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

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

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

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

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

The Pour House

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

CITY: Decatur

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

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

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

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

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

Decatur Civic Center

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

CITY: Decatur

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

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

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

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

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

Arthur Flower Shop

Floral items.

CITY: Arthur

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

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

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 Informant! - St. Mary's Hospital

The vice president of an agri-business giant is recruited by the FBI to uncover evidence of his company’s suspected illegal price-fixing. But in his zealous attempt to become the ultimate informant his lies begin to pile up and erode the secret agent world he has created for himself. Look for Alexander Calder’s giant red outdoor Flamingo sculpture as two of the movie’s main characters walk through downtown Chicago’s Federal Plaza.

CITY: Decatur

The Informant! - Firestone Service Center Decatur

The vice president of an agri-business giant is recruited by the FBI to uncover evidence of his company’s suspected illegal price-fixing. But in his zealous attempt to become the ultimate informant his lies begin to pile up and erode the secret agent world he has created for himself. Look for Alexander Calder’s giant red outdoor Flamingo sculpture as two of the movie’s main characters walk through downtown Chicago’s Federal Plaza.

CITY: Decatur

The Informant! - Macon County Circuit Court

The vice president of an agri-business giant is recruited by the FBI to uncover evidence of his company’s suspected illegal price-fixing. But in his zealous attempt to become the ultimate informant his lies begin to pile up and erode the secret agent world he has created for himself. Look for Alexander Calder’s giant red outdoor Flamingo sculpture as two of the movie’s main characters walk through downtown Chicago’s Federal Plaza.

CITY: Decatur

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

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

Hieronymus Mueller Museum

Located on Mueller Company grounds, where the accomplishments of inventor Hieronymus Mueller, Decatur's "Unsung genius" and holder of over 500 patents, are celebrated. Among the expanded facility's treasures: The seventh of only eight cars manufactured by Mueller.

CITY: Decatur

Rock Kreations

Unique rock carvings, leather, purses, jewelry, pipes, and hand- carved miniatures.

CITY: Shelbyville

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

Theatre 7

Local theatre presentations at their best, with local talent providing high quality entertaining plays throughout the year for your enjoyment.

CITY: Decatur

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

Assumption Historical Society/Museum

This museum displays old school pictures and artifacts from the town of Assumption. Open by appointment.

CITY: Assumption

African American Civil War Soldiers Monument

This unique artwork is one of only a handful of sculptured tributes to the African American Civil War soldier in the entire United States. Commissioned by the City of Decatur, the work was designed and created by renowned artist, Preston Jackson. Jackson created several concepts for the statue and allowed the citizens of Decatur to vote to select the final design.

CITY: Decatur

Albert Taylor Theatre at Millikin University

The Albert Taylor Theatre is located in the historic Shilling Hall. The 275-seat auditorium was built as Millikin University opened in 1902. Renovations to the theatre were completed in 2006 and include Handicapped Accessible and Wheel Chair Accessible seating. Annual productions by the Millikin University Department of Theatre & Dance, School of Music, and Opera Program are all held in this theatre. Lectures, classes, and rehearsals are also held in the facility.

CITY: Decatur

The Informant! - Econo Lodge

The vice president of an agri-business giant is recruited by the FBI to uncover evidence of his company’s suspected illegal price-fixing. But in his zealous attempt to become the ultimate informant his lies begin to pile up and erode the secret agent world he has created for himself. Look for Alexander Calder’s giant red outdoor Flamingo sculpture as two of the movie’s main characters walk through downtown Chicago’s Federal Plaza.

CITY: Decatur

Amishland's General Store

Nostalgic general store filled with Amish wood crafts, quilts, food products and souvenirs.

CITY: Tuscola

Lobby Gallery

Art "takes off" in the Lobby Gallery at the main terminal of the Decatur Airport. Exhibits range from watercolors and acrylics to oils, pastels, and fiber art.

CITY: Decatur

Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum

A collection of Chevrolet automobiles combing various race cars, Indy 50 Pace Cars, and original unrestored vehicles, including Chevrolet memorabilia. Includes Dreamers Diner where the cars can be partially viewed while you eat a fantastic breakfast or lunch.

CITY: Decatur

Mattoon Welcome Center/Peterson House

The historic Peterson House serves as the Mattoon Welcome Center, offering information about area events and attractions.

CITY: Mattoon

Country Charm

Small craft and gift shop. Some antiques.

CITY: Mattoon

Harris Agricultural Museum

The museum houses an agricultural display that includes antique tractors (1922-1937), engines, a 1919 grain/dump truck, a replica of a 1920s farmstead kitchen, and more.

CITY: Atwood

Lincoln Square Theatre

The Lincoln Square Theatre was built in 1915, designed principally to present touring theatrical and vaudeville productions. The original structure featured seating for 1,355 patrons.

CITY: Decatur

Birks Museum

Once the original reading room of Millikin University's Gorin Library, Birks Museum maintains a montage of memories: Among them, a Belleek mirror made for Queen Victoria; a life mask of Abraham Lincoln circa 1864; and 700 paperweights.

CITY: Decatur

Martha's House of Florals

Beautiful flowers, gifts, candy and cards. While away a few minutes in this treasure trove.

CITY: Atwood

Avon Theatre

Promoting Timeless Excellence in Film The Avon Theatre, featuring the best of independent, world and documentary films, foreign and Hollywood classics, and educational programming that will enhance the cultural richness of the downtown Stamford community. Once again, discerning film goers can ask: "What's on at the Avon?" It was formed in 2003 under the name the Avon Theatre Film Center, Inc., to restore a vital downtown landmark and reopen it as a community venue for the presentation of timeless film. A Brief History of the Avon Theatre The Avon Theatre has been described as an eclectic and whimsical picture house, with a prevailing Neo-Colonial motif that incorporates traditional Art Deco themes. The theatre is highlighted by a strikingly original exterior facade, framed magnificently by a restored vertical "AVON" marquee that lights up the Connecticut sky at night.

CITY: Decatur

Gallery 510/NOVA Framing

Located in downtown Decatur on Main Street, you'll find the venue for Gallery 510's local artist cooperative. Discover original creations by local artisans including pottery, paintings, textiles, fiber art and metal sculptures. There is a free public reception the first Friday of each month featuring a local artist.

CITY: Decatur

Olivier's Country Creations & Gifts

Fabric, craft supplies, beads, finished crafts, gifts, handmade quilts, birdhouses, collectibles, books, videos, furniture, and much more.

CITY: Strasburg

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

Charleston Historic District

Downtown Charleston includes a historic courthouse and many historic homes listed on both the Coles County Register for Significant Places and the National Register of Historic Places.

CITY: Charleston

Charleston Alley Theatre

Located in the historic courthouse square. A local theater at its best. In an intimate setting, offering a wonderful mix of old and new drama.

CITY: Charleston

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

Historic Charleston Courthouse Square

See the majestic Coles County courthouse and discover historic murals in Charleston's Courthouse Square.

CITY: Charleston

Kaeuper Hall at Millikin University

Kaeuper Hall is located in the Perkinson Music Center. The 167-seat auditorium was named after Hermann Kaeuper, the first Director of the School of Music. The handicapped accessible hall hosts weekly School of Music recitals, guest instrumental and vocal performances, opera rehearsals, and other intimate concerts.

CITY: Decatur

Melrose Quilts & Sewforth

Seasonal retail store offers heirloom quilts & homespun accessories. Occasionally the Mennonite shop owner may be seen working on her quilts.

CITY: Arthur

Kirkland Fine Arts Center

A full-scale, live performance theater, with art galleries, on the campus of Millikin University.

CITY: Decatur

The Tower of Baa-Goat

The one and only goat tower in the U.S. It is modeled after a tower that Dave and Marcia Johnson saw in a wine magazine from S. Africa. The original goat tower was in Portugal. The Johnston's tower is 31 foot tall and has 5,000 bricks with 276 spiral steps that encompass the tower.

CITY: Windsor

Dennis Hanks Gravesite

View the burial site of Abraham Lincoln's tutor in the Old City Cemetery.

CITY: Charleston

David Erlanson Gallery

The David Erlanson Art Gallery is located in the center of the Richland Community College campus and is used to display artwork of students, faculty, and professional artists. Each month, a new artist is featured and the public is invited to a reception honoring the artist. Annual student and faculty shows are also featured and the gallery space has served as a stage for other art events such as readings and dramatic performances. This intimate space showcases a wide range of works from regional artists, while enhancing the college’s art program. Exhibits rotate monthly, and highlights include an annual student art show in May.

CITY: Decatur

Boarman Chevy BelAir Museum

This museum openin in 2005 with Bob's private collection. The building is decorated in 50's sock hop style with black and white checkered floors. The walls are lined with 50's memorabilia, chevy clocks and neon signs. A jukbox takes you back to that popular era. The museum has eight vintage cars as well as a 1993 Indy Pace Car with only 28 miles. Mr. Boarman restored most of the cars himself and has been collecting over 25 years.

CITY: Shelbyville

The World's One and Only Hippie Memorial

Created by the late Bob Moomaw. Bob worked as a railroad clerk and tax assessor, but did not like either job. As an eccentric, independent artist with strong beliefs, he was able to give voice to his feelings, passions, and opinions through his art and the writing on the sides of buildings. He created the 62-foot-long artwork starting in 1992 to say something about his life and the era during which he lived. A nearby marker gives an interpretation of his work.

CITY: Arcola

Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum

Houses a number of coal minig artifacts - Pictures, newspaper clippings, coal mining tools, and other mine related materials on display. Most famous for the explosion that happened on December 24, 1932 which killed 54 workers.

CITY: Moweaqua

Best Wedding Chapel

This chapel, once a Catholic church, was purchased by the Best family who now offers it for weddings. Built in the 1870s, the chapel has its original 14-foot stained glass windows that complement the 33-foot cathedral ceiling.

CITY: Shelbyville

Blue Connection Gallery

The "Art of Entrepreneurship" program (of which the Blue Connection Gallery is an integral part) has been developed to unite the strengths of two of Millikin's Professional Schools: the Tabor School of Business and the College of Fine Arts. This novel combination of two programs enables business students to gain insight into the creative aspects of entrepreneurship while art students of Millikin’s College of Fine Arts learn the importance of marketing their own artwork. You will find all types of art displayed at The Blue Connection. Be sure to stop in and browse -- who knows... a promising student’s work purchased today could turn out to be a valuable masterpiece tomorrow! The gallery participates in the “First Friday” art walks by hosting receptions that trademark the arts community in Decatur’s quaint and historic downtown.

CITY: Decatur

Douglas County Museum

The award-winning museum features short-term exhibits about a wide range of topics pertinent to the history of Douglas County and East Central Illinois. The museum’s collections include clothing and textiles, military and medical equipment, decorative arts, archives and more! Plus, it’s also host to the Rural Life Antique Show held in March and November of each year

CITY: Tuscola

North Gallery - Rock Springs Nature Center

This gallery showcases the works of local artists in various media.

CITY: Decatur

Tarble Arts Center at Eastern Illinois University

Offering a year-round schedule of art exhibits and activities for all ages. Gift shop and sales rental gallery. Focus on Paul Sargent and Midwest art.

CITY: Charleston

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum

A non-stop laugh-fest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful courtesan for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors, and a showgirl or two. This hysterical farce features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart.

CITY: Sullivan

Dora the Explorer Pirate Adventure

In Dora’s Pirate Adventure, Dora, Diego, Boots the Monkey, and her other friends take an exciting trip to Treasure Island. In this interactive show, the audience gets the chance to help Dora and her friends over Singing Mountain, past the silly Singing Bridge and also help them confront the Pirate Piggies. Along the way, Dora and Diego teach the audience both Spanish and English words and phrases to help them solve the puzzles and reach their goal!

CITY: Sullivan

Anything Goes

The classic nautical musical set in 1934 with a spectacular score by Cole Porter including favorites; You’re The Top, Friendship, I Get A Kick out Of You, Friendship and, of course, Anything Goes! It’s the story of evangelist turned nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and her old pal Moonface Martin (Public Enemy #13) as they help Billy in his attempt to win the heart of debutante Hope Harcourt. This wacky tale unfolds on the deck of the S.S. American and includes spectacular singing and tap dancing sailors!

CITY: Sullivan

Monty Python’s Spamalot

Monty Python’s Spamalot is a musical comedy “lovingly ripped off from” the 1975 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Like the film, it is a highly irreverent parody of the Legend of King Arthur and his Knights featuring a bevy of beautiful showgirls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people. It’ll make you “Always Look On the Bright Side of Life!”

CITY: Sullivan