Park, offering camping and hiking trails; and the Great River Road Golf Course, ranked by tourism officials among the top 25 things to do in Illinois.