Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tucked into the heart of Macon County, Decatur and neighboring Forsyth sum themselves up in five words: "One Big, Small Town." It's a fitting tag for a central Illinois community that pairs a walkable downtown with the kind of hospitality that only comes from a place that still knows its neighbors.

History Worth Walking Through

Decatur's downtown streets carry real historical weight, including sites tied to Abraham Lincoln's years in Illinois and an African American Heritage Trail honoring the contributions of Black residents throughout the city's history. Between stops, visitors can browse locally owned shops, sit down for a downtown meal, wander museums and art galleries, or dig through antique centers for a one-of-a-kind find.

Lake Decatur and the Great Outdoors

Outdoor lovers have plenty of room to roam. Rock Springs draws birders hoping to spot native and migratory species, while several golf courses give visitors a reason to pack their clubs. The centerpiece, though, is Lake Decatur: more than 30 miles of shoreline lined with public parks, boat access points, and waterfront trails, plus an outdoor amphitheater that hosts live shows right along the water.

Entertainment for Every Visit

Catch the Decatur Bears on the diamond or the Decatur Blaze on the ice, take in a Decatur Municipal Band concert, or check the calendar at Lincoln Square Theatre, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, or the Decatur Civic Center. The bureau itself is IDA Certified, one of only 37 Illinois visitor bureaus to earn that state distinction.

Reach the Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm, at (217) 423-7000, or plan a trip at decaturcvb.com.