Stroll Through the Victorian Village of Elsah

Take a walk through Elsah, a 19th-century village of Victorian cottages on the Great River Road, Illinois Highway 100, 40 minutes north of St. Louis.

The village is in a narrow valley tucked between towering river bluffs along the Mississippi River.

This paved 1.5-mile walk has 66 feet of elevation gain along sidewalks and streets.

*Heading into the village and parking in the lot located across the street from the stop sign pictured here.*

At the Trailhead

First, I parked in the parking lot near Illinois Highway 100 and LaSalle Street. At the front of the lot is a map that shows the historic sites, stores, and churches in the village.

From the front of the lot, I began walking along Mississippi Street, following its curve until I reached the intersection with Mill Street.

I first passed by the Green shingled Riverview House that faces the Mississippi River.

Notch Cliff Gate House

Where Mississippi Street ends is a stone bridge and the Notch Cliff Gate House, which once guarded a Victorian mansion built by Lucy Semple Ames, daughter of Elsah’s founder James Semple. Sadly, the house burned down in 1912, and the gatehouse has been damaged by past floods, including the major one in 1993.

Near the gravel road to the bridge on the left and down along the creek is the Wetlands Trail, which follows along Mill Street to the right.

After exploring the area near the Wetlands Trail, I retraced my steps to Mill Street and turned left to continue the route.

At the corner of Elm and Mill is the pink clapboard Elsah River House.

Ice House

Then, on the right side of Mill Street, I came to the large stone ruins of the Ice House. Ice harvesting was an economic activity on the Mississippi River in the late 19th century. River ice was cut into blocks and transported to the local buildings for storage in the warmer months.

*Restrooms are located near this parking lot.*

Continuing on Mill Street, I came to a small parking lot near Alpa and Mill Street, where public restrooms are conveniently located nearby.

Next, I pass by the red clapboard Green Tree Inn.

Buggy Shop

On the right is the brown paneled Buggy Shop. On the front area of the building is a black leather buggy with red wagon wheels.

Proceeding along Mill Street, I soon encountered a road on the right that leads to Principia College. Just before this junction, there’s a garden and the endpoint of the Wetland Trail.

*The metal bridge crosses a small stream in the village.*

Mill Street crosses a narrow metal bridge over a stream.

Farley Music Hall

On the left, after the bridge is Farley Music Hall. In 1885, Dr. Farley built the Music Hall and utilized it to promote the Republican Party. It soon became a center for various village activities.

Next to it is the black-shingled Little Barn, with its wooden doors.

Elsah School

Grey wooden stairs lead to the stone block Elsah School, now the Civic Center. Children went to school here up to the eighth grade until 1970. The space is now used for meetings and events.

Fountain Square Park

Next, I came to Fountain Square Park, where you can see a red stone Veteran’s Memorial.

Continuing along Mill Street

I walked along Mill Street, passing a dark stone archway in the distance. A deer stared at me through it.

Then I came to a white stone cottage that lies between two tall trees.

I arrived at a Victorian house with a red gabled roof and a large porch. Autumn trees behind it provided a yellow backdrop.

After viewing the Victorian house, I turned back along Mill Street and then made a left onto Alma Street, heading toward the village’s small downtown area.

On Alma, I crossed a wooden bridge and came to a white steeple church.

Methodist Church

Built in 1874, this small Gothic church serves the community and features a Sunday school that was added in the 1940s.

Once passing the Methodist Church, I turned left onto LaSalle Street to continue the final section of my loop. On the right is the grey and blue door of the Christian Science Church.

Then, on the left, I come to the grounds of the Maple Leaf Cottage Inn.

Next, I came to the Elsah Village Hall.

Elsah Village Hall

Erected in 1887, the Village Hall is now used as a Museum. Exhibits include information about the real estate developer James Semple and his family, architectural styles of Elsah, tools, artifacts, an Elsah mural, and photographs from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, the exhibits feature Principia College as a National Historic Landmark and the New Piasa Chautauqua.

Address: 26 Lasalle St, Elsah, IL 62028

Peace Works: A Market with a Mission

Nearby is Peace Works gift shop, and I came across handcrafted pieces.

Hours: Hours vary, so check Peace Works’ Facebook page for more information.

Address: 18 Lasalle St, Elsah, IL 62028

Final Thoughts

This easy loop hike, with its vibrant fall colors and charming village views, offers a memorable experience for visitors. If you have time, enjoy the museum, savor a meal at the general store, or explore the local gallery—each adds to the unique character and warmth Elsah has to offer.