About Nauvoo Tours
Shane Kester – Owner & Guide, Nauvoo Tours
Drawn to the spiritual depth and historical significance of Nauvoo, Shane Kester relocated to the area years ago and quickly found himself immersed in the profound legacy of early Latter-day Saint history. What began as a personal quest soon became a lifelong passion: connecting the prophecies, scriptures, and pivotal moments of Church history with the landscapes and stories that shaped them.
During the Nauvoo Pageant seasons, Shane began offering firesides—sometimes twice a day—where he shared the remarkable insights he uncovered through years of study. His presentations wove together threads of scripture, U.S. history, and prophecy in ways that inspired and deeply moved those who attended.
While serving a mission in Nauvoo, esteemed Church historian and professor Susan Easton Black recognized Shane’s unique gift and encouraged him to lead tours that would bring the city’s sacred history to life. Around the same time, Shane became close friends with Dr. Craig Dunn, the founder of Nauvoo Tours and creator of the acclaimed Martyrdom Trail Tour. As Dr. Dunn prepared to retire and return to Utah, he entrusted Shane with the stewardship of the tours he had lovingly developed.
Today, Shane presents the Martyrdom Trail Tour with enthusiasm and an unwavering commitment to truth. His greatest joy lies in helping others see the broader spiritual and historical landscape—connecting scattered details into a cohesive and deeply meaningful narrative.
Special Guest Guide Returns this Summer
Driven by a deep passion for Church history, Dr. Craig Dunn relocated with his wife to Nauvoo in 2010 after 22 years of practicing chiropractic care in Utah. Once settled, he opened a chiropractic clinic and founded Nauvoo Tours, where he developed the acclaimed “Martyrdom Trail Tour”—a unique and moving experience that brings to life the final days of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Dr. Dunn and his wife lived in Nauvoo for six years, during which time he immersed himself in both his practice and his historical research. Following his retirement from chiropractic, he sold Nauvoo Tours to Shane Kester and returned to Utah to be closer to his beloved grandchildren.
An accomplished author, Dr. Dunn wrote Like a Lamb to the Slaughter, a compelling exploration of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The book is available online through Eborn Books and in-store at their Nauvoo location on Mulholland Street.
Now residing in Manti, Utah, Dr. Dunn serves as a professor at Snow College. Though his home is once again in Utah, his heart remains firmly rooted in the sacred ground of Nauvoo.