Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, River Bend Travel Guide

The Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site invites you to explore the meticulously preserved 1815 residence of Pierre Menard, a pivotal figure in early Illinois. As the state's first lieutenant governor and a successful fur trader, Menard's home reflects a blend of French Creole architecture and American frontier life.Located in Ellis Grove, the site showcases a beautifully restored two-story home with a double-hipped roof and a galerie (porch) that wraps around the building. The home is constructed with hand-hewn timbers secured by wooden pegs. The main floor features period furnishings, offering a glimpse into the Menard family's living spaces, including the central entry hall, parlor, master bedroom, and dining room. The ground level houses a museum with exhibits detailing the Menard family and the history of the region.On the grounds, visitors can explore a reconstructed brick smokehouse, a stone springhouse, and a poteau sur solle privy. A historic herb and vegetable garden is located near the detached stone kitchen. The site provides a rich educational experience, highlighting the cultural and architectural influences of the early 1800s in the Illinois Territory. The home is considered one of the best examples of French colonial architecture in the central Mississippi Valley.