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Bishop Hill, Illinois


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 principles. 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 the charm and character of the original colony have survived the test of time. Bishop Hill is a National Landmark Village, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and it is an Illinois State Historic Site.

   

Bishop Hill, Illinois Event Calendar

June 09
Honor Flight Benefit
This is a fund raising event for the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. Enjoy music, an auction, and a dinner, all in the Bishop Hill Village Park. 309-932-3355
3pm to 6pm
June 22
Midsommar Music Festival
Join a lively Swedish tradition to celebrate the summer solstice with music, workshops, and a center stage concert. A Maypole will be decorated and a procession will ensure delivery to the Colony School. A barn dance will be held in the evening. Music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pole decorating and procession at 4 p.m. Barn dance at 7 p.m. 309-927-3311
July 13
23rd Annual Country Antique Market
Quality antiques including primitives, country, folk art, pottery, and much more are available on the lawn of the Colony School. This event will benefit a Bishop Hill organization. $5.00 admission. 309-927-3042 or 309-927-3037
9am to 3pm
July 28
Antique Car Show
A great antique and classic car show. Registration is from 9 a.m. - noon, judging is from noon - 1:30 p.m. with awards presented at 3 p.m. Call 309-932-2474
Fall - 2013
September 14
Old Settlers' Day
This event celebrates the 167th anniversary of the Colony and the 117th year of the Old Settler's Association. A traditional chicken dinner is served at 11:30 a.m., followed by a band concert at 12:15 p.m., and a program featuring Colony descendants at 1:30 p.m. 309-927-3044
September 15
Colony School Reunion
Former students and teachers from the Colony School and area country schools meet annually to celebrate. 309-927-3044
2pm to 4pm
September 28 to September 29
Agriculture Days - Jordbruksdagarna
Bishop Hill's biggest event features traditional 19th century demonstrations, harvest activities, music, dancing, farm produce, stew, and chicken dinners. 309-927-3345
10am to 5pm
Winter - 2013
November 29 to December 01
Christmas Market - Julmarknad
Swedish traditions come alive with folk characters causing mischief throughout the village. Music and the smell of food fills the air. Shops are filled with handmade items, antiques, folk art, and other gift items. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Christmas cookie walk will be held in the Colony School on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Local elves bake cookies that are sure to please everyone. 309-927-3311
December 07 to December 08
Christmas Market - Julmarknad
This is the second weekend of the Christmas Market. Shopping for gift items continues, and the music and food is just as tantalizing. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Experience the Chocolate Walk on this weekend. Chocolate everything will be available for you to enjoy. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 309-927-3311
December 08
Christmas Home Tour
Selected Bishop Hill homes will be decorated for Christmas and you are invited to come in to share the spirit of the Holiday Season. 309-927-3311
4pm to 6pm
December 13 to December 14
Lucia Nights - Festival of Lights
Coffee and sweet items are served in shops and museums by young girls dressed as St. Lucia. Musical entertainment fills the air throughout the village. 309-927-3311
6pm to 9pm

Additional information-phone 309-927-3345 unless otherwise noted.

TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM DATES AND TIMES.

*Programs of the Bishop Hill Arts Council are partially supported by a grant from
the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Windy Corner Etsy Shop Bishop Hill Visitors Guide 2011
 
 
Enchantment awaits you behind every door and window. Visit and be renewed by our ageless utopia.
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