Welcome to Decatur 2026 by Decatur Magazine

RECREATION

ENTERTAINMENT

EDUCATION

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YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING I N D E C AT U R I L L I N O I S

Decatur continues to be a hotbed of agricultural research and advanced industrial technologies that feed and fuel our world. New companies are establishing themselves in Decatur and existing companies are expanding their footprint – all with a focus on sustainability and green initiatives. A lively downtown and other urban areas offer fresh living spaces mixed in with premier dining, craft beer & cocktails, and stellar entertainment. Over 2000 acres of parks and trails and easy lake access give residents the chance to get outside to play. Add in top-notch education facilities and a very affordable cost of living and you will quickly see Decatur's appeal as a well-rounded community poised for the future. There is no better time to live in Decatur and experience our City's growth!

ENJOY DECATUR!

CITY INFORMATION 217-424-2700 | DECATURIL.GOV

welcome to decatur!

Decatur, Illinois is a unique place. Geographically, we're located smack dab in the middle of things. With our acres of farm fields and prairie, we typify the nation's heartland. New products and innovative technologies are developed here, and a vast network of roads and rails efficiently link our products to global destinations that feed and fuel the world. But there's a softer side to our city, too, and it's defined by the spirit of the people who live and work here. Their energy, optimism, talent, vision, and just plain hard work form the true heart of Decatur, and guide our city's future. Browse these pages for a compelling snapshot of our community that creates a visual portrait of who we are and where we're going. Much like the uplifted gaze captured on Commodore Stephen Decatur's statue, we look forward to the future, too, and want to welcome you to our wonderful city.

YOUR FRIENDS IN DECATUR It has been said that moving day can be one of those times that make or break friendships. A true friend will help. The City of Decatur is here for you, too. Call or visit the official city website for all the tools you need to make your move a little easier. To learn more about the city and schedule municipal services, go to www.decaturil.gov or call resident information at 217-424-2700.

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WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

12 Fun Central

16 Creative Climate

8 Small Town Appeal

Miles of Lake Decatur shoreline and waves of water recreation; acres of parks and green space; and sports scenes played out on bike trails, soccer fields, golf courses and pickleball courts make Decatur the center for fun.

The entire city is our stage, where art galleries host rare exhibits right along with the bright splashes of student watercolors; curtains rise on internationally-known performers and local thespians; and cultural heritage is celebrated in song, dance, and sculpture.

Achieving a coveted national ranking as a “Best Place To Live” tops the list of many community marketing strategies. The Kiplinger Letter is considered the most widely read business forecasting periodical in the world and the same holds true for US News & World Report rankings. For the last two years, Decatur has scored a #1 spot.

20 Preserving the Past Experience history through our eyes, and you'll see homesteads restored to their original grandeur with tours hosted by an organization with a passion for preserving and sharing Decatur's historic treasures.

36 Calling All Kids Learn to play is our motto. Whether your children want to take up a musical instrument, dance on stage, master a sport, or discover the world around them, after-school programs and summer camps offer them the chance to grow.

44 Centered on Each Other We put words into action. Decaturites show philanthropy through the collaborative ways we team up to donate time, talent and treasure today in the spirit of our community's future health and wellbeing.

48 Good Neighbors Look at a map of the Decatur area and you'll see a patchwork quilt of communities - neighborhoods with a history, a personality, and a story to tell. Home to historic bungalows, stately mansions, lakeside retreats and new suburban expansion, they weave the fabric of an appealing place to live.

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

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Owner and publisher Beth E. Stringer Contributing Editor Julie Collins Bates Cultural Arts Editor Terrie Potter Graphic Design Shani Goss, Goss Advertising Web Design Tronnie Goss, Goss Advertising

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DECATUR AT A GLANCE PARKS & RECREATION ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY & MUSEUMS EVENT CALENDAR AREA MAP - CENTER SPREAD EDUCATION HEALTH & WELLNESS HOMES & GARDENS

Welcome to Decatur is published annually by Decatur Magazine and is distributed through local business and industry to aid in their recruitment and relocation efforts. For more information about moving to the Decatur area contact the City of Decatur Resident Information at 217-424-2700 or go to www.decatur.il.gov. For advertising inquiries or to direct questions and comments about the magazine, contact Decatur Magazine at 217-423-0422 or email publisher@decaturmagazine.com. Copyright© 2025 Decatur Magazine™ All rights reserved. Reproduction is whole or in part without written consent is prohibited.

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DIGITAL EDITION Easily browse the pages of this guide online with shared links to popular local websites at www.decaturmagazine.com

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decatur at a glance

DEMOGRAPHICS POPULATION (2024 US CENSUS EST) 100,737 Macon County 66,692 Decatur 3,734 Forsyth 5,618 Mt. Zion

Households Macon County Median HH Income

44,279 $49,682

Cost of Living Index Median Home Value Average Property Tax Average Apartment Rent

79.0 (national avg. 100) $142,600 $2557 (w/mortgage) $896/month

TOP EMPLOYERS Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Caterpillar (CAT) Decatur Memorial Hospital (DMH) Decatur Public Schools (DPS 61) HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Mueller Company Millikin University The Kelly Group Primient Ameren Illinois LOCATION Positioned at the junction of Interstate 72 and Route 51, Decatur offers convenient access to major metropolitan areas and other central Illinois communities within easy driving distance.

TRAVEL Distance from Decatur in miles Springfield - IL State Capitol 36 Champaign-Urbana 42 Bloomington-Normal 45 St. Louis 120 Indianapolis 165 Chicago 179

HOSPITALS Decatur Memorial Health HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital 382 Total Beds: Primary Doctors: 125 72 Dentists:

COMMUNITY FACILITIES Art Galleries Performance Venues Antique Centers Museums Children’s Museum City Parks Conservation Area Public Gardens Bike Trails Dog Park Disc Golf Course Golf Courses Miniature Golf Course Climbing Wall Ropes Course Water Park Swimming Pools Zoo Tennis Courts Bowling Facilities Skateboarding Pickleball Courts Sports Complex Volleyball Courts Basketball Courts Ice Skating Football/Soccer Fields Ball Diamonds Lighted Ball Diamonds Movie Theaters Health Clubs Riding Stables Water Access

6 8 8 7 1 46 (2,000 acres) 5 (3,600 acres) 3 16 miles 2 2 2 public/2 private 2 2 1 1 1 public/3 private 1 25 public/2 private 1 1 skate park 10 public, 2 private 3 outdoor/1 indoor 5 31 1 indoor rink 18 34 20 3 10 1 Lake Decatur Sangamon River Lake Shelbyville Clinton Lake

Average commute time in Decatur is 18 minutes.

CLIMATE Average Temperature

Winter Low 20 F Summer High 85 F

Average Annual Precipitation

Rainfall 40 inches Snowfall 14 inches

Comfort Index 7.2/10

Sunny Days 199

To learn about business opportunities, available resources and incentives contact the Economic Development Corporation of Macon County at 217-422-9520 or visit www.decaturedc.com .

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“One of the reasons I relocated to Decatur was the lower cost of living. Not only was I attracted by the sophisticated cultural arts community here, but the affordable home prices are also appealing to say the least.”

BY DAVID W. EMERSON

Small Town Appeal As the cost of living rises across the country, a few cities remain affordable places to live — and Decatur is among them, according to the Kiplinger organization. The Kiplinger Letter launched in 1923 is considered the most widely read economic forecasting periodical in the world. Each year, its highly anticipated annual rankings are released in a variety of subjects. In the 2024 rankings, Decatur scored a No. 1 spot. According to the 2024 Kiplinger top 25 list released last August, Decatur is the cheapest place to live in the U.S. The Decatur metro area houses a population of 100,590, and the median home value in Decatur is $97,300. continued on next page

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Kiplinger notes that “Decatur, Illinois, and its surrounding metro area is probably best known as an agricultural and manufacturing center.” Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) moved its corporate offices to Chicago in 2013, but Decatur is home to their North American headquarters and is their single largest location and employee base anywhere in the world. Caterpillar (CAT), the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, has facilities in Decatur. The city is also home to a corn-processing plant owned by Primient. Housing costs are 43% lower than the national average in metro Decatur, and healthcare, utilities and transportation are much cheaper too. Kiplinger reports that “those savings help make up for the fact that Illinois is among the least tax-friendly states for middle-class families. Illinois has one of the highest sales tax rates in the U.S., but it's also one of the states that don't tax retirement income.” “It is undeniable that larger metro areas like New York and Los Angeles offer better opportunities for higher paying jobs,” said Tyler Baines, cost of living project manager and research analyst at the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness. “But jobseekers should not only consider the size of their paycheck when figuring out where they should call home.” Decatur resident LJ Pemberton agrees. “One of the reasons I relocated to Decatur was the lower cost of living. Not only was I attracted by the sophisticated cultural arts community here, but the affordable home prices are also appealing to say the least. My friends back in California can't believe how much house we got for the money and are green with envy when I show them photos of our home in the west end.” Kiplinger's analysis of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. is based upon the Council for Community and Economic Research's (C2ER) calculations of living expenses in 265 metro areas with at least 50,000 inhabitants. The C2ER's research was supplemented with data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. C2ER's Cost of Living Index measures prices for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services, such as going to a movie or getting your hair done at a salon. Thanks to that data — which sorts through 90,000 prices covering 60 different items in hundreds of cities — they were able to pinpoint the places with the absolute lowest costs of living. And make no mistake, the difference between the priciest place to live and cheapest places to live in the U.S. is considerable. “The after-tax cost for a professional/managerial standard of living ranges from more than twice the national average in Manhattan, New York, to more than 20% below the national average in Decatur, Illinois,” notes C2ER. Announced in November 2025, US News & World Report ranked Decatur the number one most affordable place to live in the US, continuing our winning streak to two years in a row. Decatur's status as one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. is no doubt appreciated by its significant student population, which includes Millikin University's approximately 1,800 students and the roughly 2,200 people studying at Richland Community College. Between national rankings and the efforts of organizations like the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County, which focuses on attracting, expanding and retaining businesses in the area, undoubtedly more individuals and businesses will see the value in making Decatur their home in the future.

US News & World Report currently ranks Decatur as the most affordable place to live in the U.S. among cities with metro areas of at least 50,000 inhabitants. • Cost of living: 21.2 below U.S. average • Macon County population: 100,737 • Median household income: $49,682 • Median home value: $142,600

David W. Emerson is a freelance writer who enjoys the opportunity to contribute and sing the praises of his hometown.

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FUN CENTRAL Acres of parks and nature trails; miles of Lake Decatur shoreline and waves of water recreation; and sports scenes from youth hockey to tennis and golf — make Decatur the center for fun.

Lake Decatur Much of Decatur's story links to our lake. Created in 1922, Lake Decatur established itself as the state's largest artificial body of water with a total of 2,800 acres and a 30mile shoreline. Today, roles as the city's primary water source, recreational hub, and wildlife haven reflect a unique partnership between the City of Decatur, which owns the Lake, and the Decatur Park District, principal owner of its 2,000-acre shoreline. Generous public access affords plenty of boating and fishing, parks, wildlife vistas, and flyway observation decks. Boating is a popular pastime on Lake Decatur for sailing, cruising or fishing. Home to over twenty fishing tournaments each year, the lake draws visitors from across the country. The Commodore Decatur Yacht Club and a host of other boat clubs provide private boat slips and organized events for members. continued on next page

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The community shares a vested interest in this vital and historic resource, and plans for continued development include a proposed $35 million lake enhancement project that includes a rejuvenated new lakefront with retailers, restaurants, amphitheater and condominiums. The first phase, completed in summer 2011, includes a dog park, adventure trail, disk golf and other fitness amenities in Nelson Park. The Beach House promenade and new marina on the lakefront are complete. Overlook Adventure Park includes the mini-golf complex, ropes course, batting cages and new aquatic center. Plans for a revamped marina with additional boat slips and amenities are underway. Great Outdoors Decatur presents a panorama of “green space:” Over 5,000 acres fit for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, sledding, golfing, horseback riding, camping, birding, picnicking — or simply relaxing. And with two dog parks, there's even ample play space for man's best friend! Six community and 30 neighborhood parks — a total of 2,000 green acres — comprise the Decatur Park District's outdoor recreation system. Friendly neighborhood “pocket parks” sport sandboxes and swings, while longtime favorites like Fairview Park, where nostalgia is among nature's gifts, have charmed residents for decades. Restored to its 1950's glory, Fairview's Dreamland Lake transports many Decaturites to summer days spent fishing with Grandpa and feeding the ducks or winter afternoons ice-skating with a sweetheart. New memories are made here every day, too, as the “rolls” from Fairview's most recent addition — a Skate Park built to spec for local skateboarders with banked wedges, pipes and ramps — and the shouts of wintertime sledders on Cannonball hill attest. Sixteen miles of trail way connect nature's landscapes and beckon outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Park paths follow terrain ranging from abundant woodlands and rolling meadows to unspoiled prairie and lush greenways bordering the Sangamon River and Stevens Creek. A ten-foot wide, handicapped accessible bikeway spans 3.2 miles and connects Fairview and Kiwanis parks and the Rock Springs nature area. A new bikeway extension was completed in the fall that extends north from the Fairview Park trail to connect to Forsyth. Protecting nature's bounty is a priority for our community as well, and much of its guardianship lies with the Macon County Conservation District, whose mission to acquire, maintain, and restore natural areas and cultural sites embraces 3,200 acres of nature, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Five tracts — each with unique geography, habitat, history, and recreational opportunities — fall under the District's auspices in Macon County, including Rock Spring Nature Center, and Friends Creek, Sand Creek, Fort Daniel and Griswold Conservation Areas. Sporting Life Complementing this relatively spontaneous side of the great outdoors is the community's invigorating array of organized athletic activities — a range well suited to participants or spectators. In addition to one of the nation's premiere park systems, the Decatur Park District also manages 58 baseball diamonds, dozens of tennis and basketball courts, fourteen soccer fields, and two public golf courses. Decatur's complexes and sports facilities host competitive events ranging from swim, hockey, and gymnastics, to cheerleading, cross country, soccer, disc golf and pickleball.

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Golf Rated 18th in the nation by Golf Digest Magazine for accessibility and affordability, Decatur is right on par with two award-winning public golf courses. The flat, wide fairways of Hickory Point Golf Course, situated on Decatur's north side, challenge both beginner and experienced golfers. Designed by Roger Packard, Hickory Point features a lighted driving range and a special, six-hole short course. The newest star in our golf galaxy is Red Tail Run, designed by the legendary Raymond Floyd. With large, undulating greens, wide rolling fairways, and native prairie grasses and plants, and serving as Decatur's Audubon-sanctioned golf course, Red Tail Run is in synch with the environment — and with enthusiastic golfers. Two private clubs in Decatur, the Country Club of Decatur and South Side Country Club, offer championship golf for members on their manicured 18-hole courses managed by PGA professionals. Play Ball With five lighted softball/baseball diamonds and four illuminated volleyball courts, Rotary Park, the city's premier sports complex, sees its fair share of competitors, too. Ideal for large tournaments, Rotary Park hosts teams from throughout the region and state, as well as just for fun leagues for locals during the summer. Take it indoors Take a look at recreation from the inside out, and you'll find spaces as expansive as our great outdoors. Decatur's Civic Center, host to meetings and expositions by day, gets “cool” on evenings and weekends, when families and friends take to its indoor ice arena. The rink also is headquarters for the Decatur Flames, a competitive hockey league comprised of more than 200 area youth ages four through high school, and part of the Decatur Youth Hockey Association. With 87,000 square feet of space, the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) has indoor recreation covered under one impressive roof — from two gymnasiums, a four-lane competitive grade track, dance studios, and batting/pitching cages to a climbing wall, indoor golf center and weight room. On the city's north side is the recently expanded Greater Decatur YMCA, with racquetball courts, indoor swimming, Wellness Center, personalized training programs, a wide array of fitness classes, and on-site childcare.

College and Prep Sports Spectators find action, too, with Decatur-area teams providing plenty to watch. At the college level, we cheer on the Big Blue of Millikin University, whose men's and women's teams compete in football, basketball, baseball, softball, cross-country, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling as part of the CCIW (College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin.) Whenever the "Big Blue" brings home another national championship, cheers echo throughout the city. And whether it's decades-old high school bragging rights between the Eisenhower Panthers and the MacArthur Generals, or the Mt. Zion Braves in the 2024 Class 4A Championship game, bleachers are packed and loyalties run deep. More Places to Play Take a walk on the wild side at Scovill Zoo, home to wild and domestic animals from around the world. The Z.O. & O. Express Train winds through the 15-acre site and no visit is complete without a ride on the Endangered Species Carousel. The Zoo hosts special family events (like Boo at the Zoo in October) and educational programs at the Shilling Environmental Center year round. Annual family memberships are available.

Another long-time favorite, the Children's Museum of Illinois, bills itself as a place where “children play to learn, and adults learn to play.” Ranked among the top 25 children's museums in the country by Child magazine, the facility spans two floors of interactive exhibits and 10,000 square feet of exhibit space. Situated throughout the Museum, interactive stations encourage youngsters to be whoever they imagine — pilot, builder, banker, or scientist. Ten permanent exhibits complement traveling exhibits and special projects. Windows to other worlds also open at Rock Springs Nature Center, a 1,350-acre site situated in the midst of Rock Springs Conservation Area. The Children's Awareness Room acquaints youngsters with residents of prairie, forest, and aquatic environments, and encourages them to “spy” on new friends through the Room's expansive window. Interpretive staff members are always on hand to help translate local critter dialogue. At Overlook Adventure Park, you’ll find a new 36-hole miniature golf complex designed for all skill levels, along with a ropes course and batting cages. Splash Cove, the new family aquatic center includes slides, zip lines and lazy river.

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CREATIVE CLIMATE Our venues are a lively mix, where art galleries host rare exhibits right alongside bright splashes of local students' watercolors; curtains rise on internationally-known performers and local thespians; and cultural heritage is celebrated in song, dance, and sculpture. Throughout the Decatur area, talent radiates and spotlights shine on artists and performers of all ages.

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First Friday Art Walk Downtown Decatur is home to five art galleries, all within easy walking distance of each other. This close proximity inspired gallery walks on the First Friday of every month where you'll find displays of original art, entertaining musicians, and culinary delights year round. Take a stroll through Gallery 510, Blue Connection and the Madden Art Center where creativity takes center stage. Sounds of Music If you love music the way we do, tune in. From small intimate recitals to music halls filled to capacity, Decatur's eight performance venues offer everything from opera to rock and roll. One of the region's most cherished annual traditions is Vespers, where 300 Millikin University student voices and instrumentalists come together in song to celebrate the sounds of the holiday season. For the schedule of performances go to www.decaturmagazine.com/calendar. Take A Tour Take to the streets for a creative spin on history. Go on a walking tour of Decatur's historic architecture or drive past stunning displays of public art, like the original sculpture created by Preston Jackson as a tribute to African American Civil War soldiers, or the downtown painted wall murals depicting significant moments in Decatur’s history.

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Curtain Calls Thousands of patrons are drawn to the annual Kirkland Performing Arts series, which typically includes music, comedy, and dance performances with appeal for the entire family. Nationally acclaimed musical tours have included Rent, Grease, Evita, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, and many others. Located on the Millikin University campus, Kirkland Fine Arts Center is joined by Albert Taylor Theatre, Virginia Rogers Theater and Pipe Dreams Studio as the perfect venues for University student performances ranging from comedy to drama, and musicals to dance. Another talented troupe are the Decatur Community Dancers, whose performance “home” is Richland’s Shilling Auditorium. In addition to theatre productions, this 325-seat venue also hosts lectures, film series, annual business meetings, and community stage productions. Theatre 7, Decatur's all-volunteer community theater troupe, performs in the Decatur Civic Center theater. More than 150 Theatre 7 members perform on-stage and assist behind the scenes, and are supported by hosts of local businesses — and enthusiastic audiences. Perfect Harmony Ours is a musically gifted community, where the local composite of talent — ranging from Millikin University instrumental faculty to high school jazz bands — is literally music to our ears. Hitting a particularly high note within this musical range is the Decatur Municipal Band — formed in 1857 and believed to be the nation’s oldest non-military band in continuous service. Residents count on the sounds of their Municipal Band at parades, special events, and summertime concerts in Central Park. Another rewarding experience for musicians and audiences alike is the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra (MDSO), an ensemble comprised of Millikin University instrumental faculty, students, and freelance musicians.

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PRESERVING THE PAST It's no stretch to say history surrounds us, and the legacy of those who came before is easy to find. It's carved in building facades, and etched on street signs. We invest, visit, volunteer, and support museums and restorations to honor, remember, and learn from those early pioneers. We walk the same blocks tread by Abraham Lincoln, and surround ourselves with the successes of Decatur's founding families. Experience history through our eyes, and you'll see homesteads restored to their original grandeur; museums brimming with yesteryear treasures; and monuments built to pay tribute to fallen heroes. continued on next page

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Lincoln in Decatur At age 21, our nation's 16th president first laid eyes on Decatur in March 1830, his first home in Illinois. Through the next three decades, the fledgling attorney – and the young city – would continue to intersect, with Decatur ultimately playing a pivotal role in Lincoln's political destiny. Today, you can trek “Honest Abe's” path at 16 Wayside Exhibits throughout the community that tell the story of his journey to the White House. Ten of the exhibits are located in downtown Decatur for a convenient selfguided walking tour.

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Explore & Learn Our region has a culturally rich heritage of thinkers, dreamers, inventors and leaders, and you can understand why when you come here. You, too, can experience the influence of our forefathers by visiting lovingly restored mansions, museums and antique centers brimming with treasures that preserve the past for future generations. The James Millikin Homestead and Richard Oglesby Mansion offer monthly tours and open houses. The Macon County Museum Complex is home to a prairie village, Lincoln Courthouse and historical artifacts and the Homestead Prairie Village at Rock Springs Nature Center tell the story of the region's early settlers.

When Hieronymus Mueller emigrated to the U.S. from Germany, his brothers who lived in Freeport, Illinois, advised him to “pick a good town with a railroad and grow with it. Decatur, a town south of here, is at the junction of two railroads. Go there and grow up with the town.” A gunsmith and machinist, Mueller became an inventor — answering practical needs of a world entering the industrial age. Mueller Company retained its family ownership until 1986, and the company remains a thriving enterprise today. Located on the Mueller Company grounds along Eldorado Street is the Hieronymus Mueller Museum, just the place to meet Decatur’s “unsung genius” and holder of over 500 patents. This eclectic spot shows how Mueller and his descendents invented and manufactured everything from the first sanitary drinking fountain to fire hydrants. There’s even an example of one of the first Mueller-Benz automobiles. The restored mansion at 361 N. College Street is home to the Staley Museum that preserve the history of the A. E. Staley Family, The Staley Historic Home and the A. E. Staley Mfg. Co., especially as it pertains to the history of the city of Decatur and the larger agricultural community. The Museum serves as a repository of information, historical documentation and memorabilia, as well as a cultural and educational contributor to the community of Decatur.

To learn more about the impactful history of the Decatur area including museums, antique centers and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, go to www.decaturcvb.com

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TRANSLATING THE

E X P E R I E N C E BY FRENCH MACLEAN On October 12, 1810, in Munich, Germany, Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese Emile of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The prince, a real party animal, invited all of Munich's citizens to attend his wedding reception — where all the beer was on him — in a big field that ever since has been called “Therese's Meadow.” Now you just know it as “Oktoberfest.” The problem with Oktoberfest is that the more beer you consume, the less you remember about the good time you are having. That can happen quickly in Munich, as beer is served in liter glasses. Fortunately, Decatur has emulated dear old München in our passion for beer, abundance of excellent local brewers, and our own autumnal “bierfest” — the Decatur Craft Beer Festival, which features beers from our three local breweries, among others, and is hosted annually by the Decatur Area Arts Council. Decatur Brew Works (DBW), created by Dreux Lewandowski, Stan Rives, Micah Koll and Renee Manring, originally resided next to the Chinese Tea Garden on Lincoln Square. With a large fan base, it needed more room and is now located at the corner of Main and William in the historic Haines & Essick building. It is strictly a taproom, but patrons are welcome to bring their own food or order delivery — like a large pizza for a group of friends. That's the secret to visiting any craft brewery in Decatur: bring plenty of good friends. DBW offers up to 28 draft beers (including at least 18 brewed onsite), with some long-term and others constantly rotating because craft brewers are like pleasant mad scientists, always tinkering to perfect something new. Beer names can be whimsical, such as “Starland Dreams,” but a subsequent description always includes the exact style (lager, doppelbock, IPA, etc.) and the percentage alcohol by volume (ABV) — the higher the number, the more potent the

alcohol. As it is difficult to try everything at full size, go with a flight, with four-ounce samples of each of four beers of your choosing. Established in 2017, Door 4 Brewing Co. sits inside the fourth door — hence the name — on the lower level of the Marquis Beverage campus (1214 W. Cerro Gordo St.). Owners Tim and Aimee Fyke have put together a trifecta: the brewery and the beer, an on-site food truck, and a video gaming area. The seasonal food truck, located in the parking lot, serves items like hand-tossed pizzas, smoked barbecue and hand-battered chicken. That menu is expanded for Sunday brunch, where you can also enjoy a bloody mary or mimosa. And since it is a truck, if your large-event group cannot come to Door 4, the truck can come to you, providing buffet service, appetizers, desserts or individual meals. Golden Fox Brewing (2874 N. Dinneen St.) was created in 2016 by friends Jim Fox and Kevin Ray. You can catch a flight here similar to other breweries; or go with a 5-ounce pour, a 16-ounce draft or a 32-ounce growler. Bring your own food, have it delivered, or order one of eight in-house pizza types and large soft pretzels. Inside are arcade games, electronic darts, board games and television screens. The large outdoor patio with fire pit, grill and plenty of seating offers space for games, periodic live-band music and contests for brewery gift cards. Most important are the suds. Golden Fox was awarded the Gold Cup for their Furious Fox American Style Imperial Stout at the 2024 World Beer Cup. All of Decatur's craft brewery establishments have a camaraderie that would be unthinkable in other endeavors, so visit them all on the Craft Brewery Freestyle Tour. They all host special events throughout the year including trivia nights, yoga sessions and live music, too.

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• Wine and spirits by the glass • Extensive beer menu • Relaxing atmosphere • Unique snacks available or BYO • Curated retail wine and spirits selection • Discounted case pricing • Wine club • Private parties

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delicious destinations in decatur Use our handy online dining guide to browse over 80 locallyowned restaurants by category

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CALENDAR March 14 Razor Edge Ice Racing

September 7 Labor Day POPS on the Lake

December 2 Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

World Championship Ice Racing on motorcycles and quads. 7pm at the Decatur Civic Center. www.decaturciviccenter.org, 217422-7300.

Devon Amphitheater Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra performs their annual end of the summer concert on the shores of Lake Decatur. Boats anchor offshore. 6:00 pm. For tickets go to www.devonamphitheater.com.

Decatur Civic Center Christmas in downtown Decatur officially kicks off with the tree lighting in the circle drive of the civic center at 6:00 pm, www.decaturciviccenter.net

June 1 - 7 Macon County Fair Celebrating the 170th annual Macon County Fair with family-friendly fun. www.maconcountyfair.com, 217-875-0135.

June 6 - 7 Hardy's Highway: Race for the Lake Competitive hydroplane boat racing also features family-friendly activities on Lake Decatur in Nelson Park. www.decaturparks.org, 217-422-5911.

July 4 Independence Day Celebration Community will celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence with live music, food & fireworks display at dusk. www.decatur-parks.org, 217-422-5911.

September 12 - 13 Arts in Central Park Central Park, Downtown Decatur. Art festival featuring the works of over 50 artists, live music, sponsored by Decatur Area Arts Council and Gallery 510, $ for food and beverage, Friday night Preview Party with musical entertainment, F 5-7pm, Sa 10am-5pm, Su 10am-4pm, free admission, 217-423-3189, www.decaturarts.org

October 4 Annual Shoreline Classic Nelson Park Premier road race draws thousands of runners and spectators from across the country. The 5K and 15K races are run along the shores of scenic Lake Decatur in a colorful fall setting. To register go to www.shorelineclassic.com

December 2 Christmas Walk Downtown Decatur. Festive trolley rides, music and carolers, delicious goodies, and Santa's House in Central Park, extended retail hours and art galleries open, 5-8pm, free. 217-423-3189, www.decaturarts.org

December 5 Lights of Christmas Parade Downtown Decatur parade route. Annual Lighted Christmas Parade celebrates the season with festive floats, steps off at 4:30pm, Santa takes up residence in the historic Transfer House in Central Park. For hours, 217-422-7300, www.decaturcvb.com

December 5 - 6 Vespers Kirkland Fine Arts Center Cherished annual tradition brings the sounds of Millikin University students together in song as they present “evening prayers” to adoring audiences. For tickets call 217-424-6318, www.millikin.edu/kirkland

Events may be subject to change. We recommend calling ahead to confirm events or visit the websites.

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6 4 5

9 12

16 15

17 1

19 20

Trolley Route

Mt. Zion Village Hall

1. Downtown Decatur (see inset above) 2. Fairview Park Plaza 3. South Shores Center 4. Oakwood 5. Brettwood Village 6. Mound Plaza 7. Hickory Point Mall

21 1. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel 2. America’s Best Value Inn 3. Homewood Suites 4. Fairfield Inn 5. Best Western 6. Quality Inn 7. Residence Inn 8. Garner Hotel 9. Fairbridge Inn

10. Ramada Limited 11. Comfort Inn 12. Holiday Inn & Suites 13. Sleep Inn 15. Sandy’s Motel 16. Decatur Inn 17. USA Inn 21. Hawthorne Suites 22. Hampton Inn

1. Progress City, USA 2. Richland Community College / Shilling 3. Macon County History Museum 4. Children’s Museum of Illinois 5. Scovill Zoo 6. Hieronymus Mueller Museum 7. Mari Mann Herb Farm 8. Rock Springs Conservation Area 9. Millikin University / Kirkland 10. James Millikin Homestead 11. Gallery 510 12. Madden Arts Center 13. Macon County Fairgrounds 14. African American Cultural Museum 15. Oglesby Mansion 16. Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum 17. Staley Museum

1. Preston Jackson Park 2. Fairview Park 3. Fairview Tennis Complex 4. Decatur Skate Park 5. Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) 6. Greater Decatur YMCA 7. Hickory Point Golf Course 8. Forsyth Village Park 9. Red Tail Run Golf Club 10. Nelson Park 11. Sportsmans Park, Schaub Center 12. Rotary Park 13. Sand Creek Conservation Area 14. Decatur Soccer Complex 15. Lake Decatur 16. Borg Warner Sports Complex 17. Sunnyside Park 18. Overlook Adventure Park 19. Devon Amphitheater 20. Pier 36 Marina

by HILTON

Welcome to the Garner hotel, a new midscale brand by IHG Hotels & Resorts that deliver the important things guests value most convenient location, sound night's sleep, and great complimentary hot breakfast - all at a quality and price that's hard to nd.

STAY YOU.™

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

217-872-2402 | 5150 Hickory Point Frontage Road Decatur IL 62526 | www.ihg.com

Freestyle SCAN, CONNECT & ENJOY! Explore Macon County with self-guided walking and driving tours using brochures, online links and digital mapping – interactive tools you can use to navigate safely on your own. Scan the codes with your mobile device to get started on your journey.

FAMILY ATTRACTIONS From water sports on Lake Decatur to 16 miles of paved trails, an award-winning zoo and children’s museum to a premier water park and miniature golf courses, Decatur is your go-to place to play.

BE ENTERTAINED In Decatur, you have access to some of the best performances and best venues that you’ll nd anywhere. We know that immersing ourselves into the entire experience is the most memorable part of the performance. Order your tickets directly from any of these local links.

Breweries, Distilleries & Tasting Rooms Decatur Illinois is home to craft breweries, distilleries and tasting rooms that offer beverages made locally as well as hard to nd labels. Enjoy the taste, entertainment and unique avors offered on the tour.

Historic Places Driving and walking tour of landmark sites in Decatur, Macon County, Illinois, with ten that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Links to websites and reviews available.

To get started, contact the Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 217-423-7000 or email tourism@decaturcvb.com. You can order extra visitor guides and tour brochures or schedule an appointment with a local concierge.

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

EDUCATION: the foundation of progress

Teach your children well has always been a song to celebrate in Decatur. From the early beginnings of one-room country schools to the present day computerized classrooms, our community has deemed education the foundation of progress. Going to school isn't merely a destination in Decatur — it's a life-long process of improvement. Our citizens have opportunities to learn at every life stage, with programs available for those taking their first tentative baby steps to adults long past retirement. Excellent Choices Primary and secondary education is synonymous with choice. Families can select from public, private, and religious schools based on individual needs. Area school districts such as Maroa-Forsyth, Mt. Zion, WarrensburgLatham, and Meridian offer a small town atmosphere for students, while fostering academic excellence. The Illinois Report Card released by the State Board of Education is an annual report detailing how each public school and district is performing on educational goals. The 2024-25 report gives the highest exemplary ratings to Maroa-Forsyth High School, Mt. Zion High School and Warrensburg-Latham Middle School. An additional 20 schools received the next highest commendable ratings. Decatur Public School System — better known as DPS No. 61 — has reinvented itself several times in the 140 years since the first school bell rang. The district continues to offer the most varied and enriched programs in the region, including a wide range of music and professional development courses. Three district schools are classified as "magnets." These schools present a full curriculum, but also focus on specific topics or styles of teaching. Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School (K-8) provides a strong STEAM education. Johns Hill Magnet School (K-8) has the longest history of a magnet school in Decatur and integrates the arts in all of its programs. The Montessori Academy for Peace (Pre-K-8) emphasizes reading, math, language, science, geography,

and cultural and practical life experiences with a strong focus on self-discipline, independence and the development of personal responsibility. Decatur is fortunate to have two Montessori schools – Prairie Flower Montessori is a private school offering classes for pre-school through primary grades.

Christian education in our community encompasses Catholic, Lutheran, and non-denominational schools. These options provide a well-rounded education that centers on development of the whole child, combining religious doctrine with high academic standards and an attitude of service to others. Some 17 private schools add to the choices in our educational community, and names such as Holy Family, Saint Patrick Elementary, Our Lady of Lourdes School, and Northwest Christian Campus reflect curricula that combine teaching the mind and reaching the heart. continued on next page WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

The history of St. Teresa High School — known to locals as “St. T.” — stretches over a century to 1866. What was once strictly a girls' boarding school now has a co-ed enrollment of over 370 students that draws largely from three local Catholic schools. In 2000, the Lutheran School Association, now known as Unity Christian School, expanded its facilities to include a high school. And, under one roof at Decatur Christian School are about 300 K-12 students, an enrollment which represents about 80 area churches. With two dedicated homeschool organizations, Liberty Homeschool Association and Enrich Homeschool Co-op, — it's estimated about 450 children from 150 to 200 families in our community are home educated. Besides an active co-op teaching math, drama, art, Spanish, music, science, and sign language, many local organizations such as the YMCA, Decatur Area Arts Council, and Rock Springs Nature Center provide programs specifically designed for home educated students. A Rich Environment Decatur is surrounded by higher learning opportunities. Over 76,000 students are served each year by Richland Community College (RCC), located amid some of the richest farmland in the nation on the city's northeast corner. The college serves residents of Macon County and parts of Christian, DeWitt, Logan, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, and Shelby counties. RCC's open door policy allows admittance to anyone within the district that would benefit from a higher education. More than 30 areas of concentration are available for students, and those earning degrees in any of these areas can transfer to a four-year college or university. Lifelong learning programs and non-credit classes span topics from computers, investments, and fine arts, to auto mechanics and dance. The regional Heartland Technical Academy, teaches practical and work-related skills to high school students in subjects such as agriculture, childcare, criminal justice, and fire-fighting — often partnering with business and industry to get on-the-job training that will prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Big Blue James Millikin would be proud. He dreamed of a four-year university that would embrace the “practical” side of learning along with the “literary and classical.” With a combination of community support and private philanthropy Millikin built one of the nation's first small, comprehensive universities. Over a century later, the college continues to thrive — with three professional schools and one liberal

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

arts and sciences school serving a diverse student body of about 2,400 and offering over 50 undergraduate majors. Within six months of commencement, 99 percent of Millikin's graduates are employed or pursuing additional studies. Business played an early role in MU’s history. Millikin University's MBA program has two new hybrid formats launching in January 2026. It's designed to make the program more accessible for working professionals, offering a path to advance careers. The Evening MBA can be completed in 17 months and the Accelerated MBA has a 12-month timeline. Both include 10 in-person classes and four online. Students can choose from five specialized areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Finance, and Health Administration.

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CALLING ALL KIDS Learn to play is our motto. Whether your children want to take up a musical instrument, dance on stage, master a sport, or discover the world around them, after-school programs offer them the chance to grow. continued on next page

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

Explore the World of Music Early experiences in music can have a dramatic impact on a child's potential. For over 100 years, Millikin University's School of Music has provided quality music lessons for students of all ages from Decatur and surrounding communities. Today, that tradition continues with the programs and private lessions offered by the Millikin Community Arts Academy. Summer Camp The trend of educating our children when school is not in session is right in line with a national movement towards experiential and exploratory learning. Summer school in Decatur has taken a new approach by inviting families to enroll their children in a camp-like setting utilizing existing recreational, wellness and technology facilities that translate into more interactive and engaged participants. The intent is to create an atmosphere where the community becomes the classroom and students are encouraged to be good digital citizens in a responsible way. Every camp day is filled with a new adventure through sports, crafts, nature, experiments, along with regular field trips. Designed for youth in grades K-12, these popular summer camps are available through the Decatur Park District, YMCA and Macon County Conservation District. The response to this paradigm shift? More applicants means possible waiting lists, so families are encouraged to register early to reserve their spots. In Step Hundreds of local dancers take the stage during the year in Decatur to adoring audiences – and showcase the results of their hard work during classes offered across the community. The Decatur Community Dance (DCD) program is committed to providing the highest quality dance training in a professional but personal and friendly environment for children (starting at age two) to adult. With over 30 years of experience teaching dance, The Dance Centre specializes in a unique dance program for pre-school age students and offers a variety of classes for ages two through adult. Debbie's Dance Studio has almost 40 years of experience teaching young dancers and offers classes beginning with the Wiggles and Giggles class for ages 18 months to four years to specialized classes for boys and girls through adult. After School Sports Golf Nearly on par with the professionals are their protégés —more than 350 junior golfers, ages four to 21, who compete in Decatur's Junior Open, the Midwest's top-ranked junior tournament. Beginning at an early age, young golfers in Decatur learn the skills of the game during junior golf programs offered at all our golf facilities. Soccer Youth soccer has found a home in Decatur as well, hosting indoor soccer leagues at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) and games for all ages on manicured fields scattered throughout the city. The Midstate Soccer Club, a developmental program administered by the Decatur Park District, provides league and tournament play for youth ages 5-18 at the Decatur Soccer Complex on the city's north side.

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

flathead catfish - crappie freshwater drum - white bass - largemouth bass

To obtain permits and schedule tournaments, call the City of Decatur Lake Office 217-424-2837

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

HEALTH & WELLNESS

For more than a century, advanced healthcare has had a home – and a heart – in Decatur. Through the decades, the focus of local healthcare has shifted from treating diseases to prevention and wellness, and from hospital stays spanning weeks to hosts of procedures performed on an outpatient basis. Decatur's role and reputation as a regional healthcare hub has evolved as well with its facilities, programs, services, and technologies building on the commitment and foresight of our community's pioneers.

continued on next page

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

Decatur Memorial Hospital (DMH) has served the people of Decatur and central Illinois for more than a century. A not-for-profit hospital, DMH's mission — to improve lives and build stronger communities through better health — is made possible thanks to more than 1,700 caring, dedicated employees. The physicians of Memorial Specialty Care, which is based in Decatur, serve patients across the region. DMH and Memorial Specialty Care are part of Memorial Health, one of the leading healthcare providers in downstate Illinois, enabling patients to benefit from the strength of a regional healthcare organization. DMH is a licensed and fully accredited 280-bed facility that offers a wide range of general and specialized diagnostic, surgical and treatment services. DMH is a Level II trauma center and a designated Primary Stroke Center with the technology and expertise to provide lifesaving stroke treatment when every second counts. Inpatient services include orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, vascular medicine, gastroenterology, oncology, neurosciences, intensive care, respiratory, laboratory and radiology services. The Family Birth Center at DMH provides compassionate, skilled labor and delivery services to local families. In partnership with Memorial Specialty Care Cardiology, DMH offers a high level of cardiac and vascular care. Outpatient services include infusion, physical therapy, cancer care, sleep care, wound care, pain care and more. DMH is committed to making it easy for the community to access health and wellness services. There is a network of Memorial Care clinics offering primary care, virtual care, lab and imaging services in the Decatur area, as well as an urgent care clinic on Route 36 East

that provides fast, convenient care for minor illnesses and injuries. Two Memorial Imaging Center locations, in Forsyth and Mt. Zion, provide MRI, CT, mammography, X-ray and more. Founded in 1878 by three Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital is an all-private room health care facility that combines modern technology and the caring spirit of the original founders. HSHS St. Mary's is situated on a 21-acre campus overlooking Lake Decatur and offers a broad spectrum of comprehensive health services. HSHS St. Mary's Hospital offers state-of-the-art technologies to provide specialty services including the latest diagnostic equipment, interventional cardiology, surgical and medical intervention, emergency medical care, outpatient radiation therapy, pain management and a sleep center. HSHS St. Mary's also offers a variety of community education and wellness programs. Offering a comprehensive approach for all your health needs, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up support, the staff at HSHS St. Mary's Hospital will support you every step of the way should you need additional imaging, treatment or surgery. HSHS St. Mary's Hospital's approach to health care combines the compassion and human touch of more than a century of caring with the modern technologies available today. Radiating from Decatur's hospitals is a system focused on community health – from wellness centers designed to maintain fitness and prevent disease, to facilities targeted to active seniors or those needing rehabilitative care. The result? Decatur residents are never more than a few miles from the services – or the facility – they need.

Thumbs Up! schedule your back-to-school check-up today.

Compassionate with Excellent Care

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C E L E B R AT I N G 20 YEARS

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CENTERED ON EACH OTHER We put words into action, which is why Decaturites show philanthropy through the ways they run, walk, swing a golf club or team up to donate their time and talents. The collaborative nature of our social service agencies is visible, too, with programs to meet diverse needs and wellsprings of support from residents of every age. Abraham Lincoln, one of Decatur's favorite sons, probably said it best. As the story goes, Lincoln was leaving church on Sunday when he was asked his opinion of the pastor's sermon. “He had a strong voice, and a good delivery,” Lincoln replied. “But he forgot the most important part of the sermon: to ask us to do something great.” Chances are Honest Abe would smile on Decatur residents – a group that rarely waits to be asked. We apply “great” to every endeavor, whether it's delivering a meal or running a 10K race. Volunteers are attracted by a plethora of opportunities, including arts/culture, community development, conservation/environment, animals/wildlife, education, health, scholarships, and youth. Our social service agencies are drawn together as well, working in a spirit of collaboration and cooperation to assure no need goes unanswered. continued on next page

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

Nearly 250 social service agencies operate in Decatur and Macon County, a total that represents more than 400 programs and about 40 support groups. Services span our communities spectrum of needs, from Baby Talk, which engages Decatur's tiniest residents, to Meals on Wheels and similar programs that assist seniors to live independently. Decatur is home to approximately 300 churches, which form a vibrant, growing, and inspirational segment of our population. Alliances transcend diverse denominations, and the influence of our churches radiates from inner-parish programs and services to the community as a whole. Resources such as the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation help pave residents’ philanthropic paths in three counties – Macon, Moultrie and Piatt. Under the Foundation’s umbrella is The Legacy Group, a collection of more than 75 local professional firms and nonprofit organizations that encourage residents from all walks of life to designate charitable gifts in their wills or estate plans. In 2024 foundation donors and endowment funds resulted in over $9 million being directed in community grants and the foundation surpassed $60 million in assets. United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois also provides an opportunity for every resident and business to impact our community. Hundreds of volunteers fuel annual campaigns, which result in over $1.6 million directed back to United Way-endorsed organizations representing youth development, community basics, and access to healthcare. Whether we run, walk, golf or donate food, our deeds often define how we support – and remember each other. Every year, thousands of participants and volunteers unite for community events that memorialize those whose lives have touched our city, and to support the causes they hold dear. New in 2025 is the Chris Oberheim Memorial Baseball Tournament to benefit the Illinois Chapter, Concerns of Police Survivors (IL COPS).

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

For over four decades, the Fred Copeland Scholarship Golf Tournament has raised money for junior golf in memory of former Nelson Park golf pro Fred Copeland, who was passionate about involving youth in the sport he loved. And the annual ALZ Wiffle Ball Classic is a fundraiser dedicated to finding a cure for Alzheimer's, increasing awareness, and supporting local and national programs. In early fall, hundreds of participants take their marks at the start line of the Shoreline Classic – and wish for the ability to walk on water. Tackling the rolling terrain around Lake Decatur, this competitive 15K run and 5K run/walk debuted in 1990 as downstate Illinois' premier road race to raise money for high school track and cross-country programs. When it comes to energy, Decatur's youth bring vitality to volunteerism as well. Youngsters from preschool to high school learn about leadership and community service through organizations such as local scouting troops, Macon County 4-H, and Young Leaders in Action and Decatur Andreas Ag Academy, both award-winning programs. Encouraging these groups' efforts are a wide network of business and community sponsors. For every child who participates on local youth league baseball, softball, soccer, football, or basketball teams, there's very likely a caring adult on board, too, serving as a coach, booster or team sponsor. The common thread? Decaturites answer the call – whether the need comes from a city here in the States, a country far away, or from the family across the street. For the fourth grader who contributes a crumpled $1 bill and the local businesses that boost philanthropy by thousands of dollars, to the family that volunteers to ring bells during the holidays, Decatur area residents contribute time, talent and treasure today in the spirit of our community's health and wellbeing in the future. To learn more about all the ways to get involved in the Decatur area community, call the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation at 217429-3000 or go to www.heartofillinois.org.

5027 US 51 South | Elwin IL

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$28 Million Paid to People Just Like You in the Past Few Years!

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GOOD NEIGHBORS We lend a hand to each other in times of need — sharing a warm hearth during snowstorms and hanging out with youngsters needing help with homework. Look at a map of the Decatur area and you'll see a patchwork quilt of communities. About 75 individual neighborhoods make up our town — a number capable of expanding exponentially as we embrace new growth. Each pocket has a history, a personality, and a story to tell. Together, they weave the fabric that is Decatur.

Within our city limits are cottages, condominiums, and colossal lakeside mansions. We host authentic Frank Lloyd Wright gems, quaint Victorian-era cottages, and brand-new Colonials. Our residents live in country settings and climb to city lofts. Neighbors may be a mile away or close enough to chat over the backyard fence. We're developing housing to meet the interests and needs of aging baby boomers, and building our first new downtown urban neighborhood in 50 years. Almost two-thirds of our residents live in single-family dwellings, but we love to gather. You'll find us closing off streets for block parties and choosing up sides to shoot hoops. We celebrate by walking in our own parades. We lend a hand to each other in times of need — sharing a warm hearth during snowstorms and hanging out with youngsters needing help with homework. Togetherness has a history here. continued on next page

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

DOWNTOWN'S DOMESTIC SIDE

SUBURBAN LIFE

Although the downtown business map has changed a bit over the years, local life still revolves around the original city boundaries. Brick streets that hearken to yesteryear tie the city's historic west side to the downtown district. Improvements along this West Main Street corridor also include a new multipurpose, paved hiking and biking trail that passes through the Millikin University campus and connects to our popular bike trail through Fairview Park and beyond. Our revitalization drive connects to quality of life, too. Residents want to live affordably and still be within minutes of work, school, shopping, and restaurants. To this end, Decatur is determined to create a mixed-use, 24-hour living environment in its downtown. Reinvestment is enticing homeowners to our city's core, with increasing numbers of young professionals and empty nesters moving on up to the upper floors of downtown buildings converted to “soft lofts.” With open floor plans and exposed brick and duct work, these renovated spaces exude a quintessential urban feeling.

Southeast to Mt. Zion The southern boundaries of Decatur are home to established neighborhoods in South Shores where you'll find an eclectic mix of grand homes ranging from those nestled among stately trees on Allen Bend to the Wildwood subdivision that borders the famed Red Tail Run Golf Club designed by legendary golfer Raymond Floyd. Heading southeast on Lost Bridge Road you'll arrive at the Home of the Braves - prep sports is a popular pastime in Mt. Zion. You'll discover the focus is on family with sprawling new subdivisions and country homes in this bedroom community just minutes from Decatur. The Estates at Ashland, Silver Leaf, Parkside East and Carrington offer new construction convenient to schools and village amenities. Buck Head lies to the east offering new building lots with sweeping views of the rolling prairie. In the planning stages is Summerfield, a new development of affordable homes in the Long Creek area. These neighborhoods border Fletcher Park, a recent village recreation area development, offering a covered amphitheater, park pavilion, and wide open spaces perfect for family fun and entertainment. And, Spitler Woods State Park, a 202-acre state natural area with hiking trails, picnic areas and camping.

WEST END HISTORIC DISTRICT . Exploring our many neighborhoods is easy. Most of Decatur's historic gems reside just west of downtown — roughly bounded by Hayward, Eldorado, Church, and Lincoln Park Drive. Street lights have replaced the hitching posts in the historic district, but many of these stately dwellings stand today restored to their former glory. You'll find homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and other architectural marvels located next door to renovated Victorian mansions built by Decatur's founding families including Millikin, Oglesby, and Powers. Just west of Millikin University in the West End neighborhood, the cozy 1920's and 1930's-era homes are so popular they often trade by word of mouth alone. Street strolling is a daily constitutional in this neighborhood, a fact made even more popular by the area's network of paved trails through nearby parks. On July 4, Cobb Avenue residents stage their very own parade — an event that enjoys a 50-year plus neighborhood history.

LAKEFRONT LIVING The south and east sides of Decatur enjoy close proximity to the shores of Lake Decatur. Stately homes offering panoramic lake views in Southmoreland, Bayshore, Lake Pointe and The Reserve mingle with lakefront cottage and bungalow neighborhoods in Homewood Fishing Club and Lake Grove Club, all designed for life on the water. Follow Country Club Road north to Airport Road where you'll find new homes in Country Club Estates mingling with sprawling lakefront property on both sides.

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

North to Forsyth Built in the 60's and 70's, the northern boundaries of Decatur include Shadow Lane and Cresthaven subdivisions boasting large treed lots and walkable neighborhoods with easy access to shopping and entertainment. Added in the 90's, new subdivisions were built with sweeping views of Hickory Point Golf Course, an award winning public course. The Village of Forsyth offers small town living in the country. Stevens Creek and other new subdivisions have grown out of the surrounding prairie with new homes in Grayhawk and Shadow Ridge Estates. The Forsyth Village Park hosts family picnics, reunions, annual festivals and league sports, and a trail system offers hiking and biking opportunities that connects to Decatur's bike trail system. Room To Grow While lofty apartments and new subdivisions attract young professionals and families, assisted living centers are being constructed in every corner of the city. Our older residents now have the advantages of assistance with everyday needs while enjoying the company of friends and family in a home-like setting. Other developments throughout our community are planned subdivisions targeted to “active seniors.” There's a home for everyone in Decatur, and the spirit of “togetherness” that initially characterized our neighborhoods still defines these areas today. New housing developments, along with renovations of historic homes, are our welcome mats to a city known for hospitality.

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

by pegg warnick | photography by jordan & jessica weatherly-baker

MOVING OUTDOORS Area homeowners are increasing their living space without adding square footage to their homes by tapping into their lawns. The National Association of Home Builders acknowledged that the demand for outdoor spaces has surged 50 percent surge since 2020, “highlighting the growing desire for harmonious living environments.” Blame the COVID-10 pandemic, if you will, but it's a good reason, because for the past few years homeowners are improving their living space by taking their indoors - outdoors. Additionally, marrying the indoor with the outdoor results in an almost 100 percent return on investment according to the National Association of Realtors. “It was unbelievable how much COVID impacted our business,” explains Clay Whitney of Clayton Sales Co., a fireplace contractor. “Whether people were home by choice or by force, it set them to thinking about expanding their living space.” As Whitney points out, “What people were saying to us is 'If I'm going to be home, I'm going to make it the way I want it.”” Think outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, pergolas, heaters, patios, islands, wine refrigerators, BBQ carts. There are so many appealing choices. Whitney explains that outdoor fireplaces can be fueled by either wood or gas. Gas-fueled fireplaces can be customized: “for instance, fake logs can be placed in it to look like a traditional fireplace.” On the other hand, increasingly popular, sleek linear modern features (visualize a fish tank) are four or five feet in length and either single-sided or see-through. continued on page 54

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

One in three homeowners consider their outdoor space their personal sanctuary and are willing to splurge to make it so.

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

Ryan McSherry, owner of From the Ground Up Landscapes, recently completed a Decatur homeowner's top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen and entertainment innovation. It features a 9-foot countertop, where the owner can now focus on prepping pizzas for the newly installed gasfired pizza oven. This outdoor kitchen also includes a sink with hot and cold water, a pullout drawer for paper towels, and pullout bins for garbage and recycling. Tucked away in one of the cabinets is a 19-foot Blackstone grill. There's more. Stone fashioned into seat walls, a paver patio and a fireplace with a large television perched above rounds out the living and entertainment space, all designed to avoid a large oak tree in the backyard. Another local homeowner expanded their living and entertainment options by adding a patio with an overhang, heaters, an outdoor kitchen, and a 7- to 8-foot linear custom gas fireplace. Matt Sykes, owner of South Paw Construction and a partner with McSherry, says the fireplace and seating area was done all in stone. The second-story deck was made of a composite material which is advertised as “the beauty of wood without the upkeep.” Sykes describes the deck as an extension of the family's living room. In other instances, local homeowners are adding a pergola to their outdoor living space. A pergola is an outdoor structure made of four posts and support beams and rafters. Its roof is usually open but can be covered with lattice, panels or vining plants. It can either be a freestanding structure or attached to the house. Matt Ahrendt of Jones Masonary (yup, that's how it's spelled) of Mt. Zion, agrees that more local homeowners are increasing their living and entertainment areas by going outdoors. Some have created a seamless extension of the indoors by adding floor-to-ceiling energy efficient sliding glass doors that can easily be opened to access the outdoors, allowing for a smooth flow onto the patio. “We're seeing more hardscaping where we replace the nice green lawn with a brick- or rock-based patio,” says Ahrendt. Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements of landscaping, such as paved areas, driveways, retaining walls and other structures made from materials like

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026

stone, wood and concrete. Hardscape differs from softscape, which includes living plants and floral or horticultural features. Ahrendt also does a lot of masonry work on brick walls and fireplaces with seating. He says that sometimes the homeowner has requested an existing patio be replaced with a custom-designed patio. “Sometimes they show up with a blueprint and say, 'I want you to build this.' Other times, it's just them seeking ideas on what's available.” From here, Ahrendt works to create the patio, fireplace, paving stones, seating or any masonry necessary for the project. The National Association of Home Builders reports that patios have evolved into “versatile hubs for relaxation, entertainment and even remote work.” Josh Milligan, president of the Metro Decatur Home Builders Association, agrees that members are seeing more expanded outdoor entertainment and living areas. “We also see more upgrades to existing patios or decks, as well as creating new structures,” he reports. “People definitely want more structured outdoor areas.” Outdoor living has become a hot ticket for homeowners, too. A survey conducted by Thumbtack and Zillow revealed that as many as 60 percent of homeowners have decided they'd rather stay home and hang out in their own backyard than battle the airlines or the highways for a vacation. One in three homeowners consider their outdoor space their personal sanctuary and are willing to splurge to make it so. That same survey revealed that “homeowners are so fixated on having a dream backyard that 71 percent said they are even willing to go into debt over it.” Others, not willing to borrow money for the backyard, identified specific features inside their home that they would be willing to give up so they could have their ideal outdoor living space. In a survey of homebuyers, 75 percent said they would prioritize homes that had outdoor living spaces over those that did not, according to Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens. One thing is certain: Traditional backyards in Decatur are evolving into seamless indoor/outdoor living spaces. Always interested in learning about new trends in home design, contributor Pegg Warnick got a lot of great ideas talking with these Decatur-area contractors.

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city links

Important contact information to help get your home or office move-in ready.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES

DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT 217-424-2711

CITY OF DECATUR 217-424-2700 www.decaturil.gov

MACON COUNTY SHERIFF 217-424-1311

VILLAGE OF MT. ZION 217- 864-5424 www.mtzion.com

CITY/COUNTY SERVICES MACON COUNTY EMERGENCY ALERT Notification System www.maconcounty.illinois.gov

CAREERS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION www.decaturedc.com/careers

SPORTS/RECREATION/AFTER SCHOOL DECATUR PARK DISTRICT 217-422-5911 www.decatur-parks.org

VILLAGE OF FORSYTH 217-877-9445 www.forsyth-il.gov

HEALTHCARE

MACON COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING www.maconcounty.illinois.gov

DECATUR MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 217-876-8121 www.memorialhealth.com

MACON COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT 217-423-7708 www.macouncountyconservation.org

HSHS ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL 217-464-2966 www.hshs.org/st-marys-decatur

YMCA 217-872-9622 www.decaturymca.org

AMBULANCE SERVICE Abbott EMS 217-262-8969 www.amr.net

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

REAL ESTATE/RENTALS MOVING & STORAGE www.business.decaturchamber.com/list

UTILITIES Gas/Electric Service AMEREN ILLINOIS 800-755-5000 www.ameren.com/illinois City Water/Sewer Service DECATUR WATER DEPARTMENT 217-424-2841 www.decaturil.gov/departments

CABLE/INTERNET/WI-FI/ PHONE

AIR EVAC LIFETEAM 182 1-800-AIREVAC www.lifeteam.net

HEART OF IL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 217-429-3000 www.heartofillinois.org DECATUR PUBLIC LIBRARY www.decaturlibrary.org

AIRPORT DECATUR AIRPORT 217-428-2423 www.decatur-parks.org/decatur-airport

DRIVER'S LICENSE FACILITY

city link

CONXXUS 888-712-0177 www.conxxus.com

XFINITY/COMCAST 800-934-6489 www.xfinity.com AT&T 800-288-2020 www.att.com

NON-EMERGENCY NUMBERS

217-875-1650 www.ilsos.gov

EDUCATION

REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION 217-872-3721 www.roe39.org MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY 217-424-6211 www.millikin.edu

RICHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE 217-875-7200 www.richland.edu

PRINT MEDIA

HERALD & REVIEW www.herald-review.com Tue-Sat daily

DECATUR TRIBUNE www.decaturtribune.com Wednesday weekly

DECATUR MAGAZINE www.decaturmagazine.com City magazine

DECATUR FIRE DEPARTMENT 217-424-2811

For answers to your questions, call the City of Decatur New Resident Hotline at 217-424-2700, or go to www.decaturil.gov

WELCOME TO DECATUR 2026