Palmyra to Kirtland AND Missouri to Nauvoo to Winter Quarters Tour

Places Visited

Mendon, NY

Just 22 miles from Palmyra. A stagecoach stop in Joseph Smith’s time. Brigham Young, his father, and all ten living brothers and sisters joined the Church here in 1832, so did their spouses, some of whom were Methodist ministers. All went through hardships and persecutions as a result. None ever apostatized. Heber C. Kimball, his wife Vilate and his father joined here, too. The Kimballs, Youngs, and many others saw a stunning vision in the night sky here the same night Joseph Smith received the plates of the Book of Mormon in Palmyra. See John Young home, Brigham Young property, Tomlinson Inn (the stagecoach stop), Miriam Works Young’s grave, Solomon Kimball home.

Palmyra, NY

Smith family farm with rebuilt log home where Moroni visits took place plus the frame home where the plates were hidden under the fireplace hearth. Enjoy private time to ponder in the Sacred Grove. Missionary tours tell about the miracles of the Grandin Press where the Book of Mormon was first printed. Pay tribute to Martin Harris at his farm. Visit Joseph’s older brother Alvin’s grave in the Palmyra Cemetery. Pause for a memorable group photo at the Palmyra Temple and enjoy walking the beautiful grounds around the temple. Feel gratitude for generations past at the Hill Cumorah where a then duly-prepared Joseph retrieved the plates from the ancient prophet, Moroni. This is an absolutely unforgettable day!

Fayette, NY

Peter Whitmer Sr farm where the Church was first organized on April 6, 1830. Site of the visions to the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon translation was finished in an upstairs room of the (now re-built) Whitmer family cabin. Many D&C sections received here. Headquarters of the Church while Joseph lived here with the Whitmer family.

Harmony, PA

150 miles from Palmyra. Extremely important site and remarkably beautiful. Home of Emma Hale Smith’s family. Josiah Stowell silver mine digging venture. The Book of Mormon translation began here. Martin Harris and Oliver Cowdery lived here for a time with Joseph and Emma while serving as scribes during the translation. John the Baptist visited Joseph and Oliver, bestowing the Aaronic Priesthood. Higher priesthood restored near here by Peter, James, and John. Many additional crucial events will be discussed. For some, it is worth the price of the tour just to visit this incredible site - in 2015, the renovations (including improved access to the Susquehanna River), re-constructed Smith & Hale homes, and a new visitor's center/chapel were completed and dedicated by then-Elder Russell M. Nelson.

Colesville & South Bainbridge, NY

See the Josiah Stowell home and Joseph Knight Sr home just north of Harmony – both men and their families were very good friends to Joseph and Emma. Joseph & Polly Knight home was the location of the Colesville Branch of the Church, first led by Hyrum Smith. These homes have been carefully and beautifully refurbished by private owners who graciously invite our groups to share in these historic homes and the incredible history that was lived here.

Kirtland, OH

Did you know the Saints lived in Kirtland longer than they lived in Nauvoo? It’s true! By far, more heavenly manifestations, visitations, and revelations were received in Kirtland than any other Church history site. Feel the Spirit in the Newel K. Whitney Store (School of the Prophets; Word of Wisdom received here with several other D&C sections). A spectacular Kirtland Visitors Center was built in 2005. See the newly-restored John Johnson Inn, saw mill, ashery, and family history facilities. Visit the Isaac Morley Farm where the united order was first practiced and where a schoolhouse was the scene of heavenly direction. Enjoy a private tour of the Kirtland Temple and marvel at this House of the Lord, the first temple to be built in this dispensation.

FAIRPORT HARBOR OH

On Lake Erie, just 12 miles from Kirtland. Here, saints arrived from points east as they answered the call to “gather to the Ohio” and from where many departed on missions eastward including those going to and returning from Europe.

HIRAM OH

John Johnson Farm, an immense operation for the day. Joseph Smith lived here for a year while producing the “Inspired Translation” of the Bible. He and Sidney Rigdon were also tarred and feathered here. Many sections of the D&C received including the great 76th section three degrees of glory. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby village before flying home.

(Fly from Cleveland to Kansas City – saves two days over traveling by bus! and keeps our visits in better historical order)

Independence, MO

Gathering place of the Saints. Area of ancient Garden of Eden. The lost ten tribes of Israel will gather here and build the great City of Zion before the second coming of Christ. A great temple will be constructed here that will eclipse anything we have yet experienced. It will be lighted day and night by a celestial source from above. The Lord will govern the world from this city during the Millennium.

Richmond, MO

1. Site of Richmond Jail, where the Rebuking of the Guards by Joseph Smith took place. (This event is often erroneously thought to have taken place at Liberty Jail.)
2. Graves of Oliver Cowdery, Mary Whitmer, David Whitmer, Judge Austin King, and other key players in our history.
3. Monument to heroic Alexander Doniphan.

Liberty, MO

Liberty Jail where Joseph Smith was incarcerated with Hyrum and others. Some time later, Porter Rockwell also was imprisoned here on a false charge of attempting to kill Governor Lilburn Boggs. Wonderful visitors center and inspiring missionary presentations. Learn why this site is referred to as a “temple prison.”

Far West, MO

Third and last Missouri home of the saints before being driven out in 1839 by the Extermination Order. Sacred dedicated temple lot. Declared by President David O. McKay to be the site of a future “glorious Millennial city.”

Adam-ondi-Ahman, MO

Adam dwelt here after expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Three years before his death, he blessed his posterity and prophesied important future events of this earth. A great meeting will take place here before the Second Coming, attended by millions from both worlds. Every prophet who ever held keys will report his stewardship to Adam and return keys to him. The Lord will then appear and Satan will be stripped of his power. Finally, Adam will deliver the keys to Jesus Christ in preparation for His thousand-year reign.

Quincy, IL

Lovely, upbeat, blessed town that rescued the Saints when driven from Missouri by the Militias (mobs) in the middle of the winter of 1839. Discussion of the monumental importance to the future of our country and of the Lincoln-Douglas debates – see the site where one of these key debates took place.

Warsaw, IL

The town that raised the Carthage mob. Also home of Tom Sharp, the editor of the Warsaw Signal. See the immense contrast with blessed Quincy.

Nauvoo, IL

Fabulous, new Nauvoo Temple! Attend an optional temple session or do baptisms for the dead (if temple open on our travel date). Also tour many wonderfully restored homes and shops with senior missionaries as they teach about pioneer life and the inspiring people who lived in these many homes and shops. Delightful Pioneer entertainment. See the Red Brick Store where the temple endowment was first given and the Relief Society was organized. Tour 2 homes of Joseph & Emma. Take a wagon ride pulled by excellent horses carefully cared for by skilled senior missionaries. Skip rocks on the mighty Mississippi River. 

Carthage, IL

Scene of the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith at the hands of an angry, vile mob in Illinois. Powerfully moving missionary presentations at this restored site. One cannot come away from this visit without feeling incredible emotions and gratitude for the blessings of the restoration, facilitated by Joseph, the prophet.

Iowa Mormon Trail

Follow the Iowa Mormon Trail across this former wilderness stopping at pioneer temporary settlements along the way. Learn of the pioneers’ arduous journey thru storms, mud, and freezing temperatures--plus the good days, as well! Hear about the efforts of today’s Iowans as they discover & preserve this precious history.

Mt. Pisgah & Monument 

Most important & largest Iowa temporary settlement for our pioneers leaving Nauvoo. Beautiful and peaceful setting atop rolling hillsides with a fitting monument to those pioneers who died at the site. Fascinating wagon ruts on the pioneer trail with dug-outs, cabin sites, grave sites.

Winter Quarters, NE & KANESVILLE/COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA

Council Bluffs, Iowa: Brigham Young was sustained here as the president of the Church in December of 1848 after a return from the Salt Lake Valley. That same year, a much-humbled Oliver Cowdery made the long, hard journey here to beg to be re-admitted to the Church in front of a thousand saints. He was baptized nearby in Indian Creek by Orson Hyde.

Just across the Missouri River into Nebraska. Outstanding visitor’s center, pioneer cemetery with 600 unmarked graves, incredible Avard Fairbanks sculpture, and the beautiful Winter Quarters Temple all located adjacent to each other on sacred ground!

Return home, on a flight from Omaha, humbled with appreciation, increased understanding, and a commitment to carry on in faith as resilient as that of our forebears. 

WAIT LIST/CUSTOM TOURS

If none of the above dates are suitable for your large group or organization, please call us at 801-272-5601 to discuss the possibility of adding a tour to accommodate your schedule. IF YOUR PREFERRED TOUR IS FULL, CALL FOR OPTIONS (wait list, alternate tours).  

GUIDES

Host names are those currently scheduled and most likely to serve. We reserve the right to make changes in tour hosts or adjustments to the tour schedule–which we will do only if absolutely necessary. Tour hosts and tour planners are diligent researchers/students of the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are prepared to present the tours in a respectful and agreeable manner conducive to The Church of Jesus Christ’s teachings, attitudes, and direction.

PAYMENT POLICY

Your reservation is secured with a $100 deposit per seat on a first-come, first-served basis. The balance is due 7 weeks prior to departure. Mail checks to Mormon Heritage Association, 2367 W Goldenpointe Way, West Jordan, UT 84088. Be sure to indicate the tour ID number or departure date and for whom you are paying. Credit cards by phone +5% fee (card fee waived on initial deposit), 801-272-5601 or toll-free 866-335-5601. Full terms and conditions contained in individual confirmation letters or available pre-deposit, if requested.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If you have to cancel, there is a $50/person cancellation/administrative fee, at minimum. If someone takes your place, payments are refunded less any costs we incur to procure your replacement and $50 cancel/admin fee. If nobody takes your place, you would lose $50 cancel/admin fee and any non-refundable costs at the time of your cancellation.

WHAT'S INCLUDED/NOT INCLUDED

Advertised prices include: all meals* (except at airports), nice lodging, deluxe charter bus, tickets to scheduled events, and expert guide services. SLC GROUP AIRFARE included IF noted until all our air seats are claimed or airline requires purchase, whichever comes first.  No surprise add-ons.
Special dietary needs to be addressed at registration and finalized by 30 days prior to departure.

NOT included: any trip insurance**, bus driver tip is additional and collected on tour, airport meals, miscellaneous tipping, souvenirs, personal items, or additional expenses relating to any airline delays, illness, or similar circumstances.  
**Tour members wanting to obtain trip insurance may purchase policies online, at individual discretion, expense, and as desired.

AIR TRAVEL

If not flying with the SLC group (such as using award miles or coming from another city), it is your responsibility to notify MHA upon signup and coordinate your schedule with the group schedule. Air from other cities also available, by request. Individuals may provide own air to/from the tour (must coordinate with group flight schedule to avoid missing any sites and additional personal expense such as a taxi). Please call for details 801-272-5601, 866-335-5601. 

MAXIMUM ROOM OCCUPANCY

Maximum 4 persons per room.

FIT TO TRAVEL

Registrants accept the responsibility for being in good health and able to walk distances, climb stairs, and be able to independently travel well from early morning into the evening. Sites may not always be accessible to the physically challenged–those needing ambulatory assistance to bring helper(s) with them and will likely find the tour limiting in experience.

SOLO TRAVELERS

Traveling alone? Would you like help finding a roommate to decrease your tour price? Let us know when you REGISTER and we’ll do what we can to connect you with a compatible roommate. You might just make a new, long-lasting friendship!

TOUR SCHEDULE CHANGES

We reserve the right to make changes/adjustments to the tour schedule–which we will do only if absolutely necessary.

Call 801-272-5601 or REGISTER ONLINE now for THE VERY BEST CHURCH HISTORY TOURS!