Discover Swedish History in Bishop Hill, Illinois

Swedish roots run deep in this western Illinois colony near the Quad Cities. Founded more than 175 years ago by religious dissidents from Sweden, its attractions include museums and crafts shops.

By

Midwest Living editors

Updated on September 23, 2022

The site of a utopian religious community founded in 1846 by Swedish immigrant Erik Janson, Bishop Hill was run as a commune until 1861 and was the major Swedish settlement in western Illinois. Today visitors can still see a handful of historically significant buildings and learn about the religious and cultural background of this small town.

Do

Bishop Hill Colony Store

Candy, coffee, preserves, gifts and some Swedish foods fill shelves at this store, built in 1853 and now operated by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.

Bishop Hill Illinois museum — The Bishop Hill Museum.

Bishop Hill State Historic Site

Tour four areas from the mid 1800s all now owned by the state: The Bishop Hill Museum, the Colony Church, the Colony Hotel and the Village Park. Self-guided tour brochures explain the significance of each site. At the museum, admire paintings by Olof Krans, who documented life in the Bishop Hill Colony in the mid-19th century and painted residents' portraits.

Other Museums

The Bishop Hill Heritage Association operates two museums: the 1854 Steeple Building, with exhibits on town history, and the 1908 Albert Krans Livery Stable, which highlights horse-related items from the early 1900s.

Special Events

Bishop Hill hosts a variety of events each year including Jordbruksdagarna (last full weekend in September), a harvest festival with food, music, crafts and games; Lucia Nights in December, a Swedish holiday tradition; and Julotta, a Christmas morning candlelight service at the Colony Church.