Things to do & places to visit in Bishop Hill, Illinois, United States

Bishop Hill city in Illinois, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 12:24.

Top things to do

• Speciality Museums
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• History Museums
• Historic Sites
• Speciality & Gift Shops

Top places to visit

1. 5.0 Bishop Hill State Historic Site (2 reviews)
   - Fascinating Bit of Swedish American History
   Historic Sites
   Visited Bishop Hill where 1846-1861 Swedish Utopian Religious followers of Jans(s)en settled in a communal arrangement. The historic sites are capably administered as an Illinois State Historic Site and by a local Bishop Hill Heritage Association. If you enjoy cultural, religious, and other history, it is a unique place to visit. Several local shops (pottery, fabric art, gifts, etc.) and food places. Helpful guides, particularly a docent at the church who had grown up in and then returned to Bishop Hill. The Steeple Building has many artifacts and displays of the local story. The commune disbanded in 1861, a few years after its charismatic fundamentalist founder was shot because of a family dispute. See more..
   
2. 5.0 J Goard Pottery (1 review)
   - Beautiful pottery - enjoyed demonstration
   Speciality & Gift Shops
   
   
   Stopped in after enjoying lunch nearby. Beautiful pottery. The potter was working on a commission piece while we were there. Enjoyed the demonstration. See more..
   
3. 5.0 Hantverk Galleri (1 review)
   - Unique gifts
   Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
   
   
   Everything in this shop is handmade... a lot of colorful porcelain and custom pottery. I loved the handmade bowls with inspirational words around the rim and beautiful floral designs on the inside and the small "flower pillows" that hold water and flowers! They offer workshops, but I was there to browse and buy. See more..
   
4. 4.5 The Colony Store (11 reviews)
   - Grab some chocolate and coffee
   Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
   Adorable general store with a strong representation of it’s Swedish heritage. Lots of Swedish items (dala horses, Tomte,etc). Be sure to grab some lingonberry coffee beans ( they will grind it for you if needed) and some chocolates. My husband love the chocolate malt balls… I love the assortment of truffles See more..
   
5. 4.5 Bishop Hill Heritage Association Museum (8 reviews)
   - Visited before Christmas and enjoyed the train layout and antique farming instruments on display
   Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
   
   
   Enjoyed the train layout and antique farming instruments on display. Had some free cookies and hot cocoa, which added to the cozy ambiance. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Vasa National Archives (2 reviews)
   - An amazing collection of information
   Points of Interest & Landmarks
   Even if you are not of Swedish ancestry, this building is a good place to stop. Friendly archivist will answer questions, and there are lots of displays of crafts and other items. If you are lucky enough to trace your heritage to Sweden, this place could be a treasure-trove. See more..
   
7. 4.0 Bishop Hill Illinois (35 reviews)
   - Swedish settlement from 1846
   Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   Incredibly interesting Swedish settlement from 1846. Seeking religious freedom a group of Swedes followed their leader to America and through incredibly harsh times build a settlement in Bishop Hill. There are numerous sites to see including their old and primitive but lovely church, museums, art center (where they have broom makers, potters and weavers creating their wares in person). A wonderful and enlightening experience and great way to spend a day. See more..
   
8. 4.0 Henry County Historical Museum (7 reviews)
   - Nice museum full of local history
   Speciality Museums
   
   
   Nice museum filled with a variety of local history. Friendly docent greeted us (and gave us suggestions for places to eat / other places to check out while in Bishop Hill) Sweet personal stories posted near many of the items on display - be sure to take some time to read them (my favorite is the story about the buggy) Donations accepted… definitely a nice stop for anyone who enjoys local history. See more..
   
9. 4.0 Outsider Gallery (1 review)
   - Different
   Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   This is a nice gallery. Offers a variety for different tastes. Nice to visit and the staff are pleasant. See more..
   
10. Entwined Boutique (0 review)
    Sunday: Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Entwined Boutique, in Bishop Hill, IL, is the leading boutique serving Henry, Knox, Peoria, Bureau, Cook and Tazewell counties and surrounding areas since 2015. We offer women's clothing, athletic wear, casual and business wear, jewelry, hats, purses, accessories, home decor, candles, online ordering and shipping, wax melts and much more. For your next shopping trip, visit Entwined Boutique in Bishop Hill. See more..