Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

Apple River Fort State Historic Site

311 E. Myrtle St., Elizabeth, IL 61028

Historic Sites

State Historic Site of one of the battles fought during the Black Hawk War.

Located in Elizabeth, this is the site of one of the battles fought during the Black Hawk War. Black Hawk and his 200 warriors attacked the hastily erected fort on June 24, 1832. His story and that of the early settlers are told.

Today, the site includes both an interpretive visitor center and a reconstruction of the long-vanished fort modeled upon findings of a 1995 archaeological dig. Apple River Fort is a family-friendly historic site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The visitor center features knowledgeable staff, a variety of exhibits, and showings of a brief dramatic video depicting the attack on Apple River Fort and other events of the 1832 Black Hawk War. The fort itself is open concurrently for self-guided tours.

On weekends from May. 1 through Oct. 31, the fort comes to life through ongoing living history activities and special events. Through demonstrations, hands-on activities, and conversation, interpreters garbed in 1830s-style dress create a visitor experience that is historically accurate, engaging, educational, entertaining, and most of all, memorable.

Images

More Information

  • Mon: Closed
  • Tue: Closed
  • Wed: Closed
  • Thu: Closed
  • Fri: 9:00am – 4:00pm
  • Sat: 9:00am – 4:00pm
  • Sun: 9:00am – 4:00pm

How to find us?

Back to Listings

What's happening nearby...

Ride the Ups & Downs Bicycle Ride

Elizabeth •  May 03 @ 7AM

The G.O.A.T.S. Cycling Club of Galena is hosting the annual Ride the Ups & Downs Event.

Read more about Ride the Ups & Downs Bicycle Ride

Elizabeth Freedom Festival

Terrapin Park  •  Jul 01 @ 4PM

Join the community for an action-packed day of family fun at Elizabeth Freedom Fest!

Read more about Elizabeth Freedom Festival

104th Elizabeth Community Fair

402 West Street •  Jul 18 – Jul 20 @ 8AM

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated 104th Elizabeth Community Fair, scheduled for July 18 - 20, 2025!

Read more about 104th Elizabeth Community Fair

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.