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Arcola, Illinois: Rockome Gardens (Gone)

The Amish-inspired attraction shed its bottle houses and kitschy charm over decades, closed for 2015 season. New owner of renamed property plans to open in 2016 as a wildlife park.

Directions:
I-57 exit 203 and follow the signs.
Status:
Gone

Visitor Tips and News About Rockome Gardens

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Rockome Gardens

Rockome Gardens was purchased by James Aikman in the Fall of 2015. He plans to remake Rockome into a drive-thru animal park, "Aikman Wildlife Adventures." Rockome is no more -- although the food store is still there. Wildlife Adventures is slated to open Memorial Day weekend, 2016.

[Steph, 04/16/2016]
Rockome Gardens

Rock-themed park located in the Amish country of east-central Illinois. Many formations made of geodes. A old time village, inn, and cheese shop/bakery are on the site as well. The gardens are under new management, the inn is being remodeled, and the park rejuvenated. It's hoped that it will reopen in 2016.

[CherC, 07/30/2015]

Ah, memories of the Fresca bottle dog house...

Arch in the garden.

Rockome Gardens

So beautiful and worth the small detour from the interstate. Very well kept and not a blade of grass out of place. Also a huge playground for the kids. However, the garden is only open Wed - Sun 9-5. There is an Amish food store that is open every day. There is also a restaurant. The gardens were closed when we got there but a lady in the business office said we could walk around, but the attractions were closed (pony rides, horse run sawmill, and more).

[Tansy Ridings, 06/20/2013]
Rockome Gardens

Rockome Gardens has alas changed quite a bit once again. The buggy driver said they have changed hands about 5 times in five years. The gardens are looking shabby, with the model railroad torn up, the house and candy shop closed for remodeling, the barn and lookout were closed, the jail moved across the street, and most horrifying, the bottle houses were torn down! Also, the old big train has been replaced by a new smaller one, apparently because the neighbors sold the land that the old train used to run on. Also no more educated animal machines, other than the tic tac toe playing hen.

However, there is a nice new children's play area, and a very nice new food store where they make cheese on site. The cheese curds are hands down the best I have ever had. In my life. We had a good time and I hope that the park is on an upswing.

[Jamie K., 10/13/2010]

Stoned Heart, Rockome Gardens.

Rockome Gardens

Rockome gardens is a great attraction. Along with the pop bottle houses, there are a lot of cement crosses and hearts with various items stuck into them. There's a petting zoo with crazy goats, an ostrich, and a deer-- all living together in harmony in the same cage. The authentic 1950s Amish home is great, but not as excellent as the Amish Interpretive Center located in the Arcola business district. That place was super and they happily will hook you up with an Amish family to have supper with. Also check out the Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum a block away, and the visitor's center by the Hippie Memorial boasts the largest collection of brooms in the world.

[Amey, 06/23/2004]

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