Location: Decatur
Top Things to do in Decatur
What to do and see in Decatur, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Decatur /dəˈkeɪtər/ is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city was founded in 1829 and is along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. In 2016, the city's estimated population was 72,706.
Restaurants in Decatur
1. Scovill Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By 102Angela - Columbus, Georgia
My family held my father's 80th birthday party here at Scovill Zoo's educational building. They catered the affair as well and the food was surprisingly good. My step mom did pay for a childrens menu selections in addition to the regular menu items, and they neglected to serve any of the children's menu items. It was disappointing, but other than that, it was a very nice event.
2. Rock Springs Conservation Area & Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Linda S - Decatur, Illinois
I went to Rock Springs hummingbird festival to see the banding of humming birds and learn more about them. It was fantastic. I watched them catch the bird, band it and take measurements. I have a certificate with the band number and if this bird is caught again, I will receive a letter stating when and where it was. After the banding I was able to hold the bird in my hand and release it. Great experience!
3. Children's Museum of Illinois
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Sarah3M - Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
This is a great interactive place for kids of all ages. Admission is $6ish for adults and under 2 gets in free. There are two floors and several exhibits on each.
The grocery store section couples nicely with the farming section, showing how the food makes the journey from the farm to your home. Plus the tiny, real shopping carts are so much fun for tiny humans.
Upstairs there are exhibits about health, hospitals, airplanes, construction, etc. There's creative areas where kids can sit and draw or paint. And there's a maker space with varying activities for an additional charge (I think just $1).
Some of the "costumes" were worn threadbare or could use improvements. The pilots jacket is definitely sized for an adult man, not a tiny toddler. Although it was comical trying to get him to wear it...
TL:DR The zoo is half a block away. Pack a picnic lunch and do both in the same day. It's a great little Saturday.
4. Wabash Depot Antique Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By rob62521 - Illinois
If you want to walk back in time, Wabash Depot is a great place to do it. Lots of vendors with a variety of items to peruse. Some are true antiques while others are vintage and collectible, all housed in what was formerly Decatur's Wabash Railroad Depot which has been restored. Prices are usually reasonable for most of the items.
5. Hieronymus Mueller Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By PROF_CONSULTANT - Chicagoland
This is a museum focused on all the patents received by Hieronymus Mueller who came here as a gunsmith, but wound up as an important engineer on water mains, water valves and hydrants. A great little museum to go to for understanding the water infrastructure of this country.
He also was one of the first people to buy a Mercedes. He improved it by putting on a reverse gear. Just one of the innovations by this person who built Decatur and its industrial base.
A great place to take kids to expand their knowledge of history as well as engineering. Adults can learn a lot as well.
6. Sand Creek Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By MNM1011 - Decatur, Illinois
There are lots of nice trails here, both for hikers and equestrians. There are also several geocaches here to help keep things interesting. We really like all the Macon County Conservation areas.
7. Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Kay M - Augusta, GA
We were looking for things to do around Springfield, IL, and Decatur is about 45 minutes away. We had read about this museum so drove out to see it. It did not disappoint. It is full of one man's hobby of collecting Chevrolet memorabilia over many years as well as several vintage Corvettes. Especially if you like cars, this is a must see. My husband was disappointed in the entry fee being so high, but that's the way things are these days. It was worth it in the end.
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