Basco IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Basco, Illinois.
1. Carthage Jail
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
Carthage Jail stands as a significant historic religious site near Basco where Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, was martyred in 1844. Visitors can tour the preserved jail building and learn about its important role in American religious history through informative exhibits and guided presentations. The site offers a moving experience for both history enthusiasts and those interested in religious heritage, providing context for the early persecution faced by Mormon settlers in Illinois.
2. Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum preserves and celebrates the rich history of Hancock County through comprehensive exhibits and artifact collections. Housed in a historic building, the museum showcases everything from Native American artifacts to pioneer tools, agricultural implements, and memorabilia representing various eras of local development. Visitors will appreciate the lovingly curated displays that bring to life the cultural heritage and historical significance of the region surrounding Basco.
3. Lake Hill Winery
VINEYARD WITH VIEWS
Lake Hill Winery offers a delightful wine tasting experience in the scenic countryside near Basco. Visitors can sample locally produced wines while enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding landscape from the winery's charming tasting room and outdoor seating areas. The winery frequently hosts events including live music, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and socializing in Hancock County.
4. Joystix
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Joystix provides family-friendly entertainment options for visitors to the Basco area looking for indoor fun. The center features arcade games, activities, and amusements suitable for various age groups, making it an ideal destination during inclement weather or for family outings. Visitors appreciate the casual atmosphere and variety of gaming options in this local entertainment venue.
5. Keokuk Area Convention & Tourism Bureau
REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER
The Keokuk Area Convention & Tourism Bureau serves as an essential resource for visitors to the region around Basco, providing comprehensive information about attractions, accommodations, and events. Located just across the Mississippi River from Hancock County, the bureau offers maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations to help travelers make the most of their visit. Staff members are knowledgeable about both the Illinois and Iowa sides of the river, making this an excellent first stop when exploring the area.
6. Mississippi River Scenic Drive
PICTURESQUE WATERFRONT ROUTE
The Mississippi River Scenic Drive offers breathtaking views of America's greatest river as it winds through Hancock County near Basco. Travelers along this route can enjoy numerous pull-offs for photography, wildlife viewing, and appreciating the grandeur of the Mississippi River landscape. The drive is particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset when the water reflects golden light, or in autumn when the surrounding foliage bursts with color.
7. Fort Madison Historic District
PRESERVED RIVERFRONT HERITAGE
The Fort Madison Historic District showcases well-preserved buildings and sites that tell the story of early settlement in the region across the Mississippi from Basco. Visitors can stroll through streets lined with 19th-century architecture, historic markers, and shops housed in beautifully maintained buildings. The district provides insight into the area's riverboat era and frontier history, with several buildings open for tours during special events.
8. Nauvoo Historic District
MORMON HERITAGE SITE
The Nauvoo Historic District represents one of the most significant Mormon historical sites in America, located within Hancock County a short drive from Basco. Visitors can explore dozens of restored buildings, including the imposing Nauvoo Temple reconstruction, that showcase life in this once-thriving 1840s religious community. Guided tours, demonstrations of period crafts, and seasonal pageants bring to life the story of the early Latter-day Saints who built this remarkable river city before their westward migration.
9. Tri-State Rodeo
ANNUAL WESTERN CELEBRATION
The Tri-State Rodeo stands as a premier annual event drawing visitors from across the region to Fort Madison, just across the river from Hancock County. This vibrant celebration features professional rodeo competition, country music concerts, and a festive carnival atmosphere each September. Visitors from Basco and surrounding areas flock to this renowned event for its thrilling displays of rodeo sportsmanship, community festivities, and authentic Western culture.
10. Hancock County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENTAL BUILDING
The Hancock County Courthouse dominates the Carthage town square with its impressive limestone architecture and historic significance. Built in 1908, this stately building features beautiful period details, including a central dome, ornate interior woodwork, and traditional courtroom spaces that continue to serve the county. Visitors can appreciate both the architectural merit and the historical importance of this centerpiece of local government that serves Basco and all communities in Hancock County.
11. Carthage Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Carthage Lake offers a tranquil setting for outdoor recreation just a short drive from Basco in Hancock County. Visitors can enjoy fishing for bass, catfish, and panfish in the peaceful waters, or utilize picnic facilities for family gatherings in a natural setting. The lake and surrounding parkland provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly birdwatching, with various waterfowl and songbirds inhabiting the area throughout the seasons.
12. Old Fort Madison
RECONSTRUCTED MILITARY OUTPOST
Old Fort Madison stands as a careful reconstruction of one of the first U.S. military outposts in the upper Mississippi River region, located just across the river from Hancock County. The fort features authentic period buildings, including barracks, officers' quarters, and a blockhouse, all furnished with historically accurate items representing military life circa 1808-1813. Costumed interpreters enhance the visitor experience by demonstrating daily activities, military drills, and crafts from the early frontier period when this area was still considered the western wilderness.
13. Nauvoo Temple
MAJESTIC RELIGIOUS MONUMENT
The Nauvoo Temple stands as an impressive reconstruction of the original 1840s Mormon temple that once crowned the hill overlooking the Mississippi River in Hancock County. Its gleaming white limestone exterior, distinctive sunstone capitals, and commanding position make it visible for miles around, serving as both a religious facility and a monument to the historical significance of Nauvoo. Visitors can tour the surrounding grounds and gardens year-round, appreciating the architectural details and craftsmanship that went into recreating this iconic structure relevant to the history of the region near Basco.
14. Bear Creek Conservation Area
NATURAL WILDLIFE HABITAT
Bear Creek Conservation Area provides a pristine natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts near Basco, featuring diverse habitats that support local wildlife and plant species. Visitors can explore walking trails that wind through woodlands and meadows, offering opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and peaceful contemplation of nature. The conservation area represents Hancock County's commitment to preserving natural spaces and ecological diversity for future generations to enjoy.
15. Riverview Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVERFRONT RECREATION
Riverview Park stretches along the Mississippi River shoreline, offering stunning views of the mighty waterway that defines the region around Basco. The park features a riverside promenade, picnic facilities, playgrounds, and a bandshell where summer concerts bring the community together under starlit skies. Visitors particularly enjoy watching river traffic, including massive barges and occasional paddle wheelers, while appreciating the historical connection to river commerce that shaped towns throughout the area.