From Abraham Lincoln sites to public art and downtown shopping, Decatur, Illinois, offers all the components for memorable tours.
“Centrally located in the heart of Illinois, the City of Decatur is a jewel of a community nestled alongside 32 miles of scenic Lake Decatur shoreline,” said Teri Hammel, executive director at the Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “With a rich history, vibrant downtown, fun attractions and diverse dining options, there is truly something for everyone. The Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau invites you to visit our beautiful area and stands ready to help you make the most of your time here.”
The bureau shared these itinerary planning ideas and can help tour operators put together an itinerary.
Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Head to the Staley Museum. The museum preserves the history of the A.E. Staley family, the Staley Historic Home and the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Co., a processor of corn and soybeans. A little-known fact is that Decatur was the original home of the Chicago Bears. Learn about the company’s connection to the pro football team.
Visit the 9/11 Memorial at Lake Decatur. H-81, a 13½-foot I-beam from the fallen World Trade Center, has been incorporated into the memorial on the shore of Lake Decatur. Thanks to contributions of members of the Decatur community, funds were raised to build the memorial. The Decatur 9/11 Memorial was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2017.
The Decatur Mural Project was established in 2012 to create partnerships with artists, property owners, the city, local volunteers and sponsors or funding agencies to create murals for the beautification of local buildings. The murals are also intended to showcase the creative abilities of local artists. Numerous murals can be seen in the area.
Downtown Decatur’s Merchant Street is home to locally owned shops and restaurants. Stores on Main, Prairie and Water streets carry everything from apparel and home décor to gourmet novelties and toys. West Main Village offers more specialty shops for browsing. A free trolley circles downtown every 15 minutes.