Holidays at Bishop Hill
September 19, 2008By admin
For a holiday treat, visit the Village of Bishop Hill in Northwestern Illinois. Founded by Erik Jansson and his followers after leaving their native Sweden in 1846 in search of religious freedom, Bishop Hill was once the location of Jansson’s communal, utopian society. Jansson’s colony disbanded after 15 years, but Bishop Hill remains a historical landmark that attracts scores of visitors every year.
There you can browse the site’s 21 shops and four museums, which hold furniture and clothing that belonged to the original settlers.
“It’s just a wonderful place to bring the family,” says Mike Wendell, administrator of the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.
Bishop Hill hosts numerous seasonal festivals and events, including the Julmarknad Christmas Market Nov. 25-27, 2011 and Dec. 3/4. For more information and more event listings, contact the Bishop Hill State Historic Site at (309) 927-3345 or visit www.bishophill.com.
