Discover Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon offers several distinct reasons to plan a stay around your interests: Jefferson County Historical Village combines a pioneer village with a museum and exhibits, Cedarhurst brings together galleries and sculptures, and the Granada Theatre serves as an event venue. There is also a public park, an aquatic facility, and a seasonal market. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip to Mount Vernon, these different focuses can help guide your planning.

History in Buildings and Exhibits

At Jefferson County Historical Village, visitors can walk through a pioneer village with authentic log cabins and a one-room schoolhouse. The complex also includes a jail building known as a “calaboose,” dating to around 1820, and Mount Olive Church, dating to around 1873. These approximate dates place two of the buildings in question at different points in the 19th century. The village is complemented by the Schweinfurth Museum and several permanent and changing exhibits. They display historical objects from Jefferson County and the United States. A visit therefore includes both the buildings of the pioneer village and exhibits with local and broader relevance.

The Mt. Vernon Appellate Courthouse offers a different connection between the present and the past. It is still in use as a courthouse. Abraham Lincoln argued a case there when the building still served as a Supreme Court. Its current judicial function and the historical Lincoln episode belong to different periods, and each represents a distinct aspect of the building.

Art, Parks, and Events

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts includes five art galleries and the Goldman-Kuenz Sculpture Park. Walking paths wind through the natural surroundings. The arts destination thus brings together galleries and a sculpture park with paths as distinct formats. Visitors planning a stay around art will find more than a single type of exhibition here.

In downtown Mount Vernon are The Commons and the Granada Theatre. The Commons is a family-friendly public park. The restored Granada Theatre is an Art Deco landmark from the 1930s and serves as a venue for live music, community events, and private celebrations. The two destinations offer different experiences: the park is a public place to spend time, while the theater is a venue for events. Specific event dates should be planned separately.

Aquatic Facility and Seasonal Market

The Aquatic Zoo is located in Lincoln Park, at 1700 South 34th Street, directly off Veteran’s Memorial Drive. The facility includes a zero-depth-entry pool, a competition pool, and a balance beam. Its amenities therefore include several distinct features: two pools with different designations and a beam for balancing. The park name and full street address can help you find your way there.

The 3rd Saturday Market is held at Times Square Mall in Mount Vernon monthly from March through November. Local vendors offer collectibles, unique items, and handmade crafts. Unlike the buildings and facilities described as permanent, the market takes place during a specific part of the year. If your trip falls within this period, it’s best to check the specific market dates as you plan.

For an overview of the wider trip: Jefferson.