ExperienceGuide2023 - 31

EXPERIENCE
OUR CULTURE
In the Champaign-Urbana area, you'll
discover cultures and heritage that span
the globe, from Illinois' largest Amish
settlement to cultural centers that lift up
our diverse student population.
Amish Country of Illinois
Matsuri at the Japan House
Amish Country
Just south of Champaign-Urbana, you'll start to see a shift in the scenery
when you spot a horse and buggy with a family traveling down the road.
You've reached the heart of Amish Country of Illinois, where the pace
is a little slower. Throughout the towns of Tuscola, Arcola, Arthur, and
Sullivan, you'll find a welcoming population ready to introduce you to
their culture. Learn how buggies are made, shop from the fine craftsmen
in the woodworking shops or along their quilt trail, pick up homemade
goods and food, go antiquing and find local art, but most of all, take your
time to learn. Welcome centers located in the train depot in Arcola, and in
downtown Arthur will direct you to Amish-owned businesses. Self-guided
tours through Arthur will navigate you through the sights
and share the history and lore of the area.
Reflect at the Japan House
The Japan House at the University of Illinois provides a
refuge of tranquility and an opportunity to reflect. Immersive
experiences will provide you with insight into Japanese
culture. The traditional tea ceremony is guided by a " one life,
one opportunity " principle encouraging you to focus your
mind on harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Workshops
in Ikebana, the art of arranging flowers, or Wagashi,
traditional Japanese sweets, are also available throughout
the year.
Wander the gardens featuring a mixture of plants, rustic
stone, and water. Guests participating in a tea ceremony
start their journey in the Tea Garden, using the Tsukubai
(water basin) to rinse their hands and take a sip of water
to cleanse before the ceremony. The Dry Garden utilizes
raked gravel, large rocks, and shrubs to create a
reflection of the ponds in the area.
Throughout the year, the Japan House hosts events
to further engage people of all ages, from the
Hinamatsuri, a celebration for girls, to the Mottainai, a
showcase of hand-crafted items such as pottery, kimonos,
and origami, and the popular Matsuri (meaning festival)
happening in the spring with a variety of performances,
demonstrations, food, and art.
A variety of festivals and events throughout
the year allow for further engagement. Don't
miss the Strawberry Jam Festival each June,
the Freedom Celebration in Arthur, held the
Saturday before the 4th of July, the Arthur
Cheese Festival and the Arcola Broomcorn
Festival in September, alongside holiday events in
November and December.
Arthur Cheese
Festival
Illinois Amish Heritage Center
This space in Arcola will give you a glimpse into Amish life with Amish
homes, a school, and an old barn on site. The two oldest Amish homes in
Illinois dating back to 1865 are on-site, and future expansions will include
a living history farm and a large museum.
Cultures Spanning the
Spurlock Museum
Globe at Spurlock Museum
At this free museum on the University of Illinois
campus, you'll discover our shared humanity
through nine permanent exhibits and a series of
special exhibits that showcase the diversity of
cultures. With programming throughout the year
ranging like WorldFest with performing arts from
around the globe to storytelling introducing families to
entertaining and educational stories, this space will broaden
your horizons and connect you with other heritages.
experiencecu.org
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https://amishcountryofillinois.com/ https://arthuril.us/events/event/strawberry-jam https://japanhouse.illinois.edu/ http://illinoisamishcountry.com/wp/illinois-amish-country-and-arthur-area/arthurs-freedom-celebration-and-fireworks/ https://arthurcheesefestival.com/ https://arthurcheesefestival.com/ https://www.arcolachamber.com/broomcorn-festival https://www.arcolachamber.com/broomcorn-festival http://www.experiencecu.org

ExperienceGuide2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ExperienceGuide2023