Colony Church Museum

Address: 101 Maiden Lane, Bishop Hill, IL 61419

Hours: March thru October: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 AM –5 PM;

November thru February: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 AM –4 PM.

Admission: Handled through the Bishop Hill State Historic Site; admission to the grounds is free, though donations are appreciated.

Website: dnrhistoric.illinois.gov

Built in 1848, the Colony Church was the spiritual heart of the Bishop Hill colony. Its simple yet elegant design reflects the settlers' devotion and communal values. Visitors can explore the sanctuary and gain insights into the colony's religious practices.

• The Ground Floor & Basement: Originally split into 20 separate single-room apartments to house incoming colony residents. Today, these rooms have been transformed into themed historical exhibits. 

• Please Touch Room: A popular interactive space filled with high-quality reproductions of 1800s colony artifacts, including a spinning wheel, traditional beds, clothing, and toys.

• Historic Artifacts: Exhibits display original tools, archaeological findings from local restoration work, a historic Great Wheel Lathe (circa 1850), and items detailing the difficult journey from Sweden to Illinois. 

• The Sanctuary (Second Floor): Houses the main Jansonite worship area. It remains complete with the original walnut pews, turned maple spindles, and accurately recreated chandeliers.

• Special Events: While it primarily functions as a museum, the unheated sanctuary is brought back to life once a year at dawn on Christmas morning for a traditional candlelit Swedish Julotta service.

Note: This state owned building is in the design phase of historic restoration by the State of Illinois, Capital Development Board.