Skip to main content

Search the middle of everything...

Shedd Aquarium
A lake

Lake Hop Adventure in Decatur Area

From Local Experts

3 Days 82 Miles

Highlights

Decatur, Shelbyville

from the local experts at Shelby County Office of Tourism & Decatur Area Convention and Visitor Bureaus

Double your fun when you escape to Lake Decatur and Lake Shelbyville - hike, bike, boat, fish, swim, and so much more.

Four breweries, three wineries, a brandy distillery, along with area attractions and restaurants are also here for you to enjoy, or just a great lake view with a picnic!

Day 1:

Decatur

  • A car museum

Enjoy a day of checking out amazing Chevys, both old and new at the Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum. After that quench your thirst and your taste buds with a stop at one of our three breweries, Decatur Brew-works, Door 4 Brewing or Golden Fox Brewing. A couple of the breweries have on site food trucks and the other has multiple dinner options within walking distance!

Stay:

Dining:

Day 2:

Decatur

Gear up for a day of fishing on beautiful Lake Decatur, with 32 miles of shoreline. While down at the lakefront be sure to check out our 9/11 memorial made with an actual piece from the 9/11 disaster. Finish with a hearty dinner downtown at Doherty's. Choose from options such as authentic Shepherd's pie and/or Corned Beef & Cabbage or a delish burger!

Day 3:

Shelbyville

  • Bikes and lake

As you make your way to Shelbyville, enjoy a stop at Willow Ridge, an award winning winery in a picturesque centennial farm setting, one of three wineries in Shelby County. Keep your camera handy -- you might catch an eagle soaring, wildlife surprises and other scenic treats (stunning sunsets) at Lake Shelbyville! 65 miles of trails to hike or bike, and three marinas offer rentals of kayaks, fishing, pontoon and houseboats. Longbranch Grill, located on Main Street, is the perfect lunch or dinner stop, with a full menu and bar service. While downtown, stroll our shops and maybe enjoy a four buck movie at the restored Boarman's Roxy Theater or perhaps relax lakeside and snap that amazing sunset! 

Stay:

Other nearby attractions:

Back to Road Trip Itineraries

More recommendations

Where to next?

  • Adventure in the Fox River Valley

    On the western outskirts of Chicago, between the cities of Elgin and Aurora, is a scenic stretch of Fox River that might be one of the best-kept secrets in Illinois. Read more about Adventure in the Fox River Valley
  • Family Fun Never Stops in the Rockford Region

    If you’re looking for a family trip experience filled with just the right amount of adventure, thrill, learning and all-around fun, then you’ve come to the right place. The Rockford... Read more about Family Fun Never Stops in the Rockford Region
  • Explore Chicago's North Shore

    Bordering downtown Chicago along Lake Michigan, Chicago’s North Shore offers green space and pristine shorelines chock full of activities for couples, families and friends looking for a quick drive-in getaway. Read more about Explore Chicago's North Shore
  • Kankakee County and the Great Outdoors!

    Whether your trip includes hiking, biking or horseback riding your way through the Kankakee River State Park, a kayak trip with friends or a deep sea (scuba) dive, you're sure... Read more about Kankakee County and the Great Outdoors!
  • Monster Mash, Illinois

    Twists and turns, screams and shrieks. Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America serves up hair-raising scares and ghoulish fun this fall. Read more about Monster Mash, Illinois

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.