Bishop Hill

Bishop Hill is a quiet country village where the charm and character of the original colony has survived the test of time. Bishop Hill is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and it is an Illinois State Historic Site. Taste the history of this once-bustling 19th century settlement. Sample our fascinating museums, quaint eateries, unique gift shops, and art galleries. Peek into the past at our seasonal festivals and holiday celebrations. Spend hours or days here with family and friends. Return to the serenity of our earlier time with a visit to this restored Swedish village. See traditional craftsmen at work, explore our museums, visit our numerous and unique shops, and dine in one of our Swedish restaurants. Renew your spirit in this peaceful prairie retreat. Discover why Bishop Hill remains a utopia on the prairie – then and now

CITY: Bishop Hill

Bishop Hill State Historic Site

Four historically significant buildings are owned by the State of Illinois and are maintained as part of the Bishop Hill State Historic Site. These architectural treasures are the two-story Colony Church (1850), the three-story Colony Hotel (1852-ca. 1860), the Boys Dormitory (ca. 1850), and the Colony Barn (mid-1850s) that has been relocated behind the Hotel. In addition, the state owns the central village park containing a reconstructed gazebo and war monuments. On the south edge of the village, the state built a new brick Museum to house a comprehensive collection of paintings by colonist and self-taught artist, Olof Krans (1838-1916). Hours and days of operation change with the season. Please call to confirm your visit.

CITY: Bishop Hill

Andover Historical Museum & Grounds

This former home of August Rehnstrom was a temporary haven for Swedish immigrants in the 1860s. The lawn features the bell from the area's first two-story school and millstones from the historic Edwards River Mill.

CITY: Andover

The Feathered Nest at Windy Corner Farm

A delightful artist haven offering a mix of Victorian eggs, feathered masks and wreaths, floral arrangements and intimate miniature portrait silhouettes. Windy Corner Farms and The Feathered Nest gardens and studio are an experience soon to be a cherished memory.

CITY: Bishop Hill

Outsider Gallery

The Outsider Gallery is filled with whimsical, elegant, and functional items from regional artisans Steve and Marsha Carleson. Marsha makes handmade paper, 3-dimensional paper pieces, bowls, vases, bottle cap tables and other objects of whimsy. Steve makes glass ornaments, beads, and fused glass pieces with the occasional traditional Swedish tina boxes combined into the mixture.

CITY: Bishop Hill

Prairie Arts Center & Bishop Hill Colony Pottery

Enjoy watching the potter in an open air studio creating artwork on the potter's wheel. The center also features rug, broom, weaving and spinning artisans.

CITY: Bishop Hill

Bishop Hill Arts Council

Return to the serenity of an earlier time with a visit to this restored Swedish village. See traditional craftsmen at work, explore our museums, visit our numerous and unique shops and dine in one of our Swedish-American restaurants.

CITY: Bishop Hill

Wyatt Earp Birthplace Home

Deputy U.S. Marshal Wyatt Earp, an American hero who helped tame the Wild West, was born in Monmouth in 1848. Visit his birthplace and see historical documents and artifacts that tell the story of this great American hero. Tours by appointment only.

CITY: Monmouth

Discovery Depot Children's Museum

Discovery Depot Children's Museum is a non-profit institution providing fun and educational programs for children and families. Interactive exhibits, programs, and collections will stimulate curiosity, promote discovery and encourage learning. Creative playground facilities outside for children too. Through these resources, visitors will gain a better understanding of our world.

CITY: Galesburg

Alexis Museum

The Alexis Museum houses numerous fascinating displays that depict the early days of the community.

CITY: Alexis

Carl Sandburg State Historic Site

Author-poet Carl Sandburg was born in the the three-room cottage at 331 E. Third Street in Galesburg on January 6, 1878. The modest house relfects the typcial living conditions of a late-nineteenth-century working-class family and features many furnishings that once belonged to the Sandburg family. Behind the home stands a small wooded park which features the Quotation Walk, a celebration of the Prairie Poet's work and words. It is in this tranquil setting that the ashes of Carl Sandburg and his wife Lilian were liad to rest beneath Remberance Rock.

CITY: Galesburg

VagnHall Galleri

View local, regional and national fine art and crafts artisans in the spacious gallery amid the treetop view of Bishop Hill village park. Painters, sculptors, photographers and artisans showcase their natural art in the expansive upstairs exhibit area. Special exhibits are held throughout the year.

CITY: Bishop Hill

Those Were the Days - Knox College

In this 1940s romantic comedy a middle-aged couple looks back on their college days and courtship. The movie was filmed at Knox College in Galesburg, the alma mater of writer George Fitch (a Saturday Evening Post staffer), whose novel inspired the film. The “Old Main” building at Knox College is the only remaining original site of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas senatorial debates.

CITY: Galesburg

Henry County Historical Museum

This museum's detailed exhibits include a one-room schoolhouse, doctor's and dentist's offices, the war room, restored ag implements, machinery, an authentic windmill and a hog house.

CITY: Bishop Hill

Central Congregational Church

This historic Romanesque-style church was erected in 1898.

CITY: Galesburg

Illinois Citizen Soldier Museum

See military memorabilia from the War of 1812 through Desert Storm.

CITY: Galesburg

Galesburg Civic Art Center

This non-profit art gallery presents rotating exhibits from local and national artists. Each year the center hosts GALEX, one of the longest running national competitions and exhibitions in the country.

CITY: Galesburg