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Decatur Vacations, Tours and Decatur Travel Packages

Decatur, Illinois and Forsyth , Illinois are in the Heart of Illinois and the ideal hub from which to explore all of central Illinois – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield to the west; Illinois Amish Country to the east; dozens of other Abraham Lincoln historic sites within a 360-degree radius. Following the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Trail, the sites of the Lincoln Family's first Illinois home, Abraham Lincoln's first political speech, the site where Lincoln was nominated to run for President of the United States, the log courthouse where Abraham Lincoln tried several cases and other landmarks will be found in Decatur, Illinois.

The Decatur/Forsyth area offers a wonderful cultural tourism experience as well: quaint shops in a charming historic downtown business district, galleries exhibiting all mediums of art and a wide variety of unique, quality restaurants. Over 300 events and festivals take place in our area each year encompassing arts, crafts, music, dance, fun fairs, sports and just about anything else you can think of.

Take a walk on the wild side at Decatur’s Scovill Zoo, on the banks of scenic Lake Decatur. Scovill is an AZA-accredited zoo. The zoo has more than 100 species of animals, birds and reptiles. Be sure to check out the North American Timberwolves, the South African Cheetahs and the Bactrian Camels.

Lake Decatur

Spend a sunny day or two, or a whole summer, enjoying Lake Decatur. With residences, 2,000 acres of unspoiled land, parks and wildlife vistas surrounding the lake, the scenery’s grand, too.

Fishing, water sports, sailing and recreational boating opportunities abound on Lake Decatur. Use the courtesy docks at Nelson Park Marina to take a break and grab a bite to eat at one of two lakeside restaurants, replenish boat fuel or your bait box, enjoy the park for awhile and then hit the water again!

For watercraft licensing requirements, contact the City of Decatur Lake Management Office at Nelson Park Marina, 217-424-2837.

Decatur also offers opportunities for anglers to participate in fishing tournaments. See our Sports and Events page or check the Sports Calendar for scheduled tournaments and registration information. Fishermen are required to have a valid State of Illinois fishing license. Visitors can obtain written bag and size limits and restrictions from the Lake Management Office, in addition to maps of the lake.

Families looking for additional lakeside fun will find a miniature golf course and batting cages adjacent to the Marina area at Nelson Park near the Lake Management Office. 

Biking & Hiking Trails

Walk or ride on the wild side. Our network of easily accessible nature trails will take you miles from streets and traffic to tranquil areas of natural flora and fauna.

Fairview-Kiwanis-Rock Springs Bikeway

This bikeway connects three area parks with a 3.2 mile, 10-foot wide, handicapped accessible trail for hikers and bicyclers alike. Take a snack or picnic basket along to enjoy the designated picnic areas along the trail. Call 217-422-5911 or 217-423-7708 for additional information.

Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.experiencedecatur.com

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