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

Blind Pig Brewery

Located in downtown Champaign, Blind Pig brews its own craft beers. With its beautiful wood interior, casks full of local brews and friendly locals, this bar is a must-see. When the weather is nice, venture outside and enjoy the large outdoor beer garden.

CITY: Champaign

Allerton Park & Retreat Center

Allerton Park was the private estate of Robert Henry Allerton, who donated it to the University of Illinois in 1946. It features 1,500 acres of woodlands, formal gardens and more than 100 sculptures. The park is open to the public for hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing and leisurely garden strolls.

CITY: Monticello

William M. Staerkel Planetarium

Do some star gazing at the second-largest planetarium in Illinois, located at Parkland College. More than 7,000 stars are projected onto the planetarium’s 50-foot dome. The Planetarium also features special children’s presentations and rock-and-roll light shows.

CITY: Champaign

Scovill Zoo

This zoo overlooking Lake Decatur is home to animals from around the world, the Z.O.&O. Express train, the Endangered Species Carousel and the Zootique Gift Shop. Family events and activities are offered regularly.

CITY: Decatur

Children's Museum of Illinois

Kids can shimmy up Luckey's Climber, make a giant bubble and pretend to be whatever they can imagine, from a pilot to a scientist. The museum's permanent exhibits complement temporary exhibits and projects.

CITY: Decatur

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

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

Lake Decatur

The state's largest artificial body of water, Lake Decatur spans 2,800 acres, with 30 miles of shoreline offering recreational opportunities and wildlife vistas at lakeside parks and the city marina. Water sports include boating, fishing, sailing and jet skiing. While shoreline locations surrounding Nelson Park Marina offer miniature golf, dining, public gardens and picnic facilities.

CITY: Decatur

Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion

Located on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, Krannert is the second-largest fine art museum in Illinois, and places among the top tier of university art museums nationwide. The museum’s diverse permanent collection contains some 10,000 works of art, and represents the cultures of African, Asia, Europe and the Americas. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum features outstanding temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

CITY: Champaign

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

Cowboy Monkey

Nightlife Bar for casual chatting with friends and family. Dining options during the day as well as full service bar during dining hours.

CITY: Champaign

Assembly Hall

From rock shows to Broadway to family shows to Fighting Illinois basketball and much more, the Assembly Hall has hosted the top names in show business, as well as, numerous University and community events.

CITY: Champaign

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

Scovill House & Oriental Gardens

Serenity envelopes this intimate area, where visitors are welcomed by a Chinese Fu dog and flowering dogwoods, star magnolia, Japanese lilac, and rhododendron -- foliage native to the Orient. Originally commissioned by Guy and Rose Scovill in the 1920's and reconstructed in the 1980's, the gardens' soothing nature encompasses a small reflective point, sod bridge, and oriental sculptures, and surrounds a small cottage, which is available for gatherings and retreats.

CITY: Decatur

Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center

The Indoor Aquatic Center has a recreational and competition pool, a beach-like entry and a water playground.

CITY: Urbana

Ferrel Clydesdale Farms

In operation since 1850, the farm features a blacksmith shop and Clydesdale horses. Chuck wagon cookouts are available.

CITY: Lovington

Pollinatarium

The University of Illinois Pollinitarium is the first free-standing science center in the nation devoted to flowering plants and their pollinators. Its location in the midst of the Arboretum brings together flowers and pollinators physically and conceptually. Changing exhibits relate to world events and ongoing research on pollinators. Guests can explore beekeeping equipment, see live demonstrations and play interactive games. Because so much depends on pollination, the UI Pollinatarium is dedicated to increasing awareness and appreciation of pollination as a remarkable ecological partnership and an essential ecosystem service.

CITY: Urbana

Alto Vineyards Tasting Room

Alto Vineyards' retail wine shop and tasting room offers custom gift baskets, gourmet foods and local artwork. Indoor and outdoor seating offers a place to relax with a glass of Alto's finest. Alto's original location is situated in Alto Pass, on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.

CITY: Champaign

The Pour House

Nightlife bar with welcoming atmosphere for all and good quality food for lunch and dinner - try us!

CITY: Decatur

Monticello Railway Museum

View various pieces of steam and electric railroad equipment. Offers vintage train rides on Sat. and Sun. May through Oct., as well as a number of special events throughout the year.

CITY: Monticello

Bon Worth -- Tanger Outlet Center

Women's casual wear - Petite and misses sizes.

CITY: Tuscola

Wandell Sculpture Garden

This unique, free outdoor sculpture garden sits among 22 acres of re-created Illinois tallgrass prairie in a 130-acre community park. Works from local and national artists grace the gardens. New sculpture is rotated every second or third year.

CITY: Urbana

UI Arboretum

See a beautiful collection of gardens, flowers and habitats at this University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign arboretum. Visitors can experience nature's four seasons in a single setting.

CITY: Urbana

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

Prairie Farm

Traditional farm animals such as sheep, pigs, horses, and goats are featured at prairie farms. The farm offers tours in addition to a petting area.

CITY: Champaign

Harry and David -- Tanger Outlet Center

Fresh fruit, nuts, and candies.

CITY: Tuscola

Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden

The gardens boast some of the most beautiful and diverse flora in east-central IL. It also features the award-winning Miriam Davies Memorial Enabling Garden.

CITY: Mahomet

Anna Bethel Fisher Rock Garden

Created in 1927 from an old sand pit across the road from Lake Decatur, the city's oldest garden was extensively renovated in 1992. Its resurrected look features secluded paths leading through rocky terraces planted with unusual trees, and landscapes brimming with colorful perennials. Towering bald Cypress trees, planted in the 1920s, still reign over these delightful grounds.

CITY: Decatur

Holiday Inn Express - LeRoy

The Holiday Inn Express is the newest hotel in LeRoy. The hotel is situated just off I-74 and only 15 minutes from the Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) in Bloomington-Normal. While staying in LeRoy, hotel guests have easy access to I-74, which makes visiting spots such as Moraine View State Park or Clinton Lake a breeze. The hotel offers a 24-hour business center, free high-speed Internet access, complimentary Express Start hot breakfast bar, indoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center.

CITY: Le Roy

Prairie Fire Glass

Blown glass - stained glass. Glass blown on site - Demos daily

CITY: Monticello

Beach House Restaurant

Wonderful American cuisine in an elegant setting. Dine inside or outside and take in an amazing view of Lake Decatur. Fresh seafood flown in daily from Florida makes this one of Decatur's treasures.

CITY: Decatur

Corningware-Corelle-Revere -- Tanger Outlet Center

Dinnerware and cookware.

CITY: Tuscola

Boomerang Bar & Grill

This laid back local bar has pool tables, great food and no cover charge except when bands play.

CITY: Urbana

Macon County History Museum

Imagine Abraham Lincoln, the 6'4" lawyer, ducking to avoid bumping his head on the entrance of Macon Country's first courthouse built in 1829, which was the only log courthouse where Lincoln practiced law. This and other period buildings, located in the Macon County History Museum, allow visitors to travel back to different historical periods of the county. The prairie village on the museum grounds is home to such historical buildings as the log court house where Abraham Lincoln practiced in the 1830s.

CITY: Decatur

Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve

Lake of the Woods County Park is a 900-acre preserve that features an 18-hole regulation golf course, a 9-hole par 3 course and practice range, fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, sledding, the HI-Tower bell carillon and observation area, a 3.3 mile bicycle/pedestrian path, the Museum of the Grand Prairie, Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens, a covered bridge, building rentals and various programs.

CITY: Mahomet

Claire's Accessories -- Tanger Outlet Center

Jewelry and accessories.

CITY: Tuscola

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

Olympic Tribute & Laborer's Memorial

Honoring the extraordinary achievements of Champaign County residents who have participated in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, this granite platform inscribed with the names of the athletes and the Olympic symbol is surrounded by playing fields, gardens and a community college campus. Tribute to Olympic Athletes rises from an ordinary prairie landscape transformed by playing fields, gardens and a community college campus.

CITY: Champaign

Carter's Childrenswear -- Tanger Outlet Center

Children's clothes and accessories.

CITY: Tuscola

John Phillip Sousa Library and Museum

John Phillip Sousa's personal band music library, willed to the University of Illinois, is on display along with period band uniforms and musical instruments. Relive a time forgotten, when the sounds of marching band music filled a town on a lazy Sunday afternoon, when you step into this museum homoring a true "music man." FREE

CITY: Champaign

Veterans Point Memorial

25 tons of granite memorialize 1300 veterans from at least twenty-seven states with the message, "Freedom is not Free." Fifty Flags of Freedom fly the following holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Patriots Day, Veterans Day, and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

CITY: Clinton

Hush Puppies

Shoes.

CITY: Tuscola

Famous Footware Outlet -- Tanger Outlet Center

Shoes for the entire family.

CITY: Tuscola

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

Decatur Civic Center

The Decatur Civic Center hosts trade shows, concerts, expos and more.

CITY: Decatur

Long Creek Vineyards

Long Creek Vineyards is a family owned and operated vineyard established in 2004. The vineyard was planted on the family farm rooted in the quaint but lovely village of Long Creek, Illinois. (Located 3 miles east of Decatur, IL on US Route 36) Draped on the hillside of this farm are Chambourcin, Steuben, Vidal Blanc, La Crosse and Vignoles. In 2006 they planted a variety of Northern Italian grapes including Nebbiolo, Barbera and Sangiovese, as well as the French varieties of Syrah and Viognier.

CITY: Decatur

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

Orpheum Children's Science Museum

The Orpheum Children's Museum, located in the 1914 Orpheum Theatre, is one of the finest buildings in downstate Illinois. Children of all ages are given the opportunity to learn science at their own pace in an informal setting.

CITY: Champaign

Gap Outlet -- Tanger Outlet Center

Clothing and accessories for guys and girls.

CITY: Tuscola

Japan House

Japan House and its gardens provide an important academic, cultural, and natural setting for promoting and appreciation of Japanese culture and related cultural concepts.

CITY: Urbana

Schaub Floral Display Center

Bursting with seasonal exhibits, our brightest newcomer nurtures flowering trees and scrubs such as weeping Japanese cherry, mock orange, forsythia, fragrant bulbs, and delightfully colored pansies. A perennial garden joins the array this summer, and the spring exhibit opens mid-March.

CITY: Decatur

Wacky Nackies

Gifts, decorative accessories, jewelry, candy - life's simple pleasures

CITY: Monticello

River Bend Forest Preserve

The 275-acre River Bend Forest Preserve south of Mahomet contains approximately 130 acres of clear water in two lakes, one of which is the largest public lake in Champaign County, and includes 2.5 miles of forest along the Sangamon River.

CITY: Mahomet

Steeple Gallery

We specialize in Americana, limited edition prints, custom framing, primitive antiques, gifts and decor. We are located in a 1906 vintage church.

CITY: Monticello

Firehouse Flea Market & Antiques

We have a wide variety of items including glassware, pyrex, VCR tapes, DVD's, CD's, lamps, Fenton glass, jewelry, vintage clothing, books, small furniture & knick-knacks. We have something for everyone!

CITY: Decatur

Sangamon River Forest Preserve

Sangamon River Forest Preserve, a 160-acre gem, offers a variety of natural features and is ideal for low-impact activities such as picnicking, bird-watching, hiking and river fishing. The preserve hosts the Lincoln Ash Tree, one of the largest ash trees in the state.

CITY: Fisher

Lincoln Square Mall

In the heart of downtown Urbana, Lincoln Square offers places to eat, shop, work, relax, and do business with plenty of parking. One of the nation's first fully enclosed malls and home to the historic Lincoln Hotel, Lincoln Square of Urbana is building on it's great past and moving toward and even greater future.

CITY: Urbana

Downtown Champaign Shopping

Discover cute boutiques housed in historic storefronts in downtown Champaign, including antique and consignment shops. Be sure to stop at PACA’s Architectural Salvage Warehouse, where you’ll find everything from vintage stained glass to ceramic tiles.

CITY: Champaign

Spurlock Museum

The Spurlock Museum celebrates the people of the world with feature galleries on Africa, Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, the Americas, and the Ancient Mediterranean. Special facilities include a focus gallery for temporary exhibits, learning center, auditorium, and educational resource center.

CITY: Urbana

University of Illinois

An atmosphere of innovation at Illinois is based on a history of interdisciplinary exploration. Faculty and students pursue projects with other top scholars from around the world and across disciplines. Campus resources include the world’s largest public university library, outstanding centers for the arts, and many world-class research facilities, including the National Center for Supercomputing Applications. In 2003, Illinois’ faculty members won national and international awards including two Nobel Prizes, the Crafoord Prize in Biosciences, and two Guggenheim Fellowships. Students choose from more than 150 majors and 1100 clubs and organizations.

CITY: Urbana

Joe's Brewery

Serving only the finest bar food available, Joe’s is the home of the Super Bird and a great place to grab some tasty wings or burgers, as well as the best fish sandwich you’ll find anywhere. Joe’s continues to provide a high energy atmosphere only available on a college campus as well as great food at a reasonable price. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

CITY: Champaign

University of Illinois FIGHTING ILLINI

Wear your Orange & Blue to all 19 Varsity Athletic events in support of the hometown Fighting Illini as they compete in the newly looked Big Ten Conference as apart of the NCAA Division I. Alumni come back and visit your old stopping grounds and see what has or hasn't changed on the Urbana-Champaign campus as well as showing your support for the current FIGHTING ILLINI athletic teams! There are tons of events that go on at each of the Illini home games such as Homecoming. Visit fightingillini.com for further information on what exciting promotions the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has to promote Fighting Illini Sports.

CITY: Champaign

Beverly Cinema

Located in the heart of the shopping district take some time away from shopping, and come watch the latest premieres in the film industry!

CITY: Champaign

Parkland College Theater

The Parkland Theater, a flexible proscenium theater with 315 seats, is the performance home for many Parkland theatrical, choral, and instrumental groups. The theater is also used by community organizations, speakers, guest professional artists, and theater classes.

CITY: Champaign

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

Boating on Lake Decatur

Boating on Lake Decatur is allowed year-'round with a permit (available at the cashier's window / 2nd floor of the Decatur Civic Center). For general information, call Lake Management Office at (217) 424-2837.

CITY: Decatur

Ziemer Gallery

Featuring Watercolors of Larry Ziemer, plus other artists

CITY: Monticello

Arthur's Country Inn

16 modern rooms, moderately priced.

CITY: Arthur

Market Place Shopping Center

Exciting shopping in Champaign, Illinois with unique and varied stores. Check out the website for listing of stores, restaurants, and other accessories that are featured inside.

CITY: Champaign

Sandy's Motel

24 rooms, restaurant nearby, non-smoking rooms, free movie channel.

CITY: Decatur

African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois Museum

AACGS promotes and provides resources and education on the history of the African American. Embracing all cultures, it offers (in part), genealogy workshops, museum displays, storytelling, essay & poetry contests and the promotion of Cultural Arts. Three main annual community events sponsored are Black History Month, Juneteenth National Freedom Day, and Kwanzaa Celebration.

CITY: Decatur

Decatur Park District

In addition to 39 neighborhood and community parks, our green spaces boast bike trails, picnic and camping facilities, gardens, golf courses, playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and swimming pools.

CITY: Decatur

Red Roof Inn - LeRoy

The Red Roof Inn in LeRoy is conveniently located just off I-74 and offers small town hospitality, yet is close to all the conveniences of the major cities. Guests will enjoy free WiFi internet, complimentary daily breakfast, coin laundry, alarm clocks with MP3 jacks, cable television with HBO, hairdryers, in-room coffeemakers, microwaves and refrigerators. A jacuzzi suite is also available.

CITY: Le Roy

Crane Alley

COME SEE WHAT CRANE ALLEY HAS TO OFFER.... THE BEST SANDWICHES, ENTREES AND FRESH SEAFOOD SPECIALS IN TOWN, 16 BEERS ON TAP AND OVER 100 IMPORT AND DOMESTIC BOTTLES, EXTENSIVE WINE LIST, 4 DIAMOND PROFESSIONAL POOL TABLES AND 80 SEAT BEER GARDEN.

CITY: Urbana

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

Marketplace Mall

Exciting shopping, dining and entertainment in Champaign, Illinois

CITY: Champaign

USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic

Players from over twenty countries competing for ATP World Ranking Points and $10,000 in prize money

CITY: Decatur

Anne Lloyd Gallery - Madden Arts Center

The warm, welcoming and slightly funky Madden Arts Center is a richly renovated hub where the Decatur Area Arts Council makes its home. The building houses galleries, classrooms, an art shop, photo lab and rehearsal spaces. The Anne Lloyd Gallery showcases local exhibits as well as extraordinary traveling collections. The gallery spotlights an International Arts Experience exhibition over an 8-week period each summer. Participating in the downtown Decatur “art walks” the gallery holds a “First Friday” reception on the first Friday evening of each month, showcasing a different artist or artistic medium each time.

CITY: Decatur

Monticello Railway Museum

Offers vintage train rides on Sat. and Sun. May through Oct. View various pieces of steam and electric railroad equipment.

CITY: Monticello

Clinton Lake Marina

Services include boat rentals, beverages, bait, propane tank exchange, slip rentals and an on-site boat service department.

CITY: Weldon

Framer's Market

Framer's Market is a full-service framing shop that has been designing custom frames and enhancing art since 1981.

CITY: Champaign

SoDo Theatre

A developing space for visual and performing artists and arts organizations. We are the home of Class Act Interactive, with classes and interactive experiences for children of all ages.

CITY: Champaign

Ultimate Play Space- Spray & Play Park

This 13-acre park allows kids to exercise their mind and body! Water park runs Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting.

CITY: Clinton

Governor Oglesby Mansion

Built in 1874, this Italianate mansion was the home of Richard J. Oglesby, a U.S. senator and three-time governor of Illinois. Oglesby was also a Union general in the Civil War and a close friend of Abraham Lincoln.

CITY: Decatur

Best Western - Gateway Inn

44 guest rooms. Inside entrances, elevator. There are some extended stay rooms with kitchenettes. Conference facilities including banquet room (350), meeting space/conference room, olympic indoor size pool and extensive outdoor deck area that is available for private events.

CITY: Monticello

Arthur Flower Shop

Floral items.

CITY: Arthur

C.H. Moore Homestead

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this restored mansion and grounds whisk visitors back to the Victorian era. Once home to Clinton attorney Clifton H. Moore, visitors will enjoy tours and stories of the friend and law partner of Abraham Lincoln who one resided there. Home of the DeWitt County Museum.

CITY: Clinton

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

Gallery 510 Arts Guild, Ltd.

Located a few steps around the corner from the Madden Arts Center, this gallery is a cooperative venue for professional and emerging artists, displaying varying works from paintings and sculptures to glass, textiles, pottery and fiber art.

CITY: Decatur

James Millikin Homestead

The James Millikin Homestead is the former residence of James and Anna Millikin, founders of Millikin University, Millikin Bank and Millikin Estate Trust.

CITY: Decatur

Sports Zone Bar/ Decatur Conference Center & Hotel

The Sports Zone Bar and Grill is ideal for cocktails and dinner in a cheerful and relaxing atmosphere, whether it’s to watch the big game, or just to hang out with friends. Click here to find out what’s happening at the sports zone this month. Wednesdays are comedy night, $5 cover.

CITY: Decatur

Macon County Conservation District

Our green spaces boast bike and walking trails, picnic and camping facilities, and gardens.

CITY: Decatur