Argyle Lake State Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Carthage Jail is one of the many historical buildings which has stood since 1839. The two-story brick building was used to house both criminal and political prisoners. During its time as an active jail, it had a few notable inmates; ex-slave Helena Baker was imprisoned here before an appeal led to her being freed in 1890 and Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held captive until his death here in 1844 by pro-slavery militia.

The Fort Madison Bridge spans the Mississippi River and is a two-lane bridge connecting the mainland to Iowa. Built in 1928, the bridge is 645 feet long and has an impressive 124-foot steel arch span which stands over the Mississippi River. It was built as part of an effort to create a hard surface route through the state and was an incredibly important piece of infrastructure at the time, eventually earning it designation as a Historic Landmark by The National Register of Historic Places.

Lock Number 19 is an example of American engineering excellence. Originally erected in 1857 by the state of Illinois, the lock is part of a series of locks and dams that help to control river levels for transportation purposes. Today, the lock stands as a reminder of Uncle Sam's incredible engineering abilities. Its walls are still constructed from stone quarried from local bluffs and it continued in service into the twentieth century when it was finally superseded by more modern methods.

The Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge is a bridge, joining the cities of Keokuk and Hamilton. The bridge was opened to traffic in 1890 and has remained an important transportation route for more than a century. Spanning two miles across the Mississippi River, it is supported by 42 trusses built on concrete piles driven into bedrock. It offers four lanes for vehicles and two sidewalks—allowing pedestrians and cyclists to traverse the bridge safely.

Nauvoo State Park is a great place to explore! Located just 25 miles from the Mississippi River town of Keokuk, IA, it is a natural retreat for visitors seeking peace and serenity in the open skies of northwest Illinois. This unique park consists of 690 acres of prairie land, woodlands, and wetlands that are home to an abundance of wildlife such as bobcats,river otters, beavers, mink and a variety of raptors. Visitors can hike along more than 6 miles of trail or paddle two scenic ponds.

The Nauvoo Illinois Temple was designed by architect William Weeks and built in 1972, representing a major architectural landmark of the area. It was constructed on an elevation overlooking the city of Nauvoo, nestled in the background of its historical scenery. Built as a replica of the historic temple that once stood in Nauvoo from 1845-1846, visitors marvel at the detailed designs and original art glass found within its walls.