A stavkikre was a Christian church that was common across Europe during the Middle Ages. So what on earth is one doing in Washington Island, Wisconsin? This place is one that’s been puzzling Wisconsinites for quite some time, which is completely understandable, as it’s a total anachronism in our state! Today we’re going to get to the bottom of the story behind this historic medieval church in Wisconsin:
Who knew that a short ferry ride from the mainland over to Washington Island would bring you to this unique church?
Leif and Evonne/Flickr
This particular style of Norwegian churches was popular around roughly 1150 AD.
Gina Moskowitz/Flickr
The structure was hand-built by the Lutheran Church in 1991, and continues to be maintained by them.
David Glesne/Flickr
Most of the stavkirkre have been destroyed by fire or rot because of the wood construction, making them super vulnerable to decay if not properly maintained and cared for.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
In fact, there used to be roughly 1,300 of these churches across Europe when they were most popular.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
The design of this church is an interesting mix of Christian and Viking styles.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
The name derives from the word “stafr,” which are load-bearing ore-pine posts.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
As you can see, you can actually venture into the building, as well, and enjoy all of the authentic construction.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
The inside of this church is as intriguing as the outside, and it’s really such a unique place to explore.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
A walk around the grounds is quite serene, full of benches and Bible verses. You’re sure to be intrigued, and enchanted, by this medieval church hiding in Wisconsin.
jchapiewsky/Flickr
Have you visited this medieval church in Wisconsin? If so, what do you think?
Leif and Evonne/Flickr
Gina Moskowitz/Flickr
David Glesne/Flickr
Amy Meredith/Flickr
jchapiewsky/Flickr
This medieval church isn’t the only historic hidden gem in Wisconsin. There’s a historic underground railroad located in Milton that’s absolutely fascinating.
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Address: Washington Island, Washington, WI, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Medieval Church in Wisconsin June 28, 2021 Sarah Are there many historic churches in Wisconsin? If you geek out over beautiful, historic churches, then you’ll absolutely love this church on Holy Hill. A well-known church in Wisconsin, Holy Hill and the The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians in Hubertus, is absolutely breathtaking. The spires of the church peek out above the trees, and signs point you there if you’re traveling on Hwy 41. Holy Hill is on the National Historic Register and is an active church. The church seems to rise from the ground, and into the heavens. If you’re lucky, like after a storm, fog rises out of the dense forest surrounding the Basilica, and the result will take your breath away. What are some other hidden gems in Wisconsin? While we’re on the topic of churches, there’s a hidden gem in Sauk County that’s just too cool for words! At first glance, Brat House Grill could easily be mistaken for a church – and that’s no coincidence because, at one time, it was a church. But that’s not all. It actually started off as a schoolhouse. And while the building’s history is amazing, the brats served within this church-turned-restaurant are even better! The building was constructed in 1850 as the Delton Academy, a one-room schoolhouse. In 1865, it became the Delton Methodist Church, which explains the stained glass window and bell tower. In 2007, the building took on its current role – home of the “official best brats” in Wisconsin. This hidden gem is absolutely worth checking out, both for the history and the brats! What are some other places to visit on Washington Island, Wisconsin? Washington Island is, hands down, one of the coolest hidden gems in Wisconsin. Located seven miles northeast of the tip of Door County, it’s only accessible via ferry, which adds to its charm and intrigue. The island pays homage to its Scandinavian heritage, and you’ll find delightful windmills and architecture all throughout the town. The beaches here are absolutely phenomenal, too, particularly Schoolhouse Beach. And if you visit during the summer months, you can take the Cherry Train Tour, one of the most unique, only-in-Wisconsin experiences you’ll ever have!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Medieval Church in Wisconsin
June 28, 2021
Sarah
Are there many historic churches in Wisconsin? If you geek out over beautiful, historic churches, then you’ll absolutely love this church on Holy Hill. A well-known church in Wisconsin, Holy Hill and the The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians in Hubertus, is absolutely breathtaking. The spires of the church peek out above the trees, and signs point you there if you’re traveling on Hwy 41. Holy Hill is on the National Historic Register and is an active church. The church seems to rise from the ground, and into the heavens. If you’re lucky, like after a storm, fog rises out of the dense forest surrounding the Basilica, and the result will take your breath away. What are some other hidden gems in Wisconsin? While we’re on the topic of churches, there’s a hidden gem in Sauk County that’s just too cool for words! At first glance, Brat House Grill could easily be mistaken for a church – and that’s no coincidence because, at one time, it was a church. But that’s not all. It actually started off as a schoolhouse. And while the building’s history is amazing, the brats served within this church-turned-restaurant are even better! The building was constructed in 1850 as the Delton Academy, a one-room schoolhouse. In 1865, it became the Delton Methodist Church, which explains the stained glass window and bell tower. In 2007, the building took on its current role – home of the “official best brats” in Wisconsin. This hidden gem is absolutely worth checking out, both for the history and the brats! What are some other places to visit on Washington Island, Wisconsin? Washington Island is, hands down, one of the coolest hidden gems in Wisconsin. Located seven miles northeast of the tip of Door County, it’s only accessible via ferry, which adds to its charm and intrigue. The island pays homage to its Scandinavian heritage, and you’ll find delightful windmills and architecture all throughout the town. The beaches here are absolutely phenomenal, too, particularly Schoolhouse Beach. And if you visit during the summer months, you can take the Cherry Train Tour, one of the most unique, only-in-Wisconsin experiences you’ll ever have!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you geek out over beautiful, historic churches, then you’ll absolutely love this church on Holy Hill. A well-known church in Wisconsin, Holy Hill and the The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians in Hubertus, is absolutely breathtaking. The spires of the church peek out above the trees, and signs point you there if you’re traveling on Hwy 41. Holy Hill is on the National Historic Register and is an active church. The church seems to rise from the ground, and into the heavens. If you’re lucky, like after a storm, fog rises out of the dense forest surrounding the Basilica, and the result will take your breath away.
What are some other hidden gems in Wisconsin?
While we’re on the topic of churches, there’s a hidden gem in Sauk County that’s just too cool for words! At first glance, Brat House Grill could easily be mistaken for a church – and that’s no coincidence because, at one time, it was a church. But that’s not all. It actually started off as a schoolhouse. And while the building’s history is amazing, the brats served within this church-turned-restaurant are even better! The building was constructed in 1850 as the Delton Academy, a one-room schoolhouse. In 1865, it became the Delton Methodist Church, which explains the stained glass window and bell tower. In 2007, the building took on its current role – home of the “official best brats” in Wisconsin. This hidden gem is absolutely worth checking out, both for the history and the brats!
What are some other places to visit on Washington Island, Wisconsin?
Washington Island is, hands down, one of the coolest hidden gems in Wisconsin. Located seven miles northeast of the tip of Door County, it’s only accessible via ferry, which adds to its charm and intrigue. The island pays homage to its Scandinavian heritage, and you’ll find delightful windmills and architecture all throughout the town. The beaches here are absolutely phenomenal, too, particularly Schoolhouse Beach. And if you visit during the summer months, you can take the Cherry Train Tour, one of the most unique, only-in-Wisconsin experiences you’ll ever have!
