Nauvoo in winter is a bit quiet outdoors…..but when springtime arrives, everything changes in an instant! Here are a few of our favorite activities as Nauvoo comes alive after a cold winter season.

No. 1 – Prairie Fire Demonstration

Every year in late March or early April, the community gathers to watch a 1-acre section covered with prairie grass burn to the ground. It’s a picnic atmosphere…complete with hot dogs and chips served by the missionaries before the fire. (See last year’s images HERE complete with time stamp showing how quickly it burns.)

No 2 – Abundance of Tulips and Blossoms

This shot taken in the Women’s Garden gives you a glimpse of Nauvoo in springtime. With 30,000 tulips blooming on the Temple grounds and untold amount blooming in the garden and other areas around the flats, the infusion of color is a welcome sight after a long winter.

No. 3 – Pioneer Pastimes Reopens

When Pioneer Pastimes reopens two of my favorite things have happened…..it’s warm enough to play outside and new missionaries have arrived. This is a busy place during May as school groups visit by the bus load.

No. 4 – Wagon Ride Through Historic Nauvoo

Although you can ride the wagon year round, springtime is awesome! It is the best way to see all the flowers and trees in full bloom as well as catch a glimpse of the baby geese waddling after their parents.

No. 5 – YPM’s Vignettes and Shows Begin

They arrive in early May each year…..some returning from previous years, most of them new, but all returning with huge smiles and happy hearts ready to delight Nauvoo visitors. They are the Young Performing Missionaries and all are talented in song, dance, and drama (plus a few play instruments during the shows). Youth of Zion is just one of several places you can see this group perform.

No. 6 – Music Fills the Air

Called to serve as missionaries for four months, the Nauvoo Brass Band arrives in early May and begins practicing for various performances given throughout the summer season. Music fills the air as this talented group of musicians plays toe tapping, hand clapping songs in different outdoor locations in the flats. Delightful!

Want to know where to find me? Outside bringing the garden to life, listening to music and watching the wagons go by…..Tom says I enjoy the garden too much. He’s right.

Nothing better than sounds of sing-along music, clip clopping horses hooves, and YPM’s singing combined with sunshine, warm weather, and beautiful flowers to brighten any day. Yep. I love spring in Nauvoo.