Background

Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site: A Glimpse into Illinois' Past

Explore the meticulously preserved home of Illinois' first Lieutenant Governor and experience French Creole architecture in a scenic setting.

4.1

Step back in time at the Pierre Menard Home, a beautifully preserved French Creole-style house in Ellis Grove, Illinois. Built around 1815, it was the residence of Pierre Menard, Illinois' first lieutenant governor, offering a unique glimpse into the life of a prominent figure in early 19th-century Illinois and the region's French heritage.

A brief summary to Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site

Local tips

  • Visit during open hours (May-October, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday) to tour the home's interior and museum.
  • Check the site's schedule for special events or historical reenactments to enhance your visit.
  • Explore the grounds year-round, taking in the historic buildings and gardens.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site for a broader historical perspective.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From nearby cities like Carbondale or Cape Girardeau, take IL-3 N towards Chester. Continue on IL-3 N and turn left onto IL-150 W towards Ellis Grove. Once in Ellis Grove, turn right onto Kaskaskia St, and the Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site will be on your left at 4230 Kaskaskia St. Parking is available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    Public transportation options to the site are limited. However, you can take a Greyhound bus to Chester, IL. From Chester, you will need to use a taxi or rideshare service to reach the Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, which is about 8 miles away. Be sure to arrange your taxi or rideshare in advance, as availability may vary. The approximate cost for a taxi from Chester to Ellis Grove is around $15-$20.

Unlock the Best of Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site

The Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, located in Ellis Grove, Illinois, offers a captivating journey into the early 19th century. This meticulously preserved home was built around 1815 for Pierre Menard, a successful French Canadian businessman, fur trader, and Illinois' first lieutenant governor. The site provides a unique opportunity to explore French Creole architecture and learn about the life and times of a significant figure in Illinois history. The two-story home is an outstanding example of French Creole-style architecture, featuring a double-hipped roof and a galerie (porch) that wraps around the front and sides of the building. The home is constructed with hand-hewn timbers secured by wooden pegs. Inside, visitors can view living spaces on the principal floor, furnished with period items, many of which belonged to the Menard family. The ground floor houses a museum with exhibits and an audiovisual program providing background information on the Menard family and local history. On the grounds, you'll find a reconstructed brick smokehouse, a reproduction stone springhouse, and a historic herb and vegetable garden. While little remains of the cabins where enslaved Africans lived, archaeological investigations have provided insights into their presence and contributions to the property. The site is near Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, offering a combined glimpse into early European colonization and settlement in Illinois. The home is open seasonally, from May through October, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The grounds are open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Popular Experiences near Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site

Popular Hotels near Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site

Select Currency