Bishop Hill State Historic Site

The State of Illinois has been an active partner in Bishop Hill's preservation since 1946 when village donated the Colony Church, 1848, and Village Park, est. 1853, to the People of Illinois.  The Colony Hotel, 1852-1861, Colony Barn, c. 1856-1860, Boy's Dormitory, 1847, and the Bishop Hill Museum have been added to the site. 

Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Bishop Hill State Historic Site consists of period buildings and artifacts donated and purchased from the Colony Period.  The Colony Church (1848) features 10 original apartments converted into themed exhibit rooms. On the church's second floor, visitors may view the sanctuary containing original pews.  The church property includes a public restroom and the Ox Boy's Dormitory (c.a 1847-1850). Open during special events, the partially restored Bjorklund Hotel (1852-1864) allows visitor to view hotel accommodations from the mid 19th century. The property includes the Olson Barn (c.a. 1855-1860) and additional public restrooms. A variety of artifacts including the world-renowned collection of Olof Krans Folk Art are housed at the Bishop Hill Musuem (1988). The museum also contains public restrooms and visitor information services.  In addition to these facilities, the State of Illinois maintains the Village Park (c.a. 1850) and its memorials. 

Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Access to the park and grounds are available daily from dawn to dusk. Self-guided tours of the Bishop Hill Museum and Colony Church are available from 9:00am-5:00pm Wednesday-Sunday from March 1st-October 31st. Hours are reduced to 9:00am-4:00pm Wednesday-Sunday from November 1st-February 28th. Special events and groups of 25 or more must register in advance. For more information, please visit
​ Bishop Hill - Northwest Region (illinois.gov) or Bishop Hill State Historic Site | Bishop Hill IL | Facebook

PO Box 104   Bishop Hill, Illinois  61419
309.927.3345
[email protected]
For more info, including hours, tours and special events please visit:
Bishop Hill State Historic Site

1861 Colony Church in Bishop Hill

Bjorklund Hotel

Bishop Hill Park Gazebo

Bishop Hill Colony Church Interior