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Apple River Fort

311 E. Myrtle, Elizabeth, IL
815.858.2028
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Ranked #1 of 2 attractions in Elizabeth
Type: Historic Sites
7 visitor photos
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9 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2013

It's definitely worth a see, especially if you have kids. It's such a small, well-structured fort that the kids really feel like they are able to role play. However, the docent there was insensitive, aggressive and verbose, so be careful that you didn't spend a half a day there listening her drone on and on about gore and violence. She... More

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See 2 more reviews by bgandl1 for Elizabeth
Sherwood, Wisconsin
Top Contributor
214 reviews 214 reviews
64 attraction reviews
Reviews in 81 cities Reviews in 81 cities
59 helpful votes 59 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2013

There is a nice small visitors center with a few artifacts and a nice video. It's a block or two walk to the fort, a good reproduction aside the original foundation. You can enter the buildings and climb the ladders, good for kids, even us older ones. The guides are small town friendly and knowledgeable. No fee, but a donation... More

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Camaiore, Italy
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2013

I have visited the Apple River Fort many times and would definitely go back if I had a chance. The fort is a precise remodel of the original from the are. The visit is complete with a small museum of artifacts and a short video depicting the history of the town and the fort. From the museum/welcome building you can... More

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See 2 more reviews by ggmusicista for Elizabeth
Galena, Illinois
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 January 2013

Went there for a re-inactment weekend and was amazed by the quality of the portrayal by local talent accurate information and interesting as well. Don't miss their events, fantastic!

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Lake Forest, Illinois
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 December 2012

Christmas in the village and Christmas at the fort were both worth the stop. We plan to come again for the other reenactment events and visit the shops of Elizabeth.

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Glenview, Illinois
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 November 2012

What a effort that went into the restoration of this site. Staff is in period clothing and only uses items and tools that are pertinent to the period. Extremely knowledgeable staff. Great place to take the kids.

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Kansas City, Missouri
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 October 2012

Nice reproduction of the fort that saved alot of people during the Black Hawk Indian attack. There is also an interpretative center that gives some history. The people in the interpretative center were full of knowledge and very willing to share.

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Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 October 2012

Loved it. Very educational. Too know that settlers hid there to survive indian raids and attacks is incredible. Apple River is such a great area, both for the wonderful views and great little finds. This is one you should see at LEAST once.

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Elysian, Mn
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 September 2012

Active community members... loved the stargazer program... Planetary Studies Foundation was so helpful and more than qualified to lecture/fun too. Fort history is impressive as well as the well maintained property.

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See 2 more reviews by MnVicky for Elizabeth

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