Arcola

Arcola, located just off Interstate 57, serves as the gateway to Illinois Amish Country. This peaceful central location is just over two hours from St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Chicago. This quaint community, nestled between the University of Illinois and Eastern Illinois University, provides residents and visitors with a variety of opportunities for working, relaxing, dining, shopping, and learning. Arcola's heritage as the "broomcorn capital of the world" is celebrated with the renowned Broom Corn Festival. Every year on the weekend following Labor Day, visitors pour in. They come for the numerous broom activities, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, free entertainment, and delicious food. The festival's parade is the largest in Central Illinois and features the world-famous Lawn Rangers, who twirl and toss their brooms.

With companies like the Thomas Monahan Company and the Libman Company, the community still has ties to broomcorn and the broom industry. The historic downtown of Arcola is lined with stately buildings and its original brick street. There are numerous unique shops where shoppers can purchase art, antiques, locally made Amish baked goods, and handcrafted Amish furniture. If you're looking for something a little more active, Aikman Wildlife Adventure is right around the corner. The family-owned park, which is new to the Arcola area, includes a drive-thru habitat, a walk-thru park, and a petting zoo with a wide variety of species from around the world. The park occupies the former Rockome Gardens site. You can also learn about Amish culture and see the Amish countryside. Raggedy Ann and Andy are Arcola's main claim to fame. This is the birthplace of the creator of those dolls.