Amish Country Tours

Groups
Groups of twelve or more qualify for group rates. Do not be discouraged if you have a large group. Some of our homes accommodate nearly 100 people… comfortably! The Illinois Amish Museum has been serving groups for fourteen years and we strive to make your experience memorable and hassle free. Upon making reservations, we promptly send a confirmation and itinerary. We can even provide descriptions and pictures upon request for your groups to use as promotional materials.

Please call for group pricing and packaging. Also, see Sample Itineraries for suggested activities for your trip.

Additional Information
Credit card information is required to hold reservations for all tours and meals. This card will be charged if the tour/meal is not canceled within two weeks of date reserved.



  • Payment is required five days prior to arrival by check OR paid upon arrival to Rockome Gardens Preservation.


    Meal information:


  • Final meal counts are due one week prior to your meal and is what you will pay for. Minor changes (two people or less) are acceptable up to 2 days prior to your meal.


  • Tips are included for meals in an Amish home.


    Tour Operators
    The Amish Museum and Amish Country Tours have an in-house local receptive operator waiting to serve you. Theresa Binion was born and raised Mennonite in the area to parents that were born and raised old Order Amish. In fact, her Great-great Grandfather, Moses Yoder, was one of the first Amish settlers in this area back in 1865.  She knows everything there is to know here, including how to get you the best deal.

    Whether you are planning Amish tours, guided tours, meals, lodging, or other attractions during your stay, Theresa is on top of the most exciting and memorable experiences for your group. She can help plan every minute and detail of your visit, and assist with stopovers to the area.

    Please contact us if you wish to receive promotional materials for your tours, including brochures and pictures. Theresa would be more than happy to customize a trip for you. Please see our sample itineraries for suggestions.
    Please call for pricing and packaging. Complimentary tickets are given per activity for your driver and guide based upon the number of people in your group.

    Additional Information


  • Credit card information is required to hold reservations for all tours and meals. This card will be charged if the tour/meal is not canceled within two weeks of date reserved.


  • Payment is required five days prior to arrival by check OR paid upon arrival to Rockome Gardens Preservation, Inc.

    Meal information:


  • Final meal counts are due one week prior to your meal and is what you pay for. Minor changes (two people or less) are acceptable up to 2 days prior to your meal.


  • Tips are included for meals in an Amish home.

    Area Attractions

    Rockome Gardens
    Rockome Gardens is excited about what is "new" this year at Rockome Gardens. Excitement is in the air about Rockome Gardens Foods, where there will be demonstrations, sampling, and shopping. Inside Rockome Garden Foods, all under one roof, will be the Rockome Gardens Cheese Factory, Grist Mill, Bulk Foods & Deli Meats, a working bee hive, plus long-time favorites, the Rockome Bakery and Rockome Candy Store. Stroll the seven flower gardens with their rock formations visit the Antique Barn, and take the train to the Amish Museum where you will be able to view an 18 minute video about the Old Order Amish of East Central Illinois. New shops have become part of the Rockome family, like Country Heritage Crafts with Thomas Kincade prints and P. Graham Dunn, the Christmas Treasures Shop, and Marcella's Corner offering Raggedy Ann & Andy gift items and custom made jewelry & local artists prints and don't forget the Trading Post where gifts for the hunter in the family can be found. The resident Blacksmith has all kinds of handmade iron work.

    Downtown Arcola
    Many shops line the brick streets of Arcola-- famous for being the broom corn capital of the world! Historic Downtown Arcola offers a patchwork of unique shops with Amish crafted furniture and quilts, crafts, antiques and clothing. The world’s only Hippie Memorial also greets the downtown streets.

    Downtown Arthur
    The quaint shops of "Vine Street Merchants" in downtown Arthur have Amish made, fine clothing for men and women, crafts, furniture and… fudge! Dick’s Pharmacy still serves old fashioned sodas and hand dipped ice cream. Arthur's surrounding Amish settlement, established in 1865 by a handful of families, has grown to over 4,000 members. In the village of Arthur, a primary Amish trading center, horse-drawn buggies are a common sight. More than 150 Amish farm-based shops around the countryside sell quilts, handcrafted furniture, bicycles, baked goods and much more.

    Flesor’s Candy Kitchen
    This recently renovated, turn-of-the-century soda fountain and confectionery offers free candy demonstrations, using recipes from over two centuries ago.

    The Great Pumpkin Patch
    Between September 15 and October 31 the Pumpkin Patch offers mazes, pumpkins, squash, gourds, gifts, crafts, and Wanda the Witch in the Corn Crib. Recently, the Homestead Bakery has been added to the facility featuring made from scratch baked goods.


    Tanger Outlet Stores
    Tanger Outlet Center houses 45 brand name manufacturer and designer outlet stores, including Gap, Bass, Coach, Dress Barn, Polo Ralph Lauren, Maurices, Van Huesen, Old Navy, Children s Place, and Vanity Fair. The VF Store offers coupon books available just for groups.

    Yoder’s Kitchen
    This restaurant features buffet and menu items made from Amish and Mennonite recipes. In fact, many waitresses are Amish or Mennonite. You'll find an incredible selection of fine food and gifts from homemade meals, and friendly service, amidst the backdrop of pure country charm. You can choose from the menu selections, or treat yourself to the incredible homemade buffet. A gift shop is located in the restaurant as well.


    Lodging
    Baymont Inn & Suites
    This hotel offers free breakfast, free high speed internet, indoor pool, and fitness center. Baymont Inn is AAA approved - 2 diamonds. They offer free outdoor bus parking.

    Comfort Inn

    This hotel is conveniently located on Illinois Rte. 133 and just off Interstate 57. They offer affordable, friendly accommodations in the heart of Illinois Amish Country, just 15 miles from Lake Shelbyville and within 30 miles of the University of Illinois and Eastern Illinois University.

    Holiday Inn Express
    The Holiday Inn Express Hotel is a three story hotel featuring 82 guest rooms and one meeting room accommodating up to 25 people. They offer king bed rooms, two queen bed rooms and executive rooms with king bed, sofa sleeper, microwave and refrigerator.


    Special Events
    Strawberry Jam - Arthur
    Arthur-Amish Country Cheese Festival- Arthur
    Broomcorn Festival- Arcola






  • Home | Discover & Learn | Plan Your Visit | Amish Country Tours | Groups | Itineraries | Trips | Join & Support | Gift Shop | Links

    This site was made possible in part by a grant from the Illinois Association of Museums. Illinois Association of Museums Illinois Amish Interpretive Center
    125 N County Road 425E, Arcola IL 61910
    Phone: 1-888-45-AMISH | Fax: (217) 268-4810
    E-Mail: amishcenter@consolidated.net

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    Photographs courtesy of Raymond Bial, author of Amish Home. www.raybial.com