We invite you to slow down and enjoy lifes simple pleasures just south of Champaign County as you enter the Amish Country in Tuscola and Arthur, the oldest and largest settlement in Central Illinois.
Youve arrived when horse-drawn buggies join you on the road, or you see many people out on bicycles, traveling to work or to the store. These slower modes of transportation are just some of the visual representations that youre surrounded by a different culture.
The people of Amish Country will also usher you into a different mindset. From the woodworkers to bakers to farmers, youll meet the kindest individuals, ready to welcome you into their world.
Groups will be accompanied by a step-on guide to showcase a different way of life, from one-room schoolhouses to woodworking and heartwarming food, explains Caitlyn Floyd, Visit Champaign County. This is truly an Outside of Ordinary experience in the Midwest.
EAT
Dinner in an Amish Home
Amish Home, Champaign County, Ill.
Step back in time as you enter the home of an Amish Family. As your host guides you through their living space, take notice of the handmade items, as well as the similar lifestyle that the home reflects. After youve taken a moment for a silent prayer, your host will begin serving your delicious home cooked meal! Youll also venture through the familys farm to witness their daily work.
EXPLORE
Amish Buggy Shop
Amish Buggy, Champaign County, Ill.
Visit a local Amish buggy maker as you experience and in-depth tour of his buggy shop. See the ins and outs of creating the undercarriage, the buggy body, and listen as he discusses the old art of wheel making. Finish up the tour with a short buggy ride, completing the true Amish experience.
EXPERIENCE
Flesors Candy Kitchen
Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, Tuscola, Ill.
Sisters Ann and Devon Flesor revived their grandfathers Candy Kitchen, which originally opened in 1901, to bring candy and ice cream back to Tuscola. Groups can learn from Devon, who creates small-batch, sugary confections, while Ann hand-dips the candies. As they dont use preservatives, the candy is made daily, with thousands of pounds of candy being produced annually. Enjoy lunch on-site and enjoy their homemade ice cream and their old-fashioned soda machine!
DO
Walking Tour & Shopping
The Vault Art Gallery, Tuscola, Ill.
Arthur and Tuscola combine history and local shopping to create a unique experience for all! Stroll the streets of downtown Arthur, where youll find a variety of gift shops, unique craft shops, furniture stores, antiques, restaurants and more! In downtown Tuscola, youll find various antique shops as well as The Vault Art Collective, a gallery featuring over 50 local artists. Pick up something old or something new to remember your trip!
ASK
Visit Champaign County
Caitlyn Floyd, Director of Sales
800-369-6151 | caitlynf@visitchampaigncounty.org
Tourchampaign.com
