Helpful Tips

What to know

1. Where can we find __________________?

The Welcome Center should be your first stop. A friendly information specialist can help you navigate the area and answer your questions. Public restrooms are also available here. The Arthur Amish Country Welcome Center located at 106 E. Progress Street. You may also call the Welcome Center at 217-543-2242.

2. Where can I meet a “real Amish person”?

The Amish culture is a daily life rather than a “theme” concept. As you stroll the downtown area of Arthur and/or drive around the countryside you will be able to observe the Amish going about their daily lives. Some of the Amish are willing to grant “interviews,” if set up prior to your visit. The contact information can be obtained at the Arthur Amish Country Welcome Center.

3. We would like to enjoy a meal in an Amish home. How do we arrange this?

The Amish families that prepare and serve these types of meals require some type of reservation. They prefer a minimum of 10 people, but sometimes have openings for a smaller group, as part of a larger group. Again, the contact information for these families may be obtained at the Arthur Amish Country Welcome Center.

4. May we stop and visit an Amish family in their home?

Please remember that the Amish are like many other American families that appreciate their "family time” and privacy. A visit like this may be arranged prior to your visit with a call to the Arthur Amish Country Welcome Center.

5. We would like to visit on a Sunday, what is available?

All businesses, apart from a few restaurants and the Welcome Center, are closed on Sundays.

6. I would like to know more about the Amish “way of life”. What do we need to do to accommodate that?

Please see question #2 for appropriate actions to follow to arrange a brief “interview” with an Amish family.

7. May we take pictures of the Amish?

You may take pictures of about anything Amish except for the people. Please do not take pictures of Amish people from the front. Many of them are accepting if you take a picture that does not reveal their face.

8. Do all businesses accept Credit/ Debit cards?

Almost all businesses take debit/credit cards, but a few are not able to. We have 4 ATM locations downtown.