Sometimes the best weekend getaways are closer than you think.

Located just off I-57, Arcola offers a mix of small-town charm, local history, Amish country, unique attractions and plenty of places worth discovering. Whether you are planning a weekend with family, meeting up with friends or simply looking for somewhere different to explore, Green Mill Village Hotel & Suites makes an easy home base for experiencing it all.

If you have 48 hours, here is one way to make the most of them.

Friday: Check In and Explore Downtown Arcola

Start your weekend by checking into Green Mill Village Hotel & Suites and getting settled before heading into downtown Arcola. One of your first stops should be the Arcola Broom Palace. Arcola has a long history tied to broomcorn and broom manufacturing, and the Broom Palace gives visitors a chance to learn more about the people, traditions and stories that helped shape the community.

While you are there, be sure to stop by the Libman Factory Outlet located inside the Broom Palace. Libman has been part of the Arcola community for generations, making this a fun opportunity to shop products from a company that continues to manufacture right here in town.

After the Broom Palace, take some time to walk around downtown. Keep an eye out for Arcola’s colorful murals and the Sweeping Beauties displayed throughout the community. These public art pieces highlight different parts of Arcola’s personality, history and broomcorn heritage while creating plenty of fun photo opportunities along the way.

Before heading back to the hotel, stop by Panaderia Saldivar for something sweet. The local bakery offers a variety of fresh Mexican breads and pastries and is another great example of the locally owned businesses that make Arcola worth exploring. Once you have finished wandering downtown, head back to Green Mill Village Hotel & Suites, relax and get ready for a full Saturday.

Saturday Morning: Start Local

Begin your morning at Broomtown Cafe in downtown Arcola. Grab a coffee, breakfast or something to take with you before heading out toward Illinois Amish Country. Your next stop is the Illinois Amish Heritage Center. Located just outside Arcola near Arthur, the center helps preserve and share the history of the Illinois Amish community through historic buildings, educational experiences and special events throughout the year.

Take your time exploring the grounds and learning more about the families, traditions and way of life that have shaped the surrounding area for generations. The trip to the Heritage Center also gives you an opportunity to enjoy the countryside itself. Slow down, take in the scenery and experience a side of Central Illinois that can be easy to miss when traveling along the interstate.

Saturday Afternoon: Take a Walk on the Wild Side

After a morning of history and heritage, switch things up with a visit to Aikman Wildlife Adventure. Located near Arcola, Aikman offers visitors the chance to see animals from around the world through a variety of wildlife experiences. Depending on the season and available activities, guests can explore animal habitats, take part in interactive experiences and make an afternoon of discovering something completely unexpected in Central Illinois.

It is an especially great stop for families, but animal lovers of any age can easily spend a few hours exploring.

Saturday Evening: Dinner in Amish Country

After a full day of exploring, head toward Arthur for dinner at Yoder’s Kitchen. Known for homestyle cooking, homemade breads, pies and traditional favorites, Yoder’s Kitchen gives visitors another taste of the culture and hospitality that make Illinois Amish Country such a unique place to visit.

Enjoy dinner, save room for dessert and then make your way back to Green Mill Village Hotel & Suites for a relaxing evening. One of the best parts of staying overnight is that there is no need to squeeze everything into one rushed afternoon. You can slow down, explore a little more and enjoy the area at your own pace.