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.
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.
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.
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.
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