Vacation in northern Alabama along the Tennessee River with a trip to Decatur. This small town offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Step into the past with many historic sites scattered across the city, and the river and surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities to appreciate the outdoors. You can also savor local foods and drinks or attend special events.
Outdoorsy Pursuits
Get active or lounge outside in the sun with plenty of recreational opportunities. Here are a few top picks:
- Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: This outdoor space protects wildlife and offers hunting, wildlife viewing and hiking trails. It is a fun free thing to do in Decatur, Alabama.
- Wheeler Lake: Looking for something to do near Decatur, Alabama, with kids? Go boating or fishing on Wheeler Lake, the second-largest lake on the Tennessee River.
- Delano Park: This area is over 100 years old and sits at the heart of historic downtown. Activities include walking, tennis, basketball and picnicking.
- Wilson Morgan Park: Kids can play on a giant wooden castle at this park. It also features pavilions, a softball court, a soccer field and trails around the lake.
Places to Visit
Whether you want to grab a bite to eat or learn some local history, Decatur has a place to do it.
Cultural Attractions
Stop by the Cook Museum of Natural Science to learn about nature with live animals and educational exhibits. This museum is nationally recognized for its hands-on, immersive experience. Expand your artistic horizons at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center in a historic library. The gallery encourages art and cultural engagement.
Family-Friendly Activities
From little kiddos to adventurous teens, your children want activities centered around their interests. Decatur offers several opportunities for your family, such as Point Mallard Water Park. It includes a wave pool, speed slides and a kids’ area. Check out GoFAR USA Park for outdoor recreation like paintball, obstacle courses and zip lines.
Dining and Nightlife
If you need things to do near Decatur, Alabama, at night, consider stopping at Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company. It is Decatur’s oldest brewery, featuring craft beer options and an outdoor area with games. Another option is the Brick Deli and Tavern, which features delicious sandwiches, live music and draft beers.
Decatur also houses many delicious restaurants, including:
- Big Bob Gibson: Get some Southern cooking at one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious barbecue restaurants.
- Francesco’s Italian: This family-operated eatery makes all your favorite hearty Italian meals and offers a relaxing environment.
- Ninja Grill Sushi and Bar: Grab sushi or watch an entertaining hibachi show. You will get excellent service and mouthwatering dishes.
- The Moody Crab: This seafood restaurant offers an array of options in a building decorated like a rustic boat dock.
- Simp McGhees: Experience fine dining in Decatur with a cajun twist. The outdoor sidewalk café allows pets if you are traveling with your furry friend.
- B.B. Perrins Sports Grille: This restaurant offers laid-back dining and sports viewing. It features barbecue, pizza, wings, cocktails and draft beer.
Shopping
Stop by the Hartselles Historic Downtown and Depot or the Decatur Historic District for the best local shopping. A few places to check out include:
- Bank Street Antiques
- Tammy Eddy Antiques
- Absaroka Western Wear
- Morgan Price Candy Company
Entertainment
If you are looking for things to do in Decatur, Alabama, for couples, visiting the Princess Theatre is a great option. It has over a century of history and features an Art Deco design. Events include concerts, films and musicals.
Historical Sites
Discover local history at various sites throughout Decatur. The Old Decatur Historic District is an excellent place to start, with a wide array of Victorian homes and Craftsman bungalows. Other spots to visit include historic cemeteries, the Historic Depot and Railroad Museum and the Old State Bank.
Unique Experiences
Seek something out of the ordinary with unique experiences in Decatur, like the Downtown Turtle Trail.
Seasonal Activities
Celebrate the seasons in Decatur. The city hosts exciting events throughout the year.
Spring Festivals and Events
Spring in Decatur brings many fun events, including the Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic, in May. See stunning hot-air balloons, browse arts and crafts and attend an auto show. If you need romantic things to do in Decatur, Alabama, attend an upscale dining event in June at Le Diner en Blanc, where thousands of guests dressed in white attend a picnic at a secret location.
Summer Outdoor Activities
The Morgan County Decatur Farmer’s Market, which features fresh, local produce and meat, occurs every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. You can also celebrate Independence Day with the Spirit of America Festival, which features food, crafts, a bike parade and a fireworks show.
Fall Harvest Events
Throughout October, Haunted Decatur offers events like bus tours and ghost hunter tours to get in the spooky spirit. Other autumn events include the River Clay Fine Arts Festival, which features art shopping, live music and children’s activities.
Winter Holiday Celebrations
Discover a dazzling display of glittering Christmas trees in the Enchanted Forest of Decatur, or take a Historic Decatur Christmas Tour. After the December holidays, keep the celebrations going with the Carnegie Carnival, a Mardi Gras-style celebration.
Things to See Nearby
Find things to do near Decatur, Alabama, over a weekend with local day trips like:
- Huntsville: About 25 miles from Decatur, you can explore the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville Botanical Garden and Lowe Mille ARTS and Entertainment.
- Cathedral Caverns State Park: Go on cave tours and do some hiking at this state park. You will see stunning stalactites and stalagmites, all only 55 miles from Decatur.
- Bankhead National Forest: This forest is about 25 miles from Decatur and offers activities such as mountain biking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, boating and swimming.
Supporting a Successful Trip
Your trip to Decatur can come with some unknowns. Here are a few tips to give you the most value from your vacation:
- Consider the parking options at places you plan to visit.
- Stop by the Decatur Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau for tips, like things to do near Decatur, Alabama, for adults.
- Plan your itinerary before you go to fit in all the essentials.
- Explore downtown Decatur on foot to see the historic area and find shops and restaurants.
- Consider guided walking tours to learn more about Decatur’s history.
- Plan for the season’s weather and dress comfortably for your activities.
Camp Near Decatur, AL
A trip to Decatur begins with finding the right place to stay, like at Kampgrounds of America. These campgrounds are a great option with various ways to stay and incredible amenities. Find a KOA nearby in Alabama or just across the border in Tennessee. Book a site online to begin planning your trip.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
