Decatur is a laidback, serene place to visit, where its namesake lake sets the pace for everything.
You'll see sailboats drifting past, families cycling shoreline paths, and in the summer months, concerts at a lakeshore amphitheater. The zoo and children's museum sit right near the water, making family day itineraries a breeze to plan.
Downtown, bright murals adorn brick walls, and university students perform jazz and theater. Everything feels unhurried here, from the thin-patty burgers at old-school eateries, to afternoons spent fishing off the pier. This is a place to truly relax.
Attractions and Activities in Decatur
Relax and enjoy
Lake Decatur is a big drawcard here. It's perfect for sailing, paddling, or shoreline strolls. But on land there are plenty of things to do, too. Scovill Zoo puts you close to red pandas and penguins, and next door, the Children's Museum offers plenty of fun with its hands-on exhibits. Rock Springs offers miles of prairie paths and woodland trails. Downtown, the murals brighten the walks between galleries and shops.
Meet animals from around the world
Scovill Zoo Scovill Zoo
Sail, fish, or relax by the water
Lake Decatur Lake Decatur
Enjoy an outdoor performance
The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater
Meet a local unsung hero
Hieronymus Mueller Museum Hieronymus Mueller Museum
Play, climb, and create together
Children's Museum of Illinois Children's Museum of Illinois
Hike, bike, or birdwatch the prairie
Rock Springs Nature Center Rock Springs Nature Center
Admire the Chevys
Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum
Catch a show
Kirkland Fine Arts Center Kirkland Fine Arts Center
Where to Eat and Drink in Decatur
Simple food done right
You'll taste Decatur's straightforward excellence pretty much anywhere you go. Krekel's perfects the art of thin-patty burgers, smashed on the griddle since forever. Corey McKane's serves honest comfort food, and The Gin Mill elevates dinner with creative small plates and craft cocktails. TapRoot pairs local beers with solid pub favorites, and Decatur Brew Works fills growlers for perfect lake days.
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Mi Pueblito
Mexican food at it's finest! Read more about Mi Pueblito -
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The Wharf - Decatur
Family friendly restaurant offering a "neighborhood favorite" atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner Monday thru Saturday and brunch on Sundays! Read more about The Wharf - Decatur -
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Donnie's Homespun
Locally owned pizza restaurant, bar and music venue. We specialize in traditional Italian pizza, but also serve fresh and worldly brick oven sandwiches and pita wraps.… Read more about Donnie's Homespun -
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The Beach House
Guest house located in the heart of Grafton 1 block from wineries, restaurants and more! Read more about The Beach House -
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Decatur Brew Works
Decatur Brew Works is the first brewery in Decatur, IL in nearly 100 years. With a passion to bring hand crafted beer to the Central Illinois,… Read more about Decatur Brew Works -
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Krekels Custard
Enjoying great food without a long wait doesn’t mean your meal has to be cooked before you order it. From sandwiches to sundaes, Krekel's makes your… Read more about Krekels Custard -
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Downtown Cafe
Come and enjoy the best breakfast and our friendly staff. We serve breakfast all day, have daily homemade pies, soups, salads, sandwiches and specials! Read more about Downtown Cafe -
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TapRoot Restaurant
Fresh, contemporary comfort food, prepared to perfection! Read more about TapRoot Restaurant -
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Sloan's Calzones
Campus town Pizzeria @ LSB - Sloan's Calzones Read more about Sloan's Calzones -
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La Gondola Spaghetti House
Experience home-style Italian food in a casual dining atmosphere. For over 30 years, our mission has been to serve you excellent food, fast, and at an… Read more about La Gondola Spaghetti House -
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Lock Stock & Barrel
Located near Millikin University, Lock, Stock, and Barrel is famous for homemade soups, daily salad bar, and solid beer selection Read more about Lock Stock & Barrel -
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The Gin Mill
Whether joining us for lunch or dinner, our signature dishes and new creations are sure to provide you with a culinary experience to remember Read more about The Gin Mill -
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Black Iron Coffee Company
Black Iron Coffee Company is proudly owned and operated by Jason and Dani Feller of Mt. Zion, IL. Read more about Black Iron Coffee Company -
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Coney McKane's
Coney McKane's is a family owned and operated business since 1997. Flo, lovingly known as Grandma Flo, and her staff create delicious meal selections and made… Read more about Coney McKane's