Saint James Lutheran Church State Preserve

Located immediately north of the Fort Atkinson State Preserve, the Saint James Lutheran Church State Preserve contains the remnants of a historic church constructed between 1840 and 1866.

About the Land

Originally constructed by the First Congregational Church Society of Fort Atkinson, it was sold to the German Evangelical Lutheran Saint James Church Society in 1871. It served as a place for worship as well as the center of the German immigrant community until 1894, when it was abandoned. 

Today, the 1-acre site contains the roofless, limestone walls of the original church and a small cemetery with burials dating to 1874. 

It was acquired by the Iowa Conservation Commission in 1970 and dedicated as a historical state preserve. 

Directions

1. From Decorah, drive south on Highway 52 for 9 miles to Calmar. 
2. Turn west (right) onto Highway 24 and go 5 miles to the town of Fort Atkinson. 
3. From Highway 24 (1st Street) in the town of Fort Atkinson, turn west (right) onto 1st Street NW and go to 9th Avenue (watch for Historic Site signs). 
4. Turn north (right) and go 0.5 block to the preserve (sign: Saint James Lutheran Church).

Visitor Information

Other historic preserves in the state include Fort Atkinson, Montauk, Mount Pisgah Cemetery, and Old State Quarry.