Located in Henry County, Bishop Hill is a historic country village that honors its Swedish heritage. Home to descendants of the original founders, Bishop Hill offers museums, restored colony buildings, craft and antiques shops, and restaurants that serve up authentic Swedish cuisine
In 1846, a group of Swedish immigrants seeking religious freedom left their native land under the guidance of their charismatic spiritual leader, Erik Jansson. The site for their new utopia, later called Bishop Hill, was described to them as a “land of plenty, brimming with milk and honey,” and they struggled to make it so. These Janssonists built a successful communal society based on economic and religious principals. Many of the structures erected during this building campaign still exist. The colony grew and flourished for fifteen years before disbanding in 1861.
Today, Bishop Hill is a quiet country village where descendants of the flesh and descendants of the noble spirit of those original colonists still live and strive to make this community a utopia restored. Bishop Hill is a National Landmark Village, listed in the National Register of Historic Places and it is an Illinois State Historic Site. We are the pride of Henry County, Illinois.
Join us! We invite you to 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 & friends. Renew your spirit in this peaceful prairie retreat. Discover why Bishop Hill remains a The formation of the Bishop Hill Colony is recognized as one of the largest driving forces in the immigration into the United States of millions of Swedes and others from Scandinavia. Bishop Hill was a focus of the Swedish and American Jubilee Committees during the year 1996. Other participants included Ellis Island Immigration Museum, Indianapolis Chidren's Museum, and the Minnesota History Center.

Address:
BISHOP HILL VILLAGE PARK, STATE HISTORIC SITE
Martha Downey, Site Superintendant
PO Box 104 , Bishop Hill, IL 61419
309-927-3345.


For details information : Bishop Hill State Historic Site