| We set our sights for Arcola, IL about 150 miles South | | | | and cuddly for children to embrace. Also downtown is |
| of Chicago, IL. Arcola is the beginning of Amish | | | | the train depot along the Illinois Central tracks. Built in |
| Country in Illinois. We found little difficulty finding the | | | | 1886, it now houses the Visitor's Welcome Center filled |
| Amish community. There are more buggies on the | | | | with memorabilia from the station, along with an |
| roads than autos. The Amish settlement begins | | | | extensive broom collection and homage to Raggedy |
| approximately at Tuscola on the Northeast to Sullivan | | | | Ann. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable |
| on the Southwest, about 400 square miles. This was a | | | | about many of the attractions in the area, especially if |
| larger settlement than in Michigan or in Indiana. | | | | you are interested in learning about the Amish. |
| Travelling the back roads is truly an adventure. We | | | | A few miles West of town is a small gem of an |
| found a store called Family Health Foods, which carried | | | | attraction, Rockome Gardens. This is built for family |
| a greater variety of food supplements and | | | | fun. Admission is free, but be prepared to part with |
| homeopathic remedies than most of the large health | | | | your quarters to feed the goats, chickens, deer, ponies |
| food stores in major metropolitan areas. There is an | | | | and other animals. The adults also can find ways to |
| Amish Interpretive Center in downtown Arcola, at | | | | leave their money behind at the numerous craft and |
| which you can learn about their religion and lifestyle. | | | | gift shops throughout the park. Some of the cool things |
| We had visited Menon-hof in Shipshewana, IN, so we | | | | there include houses made out of soda bottles (usually |
| passed on this one. | | | | 7-Up or Fresca). They are held together by mortar. |
| While you are in Downtown Arcola stop at the | | | | There are also many decorative stone fences, some |
| Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum and gift shop. | | | | with mythological motifs. For the railroad enthusiast, the |
| These lovable dolls were developed by native son | | | | outdoor model railroad, at least 4000 square feet is |
| Johnny Gruelle in 1918 after the loss of his thirteen year | | | | quite a sight. There are even boardwalks so you can |
| old daughter. He wanted to make something lovable | | | | walk onto the interior of the plat. |