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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prairie Fire Glass

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

CITY: Monticello

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

Harry and David -- Tanger Outlet Center

Fresh fruit, nuts, and candies.

CITY: Tuscola

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

Corningware-Corelle-Revere -- Tanger Outlet Center

Dinnerware and cookware.

CITY: Tuscola

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

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

Claire's Accessories -- Tanger Outlet Center

Jewelry and accessories.

CITY: Tuscola

Buxton's Garden Farm

Pull up to Buxton's roadside stand to buy in-season vegetables, pumpkins and festive Indian corn.

CITY: Sullivan

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

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

Carter's Childrenswear -- Tanger Outlet Center

Children's clothes and accessories.

CITY: Tuscola

Hush Puppies

Shoes.

CITY: Tuscola

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

Famous Footware Outlet -- Tanger Outlet Center

Shoes for the entire family.

CITY: Tuscola

Decatur Civic Center

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

CITY: Decatur

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

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

Gap Outlet -- Tanger Outlet Center

Clothing and accessories for guys and girls.

CITY: Tuscola

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

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

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

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

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

Ziemer Gallery

Featuring Watercolors of Larry Ziemer, plus other artists

CITY: Monticello

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

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

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

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

Arthur's Country Inn

16 modern rooms, moderately priced.

CITY: Arthur

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

Sandy's Motel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dielman's Asparagus Patch

Pick up fresh asparagus at this roadside spot from mid-April through the end of May.

CITY: Monticello

Wabash Depot Antique Centre

This beautiful 10,000-sqare-foot building has been restored to its twentieth-century rail depot grandeur, and now houses antique dealers selling their treasures.

CITY: Decatur

Monticello Farmers Market

This market sells fresh local produce.

CITY: Monticello

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

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

Theatre 7

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

CITY: Decatur

Bridget's Blarney Stone

Bar & Grill - Small Town Hang Out Spot; with Karoke every 1st and 3rd Friday of each month

CITY: Ivesdale

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

Intown Motel

22 rooms, restaurant nearby, free movie channel, pets allowed.

CITY: Decatur

Tate & Lyle Players Championship

This is one of Decatur/Forsyth's premier community events. The competition is an official event and the longest stop on the LPGA's Duramed Futures Tour. The tournament will boast the largest purse on the tour and feature a four day, all caddied, 72-hole stroke play professional tournament.

CITY: Forsyth

Foster's Inn

Small motel with nearby restaurants.

CITY: Monticello

Rock Kreations

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

CITY: Shelbyville

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

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

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