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.

Home to the oldest and largest Amish community in the state, Arthur has a population of just under 2,300 residents. While it is a small village, it has a lot to offer and is the ideal place to explore on a day trip!
Arthur Welcome Center/Facebook
To learn a little bit about the Amish community, start your visit at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center. Here you'll find a historic farm as well as the oldest Amish house in the state. This is the best place to learn a bit about the culture and get a better understanding of the Amish in Illinois.
Illinois Amish Heritage Center/Facebook
Seeing a horse and buggy traveling down the street in Arthur is normal and just adds to the charm of the town. But once you spot one, you'll feel as though you've been transported to a different era.
Marcia Straub/ Moment via Getty Images
Although it is small, Arthur offers quite a bit including restaurants, bakeries, festivals, and more. And a visit to Arthur, Illinois would not be complete without stopping at Yoder's Kitchen.
Amy P. /TripAdvisor

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Yoder's Kitchen is a must-visit in Arthur. Not only is it a restaurant that serves some of the best homemade food you'll have, including many Amish dishes, but it has a buffet and a gift shop as well. Sit down for a delicious meal and then pick up some Amish goods in the store.
ziggy47/TripAdvisor
The best place to get Amish baked goods in Arthur is at The Homestead Bakery which also hosts its annual Great Pumpkin Patch!
The Homestead Bakery/Facebook
The Homestead Bakery is filled with delectable Amish treats. You won't be able to resist the cinnamon rolls! Have one here and then take a pack home.
The Homestead Bakery/Facebook
If you're in the market for handcrafted furniture, Arthur is the place to come. You'll find pieces made with outstanding craftsmanship that will last a lifetime.
Illinois Amish Country/Facebook
One store you can visit in town for hand-crafted Amish furniture is Countryside Amish Furniture.
As for festivals, there's one in particular that draws the crowds. People flock from all over the region to attend the annual Arthur Cheese Festival, held every Labor Day weekend. It's an incredibly fun time, especially if you love cheese! During the festival, you can sample cheese, join a cheese-eating contest, enjoy live music, and participate in cheese curling.
Greg Schechter/Flickr
Take a closer look at the Arthur Cheese Festival.

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.

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More to Explore

The Best Towns In Illinois

William Suphan | March 23, 2023

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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