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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Arthur, IL

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Visit Arthur for one-of-a-kind experiences in the heart of Illinois. Home to the state’s largest Amish community, Arthur has a rich cultural heritage with plenty to see and do. Arthur is a quaint Midwest destination for your next day trip, with its own annual festivals and special events. It makes a charming stop on the way to other large Midwest cities like Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Chicago. It’s a short drive to Champaign and a little over an hour from Springfield. Whether you’re passing through or staying overnight, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Arthur sightseeing with some insider details. As they say when traveling, it’s always better to ask the locals. We’re local residents and run our family business out of Arthur, so we’ll help you make the most out of your visit.

Things you should know about Arthur, IL

Arthur’s surrounding Amish settlement was established in 1865 by a handful of families and is the oldest and largest Amish settlement in Illinois. The village has approximately 2,300 residents with an additional 4,500 Amish residents populating Moultrie, Douglas, and Coles counties in such communities as Arcola, Arthur, Lovington, Sullivan, Tuscola, Cadwell, Chesterville, Atwood, and Cooks Mills.

Located fewer than 10 miles west of Interstate 57, Arthur provides a wonderful centerpiece for those looking for unique shopping or the enriching cultural experiences offered in the surrounding countryside. This includes the fourth-largest settlement of the Old Order Amish in the United States and the largest settlement in Illinois.

In the early 1870s, a switch-track was needed for the new railroad crossing the swampy land between Paris and Decatur. It was decided that it would be placed near today’s Vine Street, Arthur’s main street, and now the town’s primary commercial thoroughfare. The street separates the town into two counties, Douglas County to the east and Moultrie County to the west.

Arthur has become a popular destination for tourists interested in the Old Order Amish community. Yet to this day, the community takes pride in its motto “You’re Only A Stranger Once” and welcomes visitors and shoppers from across the country. If it is your first time visiting Arthur, make a stop at the Visitors Center, located at 106 E Progress Street , for more information.

Places to Eat While in Arthur, IL

One great way to get acquainted with Arthur is to dine like a local. This is the perfect place to order Amish-style favorites, especially if you’ve never tried these comforting and hearty dishes before. There are also BBQ, Tex-Mex, and Italian options to please every palate. Read on for our dining recommendations in Arthur, IL.

First on the list is Yoder’s Kitchen . Yoder’s not only has a buffet of Amish-style meals, but it also has a full bakery of tasty foods guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied. Located at 1195 E. Columbia St., Yoders is a one-stop shop for dining and quality Amish gift shopping.

Roselen’s Coffee & Delights , located at 1045 E. Columbia St., has a full breakfast and lunch menu. Perhaps you’d like to start your day here or grab an afternoon snack. You’ll find coffee, lattes, teas, ice cream, and delicious homemade baked goods.

Pauly’s BBQ features award-winning beef brisket, pulled pork, and more. Don’t forget to try their homemade smoked mac and cheese. You can find them at 310 E. Columbia St. 

La Cascada Mexican Grill is popular for its authentic Mexican cuisine and delicious salsa. Located at 1063 E. Columbia St., La Cascada Mexican Grill is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. 

Heartland Deli & Delights has delicious sandwiches along with fresh bread, cookies, pies, and snacks. The perfect lunch spot. Dine-in at 205 S. Vine St.

Los Gallos Mexican Grill is a popular Tex-Mex restaurant located in the heart of Arthur. Located at 128 S. Vine St., Los Gallos is popular for its large portions and drink specials.

Finally, Arthur’s Itsa Pizza restaurant offers fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch pizzas with friendly service. Try it for dine-in (508 N. Vine St.), carryout, or delivery.

Things to See or Do While in Arthur, IL

There are many things to see and do in Arthur, including unique Amish experiences. One of which is the Amish family-owned Green Meadow Farm , which is perfect for families and groups. This goat farm offers horse buggy rides and behind-the-scenes tours. You’ll also be able to purchase goat milk products. Schedule an appointment, or stop by to purchase the locally-grown products. 

The Shady Crest Farm Market is known for its unique offerings and weekly specials. Taking a leisurely stroll through the market is the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon. There are many items for sale, including fresh fruits and vegetables, deli meat and cheese, hand-dipped ice cream, homemade fudge, baked goods, candy, dried fruits, bulk foods, and more.

Downtown shopping on Vine Street is an attraction in itself. In Arthur, the downtown business district is filled with a variety of gift shops, a bakery, fine art, unique craft and boutique shops, furniture shops, and several restaurants. The shops feature cheese, fudge, jams, butter, baked goods, and handcrafted furniture. You can also take in the local art and photography.

Beachy's Bulk Foods is pleased to offer a wide range of specialty products that can't easily be found elsewhere. The selection includes deli meats and cheese, freshly made peanut butter, gluten, and sugar-free items, pickled jar goods, homemade pies, baked goods, and so much more.

You’ll also want to add The 200 Acres to your sightseeing list for two reasons: The Great Pumpkin Patch and The Homestead Bakery. Open every fall, The Great Pumpkin Patch offers an expansive selection of pumpkins, squash, gourds, and mums. It offers one of the widest varieties that you’ll find anywhere in the country. This family event covers a wide expanse of fall fun, with mazes, friendly animals, treats and scares.

The Homestead Bakery is a community staple, offering a full line of made-from-scratch Amish baked goods. Favorites include caramel iced cinnamon rolls, sweet breads, cookies, and angel food cakes. The Homestead Bakery also carries locally-made noodles, jams, jellies, and butters.

Lastly, Penn Station is a venue located in downtown Arthur, IL. This beautiful space is perfect for hosting weddings, receptions, banquets, and concerts.

Major Events in Arthur, IL

Several events in Arthur, IL are so special that they tend to happen only several times a year. Consider taking a road trip during one of the following seasonal festivals that interest you. 

Arthur is known for its events themed around collecting antiques, providing family fun for the whole weekend. Usually the first weekend in March and the second week of November, two Primitive Shows - "Homesteaders on the Prairie" and "Gathering on the Prairie" - offer antique findings with plenty to see and do. The Arthur Cheese Festival occurs every year over Labor Day weekend. Arthur invites tens of thousands of people to celebrate downtown with a festival full of food, games, crafts, races, entertainment, and of course, cheese! When you visit, you get the chance to win a national title at the National Cheese Eating Championships or a world title at the International Cheese Curling Championships.

Every year on the Saturday before July 4th, crowds estimated at over 30,000 people flock to Arthur for the Freedom Celebration Fireworks . This gigantic fireworks display features entertainment, food vendors, an air show with WWII aircraft, skydivers, and a 16-inch firework shell amid the display.

The second week of October brings over 50 top-flight competition BBQ teams from all over the country to Arthur for the Central Illinois Bragging Rights (CIBR) BBQ Festival and competition. Talk with the pros and try out the award-winning ribs, wings, pulled pork, and brisket.

Depending on when you visit Arthur, you may witness one of the annual community parades, including the 4th of July parade, Cheese Festival Parade, Arthur High School Homecoming Parade, and the Christmas Parade.

The Moultrie-Douglas Fair is one of the oldest continuous county fairs in the state. It features livestock shows, demo derbies, pageants, live entertainment, a carnival, and more. This event typically takes place in mid-July. It is located in the E.L. Jurgens Park located on the south edge of town.

And, of course, the Arthur 3rd Saturday Market Bazaar is a recurring event filled with a large variety of vendors. Find everything from antiques to crafts, boutique items, collectibles, homemade goods, and more. You’re sure to find something new every month!

Places to Stay While in Arthur, IL

Eat, play, and sleep in Arthur when you stay in one of Arthur’s most popular lodging options. Here are some of our recommendations:

Located on East Route 133, Arthur’s Country Inn sits in a quiet residential area. It is just a short distance from an Amish pastry and coffee shop and offers close proximity to nearby shops and restaurants. Its rooms feature handcrafted Amish furniture.

Marsha’s Vineyard Bed & Breakfast is another popular place to stay in Central Illinois. Marsha Herschberger welcomes you to visit their cottage home, which features two spacious suites. The Garden Room is cozy and inviting, and The Loft is a tastefully decorated suite with Amish decor. 

There are also nearby lodging options in Arcola, 9 miles East of Arthur. The Arcola Inn is conveniently located next to several restaurants and is pet-friendly. The Quality Inn Hotel offers modern amenities, free breakfast, and is a short distance from Lake Shelbyville and Amish Country. Check out the Best Western Plus for additional hotel amenities, such as an indoor pool and gym. 

Additional lodging is available in Tuscola, which is 19 miles Northeast of Arthur. The Baymont Inn & Suites is located just off I-57 and is close to Amish Country, the Tanger Outlet Mall, and the University of Illinois. The Holiday Inn Express and Super 8 hotels are within walking distance of the Tanger Outlets. These hotels feature breakfast, pools, WiFi, and many other modern amenities.

Towns near Arthur, IL Worth the Visit

Arthur is located in East Central Illinois and is approximately within a thirty-minute drive of metropolitan shopping areas, and three major universities. There are several Amish Centennial Farms in the area, which are farms that have remained in the same family for at least 100 years. Take a scenic drive alongside the farmland and explore all the area has to offer. Here are several attractions/towns in the surrounding areas near Arthur that are worth visiting:

The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, IL is celebrating over 60 years of live theatrical performances. In 2005, it received national recognition and acclaim from USA Today, when it was named one of the “Top 10 Places to See the Lights Way Off-Broadway.” More than 175 famous stars have performed on this stage, including Mickey Rooney and Alan Alda. 

A popular destination is Lake Shelbyville , located only about thirty minutes from Arthur. This area is known for its beaches, boating, hunting, fishing, camping facilities, water skiing, and swimming. It features 11,000 water acres and 172 miles of shoreline, and it’s the perfect place to explore the outdoors. 

The Aikman Wildlife Adventure in Arcola is a wildlife drive-through park where you can get up close and personal to animals normally only seen behind fencing at zoos or on television. Guests can feed the animals right out of their vehicle while they drive the 1-mile long path through the 25-acre Sanctuary.

The Depot Welcome Center in Arcola, IL is located in a restored railroad station. It serves as a visitor information center and a museum, showcasing railroad memorabilia, a Raggedy Ann doll collection, and what is said to be the largest collection of antique brooms and brushes in the country, appropriate to the town that calls itself the "Broom Corn Capital of America."

Fun Facts About the Amish Community in Arthur, IL

If you’re road-tripping to Arthur from a surrounding metropolitan area, take some time to read up on these interesting fun facts about Arthur’s Amish community.

 Just like there are various types of Christian churches within Catholic and Protestant ranks, the Anabaptists have multiple factions as well. In Arthur, one of the strictest “Old Order” churches is central to the community. It is surprising to some that each church’s Bishop determines the practical rules for church members. A few of the local community’s rules and practices are listed below.

• Hook and eye closures and buttons are allowed, but no zippers or Velcro.
• Only black shoes are to be worn.
• Buggies may be enclosed including a roof, doors, and windshield. These typically are not heated, but when they are, a small gas stove is used.
• Requisite power for work must be produced by a diesel generator.
• Phone services are shared by several families in a phone “shack” where messages may be left and returned, but the phone is seldom answered.
• When the community in Arthur reaches approximately 1000, which it has done now four times, a new church district is created and more land is acquired.
• Reputation is its own reward in Arthur. Once a member of the Amish community has lost his/her reputation due to dishonesty, poor business practices, or not carrying a proportionate share of the community burden, it is very difficult to recover.
• Community is the heart of the Amish faith. In Arthur, the community is known for its ability to respond to fires and natural disasters. If a home is damaged beyond repair, it is demolished, reconstructed, and ready for the occupants within six weeks. No insurance is required and the family who lost their home owes nothing except to be available the next time tragedy strikes.
• Financial strength is important in Arthur for the community. Newlyweds are given land and a very low-interest loan to build a home. As their home is paid off, they continue to contribute to community funds so there is money to loan others. This is also the means by which the Amish care for their aging. The community/church bank is the retirement investment and the needs of the elderly are not neglected.
• Church, family, and business are not separate for Arthur’s Amish. Here, benches are moved monthly from one home to another for church and after services conclude, the business meeting begins.
• Medical bills are shared in church and the collection plate is passed. The Amish here is expected to pay for all minor bills themselves. If they incur a bill the family cannot afford, it is taken to the Bishop and he reads all the bills in church. Each family is then encouraged to contribute toward community bills and the bill is paid by the church as the Amish self-insure.

Though the Amish in Illinois is a relatively closed community, Arthur’s Amish, Mennonite, and “English” coexist beautifully. The Amish school and local public schools even interact annually for a field day. Also different about this community is their willingness to be studied. Here, in particular, neuroscientists are studying the families to determine why the Amish have been spared Autism and a number of other medical issues. Arthur’s Amish are different indeed.

Want to experience a touch of Amish craftsmanship but can't make it to Arthur, Illinois? Check out  Our Favorite Online Stores for Amish Goods .

Bailiegh Basham is Lead Sales & Marketing Strategist at Countryside Amish Furniture. She's been a team member since 2014. Bailiegh is deeply passionate about furniture design and home decor.

A Visit to the Amish of Arthur, Illinois (24 Photos)

The Arthur Amish community occupies a special place with me. This was where I first really got to know something about Amish people.

As an outsider who knew nothing about them, I never intended to “study the Amish”. I could scarcely have had any idea where things might lead when I knocked on that first Amish farmhouse door ten years ago.

As I tell in the foreword of my Amish business book, I first met the Amish while selling books in Moultrie County, Illinois in 2004.

I spent about three weeks in the Arthur community that summer. Over that time the Amish went from strange to familiar pretty quickly.

With a population of 2,288, the village of Arthur is similar in size to Kalona, Iowa. As in  that community , you’ll find Amish living in just about any direction you go from town.

The Arthur Amish settlement was also founded around the same time as the Kalona Amish settlement, in 1864 .

Unlike Kalona, however, Arthur is much larger today, at 29 church districts (around 4,000 people ) versus 10 in Kalona. There is also a modest Amish tourism industry in the village.

Early settlers to the Arthur community came from states including Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Iowa. Also like the Kalona community, the Amish showed up here before the town did.

Arthur itself emerged in the early 1870s, developing as a settlement centered around a railroad switch track in swampy territory between Arcola and Decatur.

“Swampy” is not how I’d describe the lands surrounding the town today, covered by fields of corn and soybeans and dotted with Amish homes for miles.

According to the village website , the settlement eventually took the name of the railroad owner’s favorite brother.

The photos today were taken by contributor ShipshewanaIndiana, who visited Arthur last weekend and is quite familiar with the community.

According to The Amish , there is an “Arthur” affiliation , made up of just 4 settlements in 2 states (the largest by far being the Arthur settlement; see p. 139).

You find some Amish family names here that aren’t often seen elsewhere, such as Otto, Jess, and Diener.

Schrock is not one of them though. That’s a fairly common Amish surname.

In terms of population growth, the Arthur community has lagged.

According to data in The Amish , the Arthur affiliation only increased in size by 66% from 1991-2010 (see p. 153).

This compares to an 88% growth rate in the Elkhart/Lagrange affiliation, 102% for the Lancaster communities, and 171% for the Swartzentruber Amish.

One reason may be smaller families.

Also in The Amish , we learn that Arthur families average  5.9 children , versus 7.0 for Elkhart/Lagrange, 7.2 for Lancaster, and 9.3 for Swartzentruber churches. They’re near the bottom of  the 16 groups surveyed (p. 157).

Any guesses why that might be?

Small businesses abound in the Arthur community. Here are two food shops.

I spoke with an Amishman in central NY last week who shared a pretty common sentiment. We were talking about how some in his community had moved into business.

He said something like “they make people faster than they make land.” Can’t dispute that.

Arthur’s in a pretty good place for business. It’s 2.5-3 hours to Chicago, Indianapolis, or St. Louis.

We don’t have any photos of them here today, but wood businesses are common in Arthur.

These buggies are pretty reflector-heavy, don’t you think?  These may look like something youth might drive, but that’s not necessarily the case in this community.

About the buggies, our photographer says:

Those are buggies driven by church members.  I did see one  rumspringa  buggy driven by a male youth that had a dream catcher in the window.  

Varied sequences of reflectors were the norm on buggies when we lived there.  Reflectors are in Arthur what LEDs are in Elkhart-Lagrange.  

I once asked my neighbor in Arthur how he picked his buggy out of a parking lot full of buggies and he said he recognized it by the reflector pattern.  I can see how reflectors are the first thing to which your eye is drawn. 

Two more examples:

This view brought back memories for some reason. I think it’s the jog in the road.

A simple lighting solution. But one without a switch.

I’m not sure anyone lives here. In fact there might be a few unintended skylights in that roof.

Another business. The sign below confused me a bit. Closed on Sunday and religious holidays . But only open Thursday-Saturday?

Maybe Monday through Wednesday are “flex” days.

We’ve seen an Amish stove shop here before.

Amish businesses do take credit cards.  Some of them do, anyway.

Puppies are another business you sometimes see. The reputation of Amish dog breeders has been stained by some truly awful puppy mill stories.  Though it’s been a while since I’ve seen one of those in the news.

I wonder if these folks have gotten any grief for their business. The sign sure looks friendly (is that the Disney font they’re using?), but who knows much beyond that. Of course it goes without saying that not every breeder is a puppy miller.

Including “family dogs” in the description suggests they might be sensitive towards common complaints against the mills. Maybe this business is oriented towards raising dogs like family pets rather than livestock?

Recreation comes in many forms. We see a few of the recreation options for Amish at Arthur below.

This business has two points of focus: bikes and hunting. Is their clientele more English or Amish? I don’t know much else about this shop, but I’d guess Amish.

Volleyball is a youth favorite.

We’ll finish with what for me is the most puzzling photo of the batch.

Do my eyes deceive me or is this an old antenna rolling down the road to destination unknown?  Hmmm. Could possibly also classify this pic under “recreational activities”.

Also, do you notice anything odd about the buggy itself?

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse of Illinois’ largest and oldest Amish settlement.

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Thanks to ShipshewanaIndiana for sharing these pictures. I’ve been visiting the Arthur area about twice a year for the past 20 years. I think it’s one of the best Amish communities to visit becuase it is largely non-commercialized and gives you a good idea about local Amish life. It is interesting to see how some stores like Beachy’s and Country Salvage have grown over the past twenty years, which I think is largely due to the large number of non-Amish customers who regularly shop at these stores. When I was in Arthur this spring, I stopped at the Visitor’s Center in Arthur and picked up a booklet with information about the Amish businesses in the area. It was interesting how it referred to the area directly south of town (Road 1800 E) as the “Arthur Amish Strip Mall”. On that road between Hwy 133 and Road 300 N. there is one Amish business after another (Country Shoe Shop, Furniture Plus,Shady Crest Farm Market, etc.). Also on that road is the Otto Center and I’ve had many good meals there when there happens to be a benefit dinner or auction going on.

I like your description of the community Al. Looking back that is the sense I get of the place. It’s a big community (7th-largest) but still has an off the beaten path feel, probably due to the relatively low tourism. I wonder what I’d notice to be different ten years after my first visit.

Hallo from Germany ilike Mennonites and Hutterities. Hier in Germany gibt’s das leider nicht schade. greatings from germangirl

Arthur Experience

I,too, started my Amish Odyssey in Arthur with the U of Illinois summer course on Amish society 15 years ago. Since then I’ve written 8 non-fiction books, sold 8,500 copies self-published about my adventures with the Amish, Mennonites. and Hutterites, given over 200 talks, and 50 day tours to Amish communities in SE Wisconsin to educate a “misinformed population” about the real Plain People.

Thanks for posting this! I enjoyed it since Arthur is one place I haven’t been! Just for the record – Diener is a name found in Lancaster as well.

Diener Amish Name

Thanks Linda! Glad you liked it. The Diener surname is also found in northern Indiana, or at least one family I met bore that name. Not a “Yoder” or “Stoltzfus” type though 🙂

I’m not a German speaker, but Diener is the word used to describe Amish ministers, and literally means “servant”. More on that in Amish Society p. 106.

One of the Dieners I met in Arthur was a Voelliger-Diener (bishop) himself 🙂

This looks like it would be a nice place to visit and do some shopping. Thanks for sharing all the great pictures with us.

The back windows on that last buggy are different.

Richard Dawley, I am looking up your books! Sadly, I hadn’t heard of them before. I love to read as much Amish NON-fiction as I can. [I enjoy the fiction too, but don’t base my ideas about the Amish on those!]

Thanks for the great photos!

Amish in Wisconsin

Google my name and some of my books my show up. Amazon has many. Richard

The last buggy looks flat to me. I’m also curious, although, I’m sure there is a reason why I can’t see one, but is there no horse?

I’m pretty sure the horse is there (unless it’s actually one of THESE special models: https://amishamerica.com/horseless-solar-powered-buggy/ ).

It has to do with the buggy itself.

Thanks for the memories!

Arthur was the first Amish community I ever visited. This was probably close to the time you were selling books there, Erik. We actually stopped in Arcola first, for the annual Broom Corn Festival (foolish me–I didn’t buy a broom! I should have!). At the time, it was touted as the “broom corn capital of the world.” We also saw the “Hippie Wall of Fame” (or whatever its called), by the train depot. Who knew?!

When we drove into Arthur, I was taken by the “squareness” of the country—farms/roads laid out in a very even grid (much like Chicago, it seemed to me). We stopped at a small (I believe it was run by a Yoder family) store, where you could buy pieces of homemade soap by the pound (odd pieces & hunks), as well as some tasty pumpkin butter and jams. There was a sign on the wall touting an “apple cider vinegar” diet plan. I was surprised by that!

We also stopped at a quilt shop with a very friendly lady—Amish or Mennonite (can’t remember which) who ran it. So many quilts (again, I wasn’t prepared to buy any, but I SHOULD have!)

A visit to an Amish furniture shop had me drooling! I managed to buy something there–not much, but I used a credit card (they had the old manual credit card machine)…a handmade wooden postage stamp dispenser that looked like a rural mailbox. Still have it/use it today. I was impressed by how light it was in the store, without “lights”—just skylights, and kerosene lamps at the ready for cloudy days.

Saw some Mennonite women (small floral prints in their dresses) at the dime store in Arcola. My husband and I walked a bit in Arthur, where a little Amish girl stood in front of a house. My husband said “hello” to her more than once. She just smiled. I realize now that she probably didn’t speak English yet (she was probably only 3 or 4).

Thanks, Shipshewanaindiana, for bringing back memories, and to you, Erik, for your own reminiscences! Sure hope I get to go back there sometime!

Not sure about the buggy, other than some additional “lights” and yes, squareness of it. As for the antennae, I’m guessing it may be repurposed into something else much more useful to plain people.

I really enjoyed this posting—can you tell? 🙂

Visiting Arthur IL Amish

Great account Alice Mary. Yes I can tell you kind of liked this one 🙂

I think you and Shom are on the right track here, if you look at the back outline, the buggy is actually not a typical style for this area, it looks like an Indiana style buggy. Our photographer and I speculated it might have been someone who moved to Arthur from northern Indiana.

I think I’ve tried that apple cider vinegar before–except I got it is an Amish home remedy when I was ill. Strong stuff!

Ah, my favorite place to visit. Thanks for sharing the photos and stories. Unfortunately I have not made a trip there yet this year. I have been battling cancer since early in the year. They did get it with surgery and now I am heading into radiation treatments just to be on the safe side and make sure it does not come back. Hopefully, I will be able to make a trip this fall before winter decides to arrive in Central Illinois.

Erik, while tourism is much less than some other Amish communities they still get their fair share and I see it increasing a little each year. I think over the 10 years you will notice many changes in Arthur, but I still love the quant small town atmosphere. 🙂

Blessings, Alice

Keep on "keepin' on"!

Alice, I didn’t know of your illness. I’ll keep you in my thoughts & prayers as you undergo radiation. I have a number of acquaintances as well as a sister who have been cancer survivors for 12+ years. I hope to be reading your comments here for a long time, so keep plowing ahead! I hope your visit to Arthur is a fun one, whenever it happens! By the way, do you have a favorite “venue” in Arthur, either for shopping, dining or visiting?

Warm regards,

Likewise Alice, I’m sorry to hear that, we’ll have you in our thoughts and prayers. In the back of my mind I was actually hoping you’d chime in on this Arthur post, since we hadn’t heard from you in awhile. I thought of your previous posts on Arthur like the one on this neat place – https://amishamerica.com/roselens-amish-coffee-shop-at-arthur-illinois/

I wish you a speedy recovery!

Thank you!!

Thank you Alice Mary and Erik!! I am doing pretty good, the worse is behind me. The radiation is just a precautionary measure to be on the safe side. 🙂 I got “measured” for the radiation treatments today and they will call in a week to 10 days with a schedule of 5 weeks, 5 days a week treatments, then a little recovery time and I should be better than new!!

Erik, you can bet I will be sure to take my camera with me whenever I do get to make my trip to Arthur. 🙂

Thanks again!! Alice

Don't visit Amish America without it...

I just thought of something. Can Erik or Shipshewana answer this. The “Visa / Master Card” sign on the window of the Amish business that now accepts both, is there any chance that the store that this was taken at was previously owned by an English business owner who used the card, or was that a really new sticker.

[I guess I’m not the only one old enough to remember the slogan I butchered for my Comment Title, I know its not Visa or Master Card]

Credit cards accepted

If I were a business owner, I certainly wouldn’t leave up a sign in such a visible place saying I took credit cards if in fact I didn’t…so I’d say the chance of that scenario is basically nil.

A place like Arthur is progressive enough that it’s not surprising to see Amish businesses equipped to take credit cards.

I know the slogan you mean, though I haven’t heard it in awhile! I do like your spin on it, even though visiting Amish America is 100% free 🙂

New spins on an old slogan...?

…. would that be:

Amish Express — Don’t leave your buggy without it?

Debit/Credit cards at Amish Stores

Slighty, I can’t speak to the store in this article, but recently I was at an a couple of large Amish stores that took debit/credit cards. At one of them, the card authorization — normally done by land phone lines, which is not allowed there — is run through the Amish man’s cell phone. Since reception is bad where he is, he’s installed what is probably the only cell phone booster in the county on the roof of his store. (All run by solar power, of course.)

Rockome Gardens

Have you checked out Rockome Gardens lately? The Restaurant is great and we have Bluegrass this weekend.

Another option on the antenna...

The TV (?) antenna really caught my attention. “Repurposing” that someone mentioned above certainly sounds viable. But being that we can’t tell if there is anything else in the trailer I have to wonder if they could be hauling a load of scrape metal to sell. I know if I saw the same thing in a pickup truck bed ’round here that’s one of the first things that would come to my mind.

Antenna buggy load, scrap metal, and such......

I agree with Don. My guess would be they are taking it for scrap metal. If you have been to any rural estate auctions you will see people bidding on anything metal. They’re not buying to use it, they want it for scrap metal. Perhaps, these Amish bought a house and the antenna was lying around so they are going to take it away and make money at the same time. I live in an area with a lot of Amish in the Elimsport area of North Central, PA. I enjoy observing and talking with them. When I was a kid and we saw them at livestock auctions, my parents would call some of them Dunkards. I know they aren’t all Dunkards in the area now. You see a variety of rules depending on the district and their local bishops. Some have cell phones, some aren’t allowed, some use more modern equipment, some don’t, some use a forklift after dark but not during the daytime, some use electric fence while others don’t, it all depends on the branch and local district.

Arthur, IL is my hometown! Thanks for the nice photos…I recognize where some of them were taken! It’s fun to see articles like this and find out what others think of the Arthur area.

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Amish country newsletter, area attractions in and around arthur... "the heart of illinois amish country".

Illinois Amish Country has lots to see and do. You can fill a day, or a week and not run out of relaxing, fun activities in this area. 

The Arthur Amish community to start with...

Shops to visit. There are literally hundreds of shops out in Amish country. Wood shops, furniture shops, buggy and harness shops, butchers, bakeries, produce stands, quilt shops, metal and machine shops. Browse out-of -the-way shops for a new experience. Many country shops, while operated by the Amish, and mainly for their own welfare, have products that we all can utilize and welcome customers for any reason.

And a friendly people with a different way of life.

In Arthur and the surrounding area you'll find...

The Penn Station Theatre - live music, bluegrass and gospel, local bluegrass jams and scheduled stage groups. Regular Wednesday evening performances by Arthur's own Gunny Sack Review. Check the calendar for updates and the performance schedule

Beautiful Lake Shelbyville is only 15 minutes away with its beaches, boating, hunting, and fishing. Golfers love the courses at Eagle Creek, Iron Horse and others strewn thru the area.

Along with our intensive corn and bean farm landscape, we have a lot of State Parks nearby for camping, and recreation adventures.

The Amish experience, Theater, horseback riding, shopping, Lincoln lore, history... all for your enjoyment  You can spend many days wandering the Arthur countryside..., experiencing, learning and relaxing.

If it all seems a lot to plan, and you are worrying about seeing all the right stuff... let ACM Tours help you plan your visit. ACM Tours specializes in large and small group tour planning and can arrange all your travel needs from itineraries to sleeping accommodations to meals and ticketing.

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Arthur Amish Country Information Center

106 E. Progress, Arthur, IL 61911

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.

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The Tiny Amish Town In Illinois That's The Perfect Day Trip Destination

Melissa Mahoney

I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!

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Have you ever wanted to see and explore the charming Amish communities in Illinois ? The perfect day trip destination, Arthur is located in “The Heart of Illinois Amish Country,” where life is simpler, and seeing a horse and buggy travel along the street is the norm. Take a step back in time and spend the day exploring all the many things to do in Arthur, Illinois.

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Discover more about this lovely little town:

As you can see, Arthur, Illinois has a lot to offer and is the perfect day trip destination. Have you been to Illinois Amish country? If so, what did you think? Let us know in the comments! After visiting and experiencing all the things to do in Arthur, IL, be sure to check out some of the other charming small towns in Illinois . You could even put together a road trip and experience a few of them over the course of weekend.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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The best towns in illinois.

What are the most beautiful small towns in Illinois?

The most beautiful small towns in Illinois include:

• Sycamore. There is a historic district here with 200 homes that are on the National Register of Historic Places. 
• Lebanon. Locals love this place for its historic downtown and the 58-acre Homer Park which adds to the town's beauty. 
• Mount Carroll. This is a wonderfully walkable town that is often referred to as the New England of the Midwest. 
• Fulton. This town is replete with Dutch style and history including an actual Dutch windmill and an event called Dutch Days.

Discover more about the most peaceful small towns in Illinois .  

What are the most charming small towns in Illinois?

The most charming small towns in Illinois include:

• Pontiac. The movie “Grandview, USA” featured this lovely town which has several museums and is a famous stop along Route 66.
• Red Bud. This is a sweet little town with only 3,700 people and it gets its name from its own redbud tree. 
• Elsah. This town is a hotspot for photographers due to its historic buildings and large population of bald eagles.
• Greenville. This town was settled in 1815 and is home to a 775-acre lake that attracts boaters, fishers, and water skiers. 

Learn more about the most charming small towns in Illinois .

What are the most peaceful small towns in Illinois?

The most peaceful small towns in Illinois include:

• Ottawa. This great little town has amazing hiking trails and a state park with a pair of bison as well as several lovely city parks.
• St. Charles. This riverside town is a mellow place with a lot of beauty and charm, and mom and pop shops.
• Woodstock. This quiet, family-friendly town has a wonderful historic downtown and offers a walking tour.
• Marion. This town is home to the Marion Carnegie Library and the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. 

Find out more about the most peaceful small towns in Illinois . 

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• These 8 Swoon-Worthy Poolside Escapes Across The U.S. Scream Summer Indulgence
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106 E Progress St Arthur, IL 61911-1301 217-543-2242 Fax – 217-543-2004  

For general information regarding the Village of Arthur, please call 217-543-2927.

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Arthur News & Event Calendars

November 10, 2009.

2010 Central Illinois Bragging Rights BBQ competition dates announced for October 8th and 9th 2010.

visit http://www.cibr-bbq.com for more infor

December 1, 2009

Arthur to continue with their 3rd Saturday Market through 2010.

visit http://www.gazeboannex.com for more information

Edible delights and gift baskets straight from the heart of Illinois Amish country.  Apple butter, jams, jelly, candy, church peanut butter, and much much more for every occasion and holiday.

Downwown Arthur, Il's largest showroom of locally Amish custom made furniture in your choice of solid woods, stains, dimensions, and styles.

Welcome To Arthur, Illinois

Located in the heart of illinois amish country.

Live with us! Arthur is a good place to raise a family. With plenty of affordable housing, Arthur has a strong K thru 12 school district with a small student to teacher ratio and excellent graduation rates, a competitive athletic program, an active park system with a community swimming pool, JFL football, and summer baseball leagues, safe streets and a low crime rate.

Play with us! Arthur's location provides easy reach to nearby theater, concerts, Big Ten college sports, golf, boating, hunting and fishing, and plenty of shopping. Enjoy the peace of small town living without giving up your active lifestyle.

Arthur, Illinois is where you want to be!

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Arthur Illinois Festivals

Festivals and special events, arthur festivals and special events.

Arthur has one of the most active event calendars anywhere. From many, many small events like haystack and chili suppers and local benefit auctions ( all welcoming visitors) to major weekend festival that are attended by the tens of thousands.

There is always something to do in Arthur!

CHECK The Arthur Event Calendar on the sidebar for our constantly evolving schedule of events. You will want to check and bookmark our Activity Calendar on the lower right sidebar.

We add to it very frequently and it contains the most up-to-the-minute event details, times and additions for all Arthur activities, both large and small. and book mark it and check back often because as much as we try to plan ahead and get the word out there are always new ideas popping up with shorter planning times that you may wish to participate in.

Our Smaller Events

Almost every week year around Arthur is a very active place. Don’t be afraid to visit Arthur and drop into a high school sports event, watch a softball tournament in the park, or follow the signs to a “haystack” supper. We’re small town America, and this is what we do.

You’re welcome to relax and join us.

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Explore the Area

Looking for something to do, we've got everything right here.

259 N Co Rd 200 E. Arthur, IL - 61911 US GET DIRECTIONS

Beachy's Bulk Foods is pleased to offer a wide-range of specialty products that can't easily be found elsewhere. Our unique selection includes deli meats and cheese, freshly made peanut butter, gluten and sugar free items, pickled jar goods, homemade pies and baked goods, and so much more.

Telephone Number:  217-543-3447

125 N County Rd. 425 E Arcola, IL - 61910 US GET DIRECTIONS

Aikman is a wildlife drive-thru park where you can get up close and personal with animals you've only seen behind fencing at a zoo or on television. Aikman’s is located between Arthur and Arcola, less than 6 miles west from Interstate 57.

Telephone Number: 217-268-3500

1749 A E County Rd 1900 N. Arthur, IL - 61911 US GET DIRECTIONS

The Great Pumpkin Patch, just south of Arthur, invites guest every fall to visit the farm and see over 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds from over 30 countries.

Telephone Number: 217-543-2394

48 E Co Rd 200 N Arthur, IL - 61911 US GET DIRECTIONS

Get up close and personal with an Amish Family and enjoy a Buggy Ride. Telephone: 217-543-4190

122 E Progress Arthur, IL - 61911 US GET DIRECTIONS

A beautiful place to host all your events, Penn Station is only a few years old. They do have music every Wednesday evening at 7pm, local house band.

Telephone Number: 217-962-0015

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ACM Tours – Arthur, Illinois

ILLINOIS AMISH COUNTRY IS OPEN AGAIN!

ACM Tours of Arthur Illinois can open the door to the Illinois Amish Countryside for you! We are a full service, Receptive Tour Guide Service Company located right in the Heart of Illinois Amish Country.

Let us help you plan your visit!

Whether you are planning for a family visit or organizing a motor coach trip, we are ready to assist you with meals, attractions, lodging, step on guide service and travel planning assistance to make your visit planning easier.

Step-on guides for Custom Tours Need to be scheduled in advance. Our guides can show you some of the out of the way places you don’t want to miss. The perfect solution for groups of any size that want a true Amish experience. We have experienced, local step-on guides who are well versed in the history, religion and lifestyle of this most unique part of Illinois and can provide insights you can not get elsewhere.

Our Self Guiding Tour is available every day in our shop downtown. This CD or MP# tour provides insight into the Arthur Amish culture and lifestyle. The Self-Guiding tour takes about an hour and a half ( or longer if you stop at every Amish country shop along the route.)

We are the original tour provider in Illinois Amish country with more than 30 years experience. We know the Illinois Amish area better than anyone else. We have lived here all our lives. We have been in business in downtown Arthur for three generations. And we work closely with the Arthur Amish community every day in our custom furniture store… The Woodloft , also located on Vine Street in downtown Arthur.

As a receptive operator, ACM Tours will customize each and every tour to suit the needs and preferences of each and every group. Our time is yours! We offer you a number of itinerary suggestions here on our website but in most cases we end up customizing each and every visit. That’s what we do!

We plan each tour individually in order to insure that each and every moment here in this most unique part of the Midwest is utilized in the best way possible.

Our goal is to work with you in every way possible.

Give us a call today and let us help you with your visit…call 1-888-321-9663.