Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Decatur, Illinois

Founded in the early 19th century, Decatur is a university city situated in Central Illinois, rich in historical significance and beautifully located on Lake Decatur.

Decatur served as Abraham Lincoln’s initial residence in Illinois and was the host of the Illinois Republican Convention in 1860.

For those following the Lincoln trail, the residence of Union Army Major General and Governor Richard Oglesby, who was with Lincoln during his final moments, is a noteworthy stop.

Millikin University, established in 1901, is located in Decatur, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape with a remarkable performing arts center.

Although Decatur may not draw large crowds of tourists, there are numerous appealing aspects of the city, particularly along the lush waterfront of Lake Decatur, which is home to various parks and attractions.

1. Millikin Place

One of the most exquisite and architecturally significant residential collections in Illinois resides merely a few blocks west of downtown Decatur.

This area is known as Millikin Place, named after prominent banker James Millikin (1827-1909), who established Decatur’s eponymous museum.

Millikin Place is open to the public, featuring the renowned Irving Residence (1911), a Prairie Style dwelling designed by Frank Lloyd Wright at #2.

Additionally, it encompasses the Robert Mueller Residence at #1 and the Adolph Mueller Residence at #4, designed by Wright’s apprentices, Hermann V. Holst and Marion Mahony, respectively.

To the south on W. Main St is The Homestead, an opulent Italianate mansion commissioned by Millikin in the mid-1870s, and reputed to be one of the first buildings in the city to incorporate indoor plumbing.

2. Scovill Zoo

Scovill Gardens, located on the tranquil east shore of Lake Decatur, is home to this well-regarded zoo, which houses nearly 100 distinct animal species from six continents.

Designed to withstand the challenges of the Illinois climate, Scovill Zoo offers ample indoor space during the winter months, while utilizing fans, pools, and frozen treats to keep animals comfortable during summer heat.

A brief overview of the resident animals includes spider monkeys, tamarins, cheetahs, capybaras, zebras, llamas, emus, Humboldt penguins, golden pheasants, pythons, Galapagos tortoises, monitors, and American alligators.

A narrow-gauge train travels through the zoo, complementing the various amenities, which include a whimsical carousel, a sizable playground, and a gift shop.

3. Children’s Museum of Illinois

Also located within Scovill Gardens is a nationally acclaimed children’s attraction designed to foster open-ended problem-solving and exploration.

Most exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Illinois replicate familiar real-world environments to stimulate critical thinking and promote healthy choices.

Highlighted sections include Seed to Shelf, which educates about food origins; Super Service Center, a simulated car repair shop; Healthy Mouth, demonstrating effective tooth brushing habits; and Ready. Set. Build!, a safe construction site and workshop.

This is merely the beginning, as Heroes Hall engages children with law enforcement information and offers the opportunity to sit in a Sheriff’s helicopter stationed outside.

4. Nelson Park

The centerpiece of the Decatur Park District is this picturesque lakeside park, making Nelson Park the city’s most frequented public area, complete with a dog park, a disc golf course, and a waterfront trail equipped with fitness stations.

A significant summer attraction is the Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater, which accommodates 3,200 people and hosts concerts and festivals, in addition to being a hub for road races and Decatur’s Fourth of July celebrations.

Moreover, Nelson Park is integral to Lakeshore Landing, an ongoing initiative to transform Decatur’s scenic waterfront into a desirable destination for recreation, dining, and shopping.

5. Rock Springs Conservation Area

Decatur is fortunate to have a nature-rich park situated on its southwestern outskirts. This area features sandstone bluffs lining the southern bank of the Sangamon River.

These bluffs are the source of Rock Spring, historically a gathering place for Native Americans.

In the early 20th century, a bottled spring water facility operated here, and today, the 1,300-acre area includes a blend of woodland and restored tallgrass prairie.

The park features nine miles of trails, which remain open in winter for cross-country skiing (equipment rentals are available).

The Nature Center within the park hosts art and natural history exhibits, as well as organized educational programs that are enjoyable for the entire family.

6. Kirkland Fine Arts Center

Millikin University has facilitated an orchestra since 1914, with its hub situated in this impressive complex on campus.

The center, inaugurated in 1970, boasts a 1,903-seat auditorium, showcasing the finest cultural offerings in the Decatur area.

In addition to regular performances and collaborations with the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra (conducted from September to April), attendees can enjoy touring Broadway productions and live performances by renowned artists.

Over the past 50 years, notable performers such as Ray Charles, Little Richard, Vicki Lawrence, and Duke Ellington have graced this stage.

The Kirkland Fine Arts Center comprises not only the main auditorium but also a variety of supplementary halls and rooms for choral performances, lectures, music recitals, and art exhibitions.

7. Oglesby Mansion

During the latter half of the 19th century, Richard J. Oglesby (1824-1899) was the most distinguished individual in Decatur.

He served as the Governor of Illinois from 1865 to 1869, having earned distinction during the Civil War, rising from colonel to major general by 1863.

Oglesby was present at Petersen House when Abraham Lincoln succumbed to his injuries on April 15, 1865. In Decatur, visitors can explore the restored Italianate residence where Oglesby lived with his wife Emma from 1874 to 1882.

Many original features remain intact, including the fire mantels, and the home is meticulously furnished with period-specific furniture, wallpaper, and artifacts sourced from Oglesby’s descendants.

The library is a standout feature, showcasing original walnut shelving that still holds books from Oglesby’s personal collection.

8. Wabash Depot Antique Centre

Demonstrating Decatur’s prominence as a vital railway junction, the Wabash Depot is an impressive historical structure. Built in 1901 in the Classical Revival style, characterized by quoins and pediments, it spans an expansive 10,000 square feet.

This landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been transformed into a multi-dealer antique center, inviting visitors to explore its extensive offerings.

Allocate ample time to meander through this treasure trove of curiosities, showcasing art, furniture, figurines, light fixtures, dolls, toys, historical advertisements, prints, china, clocks, records, seasonal decor, and vintage vehicle accessories among many other items.

9. Hieronymus Mueller Museum

One significant figure in Decatur’s 19th-century history is inventor and entrepreneur Hieronymus Mueller (1832-1900).

A German immigrant who accrued more than 500 patents, Mueller initially opened a gun and machine repair shop in the city in 1857.

This venture evolved into Mueller Co., transitioning from firearms to plumbing products, and the company remains a leader in pressure valves and fire hydrants. While Mueller Co. has its headquarters in Tennessee, it operates a manufacturing facility in Decatur.

Visitors can explore the museum dedicated to this founder, chronicling his career and numerous innovations.

The collection features many rare and significant artifacts, including the seventh of only eight automobiles ever crafted by the company.

10. Old Book Barn

A brief ten-minute drive north of downtown Decatur leads to the quaint village of Forsyth. The main attraction is the Old Book Barn, a vast bookstore occupying an entire 14,000-square-foot warehouse.

The Old Book Barn is a haven for book lovers, boasting an inventory of over 250,000 books, both new and used, encompassing hardback and paperback formats, all meticulously cataloged.

Here, one can discover bestsellers, cookbooks, biographies, historical texts, children’s literature, antique Victorian books, and much more.

The amicable staff is available to assist visitors in navigating the extensive collection, which could take days to fully explore. Occasionally, one might encounter one of the charming cats resting among the shelves.

11. Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum

Adjacent to the airport, this museum, established in 2009, offers an exhaustive retrospective of a legendary automobile brand.

Covering a century of history, the Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum showcases some of the finest models ever produced in Detroit.

Exhibits feature numerous rare Corvettes and Corvairs in pristine condition, as well as a select collection of race cars and Indy 500 pace cars.

Complementing this, there is one of the largest collections of Chevrolet memorabilia in the nation, displayed on walls and in cases throughout the museum.

12. Decatur District Trails

Located west of Main Street, prospective adventurers can easily embark on foot or by bicycle. Here, the Decatur Park District has established a network of interconnected trails weaving through the city, partially utilizing a former railroad right-of-way.

The system commences in the north at Greendell Park, from which visitors can access the picturesque Stevens Creek Trail measuring 1.45 miles in length.

The trail continues further south into Fairview Park, allowing for excursions east into the park, south to Kiwanis Park, or southwest along the Sangamon River into the Rock Springs Conservation Area.

13. Overlook Adventure Park

This delightful family-friendly venue is situated at the northern end of Nelson Park, adjacent to the splash pad.

Within the natural contours of the park, visitors will find two charming mini-golf courses. Each course is connected by a concrete pathway that leads through beautifully tended flower beds and shrubs.

Additionally, Overlook Adventure Park features a ropes course with challenging yet enjoyable transitions on a purpose-built structure, along with batting cages. Food vendors are also available for patrons looking for a tasty treat.

14. Connie’s Country Greenhouse

Slightly farther afield, in the village of Latham, lies a family-owned garden center boasting the largest variety of plants in Central Illinois.

Originating in 1998 as a modest establishment, Connie’s Country Greenhouse has expanded to cover 15 acres.

The center sells an impressive selection of annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, herbs, and gardening supplies.

Moreover, the center cultivates produce such as asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, and watermelons, available for purchase at the store or through U-Pick options. It is advisable to check the website beforehand to ascertain seasonal availability.

15. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

Located no more than thirty minutes north, this area offers a comprehensive range of outdoor recreational activities in a picturesque setting.

Created in the 1970s to provide cooling water for a power plant, Clinton Lake is expansive, winding along Salt Creek for several miles and spanning nearly 5,000 acres.

The state recreation area encompasses much of the shoreline and offers swimming, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, hunting, and boating opportunities.

The beach, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, features over 1,000 feet of pristine white sand.

Anglers can find a plethora of bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and walleye in the lake. Additionally, the park attracts over 40 bird species, including ospreys, which can be observed diving into the water while hunting.