Jersey County: History, Nature, and Historic Sites

Jersey County offers a range of reasons to visit: historic buildings and collections, guided hikes in Pere Marquette State Park, and seasonal recreational activities. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can plan your stay around the places and activities that interest you most.

Historic Buildings and Collections

The three-acre grounds of the Jersey County Historical Society include Cheney Mansion, Lone Star School, Union Forest Church, three log cabins, a genealogical research center, and a museum. Cheney Mansion is a twelve-room mansion. Its collections include historic clothing, military artifacts, toys, pictures, and other historic objects. In the basement, you can see a room that served as a station on the Underground Railroad. Cheney Mansion can be visited by appointment; check in advance whether a tour is available on your preferred date.

Lone Star School was built in 1877 in western Jersey County, near the intersection of Routes 16 and 100. The McAdams Log Cabin was built by Leonard Henry McAdams in the southwestern part of the county, near Pere Marquette State Park. The Plummer Log Cabin was used as a smokehouse and for making cider by 1938 at the latest. After it was moved to the Historical Society grounds, it opened for tours in the fall. Check separately for current tour dates.

Union Forest Church was officially dedicated in December 1920 and retains its original appearance. Features include restored pews, a pulpit, altar rails, and an attendance board. The Jersey County Courthouse dates from 1893 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours for groups are available by reservation; check in advance whether a date can be arranged.

Hamilton Primary School and Hazel Dell Farm are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places—both in 1998. Hazel Dell Farm includes a 14-room mansion in the Southern style. Its features include gas lamps, a pressurized water system, and indoor toilets and bathtubs.

The Village of Elsah is listed in its entirety on the National Register and includes 48 buildings from the 19th century. The architecture features Greek Revival, Franco-American, Gothic Revival, and Federal styles. The different architectural styles offer a concrete reason to look out for the distinctions during your visit.

Ferry Service, Nature, and Seasonal Outings

Pere Marquette Nature Preserve is located within the 7,245-acre Pere Marquette State Park. The park offers free guided hikes through different natural areas, which can be arranged for groups of any size. If you’d like to include a tour, check the current schedule in advance.

The Brussels Ferry is one mile west of Grafton and connects Illinois Route 100 across the Illinois River to Calhoun County. The Illinois Department of Transportation operates the free ferry, which runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Service may be affected by closures, so check current notices before setting out.

The Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail runs from Pere Marquette State Park to the city of Alton. Alton is about 20 miles south of the park. Grafton is also home to Raging Rivers Water Park, which operates seasonally and has eight attractions. The Jersey County Fair has a history spanning more than 100 years. Its food offerings include classic fair fare such as funnel cakes, ice cream, chili dogs, corn dogs, burgers, and Philly cheesesteaks; vendors may vary from year to year. If you’re planning your visit around the fair, check that year’s dates.

Discover more destinations: Elsah, Grafton, Jerseyville, Shelby County, White County, Lee County, Johnson County, Hancock County.

For the main travel overview: Illinois.