Arcola Broom Palace Now Open to Greet Visitors and Residents

Arcola, Illinois—proudly known as the former Broomcorn Capital of the World—has officially opened the Arcola Broom Palace, a vibrant new destination celebrating the community’s broom-making heritage and welcoming all who pass through our charming town.

Home to the Libman Company, the largest manufacturer of brooms in the U.S., and located in the heart of Illinois Amish Country, Arcola has long been a hub for history, craftsmanship, and hospitality. The Broom Palace honors that legacy and invites guests to experience Arcola’s past, present, and future—all under one roof.

Step Inside the Palace

The Palace is now open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please be kind as we continue to evolve and shape this exciting new space.

🧹 First Floor – Welcome Center & Chamber Headquarters

• A Libman retail outlet featuring their full line of quality cleaning tools
• A small theater showing an 8-minute film about the history of broomcorn and its ties to Arcola
• Displays of handcrafted brooms made in the USA
• Clean public restrooms and a wide selection of local brochures and visitor guides
• New home of the Arcola Chamber of Commerce – a hub for local business support, event information, and community connections

📚 Second Floor – A Walk Through Time Museum
Visitors can explore Arcola’s history in the upstairs museum, with exhibits highlighting:

• The town’s ties to Toy Hall-of-Fame characters Raggedy Ann and Andy
• Local milestones and achievements
• Stories that reflect the spirit and evolution of the community

Why a Broom Palace?

In 1898, Arcola hosted a temporary Broomcorn Palace that attracted 20,000 visitors in just five days—decades before cars or mass media made travel and promotion easy. Inspired by that moment in history, the Broom Palace now offers a permanent tribute to Arcola’s unique place in American manufacturing and culture.

Make Arcola Your Next Stop

With a historic Carnegie Library, a busy Main Street, and nearby attractions like Aikman Wildlife Adventure and the Illinois Amish Heritage Center, Arcola is a welcoming, tourist-friendly community that loves to host. We invite you to stop in, take a look around, and be swept up in all that makes Arcola special.

Visit the Arcola Broom Palace—where history, heritage, and hospitality meet.

Travelers from near and far flock to Arcola to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the Amish community. The Arcola Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomes you to explore our vibrant culture, from authentic homemade goods to picturesque landscapes, offering a unique glimpse into a simpler way of life.

The Arcola Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors is a dynamic group dedicated to fostering local business growth and community engagement. With diverse backgrounds and expertise, they collaborate to create opportunities for networking, support small businesses, and champion initiatives that enhance the vibrant economy of Arcola.