Get ready for a day packed with hands-on fun, history, and heartwarming experiences at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center's annual “Sheep to Yarn to Quilts” event! Whether you're a history buff, a craft enthusiast, a foodie, or looking for family-friendly fun—this event has something for everyone!
WHAT TO EXPECT
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in a rich celebration of traditional Amish life. Watch live sheep and alpaca shearing, learn how wool is transformed into yarn, try your hand at weaving and quilting, and explore the charm of early pioneer life through interactive demonstrations and immersive tours.
Farmer’s Breakfast Begins at 7:00 AM
Start your day early with a hearty Amish breakfast featuring:
Pancakes
Grilled sausage
Old-fashioned liverwurst
(Available for a small fee)
General Event Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Admission: $10 for ages 12+ | Kids under 12: FREE!
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FULL TIMELINE OF ACTIVITIES
7:00 AM – Farmer’s Breakfast Opens
Enjoy traditional Amish morning fare to fuel up for the day!
9:00 AM – Event Officially Begins!
Sheep & Alpaca Shearing Demonstrations
Wool Washing, Dyeing, and Spinning into Yarn
Quilting, Loom Weaving, and Spinning Wheel Demos by CU Spinners & Weavers Guild
Soap Making, Rope Making, Goat Milking & Chair Caning
Old-Fashioned Laundry Demos using antique hand washer and wringer
Gardening Demos
9:30 AM – 3:00 PM – Interactive Children’s Activities
Try basic sewing and hand-weaving
Pony cart rides, petting zoo, and traditional games
All Day – Historic Building Tours
Explore fully restored Amish structures like:
1865 Yoder House
1870s Schrock House (featuring antique Amish clothing & textiles)
1879 Herschberger-Miller Barn (with vendors in the hay loft!)
1860s Workshop
1930s German Schoolhouse
Vendor Highlights (Located in the Barn Loft):
Homemade Soaps | Jams & Jellies | Popcorn
Crocheted Goods | Dried Flowers | Book-card Making
Beekeeper Booth | Tissue-Paper Flower Making
Lunch Available Midday
Don’t miss the return of the famous lamb kabobs! Additional food options and a homestyle bake sale featuring:
Fresh-baked bread
Cakes and pies
Homemade ice cream
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MORE 2025 EVENTS
Harvest to Home Festival – October 10–11
Featuring horse-powered oat threshing (new for 2025!) and more fall fun.
Living History Farm available Saturdays (May–Oct)
Guided tours available weekly from 10:00–4:00. No reservations needed. Tickets: $10
2025 Pop-Up Events
Rhubarb & Bees – May (date to be announced)
Blacksmithing / Horseshoeing – July (date to be announced)
Amish Education – August (date to be announced)
Storytelling – September 5
German Spelling Bee – November 15
Traditional Christmas – December (date to be announced)
Find Us
On Route 133 – Just 3 miles east of Arthur, IL & 5 miles west of the Arcola exit off I-57
More Info: www.illinoisamish.org
Follow on Facebook: Illinois Amish Heritage Center