Arcola, the Broomcorn Capital of the World and Raggedy Ann’s hometown
Arcola is a small city with a population of about 2,900, according to U.S. Census estimates. It's surrounded by the rural land of central Illinois, where there are fields aplenty. Known as the Broomcorn Capital of the World, Arcola was the center of U.S. broomcorn production in the late 19th century. That tradition continued; the Libman Company opened a factory here in 1957. "If you have a Libman's mop or broom, it was probably made in Arcola," says Cathy Means, a Realtor with the Hillard Agency. Approximately 700 people are employed at the facility on Libman Way.
Arcola is also the hometown of iconic redheaded ragdolls, Raggedy Ann and Andy. In June, fans of the dolls from all over come to Arcola for the Raggedy Ann Rally.
Farmhouses, Craftsman and ranch-style homes under $200,000
Most residential streets in Arcola have sidewalks and shade trees. Single-family homes are the norm, and among the oldest options are late-1800s and early 1900s farmhouses and Craftsman homes. Ranch-style homes were added during the latter half of the 20th century. Prices range from about $40,000 for homes under 1,000 square feet to $180,000 for those more than twice the size.
An old-fashioned downtown, restaurants and grocery options
Arcola's downtown is centered around old-fashioned Main Street, which has some original brick paving. Rows of connected storefronts have specialty businesses like Vint-ish, an antique and thrift boutique, and Panaderia Saldivar for baked goods and custom cakes. Murals by the Walldogs, an international group of artists and sign painters, add pops of color and nostalgia. The Arcola Carnegie Public Library, housed in a 1905 Classical Revival building, has over 18,000 books. New in 2025, the Arcola Broom Palace features a Libman retail outlet, A Walk Through Time Museum and a third-floor observation deck.
Restaurants in town include Vita's Taqueria and Broomtown Cafe, which uses ingredients from local Amish Farms. Arcola Hispanic & American Grocery is on Washington Street, and Country Salvage Store has discount groceries about 4 miles west of downtown. An area in the northeast part of Arcola has industrial and manufacturing businesses.
The Broomcorn Festival has been going on for over 50 years
The Broomcorn Festival, the weekend after Labor Day, has been held for over 50 years. It features a national broom-sweeping contest, the Miss Arcola Baby Pageant, live entertainment, carnival rides and a beer pavilion. The Lawn Rangers, a precision lawn mower drill team, march in the festival parade with brooms and lawn mowers. Vendors include people from out of town and community members who sell handmade items. "I still have an airbrushed doormat that I got at the Broomcorn Festival when I was in seventh grade," Means says. Richard Goodall, a winner of "America's Got Talent," performed at the festival in 2025.
Other events in Arcola include the Pop the Top Car Show in October, the Country Spirit Antique Show in November, the Jingle Jog run in December and a lighted Christmas parade.
Community parks have plenty of recreational amenities
Kelly Moore Memorial Park is Arcola's largest recreational space, at over 25 acres. It has a skatepark, a seasonal splash pad, athletic fields and tennis, pickleball, basketball and futsal courts. Arcola City Park, often called the Old Park, has a pavilion, charcoal grills, a playground and a basketball court. Aikman's Wildlife Adventure, a 20-acre animal park and refuge, is also home to the Museum of Prehistoric Life.
Arcola's public schools are in a large, connected facility
Kids may attend Arcola Elementary School, which earns a B-minus grade from Niche. Arcola Jr. Sr. High School receives an A-minus. The schools are part of a large, connected facility, which includes a building over a century old. There are separate entrances for the elementary, junior high and high school levels. The high school offers athletic programs including football, golf and volleyball. Arcola has one of the winningest high school football teams in Illinois history. A rivalry with Tuscola High School has endured more than 100 years and is called the Cola Wars.
A car-dependent community with access to several highways
Arcola is about 30 miles south of Champaign . "But I would say Arcola is more of a bedroom community of Mattoon ," Means says. Mattoon, about 15 miles south, includes health center Sarah Bush Lincoln and Lake Land College, which are both significant employers. Eastern Illinois University, east of Mattoon in Charleston , is about a 20-mile drive from Arcola. State Route 133, U.S. Route 45 and Interstate 57 pass through Arcola, on the south, west and east, respectively.
Most people get around by driving, though Douglas County offers Dial-A-Ride transportation by reservation. Amtrak and freight trains pass through Arcola, though the closest station stops are Champaign and Mattoon. About 27 miles to the north, the University of Illinois - Willard Airport offers non-stop flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Arcola was considered a sundown town by some
From its early years and into the 20th century, some considered Arcola to be a sundown town, a racially discriminatory municipality that warned non-whites to vacate town before sunset. According to U.S. Census estimates, those reporting as solely white make up about 50% of the population. About 44% of respondents identified as Mexican.
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Written By
Robin Silberman
