Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Decatur, IL Area Attractions

Scovill Zoo

www.decatur-parks.org/zoo

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. Other features and activities at Scovill Zoo include:

Endangered Species Carousel

Take a spin on Scovill Zoo’s Endangered Species Carousel. The carousel, specially designed for Scovill Zoo, is unique to Central Illinois. It features 30 colorful, hand-carved wooden animals, representing protected and endangered species from across the globe.

The ride is ADA accessible. Two chariots on the carousel can accommodate wheelchairs.

Z. O. & O. Express

One of Scovill Zoo's most popular attractions, the Z. O. & O. Express has transported tens of thousands of visitors each year. Added to the zoo in 1984, the train is a scaled replica of an 1863 C.P. Huntington Steam Train. C.P. Huntington, a California merchant in the 1800s, built and operated the Central Pacific Railroad.

The Z. O. & O. Express is ADA accessible. Passengers in wheelchairs have an accessible ramp with an area that locks in the wheelchair.

Project Playground

This state-of-the-art play area is a marvel in engineering and kids of all ages enjoy climbing, swinging and balancing throughout the labyrinth.

Zoo Hours

Spring Hours (April 10 – May 22)
 
Monday-Friday

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday

10:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Summer Hours (May 23-August 16)
 
Open Daily

10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Fall Hours (August 17 – October 12)
 
Monday-Friday

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday

10:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m

 

 

The Children's Museum of Illinois

55 S Country Club Road
(217) 423-5437
www.cmofil.com

The Children's Museum of Illinois invites you to explore two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits. The museum offers over 10,000 square feet of exhibit space for children and families to discover. It’s the place where children play to learn, and adults learn to play.

This wonderful facility was named one of the Top 25 Children's museums in the nation by Child Magazine!

Monday (School Holidays Only) 9:30 - 4:30
Tue. – Fri. 9:30 – 4:30; Sat. 10 – 5; Sun. 1 – 5
Summer Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30 - 4:30; Sat. 10 - 5; Sun. 1-5
Closed all major holidays.
Admission $5.00 for anyone 2 or older.

Long Creek Vineyards

7185 E Firehouse Road
Long Creek, IL
(217) 521-6297
www.longcreekvineyards.com

Long Creek Vineyards is a family-owned and operated vineyard established in 2004. The vineyard is planted on a family farm rooted in the quaint, but lovely village of Long Creek, Illinois (located 3 miles east of Decatur on US Route 36). Draped on the hillside of this farm are Chambourcin, Steuben, Vidal Blanc, La Crosse and Vignoles. In 2005, four wines were produced and adorned with 8 medals in 2006, including “Gold” for a Chambourcin at the Indy International Wine Competition. Tastings and festivals are scheduled throughout the year.

 

Macon Speedway

205 Wiles St
Macon, IL 62544
Track (217) 764-3000
Hotline (217) 764-3220
www.maconracing.com

Just 9 miles south of Decatur, this track is open for racing every Saturday night from April through September. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and racing starts at 7:00 p.m. Be sure to check out NASCAR Nights and the UMP Summer Nationals.

 

Mari-Mann Herb Farm

1405 Mari-Mann Lane
(217) 429-1404
www.marimann.com

The Mari-Mann Herb Company originated as Mari-Mann Herbs in the kitchen of Mari Beth King in the 1970’s. From there it expanded to one of the largest herb gardens in the Midwest, a large retail gift shop, health food store, greenhouse, warehouse and gourmet kitchens where “herbalicious” high teas, brunches and luncheons are prepared by expert chefs.

You can book a tour of the gardens, make reservations for high tea, brunch and other individual or group excursions at Mari-Mann. Or, just show up and browse through the marvelous gardens, and explore the gift shop brimming with fragrant oils, herbal sauces and seasonings, decorative wreaths and the largest selection of homeopathic products and herbal supplements found anywhere.

 

Monticello Railway Museum

992 Iron Horse Place
Monticello, IL
(217) 762-9011
www.mrym.org

The Monticello Railway Museum is an all-volunteer organization in central Illinois with an operational railroad yard open to the public. Train rides are offered on weekends and holidays from May through October, regardless of weather conditions, as well as a number of special events throughout the year.

The museum also collects, preserves, interprets, and exhibits materials and artifacts from throughout the fascinating history of trains and railroading. Come explore the many rail cars and other equipment, and view the museum displays.

Play-Mor Pla-Land

2135 N 22nd Street
Decatur, Il 62521
(217) 233-6814

Family fun is readily available at this 18-hole miniature golf course. If speed is more you style, rent some Go Karts and take a spin on their track. For the younger ones, Pla-MorPla-Land offers a kiddie Go Kart track for racers as young as 4 years of age. Open Sunday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 9 :00 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 11:oo p.m. You can find more information on the Pla-Mor Pla-Land Facebook page.

 

 
 
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The Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau invites you to experience Decatur, Illinois, and Forsyth, Illinois.

Call us at 800-331-4479 or 217-423-7000

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