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

Henry County Courthouse

One of Illinois' finest examples of courthouse architecture, this stately structure was built in 1878. The main courtroom ceiling is decorated with murals depicting the principal communities of the county.

CITY: Cambridge

Karen Vroman, MWS/Added Touch Gallery

Gallery. Appointment preferred.

CITY: Erie

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

Richmond Hill Players

Theatre in the ‘Round atop the bluff since 1968. A unique in-the-round environment beneath original rustic timbers seats for this community theatre group. Six productions representing a wide variety of comedies, dramas and thrillers run from February through October.

CITY: Geneseo

Geneseo Historical Museum

The museum is housed in a historic home that features 27 rooms displaying exhibits that include a general store, dentist office, children's room and thousands of local artifacts.

CITY: Geneseo

Atkinson Historical Society Museum

This historical society museum has diplays and entertaining stories about the people and history of Atkinson, the Hennepin Canal, Rolle Bolle and Henry County.

CITY: Atkinson

Civil War Monument

This monument features a statue of a Civil War soldier.

CITY: Prophetstown

Prophetstown Historical Museum

Prophetstown is named for the Indian prophet Wa-bo-kie-shiek (White Cloud), the advisor to Black Hawk during the 1832 Black Hawk War. The museum is full of historic memorabilia, including the Eclipse Lawn Mower, which was manufactured in Prophetstown.

CITY: Prophetstown

Asa Crook Home

The Asa Crook Home is the first frame house built in 1839 by Whiteside County's first settler. The restored home is open for tours.

CITY: Prophetstown

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

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

Ronald Reagan Birthplace & Museum

This quaint apartment, featuring the bedroom where the President was born, restored and decorated to its original 1900's style, sits on the second floor at the site of the First National Bank which has also been restored. Next door is a gift store and museum of Reagan memorabilia.

CITY: Tampico

100th Birthday Celebration Orion Band Shell

It’s time for a Band Shell Bash as Orion’s historic band shell celebrates its one-hundredth anniversary. An all-day event will feature crafts, music, activities for children, food, free birthday cake, a re-dedication of the band shell, a special auction of vintage items, and customized fireworks in Central Park.

CITY: Orion