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

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

Firefly Grill

Firefly Grill is a modern roadhouse restaurant located on the shores of Lake Kristie. This wonderful place operates on an oasis of American fresh cuisine in the heart of the Midwest. Firefly's menu changes daily and boasts fresh seafood, oak fire steaks and brick oven pizzas. Firefly uses local ingredients whenever possible and fresh herbs and vegetables from their garden. The beautiful facility and grounds make this the perfect place for a wedding or group event. Cooking demonstrations and tours are also available.

CITY: Effingham

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

Tuscan Hills Winery

Tuscan Hills Winery, recently opened in 2011, is located on Historic Hills Drive, directly behind the Harley Barn. This winery is located on eight picturesque acres which helps bring an Old World Tuscan feel to the heart of Effingham. The owners are focused on creating elegant, approachable, and perfectly balanced wines of the highest quality. Wine tastings, along with space available for reservations makes this a must stop for group tours. Tuscan Hills Winery wants you to "Come as our guest, but leave as our friends."

CITY: Effingham

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

Walnut Point State Park

State park with hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and picnicking. Concession stand and boat rental available.

CITY: Oakland

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

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

My Garage Museum Collection

Showcasing classic and one-of-a-kind Corvettes and memorabilia, My Garage Museum is a must-see attraction for any car enthusiast. Corvettes on display include Indy pace cars, racing machines, the last C-4 and the first 21st century model.

CITY: Effingham

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

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

Tri-County Auctions

Authentic, mix-with-the-Amish experience. Auctions held at Vernon Yoder’s farm near Arcola.

CITY: Arcola

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

Evergreen Tree Walk

The Evergreen Tree Walk features over 90 species of trees indigenous to Illinois. Markers beside the trees list the common and Latin names of each species. The tree walk is a relaxing experience, especially after a long day of travel.

CITY: Effingham

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

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

Wilhelmina Art Gallery

Browse award-winning oil paintings by Wilma Woldt Krueger. Limited and open edition prints, landscapes, wildlife, still life and portraits are sold.

CITY: Effingham

Lake Sara

A quiet cove at dawn, where the only sound is the whir of a casting reel and the gentle splash of the fly hitting the water’s surface...that’s Lake Sara. A sunny afternoon slalom skiing behind a powerboat or running along the beach...that’s Lake Sara. A family picnic in the grass at water’s edge or a family reunion, with fried chicken and the works, under one of the pavilions...that’s Lake Sara. Lake Sara is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into a wooded shoreline, encircled by a winding road. Spend a day, a week, or a season on the shores of Lake Sara. Lake Sara has something for everyone, in every season of the year.

CITY: Effingham

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

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

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

Marydale Llamas

Come visit the quiet, curious and lovable llamas on this working farm.

CITY: Kansas

Arthur's Country Inn

16 modern rooms, moderately priced.

CITY: Arthur

Sculpture on the Avenue

Come explore the sculptures that have transformed the City of Effingham's avenues into an art gallery! Over 40 sculptures created by some of the Midwest's best known and unknown sculptors bring life to the streets of Effingham through this outdoor exhibition. The Sculpture on the Avenues program is a self-guided walking tour that begins at City Hall in downtown Effingham. From there, the exhibition winds in and out of downtown Effingham. An informative guide, which facilitates a walking tour, is available at Effingham hotels, downtown businesses, the Effingham Visitor Center (Tourism Office) and City Hall.

CITY: Effingham

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

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

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

Arthur Flower Shop

Floral items.

CITY: Arthur

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

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

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

Arcola Comfort Inn

2-story hotel with 41 rooms.

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

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

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

Super 8 Motel - Mattoon

61 rooms, restaurants within walking distance

CITY: Mattoon

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 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

John Boos & Company

John Boos & Co. is the oldest industry in Effingham, open since 1887. John Boos products, butcher blocks and cutting boards, are being used by celebrity chefs throughout the U.S. Some celebrity chefs currently using the products are Charlie Trotter, Ming Tsai, Paul Kahan, and Susan Spicer at Bayona Restaurant in New Orleans, just to name a few. In addition, the country's premier food channel, "The Food Network," features chefs, such as Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse, who prepare meals every day on John Boos cutting boards. A factory outlet and showroom is open to the public for tours, groups, or just to purchase the products.

CITY: Effingham

Vahlings Vineyards & Winery

All wines are fermented and bottled on site at this family-owned winery.

CITY: Stewardson

Rogala Public Links

This nine-hole course is par 36/38.

CITY: Mattoon

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

Charleston Putt-n-Swing

This family fun spot features an 18-hole miniature golf course and batting cages.

CITY: Charleston

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

Nature's Bounty

Buy dried herbs and flowers, or pick your own red and golden delicious apples.

CITY: Sullivan

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

Country Charm

Small craft and gift shop. Some antiques.

CITY: Mattoon

Super 8

Suites available, small pets allowed, cable/movies, kitchenettes aveniable, in-room safe, FREE super start breakfast from 6:00 am - 10:00 am.

CITY: Effingham

K-mart

K-mart features comfortable shopping and more selection for the customer.

CITY: Effingham

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

Coyote Cabins - Fishing Lair

Fishing Lair is a 2 bedroom retreat stocked with bottled water, coffee and snacks. The first night offers a crockpot dinner with fresh bread. Enjoy fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mini-golf, golf, live theatre just minutes away.

CITY: Sullivan

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

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

Charleston Speeedway

Watch circular racing at this speedway.

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

Wal-Mart Supercenter

Newly expanded, this Wal-Mart Supercenter has everything from groceries with deli, meat, and fish departments, to a pharmacy, one-hour photos and vision center. They also have clothing, furniture, gardening supplies, along with much, much more

CITY: Effingham

Independence Pioneer Village

Visit this log home village from the early 1800s, including a blacksmith shop, church and schoolhouse.

CITY: Oakland

The Lil Cottage

Located between Arthur and Arcola in the small group of houses called Chesterville. This is a one bedroom house, with living room, full kitchen and bathroom. The bedroom has a queen size bed and the living room has a queen size sofa bed. It also has air conditioning and a washer & dryer, it is newly remodeled.

CITY: Arthur

Norton Knolls Golf Course

Norton Knolls offers a nine-hole, par 34 course.

CITY: Oakland

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

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

Lincoln Prarie Grass Trail

Ride your bike or walk from Charleston to Mattoon on the Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail.

CITY: Charleston

Martin Ranch Bed & Breakfast

Newly constructed French Country style home located on 100 acres featuring equine hotel, nature trails, and fishing pond. The outdoors is as enchanting and as lively as it is indisde. Each of the 4 guest rooms is tastefully decorated.

CITY: Effingham

Comfort Suites - Effingham

All suites with kitchenettes. Accessible rooms, FREE local calls& HBO.

CITY: Effingham

Cross at the Crossroads

Soaring nearly 200 feet into the Midwestern sky, the Cross is a landmark for the more than 19 million travelers who pass through Effingham each year along Interstates 57 and 70. Other features of the site include a visitor center, chapel and a 10 Commandments display.

CITY: Effingham

Mattoon Welcome Center/Peterson House

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

CITY: Mattoon

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

Historic Charleston Courthouse Square

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

CITY: Charleston

Lincoln-Prairie Grass Trail

two miles of paved surface and 10 miles of aggregate surface. Jogging, walking, equestrian riding and biking permitted.

CITY: Charleston

Motel 6 - Effingham

Outdoor pool and Evergreen rooms which are filtered for people with allergies.

CITY: Effingham

Hiram Rutherford Home

Home of Oakland's first physician, the restored 1850s Dr. Hiram Rutherford Home features a summer kitchen, doctor's office and a museum of agricultural history.

CITY: Oakland

Righter's Christmas Tree Farm

Cut your own Christmas scotch and white pine trees here.

CITY: Sullivan

Moran Orchard

Pick your own strawberries in season, and buy fall apples, Indian corn, pumpkins and gourds.

CITY: Trilla

Angus Links

18-hole golf course set in the countryside of Windsor. GPS ADDRESS: 1300 N 3050 E

CITY: Windsor

Coles County Speedway

Watch modified midget racing at this speedway.

CITY: Charleston

Paradise Inn - Effingham

Small pets allowed, cable/movies, bus parking, adjacent to restaurants.

CITY: Effingham

Effingham County Courthouse

The current courthouse was built in 1871 after Effingham was named the county seat. The courhouse retains a pristine exterior and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

CITY: Effingham

Five Star Motel

Small 27-unit motel, cable TV with free HBO.

CITY: Greenup

U.S. Grant Motel

Experience a fun, comfortable stay. Free continental breakfast. Clean rooms, affordable rates.

CITY: Mattoon

Timber's Lodge

Three Story, six bedroom log home on 30 acres with fireplace, large deck, kitchen, central air, spa, large meeting room, trail rides, continental breakfast, TV, VCR, 5-person spa, gas grill and 2 charcoal grills. Next to Hidden Springs State Forest.

CITY: Strasburg