The 12 Top Amish Attractions in Illinois: Arcola and Arthur
Last Updated on: 30th June 2024, 11:29 am
Illinois is one of the top places in the United States to visit the Amish, although most people only know about the Amish in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Ohio! If you’re visiting Indianapolis, St. Louis, or Chicago, Amish country Illinois is the perfect addition to your itinerary. This guide will take you through the top Amish attractions in Illinois to help you plan the perfect trip.
As you explore the top Amish attactions in Illinois, you will see firsthand how the Amish people live – a unique and spiritually meaningful lifestyle as though time stopped in the 1600s! Visit the Amish in Illinois to witness how Amish families still follow their traditional way of life to this day, and learn more about the Amish culture and tradition.
Planning a Last-Minute Trip to Amish Country Illinois, We’ve Got You Covered!
🏨 Great Hotels for an Overnight in Amish Country Illinois
✈︎ Green Mill Village Hotel & Suites (Modern accommodation with local charm, pool, easy access to explore the area) $$
✈︎ Arbor Rose Boutique Hotel (A boutique hotel in a central location) $$
✈︎Arthur’s Country Inn (Comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast) $
🛵Best Activities and Tours in Amish Country Illinois
✈︎ Amish Buggy Ride (Experience the Amish way of life)
✈︎ Amish Home Meal (Enjoy a home-cooked meal in a traditional Amish home)
💶 Travel Insurance
✈︎ Do not forget to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before you leave for Illinois! I use SafetyWing Travel Insurance and have always been very happy with their service and pricing!
Amish Attractions in Illinois
Most Amish attractions in Illinois are in the Arthur area, the heart of Illinois Amish country. These attractions offer a glimpse into a world free from modernity.
As you explore downtown Arthur, uncover interesting spots and some hidden gems, as well as the best Amish attractions in Illinois like Amish shops and bakeries, and beautiful scenery!
If you’re wondering which attractions to visit, here are our top recommendations:
1. Learn all about the Amish in Illinois at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center
Address: Arthur, IL
The Illinois Amish Heritage Center is your go-to destination if you want to learn about the history of the Amish.
Extensive exhibits are provided about the oldest Amish community, from their origins and beliefs to their way of life and contributions toward local communities.
Artifacts, antiques, photographs, documents, and other treasures give insight into the Amish way of life.
Located in the Amish country, the museum is a great place to visit for the authentic Amish experience, as it’s within the heart of the working community.
2. Explore Rockome Gardens: Best Amish Shopping in Illinois
Address: Arcola, IL
In the heart of Illinois Amish country lies the beautiful Rockome Gardens in Arcola, a few miles from the town of Arthur. It’s a one-of-a-kind attraction that showcases the handiwork of the Amish communities.
Stroll through its carefully manicured gardens, where you’ll also glimpse a typical Amish home.
Established in 1935, Rockome Gardens showcases the Amish way of life. Thus, it’s the best place to visit for an authentic Amish experience, as it features exhibits and demonstrations about the Amish country of Illinois.
You will see barns, windmills, a charming cottage, and authentic log cabins home to Amish residents.
3. Visit Arcola: Gateway to Amish Attractions in Illinois
Arcola is the entrance to the Amish country of Illinois. Downtown, you can visit the traditional Amish shops and try freshly baked pastries and bread.
Don’t miss the Hippie Memorial, a colorful and unique tribute to the 1960s counterculture movement created by local artist Bob Moomaw.
If you’re visiting around Labor Day, stay at the ‘Broom Corn Festival. Arcola is the Broome Corn capital of the world, and the festival can’t be missed!
4. Explore Arthur, Illinois: Amish-owned Businesses
Considered the heart of Amish country in Illinois, the town of Arthur is a must-see when exploring the area. The first Amish family came to Arthur in 1865. Today, there are over 4000 Amish people and 22 church districts, making Arthur the home of the 8th largest Amish community in the world.
In Arthur, you can experience the unique culture and traditions of the oldest Amish community in Illinois.
Visit downtown Arthur to support Amish-owned shops and businesses. Browse the stalls selling homemade baked goods, cheeses, and local produce. Witness daily Amish life as it unfolds, from horse-drawn buggies to Amish farmers working in their fields.
Throughout the year, Arthur hosts special events and festivals highlighting Amish culture. Stop by the Illinois Amish Heritage Center to learn more about these events.
5. Visit the Great Pumpkin Patch
Address: Arthur, IL
Another attraction to see on your visit to the town of Arthur is the Great Pumpkin Patch, famous for its extensive collection of pumpkin varieties.
The pumpkin patch is a must-visit if you’re visiting Illinois in September or October.
Join farm tours to learn about the numerous varieties of pumpkins in different shapes, sizes, and colors.
Produced by the local Amish farmers, the Great Pumpkin Patch is also a great place to learn about sustainable farming practices and the importance of agriculture in the Amish communities.
If you have kids, the Great Pumpkin Patch is a fun place to visit in the Amish area. It is surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of one of Illinois’ most charming towns.
6. Dine at Yoder’s Kitchen: Amish Restuarant in Illinois
Address: 1195 E Columbia St, Arthur
At Yoder’s Kitchen, you can taste a genuine traditional Amish home-cooked meal in a friendly and welcoming setting.
Yoder’s Kitchen is committed to preserving and sharing authentic Amish recipes passed down through several generations from the first Amish community.
Here, you can enjoy an authentic Amish experience of eating hearty homemade meals like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and fresh-baked pies.
You can also savor daily specials featuring the seasonal produce of Amish farmers.
While the food is the highlight of your visit to Yoder’s Kitchen, you can also enjoy an immersive experience of the life of the Amish family and their values and traditions.
7. Shop at Beachy’s Bulk Foods: Amish Bulk Foods Store
Address: 263 N Co Rd 200 E, Arthur
Another place to experience the local Amish cuisine is Beachy’s Bulk Foods. This family-owned general store is also a favorite of locals. It’s a fun place to shop for local food items while enjoying a glimpse of Amish life.
When shopping at Beachy’s Bulk Foods, you can browse through shelves filled with bulk foods, baking supplies, fresh produce, unique crafts, handmade goods, spices, grains, candies, jams, etc.
Aside from enjoying an extensive selection of goods, another reason to love shopping at Beachy’s Bulk Foods is the warm and inviting atmosphere.
8. Enjoy a Meal at an Amish Home in Illinois
One of the most authentic ways to experience Amish culture in Illinois is by enjoying a traditional Amish-style meal in an Amish home. ACM Tours has arrangements with several Amish families in Arthur.
Enjoy a delicious spread of things like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, noodles, homemade bread, and pies.
After the meal, hosts often offer a farm tour, sharing insights into their horse-and-buggy lifestyle and showing their animals.
9. Experinece an Amish Buggy Ride
Booking an Amish buggy ride is a great way to glimpse Amish life. With careful planning, you can book a buggy ride with ACM Tours. Amish buggies typically seat 2 to 4 people, including the driver, and travel at a leisurely pace.
A typical round trip might cover half a mile and take about 20 minutes. However, prepping the buggy and horse, plus the ride itself, means you should allocate at least 2 hours for this activity.
Please note that tours are never available on a Sunday.
10. Check out the Amish Furniture from the Amish Country Heirlooms
Address: 228 S Vine St, Arthur
Amish Country Heirlooms is a must-visit shop with an exceptional selection of handcrafted items that reflect the skill and artistry of the Amish community.
The store sells high-quality, handmade furniture, quilts, and other home decor items. Each piece showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail the Amish are famous for.
You will find furniture, quilts, and home decor items. These are the perfect souvenirs to take home as a reminder of your trip.
11. Buy Amish Bread and Pastries from the Homestead Bakery
Address: 1749B E County Rd 1900 N, Arthur
The Homestead Bakery is among the most popular shops in Arthur. It sells freshly baked goods and is a great place to visit for an authentic taste of Amish baking traditions. As soon as you enter, you’ll smell the freshly baked bread.
Browse through the selection of bread, cookies, pies, and other delectable pastries. These treats are baked using high-quality and locally sourced ingredients.
12. Check out the Dutch Valley Amish Market
Address: 376 E, IL-133, Arthur,
Another place to experience the Amish’s daily life is the Dutch Valley Amish Market. It is a bustling market with many shops selling products made by the Amish that represent their local craftsmanship and tradition.
The market is especially noted for its meats and deli products produced using time-honored traditions.
You will love the warm and friendly atmosphere of the market. You also get the chance to interact with local vendors and gain insights into their way of life.
Where to Stay in Amish Country, Illinois
Green Mill Village Hotel & Suites, BW Signature Collection
Location: 917 Green Mill Rd, Arcola
Cost: $$
Located in the peaceful community of Arcola, the Green Mill Village Hotel & Suites feature modern accommodations with a touch of local charm.
Here, you can sleep in spacious rooms and enjoy modern amenities like a fitness center and pool.
The best part is that it’s near the Illinois Amish area, giving you easy access to attractions like Beachy’s Bulk Foods and Yoder’s Kitchen.
Book Your Stay at The Green Mill Village Hotel >>>
Arbor Rose Boutique Hotel
Location: 106 E 2nd St S, Arcola
Cost: $$
The Arbor Rose Boutique Hotel is charming in the heart of Illinois Amish country. Arbor Rose has well-appointed rooms with modern amenities in the town of Arthur.
The hotel’s central location allows easy access to nearby Amish attractions, making it the perfect base to explore Arthur.
Book Your Stay at Arbor Rose Boutique Hotel >>>
Arthur’s Country Inn
Location: 785 E Columbia St, Arthur
Cost: $
Another lovely hotel situated in Arthur is the Arthur’s Country Inn. Here, you can sleep in comfortable rooms with traditional decor and enjoy a complimentary breakfast.
It’s the perfect place to stay for Amish adventures since you will be near many local attractions.
Book Your Stay at Arthur’s Country Inn >>>
If you’ve always been curious about the lifestyle of Amish people and how they go about their day-to-day lives, you should visit the top Amish attractions in Illinois. These places offer insight into their culture, tradition, and way of life. You get to see how the Amish community lives and enters a world apart from modern conveniences. The experience will leave you with unforgettable memories.
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