Are you looking for fun things to do in Decatur, IL? The city of Decatur offers plenty of opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore! From outdoor activities to indoor attractions, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your time here. From the Millikin Place and Hieronymus Mueller Museum to the Scovill Zoo and Children’s Museum of Illinois, there’s something for everyone.
Millikin Place
Millikin Place is one of the most popular attractions in Decatur. This historic district is home to many shops and restaurants, and it hosts festivals throughout the year. Millikin Place is also home to one of the oldest buildings in town, the Brewery Loft. This former brewery building was constructed during the turn of the century and it now serves as a hotel and event center. Visitors can explore nearby amenities like Millikin Terrace Park, which offers picnic tables and a walking trail along with incredible views of Macon County Courthouse Square.
Hieronymus Mueller Museum
The Hieronymus Mueller Museum was established by local businessman Hieronymus Mueller in 1921 as an art gallery featuring paintings from around the world. The museum also houses collections from ancient cultures such as Egypt [1] and Assyria as well as artifacts from more recent history such as Native American pottery and weapons from both World Wars I and II. The museum offers free admission for students on Tuesdays during school hours which makes it an ideal stop for those planning educational or cultural field trips in the area!
The Hieronymus Mueller Museum is another great place to visit while in Decatur. This museum focuses on local history and features artifacts from Decatur’s past as well as interactive displays that allow visitors to learn more about the city’s history. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year such as lectures or workshops on topics related to local history.
Scovill Zoo
The Scovill Zoo is a great place for families with children in tow. There are over 150 animals from all over the world including tigers, giraffes, sea lions and monkeys just waiting for you to discover them! In addition to visiting the animals, there are plenty of educational programs offered at the zoo such as animal encounters and hands-on activities for kids.
Children’s Museum of Illinois
The Children’s Museum of Illinois offers plenty of fun activities for families with young children including obstacle courses, computer games, art projects, and much more! There are even interactive play areas featuring hands-on exhibits based on popular children’s books like “The Cat In The Hat.” Additionally, visitors can enjoy special events hosted by museum staff such as storytelling sessions or presentations about animals native to Illinois!
For those looking for a bit more culture during their visit The Children’s Museum of Illinois is just what you need! It’s designed specifically with children in mind with interactive exhibits that focus on science, art and engineering concepts that teach kids various skills while having fun at the same time. There are also special events held here throughout the year like themed days or story times that make learning even more exciting!
Nelson Park
Nelson Park is located on four acres near downtown Decatur alongside Lake Nelson. This picturesque park offers spectacular views across both Lake Nelson and Lake Mary Jo along with lots of recreational activities like fishing or canoeing/kayaking rentals from nearby stores making it the ideal day out whether you’re looking for some serious R&R or want a fun day out with friends!
Nelson Park is another popular destination in Decatur where visitors can get some fresh air while enjoying some great scenery! This park offers plenty of biking trails along with picnic areas and playgrounds so everyone can have some fun outdoors without traveling too far from home.
Rock Springs Conservation Area
Rock Springs Conservation Area provides pristine habitats ideal for birdwatching with over 100 species recorded in its nature trails alone! Visitors can explore two miles worth of trails surrounding Rock Springs Creek which is one of only five spring-fed streams still flowing in Macon County today. The conservation area also features picnic shelters along with plenty of other recreational activities making it the perfect spot if you want some time away from city life while still taking advantage of the natural beauty found just outside your doorstep.
Rock Springs Conservation Area is an ideal spot for those who love nature! Located on Lake Decatur this area has plenty of trails perfect for hiking or biking around picturesque views like cliffsides or wooded areas full of wildlife waiting to be explored.
Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion
The Governor Richard J Oglesby Mansion is a National Historic Landmark located in Decatur IL built circa 1875 by then-governor Richard J Oglesby along with his wife Harriet (Hattie). This historic site remains mostly unchanged since its completion over 125 years ago offering visitors a rare glimpse into past lifestyles held by elites during 19th century Midwest America complete with breathtaking architecture which emphasizes grandiose characteristics found only within Victorian homes at the time period.
The Oglesby Mansion is something not many people know about but should definitely check out when visiting Decatur! This historic home is open by appointment showcasing furniture from his home along with other antiques from his lifetime giving visitors an up close look at life back then!
Kirkland Fine Arts Center
Kirkland Fine Arts Center was founded in 1963 to provide outstanding educational opportunities within performing arts fields community-wide while introducing locals long-standing tradition of classical music dating back centuries prior. Today still serves purposes detailing countless events featuring various symphonies accompanied by live theatrical pieces throughout the year culminating annual holiday performance. of An Old English Christmas Carol typically held on December 9th concluding the season before recommencing the following September make sure to check schedule upcoming shows near you before even considering missing out.
Kirkland Fine Arts Center provides entertainment through music concerts or theatre performances held throughout the year showcasing talent from both local artists or famous names alike making it a great spot if you’re looking for something different during your stay.
Wabash Depot Antique Centre
Wabash Depot Antique Centre opened in 1947 providing shoppers picturesque setting surrounded by gorgeous antique furniture artwork jewelry glassware all prices keeping in mind special occasions both within the store through mail order services operating with 24-hour turnaround rate to satisfy customers looking grab sometimes rare items themselves family member friend make sure pass visit great!
Wabash Depot Antique Centre brings together many antique dealers under one roof offering an array of collectibles ranging from furniture pieces vintage toys artwork porcelain dishes coins jewelry clothing among many other items sure to please any collector.
Old Book Barn
Old Book Barn lets you explore books from many eras whether it’s classic literature reference material textbooks magazines comics etc plus they offer great deals on books so it’s definitely worth checking out.
Chevrolet Hall Of Fame Museum
Chevrolet Hall Of Fame Museum gives car lovers something special with its collection featuring over 20 classic cars ranging from hot rods muscle cars imports luxury vehicles etc plus they offer tours so you can really get up close.
Decatur District Trails
Decatur District Trails provide scenic routes perfect for leisurely strolls around town taking in all attractions & sites like nearby parks & historical buildings making it easy & convenient way exploring everything this city has offer.
Overlook Adventure Park
Overlook Adventure Park presents an exciting challenge anyone seeking thrill adventure featuring zip lines rope courses climbing walls & more perfect way getting adrenaline rush while admiring views this lush green area surrounding park.
Connie’s Country Greenhouse
Connie’s Country Greenhouse provides gardeners & plant enthusiasts unique experience offering variety rare plants decorative items gardening supplies etc perfect way sprucing up your outdoor space help bring touch nature closer home.
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides opportunity fishing boating camping hiking swimming kayaking picnicking etc ideal location anyone wanting spend little quality time outdoors appreciate natural beauty Illinois’ countryside.
Sand Creek Conservation Area
Sand Creek Conservation Area is located just northwest Decatur home sprawling wetlands acres of woodlands preserving abundant wildlife offering great escape city chaos making the perfect place for summer camping weekend escape maybe a morning hike sunset horseback ride just enjoy the peaceful ambiance provided location.
Conclusion
There’s so much to see and experience when visiting Decatur IL—these are just a few highlights that demonstrate why this city is so special! Take your time exploring these sites so that you don’t miss anything—and be sure to bring your camera because this town has many photo ops waiting just around every corner!
Whether you’re looking some outdoor adventure checking out historical sites indulging shopping spree just getting away it all these places will surely give something everyone enjoy when visiting Decatur IL.
