Nauvoo Mill Bakery
Owner Carol Brown baking breads and rolls made from scratch, using the mill’s own stone­ground flour, eggs and honey; photo courtesy of Michael D. Tedesco

For some, Nauvoo feeds the spirit – for others, a hunger for history. Those craving fresh-baked bread, fine food and fair prices make time to dine at Nauvoo Mill & Bakery.

“We started out in a little house, baking breads, cookies and pastries. But we saw a need for more restaurants in Nauvoo,” recalls owner Carol Brown, who purchased the bakery in 1984 with husband, Paul, and transformed it into a homey café near the majestic Nauvoo temple. “We slowly evolved over the years, adding hot food items like pulled pork sandwiches, Maid-Rite loose meat sandwiches and homemade seasonal soups.”

See more: Stop by Iced in Shelbyville for Lunch and Sweets

To this day, the Browns grind much of their own grain and use time-tested recipes formulated by Harold Smith, who opened the bakery in 1955.

Nauvoo Mill Bakery
Photo courtesy of Michael D. Tedesco

“We mill our own soft wheat grain and bake our breads and cookies from scratch,” says Brown, who uses fresh eggs and a hint of honey in her mouthwatering breads.

Those freshly baked breads – from seven-grain to sourdough – make sandwiches extra special. To satisfy your sweet tooth, Nauvoo Mill & Bakery offers an array of delectable baked goods – from peanut butter cookies to banana bread and made-from-scratch whole-wheat cinnamon rolls.

If You Go


Nauvoo Mill & Bakery

Location: 1530 Mulholland St. in Nauvoo

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Online: nauvoomillandbakery.com

Phone: (217) 453-6734

But one old-fashioned favorite reigns supreme at Nauvoo Mill & Bakery.

“Our sorghum cookies are very popular. They’re crisp, similar to a ginger snap,” Brown says. “We try to offer a variety of value-friendly items on our menu.” The menu even includes gluten-free items to cater to customers with celiac disease.

That variety and value – and treats you can take on the road – suits the diverse tastes you’ll find in this tourist town.

“After the pageant (an annual outdoor stage performance) is over in mid-August, senior groups begin to come through at a more leisurely pace to see the fall colors,” says Brown. “We’ve been doing this for 35 years, and the best part has been meeting all different kinds of people.”

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