Apple River Fort State Historic Site, Driftless Area Travel Guide

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Explore frontier life and a pivotal battle of the Black Hawk War at this reconstructed fort in Elizabeth, Illinois.

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Apple River Fort State Historic Site

Step back in time at the Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, Illinois. This reconstructed fort commemorates a pivotal battle during the Black Hawk War of 1832, offering visitors a glimpse into frontier life and the conflict between settlers and Native American tribes.

A brief summary to Apple River Fort State Historic Site

311 E Myrtle St, Elizabeth, Illinois, 61028, US
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Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Apple River Fort State Historic Site.

Visit the Interpretive Center first to get historical context before exploring the reconstructed fort.
Check the schedule for living history demonstrations on weekends from May through October for an immersive experience.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the fort grounds, as the surface can be uneven.
Consider visiting in the fall for special events like 'Fright at the Fort'.

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Explore Apple River Fort State Historic Site on the Map

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Getting There

Driving

The Apple River Fort State Historic Site is located at 311 E Myrtle St, Elizabeth, IL 61028. From US Route 20, turn onto E. Myrtle Street and then turn into the parking lot for the Interpretive Center. To get to the reconstructed Fort from the Interpretive Center, exit the parking lot and turn right onto E. Myrtle Street. Take the next right onto Old Fort Road, which leads directly to the fort. There is no parking lot at the fort, but visitors can park along the edge of the paved road. Parking is free.
Walking

From the Apple River Fort Interpretive Center, you can walk to the reconstructed fort. Exit the Interpretive Center and follow the sidewalk behind the building along the split-rail fence. Continue along the tree-lined road to reach the fort. The walk is approximately 1/4 mile.
Public Transport

While there is no direct public transportation to the Apple River Fort State Historic Site, you can take a bus to a nearby city like Dubuque, IA, and then take a taxi to Elizabeth. From Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center, a taxi ride to the fort is approximately 30 miles and costs around $60-$80. Alternatively, you can take a train to a nearby station like Naperville, IL, and then take a bus and taxi to Elizabeth. Train tickets from Chicago to Naperville cost approximately $15-$30. Bus tickets from Naperville to Dubuque cost approximately $40-$60. Please note that these are estimates, and prices may vary.

Discover more about Apple River Fort State Historic Site

The Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, Illinois, offers a compelling journey into the past, specifically the era of the Black Hawk War. The original fort was hastily built by settlers in 1832 as protection against the conflict between the Illinois militia and the Sauk and Fox tribes led by Black Hawk. Today, a reconstructed fort stands near the original site, based on the findings of a 1995 archaeological dig.The site includes a visitor center with exhibits detailing the history of the fort, the Black Hawk War, and the lives of the early settlers and Native Americans involved. A short film vividly depicts the attack on the fort and other events of the war. The reconstructed fort is open for self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the blockhouse and palisade wall. Living history events take place on weekends from May through October, with interpreters in period clothing demonstrating pioneer skills and crafts.The Apple River Fort played a significant role in the Black Hawk War, as it was the only fort attacked by Black Hawk himself. On June 24, 1832, a small group of settlers successfully defended the fort against a much larger force of Sauk and Fox warriors. This victory boosted settler morale and helped open the region to further settlement. The site is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places due to its military and archaeological significance.