Sightseeing
You can’t beat the local, national and international music our area offers in their own intimate settings. But, did you know there are many more wonderful shops, festivals, & places to experience?
Bishop Hill State Historic Site
Once home to many Swedish immigrants, Bishop Hill – also known as Utopia on the Prairie – is worth a visit any time of the year. Designated as a State Historic Site and a National Historic Landmark, visitors from near and far come to experience this historic village rich in Swedish-American tradition. Nearly a dozen structures remain from the old colony, dating back to 1846. As you stroll through the streets of Bishop Hill, you can imagine the early days as peeks into the past are clearly displayed throughout the town. Take a moment to browse many of our unique shops for antiques, pottery, Swedish imports, quilts, and baskets. Indulge your taste buds as you sample authentic Swedish meatballs at one of our restaurants. All museums, specialty shops, and restaurants are within walking distance.
Henry County Historical Society
The museum consists of five display rooms that include artifacts from early medical/dental offices, blacksmith and harness shops, military memorabilia, one-room schoolhouses, and much, much more. In addition, the gymnasium displays numerous early farm items such as a windmill, a horse drawn two row cultivator, a restored John Deere horse drawn sickle mower, and a Velle buggy made in Moline, Illinois. The museum is a perfect place to visit for individuals, families, school and church groups, and tour groups. Also available on site are valuable tools for use in genealogy and historic research, including rare books, documents, and records.
Bishop Hill Heritage Association
The Bishop Hill Heritage Association was organized in 1962 with the original goal of saving Colony era buildings in disrepair and restoring them to functional use. The BHHA continues today to maintain these historic properties and the Swedish culture unique to Bishop Hill. Through educational programming, the organization strives to instill visitors with a sense of pride in the past, present and future. The Heritage is open all year to assist all people who want to learn more about this “Utopia on the Prairie.” Their two museums are the 1854 Steeple Building and the 1908 Albert Krans Livery Stable. For our museums, admission is free will donation.
Vasa Order of America National Archives
The Vasa Order of America began more than a century ago as a benefit society for Swedish immigrants to the United States. Today Vasa provides members a means to share their rich heritage with fellow Americans, and helps them to learn or remember the meaningful ways and values of the Old Country. The main purpose of the archives is to preserve the records of the Vasa Order of America and its members. The Vasa National Archives continues to develop collection policies, preservation protocols, and works to plan programs with the other historic organizations in Bishop Hill.
Cambridge Natural History Museum
Just 11 miles or 15 minutes from Bishop Hill — Founded in 2024 by then nine year old Anderson Taylor, the Cambridge Natural History Museum is a small museum that showcases rocks, minerals, fossils, and artifacts. During a family trip to Scotland two years ago, Anderson was inspired to open a museum after visiting the Staffin Dinosaur Museum. After negotiations with the village board and years of work, his dream became reality. Hours vary and the museum is open either by appointment or when Anderson has time. Check the Facebook page for hours.
Galva, Illinois
Just 6 miles or 9 minutes from Bishop Hill — Bishop Hill’s “sister” community. Established in 1854, Galva was named for a Swedish seaport, Gävle, Sweden and has a deep Swedish tradition with local names like “Anderson, Nelson, Larson and Olson.” Galva features two large decorative goats called Gavlebocken to honor this tradition. Galva has become known as a music destination in the Midwest featuring, The Back Road Music Festival, Levitt AMP Galva Music Series, and The Galva Arts Council’s “Coffee House” Series. Galva also is home to the previous mentioned and active Galva Arts Council, museums like the Wiley House & The Old Red Farm Shed, and more beautiful parks & green space per capita than many major cities. Galva is also home to one of the best known “4th of July” celebrations outside of Chicago. Plenty of restaurants and friendly people await.
The Old Red Farm Shed
Galva, IL
Just 6 miles or 9 minutes from Bishop Hill — Vintage farm equipment, autos and locally made museum featuring antique farm equipment, autos and implements made locally by past businesses and more, are featured in the Old Red Farm Shed. The community of Galva built a reputation on agriculture production and ingenuity. Features, International Harvester, Hayes check-row planter, Wistrand blue pumps and Morgan/Galva seed bags. A collection of days gone by will put a sparkle in your eye! Tour groups are welcome please call ahead for appointments.
1107 Walter Payton Memorial Hwy, Galva, IL 61434
Galva Historical Society Wiley House
Just 6 miles or 9 minutes from Bishop Hill — The Historical Society was founded in April, 1987. The goal of the society is to preserve Galva History. The Wiley House Museum was bought in December of 1987. The house was the home of one of Galva’s founders, William Wiley. Home not only to the history of Galva, but also some of the local Swedish heritage including painting by Olaf Krans.
Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
Just 20 miles or 27 minutes from Bishop Hill — From cross-country skiing in the winter to a lazy picnic in the summer, from a fishing trip in the spring to exploring fields of wildflowers amidst the fall colors of the giant oaks, Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area truly is a park for all seasons. Located on a glacial moraine that forms the beautiful, rolling hills of Henry County in north-central Illinois, the park sits astride a trail that led Native Americans from Lake Michigan to the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock rivers. Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area features 1,365 acres and abundant recreation opportunities. Park hours are May 1 – November 1 from sunrise – 10 PM; November 1 – May 1 from sunrise – sunset. Lakeshore Loop Road is a day use area that is open May 1 – November 1 from sunrise – sunset.
Kewanee Historical Society
Just 13 miles or 20 minutes from Bishop Hill — The Kewanee Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the History of Kewanee, Illinois. They will be happy to share information in the museum about the city of Kewanee or village of Wethersfield and the folks who lived there.
Geneseo Historical Museum
Just 23 miles or 33 minutes from Bishop Hill — Housed in a historic home and a working museum, the Geneseo Historical Museum aims to educate about the history of Geneseo. The home features 12-foot ceilings, ornate gold crown moldings, five of the original twelve marble fireplaces and two large winding staircases. Stained glass nursery doors shipped from Germany and lintels over the double doors illuminate each of the home’s formal entry halls. The museum is also shown by appointment and special arrangements can be made to accommodate bus tours and other large groups. An access ramp and elevator have been added for the convenience of our visitors.
