Things to Do Near Lake Decatur
Lake days, family outings, concerts and local eats, all close to Sundrift Lakehouse
Sundrift Lakehouse sits right on Lake Decatur, and most of the city’s favorite spots are a quick drive away. Drive times are from our front door.
On the lake
Kayaking & paddleboarding
Launch right from the backyard with our 3 kayaks and 2 paddleboards (April–October).
Fishing
Our double kayak has a fishing-pole holder, and there’s a dedicated fishing kayak too.
Sunset by the fire
Grab an Adirondack chair on the lower deck, light the gas fire pit and watch the sky change over the water.
Pier 36 Marina & Boat Rentals
Rent a pontoon for a day on Lake Decatur, including a double-decker with a slide. Seasonal hours, so book ahead.
Family fun
Scovill Zoo
A family-friendly zoo with animals from around the world and a train ride around the park.
Children’s Museum of Illinois
Hands-on exhibits for kids, right next to Scovill Zoo.
Overlook Adventure Park
Two 18-hole mini golf courses, a ropes course and batting cages, with Splash Cove water park right next door in Nelson Park.
Concerts & events
Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater
Decatur’s lakeside concert venue in Nelson Park, with summer shows and events.
Millikin University
Performances, games and events on campus throughout the year.
Parks & trails
Nelson Park
Lakefront green space with trails and playgrounds, home to the amphitheater, Splash Cove and the Pier 36 marina and boat launch.
Rock Springs Nature Center
Wooded trails along the Sangamon River and a nature center for a quiet morning outside.
Fairview Park
One of Decatur’s largest parks, with sports fields, playgrounds and walking paths.
Golf
Red Tail Run Golf Course
A public 18-hole course with a links-style front nine and a few wooded holes on the back.
Hickory Point Golf Course
A well-kept public 18-hole course just north of Decatur in Forsyth.
Food & drink nearby
A few local favorites, from lakeside dinners to diner breakfasts. While you’re here, try a horseshoe: Central Illinois’ open-faced sandwich piled with fries and cheese sauce.
Stix on 36 US-36
Our closest bar and grill: smash burgers, horseshoes and cold beer.
El Corral US-36
The closest Mexican restaurant, right next door to Stix, with patio seating.
Beach House Lake Front Rd
Dinner with a view on the shore of Lake Decatur, with seafood, steaks and a good wine list.
Coney McKane’s Downtown
A cozy downtown American eatery known for horseshoes, burgers and homemade pies.
The Gin Mill Downtown
Steakhouse and cocktail bar with a patio, great for a night out.
Downtown Cafe & Bakery Downtown
Classic breakfast and lunch, plus fresh-baked treats.
New Moon Cafe East Decatur
Breakfast and brunch with a laid-back feel; don’t skip the cinnamon rolls.
The FourNine Mt. Zion
Modern American kitchen, open daily for lunch and dinner.
121 Coffee Run Taylorville Rd
Local coffee house with a big cold-brew menu and a drive-thru for lake-day mornings.
Filippo’s Pizza & Pasta Mt. Zion
Homemade pizza, stromboli and pasta for dinner. Cash or check only.
Hours change with the seasons, so check before you head out. Have a question about the area? Send us a message and we’ll share our latest local tips.
Photo credits: Millikin University by Paris25 (CC BY-SA 3.0); Nelson Park by n9qhf (CC BY 2.0); Sangamon River in Rock Springs by Aston305 (CC0); timber wolf at Scovill Zoo by Dan (HAM guy) (CC BY 2.0, via Flickr), via Wikimedia Commons.