2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
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Illinois Amish Country
The town of Arthur is located in the heart of Amish country, home to more than 2,000 Amish residents and hundreds of charming countryside businesses, Illinois' Amish Country offers shopping, dining, special events and guided educational tours (some of which feature meals in actual Amish homes).
CITY: Arthur
Amish Country Tours
A step on guide will accompany your tour of the Amish countryside. The tours will also include meals in Amish homes, and Amish home, buggy shop, dairy farm and woodworking tours. Additional highlights include an Amish museum, local attractions, restaurants, and accommodations.
CITY: Arcola
Lake Shelbyville
The 11,000-acre Lake Shelbyville offers plenty of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, biking and swimming. Sun yourself on one of the public beaches or dock your boat at one of three marinas located around the lake.
CITY: Shelbyville
Tanger Outlet Center
Factory outlet mall with over 40 brand name outlets. Shop Coach, Harry and David, Reebok, Nike, Gap, Bass, Polo Ralph Lauren, Old Navy, Bath and Body Works and much more! Check out our monthly special events, coupons and sales. Tanger Outlet Center is conveniently located off of I-57, exit 212 in Tuscola. Locations nearby include Champaign and Amish Country.
CITY: Tuscola
11 - 13
Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest
Come and enjoy watching as these balloons are filled and then take off for various areas. Friday night is a launch from Forest Park, Saturday morning, they will launch from various locations and try to hit their targets as they float through the air. There will be a Balloon glow and basket burn at the Dam Spillway area Saturday night with food and entertainment. You can meet the pilots on Friday evening. Sunday morning will be another opportunity to watch. These colorful balloons will be launched daily (weather permitting) and you can watch as they fly and do tasks around the Lake Shelbyville area.
CITY: Shelbyville
The 200 Acres
Located in the heart of Illinois' Amish country, The 200 Acres is a working farm that features beautiful gardens, including a spectacular collection of more than 5,000 mums, and offers its heirloom seeds for sale. The 200 Acres is especially known for its more than 300 varieties of rare pumpkins, squash and gourds from around the globe that are grown right on the farm and displayed in its Great Pumpkin Patch from mid-September through October 31 every year. The on-site Homestead Bakery sells made-from-scratch goodies such as pies and angel food cake during spring, summer and fall.
CITY: Arthur
Arthur Amish Country Information Center
This visitor's center offers maps and information on the entire Amish area, including the 150 Amish craft shops that dot the countryside surrounding the village of Arthur.
CITY: Arthur
15 - 18
Windsor Harvest Picnic
Come and enjoy this family-friendly festival which is in its 117th year. Entertainment comes to you in gospel, country and rock, with entertainers from as far away as Australia and Country Star "Eddie Raven". Fountain City Amusements provide a carnival atmosphere with plenty of food served by various organizations as well as the Ice Cream Social. There is also a 5K run/walk, a pedal tractor pull, parade, and a raffle drawing.
CITY: Windsor
ACM Tours
ACM Tours is a full service, receptive tour guide company with many special services available at no additional cost. We literally open the door to fabulous Illinois Amish Country! We are ready to assist you with meals, attractions, lodging and step on guide service. We have available trained, professional, local step-on guides who are well versed in the history, customs and folklore of this most unique part of Illinois.
CITY: Arthur
Rockome Gardens
Located in the midst of Illinois' Amish country, Rockome Gardens features the Illinois Amish Interpretive Center, a cheese factory, gardens, shops, Amish dinners, special events, and farm and house tours.
CITY: Arcola
Ferrel Clydesdale Farms
In operation since 1850, the farm features a blacksmith shop and Clydesdale horses. Chuck wagon cookouts are available.
CITY: Lovington
Walnut Point State Park
State park with hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and picnicking. Concession stand and boat rental available.
CITY: Oakland
Bath & Body Works -- Tanger Outlet Center
Integrating health, beauty and well-being. Combining the introduction of spa products that are easily used at home with the incorporation of simple rituals into daily life, Bath & Body Works is committed to helping consumers improve their emotional and physical being. Purchase lotions, creams, hand soap and more in a variety of scents.
CITY: Tuscola
26 - 27
Findlay Walleye Festival
This yearly festival has plenty of entertainment, food and fun. The Walleye is a feature for the festival with the fish being served daily. There will be plenty of entertainment (bands), an ice cream social, fireworks on Friday-Saturday if rain. Kids games, a farmer's market, tractor pull, car, truck, & motorcycle show, a 5K event and plenty more. A large parade starts at 10am on Saturday and there will be plenty of kids activities and games both days.
CITY: Findlay
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
The last home of Thomas and Sarah Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's parents. It shares the site with the Sargent farm, an 1840's living history farm.
CITY: Lerna
Dvorak Concert Hall
This hall offers a wide variety of recitals and concerts year round, and is home to the renowned Eastern Illinois University Symphony Orchestra.
CITY: Charleston
McGrady Inn Bed and Breakfast
A pleasant walk from the campus of Eastern Illinois University, The McGrady Inn honors its heritage, a United Brethren church constructed in 1919. From the original maple floors to the nine-panel stained glass window at the center of the 23-foot sanctuary ceilings, guests are surrounded by the results of a three-year restoration matching the original craftsmanship. The Inn offers modern amenities such as flat screen televisions, wireless internet and spacious bathrooms in the company of intricate oak woodwork and nineteenth century church pews. Enjoy a stroll to one of the many restaurants located on Charleston's courthouse square or simply relax in the shade of a hard maple tree on our front porch. The McGrady Inn is centrally located among the distinguished homes in our college community.
CITY: Charleston
The Great Pumpkin Patch
Open from mid-September through October 31, The Great Pumpkin Patch features 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds from around the world, all grown on the farm. The beautiful grounds feature various mazes and gardens, farm animals, a u-pick pumpkin patch and the Homestead Bakery, offering fresh-baked goods. Live entertainment is presented on fall weekends.
CITY: Arthur
Lithia Rental Cabins
Formerly Lakeside Cabins. There are 4 cabins with full kitchenettes, screened porches, boat parking with electric. Also a 2 bedroom house, and 3 bedroom house. Campfire rings, grills, picnic tables, playground. Fishing Guide Service is available. Open April-October.
CITY: Shelbyville
Buxton's Garden Farm
Pull up to Buxton's roadside stand to buy in-season vegetables, pumpkins and festive Indian corn.
CITY: Sullivan
Red Bud Lane Iris Garden
Feast your eyes on the gardens of iris, hostas and day lillies. These bulbs and rhizomes are shipped all over the country. Please call before your visit.
CITY: Kansas
Family Aquatic Center
This aquatic center has a frog slide, water slide, wet playground area, a sand playground, concessions, a shaded picnic area and a bath house.
CITY: Shelbyville
Villa Galleries
Fine art located in the heart of the Illinois Amish country. The Villa Galleries has dedicated its gallery to local artists who have ties to the central Illinois area either through living situation or artwork subject. Photography, watercolors, colored pencil, oil and acrylic, stained glass, and pottery are just a few of the mediums featured in the gallery.
CITY: Arthur
Tri-County Auctions
Authentic, mix-with-the-Amish experience. Auctions held at Vernon Yoder’s farm near Arcola.
CITY: Arcola
Stellar Tours
Amish Adventures will give you an up close and personal tour of the Illinois Amish culture and religion as you travel back in time along our quaint country roads with our professional and informed tour guide. To help our visitors learn more about the Amish culture, we offer a variety of tours that are customized to fit your itinerary. Tours of Amish homes, Amish farms, Amish woodworker's shop, a meal in an Amish home and a Step-on Guided Tour of the Amish countryside!
CITY: Arthur
Chautauqua Auditorium
Built in 1903, the auditorium is the largest building of its kind from anywhere in the world, and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. Above the stage are Grecian statues designed by Robert Root.
CITY: Shelbyville
Unique Suites Hotel
For this locally owned hotel, showing guests special attention is our goal to make your stay as comfortable as possible. We have connections with caterers and plenty of ballroom area to host your next party or conference. We are a 77 room hotel with ballroom facilities, seasonal swimming pool, free WIFI and continental breakfast. Located in Charleston, Illinois near Eastern Illinois University.
CITY: Charleston
Whitley Creek Recreation Area
This campground has 81 campsites, most of which are shaded.
CITY: Sullivan
Illinois Amish Center
Recently relocated to Rockome Gardens in the countryside near a prominent community of Old Order Amish, the largest in Illinois. The museum originally opened in 1996 and features exhibits on most aspects of Amish life, as well as an introductory video about the Central Illinois Amish. Through the museum, tours can be scheduled of the Amish countryside, Amish homes, farms, businesses and meals in Amish homes.
CITY: Arcola
Moore Home
This is the preserved home of Reuben Moore and his wife Matilda, who was a daughter of Sarah Bush Lincoln and stepsister of Abraham Lincoln. The frame Moore Home dates back to the late 1850s.
CITY: Lerna
Holiday Inn Express - Tuscola
82 rooms, 6 executive suites. Extended continental breakfast. Meeting facilities for up to 35 people. Two full service restaurants within walking distance.
CITY: Tuscola
Willow Ridge Vineyards & Winery
Family owned and operated on a Sesquicentennial farm. Nestled in a rural setting, there is a relaxing Tuscan style atmosphere. Facilities include a banquet room that seats 190 people and a wine tasting room with seating for an additional 40 people. Both are available to rent for special occasions.
CITY: Shelbyville
Lake Shelbyville - Bo Wood Recreation Area
Most of the campsites in this 82 site campground are shaded. Located on Lake Shelbyville, beach nearby.
CITY: Sullivan
Marsha's Vineyard Bed & Breakfast
Built in spring 2000 by a local Amish contractor, this 1 1/2 salt-box cottage includes two spacious siutes, private baths and kitchen located in the heart of Illinois Amish Country.
CITY: Arthur
Copper Eagle
The largest antique mall in Charleston, Illinois. The Copper Eagle antique mall is located at the corner of 3rd Street and Madison Avenue, known locally as "Five Points". The Copper Eagle has grown to around 75 dealers offering over 3000 square feet of antiques and collectibles. Inventory changes daily and many of vendors offer periodic specials. Copper Eagle is open every day of the week, so stop in and spend some time browsing - you might just find that one piece you have been searching for!
CITY: Charleston
Cameo Vineyards
This family-owned winery manages seven acres of French-American hybrid grapevines and makes eight different wines, including reds, whites and blushes. A gift shop, and complimentary tastings and tours, are available.
CITY: Greenup
Thomas Lincoln Cemetery and Shiloh Church
This cemetery is the final resting place for many Civil War veterans, as well as Thomas and Sarah Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's father and stepmother.
CITY: Charleston
Olde Brick Wall
Here at Olde Brick Wall we carry a wonderful collection of upholstered and early American reproduction wood painted furniture. There are several styles and colors to choose from. To complete your whole room, we carry paint, curtains, shower curtains, pillows, rugs, chandeliers, shelves and pictures. Established in 1994 in a charming, old hotel building in the heart of Illinois Amish country, Arcola, the Olde Brick Wall features a wonderful gathering of tinware, light fixtures, candles, redware, folk art and primitives. We offer everything you could ever want to give your home that special look, feel and smell of country that we all love so much.
CITY: Arcola
Grandpa's Place
Antiques, collectibles, and things in between. Monday-Friday call for appt.
CITY: Jewett
Amish Country Heirlooms, LLC
Area's largest of hand-crafted Amish and oak furniture, collectible prints, and accessories, along with Country Dreams furniture exhibit.
CITY: Tuscola
The Primitive Goose
Seek out life's simple pleasures...A gathering of primitives, antiques, folk art, and home and garden decor. A memorable shopping experience!
CITY: Arcola
Sullivan Marina
Located on a serene wooded hilltop, gently slopes into a full-service marina and restaurant situated on Lake Shelbyville.
CITY: Sullivan
Simply Amish
Many Styles. One Standard. Amish isn't a style. It's a standard of excellence—desired by many and practiced by a very rare few. It's in the fine details of solid wood drawers, hand-finished, inside and out. It's in the skill of genuine Amish craftsmen, passed down from one generation to the next.
CITY: Arcola
Ambero Antiques and Decorative Arts
Located on the west side of the historical Courthouse square in Charleston, IL, Ambero Antiques & Decorative Arts provides authentic antique, vintage, and contemporary furnishings at fair prices. Here you will find an eclectic mix of furniture, mirrors, art, ceramics, metalwares, textiles, and jewelry.
CITY: Charleston
General Dacey Trail
This trail is a multi-use recreational trail -- accessed mainly by walkers, runners, and bikers. As you move along the pathways of the Dacey Trail, you will find nature at its best -- with many scenic views of Lake Shelbyville. The trail is being added to and improved each year and runs through parts of Shelbyville, Forest Park, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Shelbyville. You can begin the trail at Forest Park or at the Dam West Recreational Area (9th St.).
CITY: Shelbyville
Rock Kreations
Unique rock carvings, leather, purses, jewelry, pipes, and hand- carved miniatures.
CITY: Shelbyville
Douglas-Hart Nature Center
Explore 70 acres of prairie, wetlands and forest habitat.The Visitor Center features interpretive exhibits, sensory displays and live critters, including a bird observation area.
CITY: Mattoon
11 - 13
Scarecrow Daze Festival
During the 17th Annual Scarecrow Daze Festival, the entire city of Shelbyville is decorated with scarecrows. With a different theme every year, entrants decorate their homes and businesses to the theme. There is also a large parade on Saturday, kids' games, a beer tent, music, a quilt show, and plenty of food and crafts, in downtown Shelbyville. Held in conjunction with Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest.
CITY: Shelbyville
Arcola Architectural Tours
Arcola is a pristine showcase of small-town America that still retains many examples of more than a century of architectural changes in the American home. Two tours daily from April through October.
CITY: Arcola
The Arcola Diamond House Bed & Breakfast
Arcola Diamond House is just what you hope to find in a bed-and-breakfast... a touch of whimsy, a dash of nostalgia and engaging hosts brimming with small-town friendliness. The Harshbargers, a family of porcelain artists, poets, musicians and scholars, have developed a sure-fire formula for enchanting their guests. Blending the decorative arts with culinary flavors, they have turned their family homes into masterpieces. Shining with personality, The Flower Patch & Diamond House make a pleasant beacon of exquisite taste; in more ways than one.
CITY: Arcola
15
Shelby County 4H & Jr. Fair
One of only a few fairs that still highlight their 4H and Juniors. The fair includes dog care and obedience, judging in livestock, poultry, rabbits, lambs, produce, flowers, plants, and many other subjects. The Food Shack serves plenty of great food each day of the fair manned by the various 4H Clubs in Shelby County. The fair wraps up with the popular livestock auction and team penning.
CITY: Shelbyville
Vahlings Vineyards & Winery
All wines are fermented and bottled on site at this family-owned winery.
CITY: Stewardson
The Flower Patch
Featured in Midwest Living magazine, the Arcola Flower Patch offers a lovely downstairs parlor, shaded porch swing, quiet gazebo for tea or coffee & gift shop. Lynn, the Artist in Residence, displays framed porcelain art and watercolors throughout the house. Every room abounds with floral arrangements, crafts, curios and family memorabilia. With floral rugs, potted plans and displays of fresh and dried flowers, it’s always spring at the bed & breakfast. Guests and non-guests alike are welcome to tour the backyard garden, where the Harshbargers grow the herbs used in their epicurean masterpieces
CITY: Arcola
Deer Trail Golf Course
Nine holes of golf located next to Lake Shelbyville at the old "Country Club." Come and enjoy a round of golf and then come and enjoy food and a refreshment while looking over the Lake.
CITY: Shelbyville
Arches Antique Marketplace
Antiques of all sizes and descriptions, from books and clothing to kitchen utensils and baby items.
CITY: Findlay
Dec 30
Shelbyville Festival of Lights
Come to Shelbyville and take a drive through Forest Park as it is lit up for the Holiday season. Different themed areas delight with the centerpiece being a large carousel placed on the Historical Chautauqua Auditorium. These lights are put in place each year by volunteers and new lights and themed areas are added yearly. Candy Cane lane is to honor loved ones. Come enjoy the Victorian Village, Santa's Shop, the North Pole, Bethlehem, and others.
CITY: Shelbyville
Graber Produce Patch
This roadside produce stand offers asparagus, radishes, eggplant and sweet corn.
CITY: Sullivan
Arcola Historic Train Depot & Information Center
This 1885 train depot displays Illinois Central Railroad memorabilia, the largest Louis Klein collection of antique brooms and brushes in the United States, and interesting Arcola relics and keepsakes. Because Arcola is the birthplace of Raggedy Ann creator Johnny Gruelle, Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls and collectibles are also on display.
CITY: Arcola
Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area
A 6,400-acre wildlife area on the north end of Lake Shelbyville. Hunting for waterfowl, forest and upland game is popular. Boat access is provided to accommodate anglers and hunters.
CITY: Bethany
Charleston Putt-n-Swing
This family fun spot features an 18-hole miniature golf course and batting cages.
CITY: Charleston
Ameri Host Inn - Tuscola
59 rooms with 2 jacuzzi suites, indoor pool, free deluxe continental breakfast.
CITY: Tuscola
Sisters
Locally hand crafted goodness, baked goods, fun decor for the home, children's section & more, soaps, blankets, antiques, sock monkey & designer fabrics, amish souvenirs, hand woven rugs, teapots and more.
CITY: Arcola
Meadowview Golf Course
This 18-hole, par 72 course features moderate to gently rolling terrain, manicured greens, a full-service pro shop and a food court.
CITY: Mattoon
The Wishing Well
Unique Antiques & Home Decor. Come in a see the antiques, quilts, inspirational signs, framed prints, candles, Pipberry Accents, Jim Shore, primitives.
CITY: Shelbyville
Nature's Bounty
Buy dried herbs and flowers, or pick your own red and golden delicious apples.
CITY: Sullivan
Amishland's General Store
Nostalgic general store filled with Amish wood crafts, quilts, food products and souvenirs.
CITY: Tuscola
Martha's House of Florals
Beautiful flowers, gifts, candy and cards. While away a few minutes in this treasure trove.
CITY: Atwood
National Road Covered Bridge
The Embarras River, near Greenup, was the site of a covered bridge built by Abe and Thomas Lincoln and Dennis Hanks. The original bridge was 200 feet long. The reconstructed bridge was dedicated in 2000.
CITY: Greenup
Olivier's Country Creations & Gifts
Fabric, craft supplies, beads, finished crafts, gifts, handmade quilts, birdhouses, collectibles, books, videos, furniture, and much more.
CITY: Strasburg
Yoder's Lamps & Antiques
A shop full of antiques and 30+ dealers, plus a large inventory of antique oil and gas lamps. Repair and parts are available for antique and modern oil and gas lamps. Authorized Aladdin Lamp dealer and repair.
CITY: Arthur
Dec 25
Mattoon Lightworks
Enjoy the lights of the season in beautiful Peterson Park. Over 50 magnificent light displays, many of which are animated. Definitely a site to see! Drive through at your leisure evenings starting at 5pm. Over 15,000 visitors each year see this great display of holiday lights. Admission is free, donations accepted.
CITY: Mattoon
Coon Creek Lodge
Seven clean and comfortable kitchenette rooms with living room, kitchen, bedroom and bath within walking distance of Coon Creek Beach and Boat Ramp. Rooms are equipped with pots and pans, table settings, coffee maker & toaster, towels, and bed linens. Only 1/2 mile from Lake Shelbyville. Open April - November.
CITY: Shelbyville
Vintage Karma
Handmade goods from local artists. Oh, and it’s got one of the most unique floors you’ll ever see – check it out for yourself and bring your camera!
CITY: Tuscola
Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum
Charleston's newest heritage tourism attraction. Learn more about the 1858 political debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. This site is a designated, "Looking for Lincoln" site.
CITY: Charleston
Mattoon Welcome Center/Peterson House
The historic Peterson House serves as the Mattoon Welcome Center, offering information about area events and attractions.
CITY: Mattoon
Independence Pioneer Village
Visit this log home village from the early 1800s, including a blacksmith shop, church and schoolhouse.
CITY: Oakland
Country Charm Bed and Breakfast
The delightful, historic colonial was built in 1858 and sits on a 1/2 acre parcel that boast beautiful views of a mini orchard. There are 4 nostalgic rooms on the 2nd floor. There is boat and RV parking. Open all year and has Wi-Fi. No pets allowed.
CITY: Shelbyville
Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society
Historical items are displayed throughout this former jail and previous sheriff's residence. Tour the basement where the old jails cells are located, or trace your family tree.
CITY: Shelbyville
The Little Theatre On The Square
A Professional Actor Equity Association-affiliated theatre performing Broadway musicals and comedy. Produces five mainstage shows from mid-June to mid-August. Three theatres for young audiences, shows, in addition to a fall, Christmas, & spring show.
CITY: Sullivan
