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Decatur, Illinois: Where Fun Never Gets Old – Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

The Illinois Republican Convention met in Decatur in 1860 and nominated Abraham Lincoln for president for the first time. That is the sort of thing this city does quietly. The Mueller Company here once made most of the fire hydrants in the United States. There is a Frank Lloyd Wright farmhouse on the edge of town and a zipline running over the zoo. Decatur is a stranger place than central Illinois lets on.

Decatur, Illinois covers more ground than a city this size usually manages. History readers, nature lovers, shoppers and anyone who eats well are all served here. What follows is the best things to do and the places to visit in Decatur, Illinois.

A Peek into Decatur’s History Decatur has a rich past dating back to the 1800s and was named after Stephen Decatur, a naval hero from the War of 1812. The Hieronymus Mueller Museum covers the industrial side of it. The James Millikin Homestead covers the life of one of the city’s founders.

Nature’s Bounty in Decatur The outdoors here holds up. Rock Springs Conservation Area carries hiking trails, fishing ponds and picnic areas. For something with more in it, Scovill Zoo puts you close to lions, giraffes and monkeys.

Key Takeaways

• Decatur has a rich history dating back to the 1800s, which you can explore by visiting the Hieronymus Mueller Museum or the James Millikin Homestead.
• Nature lovers can enjoy the Rock Springs Conservation Area or the Scovill Zoo, which offers a variety of animals to interact with.
• Decatur is a city that has something for everyone, from history buffs to nature lovers to shopaholics and foodies.

A Peek into Decatur’s Rich History

Decatur is the land of Lincoln and the home of James Millikin. The history here is longer and stranger than the size of the city suggests.

Start with James Millikin, the founder of Millikin University. His mansion is still standing and open. It is called the James Millikin Homestead, and the tour covers his life and what he left behind.

For transportation history, the Transfer House. The historic building was once the centre of transport in Decatur, and every streetcar and interurban train in the city passed through it. It is a museum now, telling that story.

The Oglesby Mansion is the other historic site worth the stop. It was built in 1874 for the Oglesby family and it is a clean example of Victorian architecture. The tour covers the family and what they did for Decatur.

Decatur was once an important stop on the Historic Paris-Springfield Road, traveled by Abraham Lincoln among others. The Illinois Republican Convention was held here in 1860, and it was in Decatur that Lincoln was first nominated for president.

Frank Lloyd Wright readers get something in Decatur too. The Muirhead Farmhouse is a Prairie School design of his, and it is open for tours.

That is the historical side of Decatur. Transportation, architecture or politics, all three have something standing.

Nature’s Bounty in Decatur

Nature lovers do well in Decatur. The parks, nature centers and wildlife areas here are plentiful enough to fill a weekend outdoors.

Rock Springs Conservation Area & Nature Center is the top of the list. Take one of the trails and watch for the local wildlife: deer, foxes and the occasional bald eagle. The zipline course is there for anyone wanting more than a walk.

For time on the water, Lake Decatur. Rent a kayak or a paddleboard and work the lake at your own pace. To stay on land, the walk around the shore gives you the same view with less effort.

Nelson Park is the other one for nature enthusiasts. Walking trails, fishing spots and picnic areas make a slow afternoon straightforward. In summer, the Splash Cove water park is the reason to bring children.

For something rougher, the Sand Creek Conservation Area. It runs to over 1,000 acres of forest, prairie and wetland, which is more space than most visitors expect to find here. Take one of the trails and the noise drops away.

Fairview Park finishes the list. Playgrounds, basketball courts and a disc golf course make it the family option. Nature lovers get a lake and enough wildlife around it to be worth watching.

Decatur looks after nature lovers better than the reputation of the region suggests. Pack the bags and the hiking boots.

For the Love of Animals

Animal lovers in Decatur, Illinois have real options. Furred or feathered, the choice is broader than expected.

Scovill Zoo comes first. The local zoo carries a broad set of animals, from cheetahs to penguins. Bandit the cat lives around the grounds and turns up when he feels like it. Take the train ride for the larger animals and the scenery.

For a more immersive animal experience, Sky Falconry in California. It is not in Decatur, obviously, and the trip earns the detour: you get close to birds of prey like falcons and hawks, hold them on your arm and watch them fly.

Back in Decatur, the Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum holds a collection of American-made Chevrolet cars. The connection to animals is the horsepower, which is the only pun this list will make.

For outdoor time with a dog, Point Mallard Park. The family-friendly park runs a water park, a golf course, hiking and biking trails and batting cages. It fills a day with a four-legged companion in tow.

A local zoo or something more unusual, Decatur covers both for animal lovers. Go and meet something.

Family Fun in Decatur

For a family destination in Illinois, Decatur holds up. Local or visitor, the activities and places here keep the whole family occupied.

The Children’s Museum of Illinois is the top family attraction in Decatur. The hands-on museum suits children of any age, with interactive exhibits that teach without announcing it. A mini-grocery store and a construction zone are among the rooms.

Scovill Zoo is the other family stop in Decatur. The zoo is small and it is well kept, holding giraffes, lions and monkeys. The carousel and a picnic in the park fill the rest of the visit.

For something more active, the Rock Springs Conservation Area and Nature Center. The park runs hiking trails and fishing, and the nature center covers the local flora and fauna.

Whatever the family is into, Decatur has it. Pack the car and take a weekend in this charming Illinois town.

A Shopaholic’s Paradise

Shoppers do surprisingly well in Decatur, Illinois. Antique shops, shopping malls and plain browsing are all covered.

For unusual finds, the antique booths at the Decatur Antique Mall. The stock runs from vintage clothing to antique furniture and it turns over constantly. What you leave with is rarely what you went in for.

For a shopping mall, Hickory Point Mall. Over 50 stores make an afternoon straightforward, and the mall’s theater covers the break when the walking runs out.

Downtown Decatur is the other half, carrying specialty shops across most tastes. The Blue Connection has the handmade gifts. Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Cafe has the trendy clothing.

For the most unusual shopping, the annual Arts in Central Park event. The outdoor festival brings local artists and vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry and a good deal else.

Grab the wallet and take an afternoon of shopping in Decatur, Illinois. It is better than the reputation.

Decatur is laid out around its lake. Lake Decatur runs along the south and east of the city, with Nelson Park and its Splash Cove on the shore. Downtown holds the Transfer House, the Avon Theater, the Madden Arts Center and the Decatur Civic Center within a walk, with the Millikin University campus and the Kirkland Fine Arts Center just west. Scovill Zoo and the Scovill Sculpture Park sit together on the lake side. Rock Springs Conservation Area is out west, and Hickory Point Mall is north. Most visitors do the zoo and never see downtown.

Decatur’s Culinary Delights

Decatur is not an obvious food town and the eating here is genuinely good. Classic American cooking and international flavors both hold ground.

Anyone who takes food seriously should time a visit around the annual Taste of History event. It celebrates the culinary history of Decatur and brings in the best local restaurants. BBQ through to sushi is on offer, with the sweet end covered as well.

Outside the event there is still plenty. Some of our favorites:

• The Beach House: This waterfront restaurant offers stunning views and fresh seafood. You can’t go wrong with their crab cakes or fish tacos.
• The Gin Mill: A local favorite, The Gin Mill serves up classic pub fare with a twist. Try their famous mac and cheese bites or the loaded tater tots.
• La Gondola Spaghetti House: For a taste of Italy, head to La Gondola. Their spaghetti and meatballs are a must-try, and don’t forget to finish off your meal with a slice of tiramisu.
• Krekel’s Custard: No trip to Decatur is complete without a stop at Krekel’s. This old-school custard stand has been serving up creamy treats since 1949. Try the classic vanilla or go for a flavor of the day.
• Lock Stock & Barrel: This upscale restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its farm-to-table menu. The bacon-wrapped dates and pork belly are fan favorites.

Casual or fancy, Decatur covers both. Grab a fork.

The Artistic Side of Decatur

Decatur is not the first place you would look for an arts scene, which is exactly why it is worth checking. There is more here than the cornfields and soybeans suggest.

The Kirkland Fine Arts Center comes first. The venue sits on the Millikin University campus and programmes live performances through the year, covering music, dance, theater and comedy. Millikin students appear on the bill regularly and they are worth catching.

For a museum, the Mueller Museum. It covers the history of the Mueller Company, a manufacturer of water distribution products, which sounds unpromising and is not. The exhibits on the history of water distribution and the vintage equipment are genuinely absorbing.

For traditional art, one of Decatur’s galleries. The Madden Arts Center and Blue Connection Gallery both show local artists. A painting, a sculpture or a piece of unusual jewelry are all realistic outcomes.

The Hieronymus Mueller Museum is the other one. It is related to the Mueller Museum and its subject is the man himself, the founder of the Mueller Company. The museum occupies his former home and covers his life and his work.

That is the artistic side of Decatur, and it is broader than the city gets credit for. Next time you want an afternoon out, skip the tractor pull and take one of these instead.

Events and Nightlife in Decatur

Decatur, Illinois looks like a quiet town and the events and nightlife say otherwise. A night out or an evening event are both easy to arrange here.

The Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker is the most popular event in Decatur. The annual performance runs at the Decatur Civic Center and tickets go at the box office or online. Book early; it sells out.

For a night out, Decatur has options. The University Club is the popular one, an upscale bar and restaurant in the heart of downtown with a long drinks list and a kitchen to match. The room is sophisticated without being stiff.

For something more relaxed, the Heroes section of Decatur. The bars and clubs there draw a younger crowd, covering live music, dancing and somewhere to sit with friends.

Whatever your idea of a good night, Decatur has it. Plan the evening or pick an event and go.

Outdoor Adventures in Decatur

Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to work with in Decatur. These are the activities worth planning around:

Hiking first. For a challenge, Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and Memorial. Over 162 acres of well-kept ground and well-maintained trails make it the serious walk here. Watch for squirrels and chipmunks crossing in front of you.

For points of interest, the Rock Springs Conservation Area. The park holds deer, foxes and coyotes among its wildlife. Walk around the lake or picnic with family and friends.

For time on the water, Lake Decatur. Rent a boat, a kayak or a paddleboard and spend the day on it. Bring sunscreen and a hat; there is no shade out there.

The Central Park Fountain is one of the most recognisable spots in Decatur, and on a hot day people get into it. Bring a swimsuit if you intend to. Be considerate of everyone else using it.

Scovill Zoo finishes the outdoor list. The family-friendly zoo holds lions, tigers and bears, and the petting zoo lets you feed the goats and sheep.

Those are the best outdoor adventures in Decatur. Get out and work through them.

Decatur Online

Decatur has a decent set of online resources for planning a trip. They are worth using before you arrive rather than after.

First up, the official Decatur Convention & Visitors Bureau website (https://www.decaturcvb.org/) is a great place to start. Here, you’ll find information on local attractions, events, and accommodations. You can also request a visitor’s guide, which is a handy tool to have on hand during your stay. Plus, their website is mobile-friendly, so you can easily access it on the go.

If you’re looking for reviews on local businesses, TripAdvisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g35883-Activities-Decatur_Illinois.html) is a great resource. You can read reviews and see photos from other travelers to get an idea of what to expect. Plus, you can leave your own review after your visit to help other travelers out.

Many Decatur businesses run active Facebook pages. Following the attractions and restaurants you care about keeps you current on their news and events, and a deal turns up now and then.

For anything else during the visit, Decatur’s customer service team will answer. They exist to make the trip work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the wildest thing to do in Decatur, IL?

For the wildest afternoon here, Scovill Zoo. You get close to everything from lions to llamas. The zipline over the zoo is the part that earns the word wild.

What are some hidden gems in Decatur, IL?

Decatur has several places most visitors walk past. The Hieronymus Mueller Museum is the first, covering the history of the city’s most famous manufacturer. The Rock Springs Conservation Area is the other, and the scenery there is the reason to make the drive.

Can you recommend any quirky activities in Decatur, IL?

For something offbeat, the Escape Decatur room. You and your friends get locked in and have to solve the puzzles to get out. The Avon Theater is the other one, a historic movie theater still showing classic films.

What’s the most Instagram-worthy spot in Decatur, IL?

For the Instagram shot, the Millikin Homestead. The Victorian mansion sits in heavy gardens and gives you the backdrop without any effort. The Scovill Sculpture Park is the other option, with colorful sculptures you will not see elsewhere.

Where can I find the best local cuisine in Decatur, IL?

For local cooking, the Beach House. The waterfront restaurant serves fresh seafood alongside a broader menu. For barbecue, Lock, Stock, and Barrel is the one to book.

What’s the most interesting historical fact about Decatur, IL?

Decatur was once home to the largest manufacturer of fire hydrants in the world. The Mueller Company produced over 70% of the fire hydrants in the United States at one point. Few towns can claim a statistic like that.

Frequently asked questions about Decatur, Illinois

What can you see at Scovill Zoo in Decatur?

Lions, cheetahs, penguins, giraffes and monkeys, on a site small enough to do properly in an afternoon. Take the train ride for the larger animals and the carousel if you have children. The zipline over the zoo is the reason to pick it over Rock Springs if you want the day to have a jolt in it.

Which park is best for hiking in Decatur, Illinois?

Rock Springs Conservation Area, which has the trails, the fishing ponds, the nature center and a zipline course of its own. Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and Memorial is the alternative, with over 162 acres and a harder walk. Sand Creek Conservation Area wins if you want distance, running to over 1,000 acres of forest, prairie and wetland.

What can you do on Lake Decatur?

Rent a boat, a kayak or a paddleboard and take the water, or walk the shore if you would rather stay dry. Nelson Park is the place to base yourself, with walking trails, fishing spots and picnic areas, plus the Splash Cove water park through the summer months. Bring sunscreen. There is no shade out there.

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