Decatur Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Decatur, located in the beautiful region of Alabama in the United States, is a city that has much to offer to tourists seeking a unique and enriching experience. From its rich history to its stunning natural landscapes, Decatur has something for everyone.

One of the highlights of Decatur is its historical significance. Visitors can delve into the past by exploring the Old State Bank, a neoclassical building that once served as the first bank in the state of Alabama. The bank's architecture is a testament to the city's heritage and offers a glimpse into its early days.

For nature enthusiasts, Decatur is a paradise. The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination, spanning over 35,000 acres and providing a sanctuary for migratory birds. Visitors can embark on scenic hikes, observe diverse wildlife, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. The refuge also offers opportunities for boating and fishing, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

Decatur is also home to an array of cultural and artistic attractions. The Carnegie Visual Arts Center showcases a variety of exhibitions, featuring works by both local and international artists. The center also hosts workshops and events, providing visitors with the chance to engage with the local artistic community.

Food enthusiasts will find themselves in culinary heaven in Decatur. The city boasts a vibrant food scene, with a range of dining options to suit every palate. From Southern comfort food to international cuisines, Decatur's restaurants offer a diverse and delicious culinary experience.

No trip to Decatur would be complete without a visit to the Historic District. Here, visitors can stroll through charming streets lined with beautifully preserved historic homes, each with its own unique story. The district is also home to quaint shops and boutiques, perfect for picking up souvenirs or indulging in some retail therapy.

Alternative names: Founded: 1820 (204 years ago)Population: 55.4 thous.Area: 61.24 mi²Elevation: 571 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°34'37"N, 86°58'58"W

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AlabamaUnited States

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Decatur Top Attractions

Decatur Attractions - What to See and Explore

Decatur offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Celebration Arena, Princess Theatre, Norfolk Southern Tennessee River Bridge, Point Mallard Park. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Arenas and stadiums • Sport venue • Sport
Celebration Arena
The Celebration Arena is a 5,000-seat indoor arena located in Priceville, Alabama, near Decatur. It contains a 150-by-300-foot arena floor that can be used not only for sporting events as well as rodeos and horse shows, but also for trade shows, flea markets, and other special events, such as concerts.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Princess Theatre
The Princess Theatre is a 677-seat performing arts venue in Decatur, Alabama. The art deco-style building was originally built in 1887 as a livery stable. In 1919, the building was transformed into a silent film and vaudeville playhouse. In 1941 the Princess received its art deco redesign.
Bridge
Norfolk Southern Tennessee River Bridge
The Norfolk Southern Tennessee River Bridge is a lift bridge operated by the Norfolk Southern Railway over the Tennessee River at Decatur in the north central part of Alabama in the United States.

Park
Point Mallard Park
Point Mallard Park is a park located in Decatur, Alabama, United States that sits on 500 acres of the Flint Creek shoreline. Flint Creek is a tributary of the nearby Tennessee River.
Park
Delano Park
The Delano Park, operated by the Decatur Parks and Recreation Board, is the oldest park in the city of Decatur, Alabama. It was created in 1887, as part of a master plan to "re-invent" the City of Decatur, then New Decatur.
Park • Historical place • Palladian architecture
Old State Bank
The State Bank Building, Decatur Branch, commonly known as the Old State Bank, is a historic Jeffersonian-style bank building in Decatur, Alabama, United States. It was recorded by the Historic American Buildings Survey in 1934 and 1935.
Bridge
Captain William J. Hudson "Steamboat Bill" Memorial Bridges
The "Steamboat Bill" Memorial Bridges are two bridges that span one of the widest points along the Tennessee River within the city of Decatur, Alabama, between Morgan County, and Limestone County. One is a cantilever truss, and the other is a reinforced concrete.
Military museum • History museum • Museum
Blue and Gray Museum
The Blue and Gray Museum, sometimes called the North Alabama Civil War Museum in Decatur, Alabama is believed to be America's largest privately owned collection of American Civil War artifacts.
Concerts and shows • Theater • Opera
Cotaco Opera House
The Cotaco Opera House, also known as Masonic Building, was the first opera house constructed in the state of Alabama. It is located at 115 Johnston Street in historic downtown Decatur, Alabama.
Harbor
Port of Decatur
The Port of Decatur is a transshipment port on the Tennessee River, in the city of Decatur, Alabama, United States of America. The port was founded in 1971.
Neighbourhood
Bank Street–Old Decatur Historic District
The Bank Street–Old Decatur Historic District is a historic district in Decatur, Alabama. The district encompasses the original commercial and residential portion of Decatur along the Tennessee River. In 1832, Decatur was selected over the larger Huntsville as the site of the northern branch of the state bank.
34°36'53"N • 86°59'7"W
Dancy–Polk House
The Dancy–Polk House is a historic residence in Decatur, Alabama. The house was built in 1829 for Colonel William Francis Dancy, an early settler in the area, who later moved to Franklin, LA. It is the oldest building in Decatur, and one of only four to survive the Civil War.
Neighbourhood
New Decatur–Albany Historic District
The New Decatur–Albany Historic District is a historic district in Decatur, Alabama. The district encompasses the commercial district of the former town of New Decatur. It lies south of the Bank Street-Old Decatur Historic District and east of the New Decatur–Albany Residential Historic District.
Greek Revival architecture
Rhea–McEntire House
The Rhea–McEntire House, also known as the Rhea–Burleson–McEntire House, is a historic antebellum Greek Revival mansion located along the shoreline of the Tennessee River's Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Alabama.
Neighbourhood • Greek Revival architecture
East Old Town Historic District
The East Old Town Historic District, near Decatur, Alabama, is a historic district which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The listing included 37 contributing buildings and a contributing site on 30 acres. It includes Greek Revival, and Bungalow/craftsman architecture.
Neighbourhood
West Old Town Historic District
The West Old Town Historic District, in or near Decatur, Alabama, is a historic district which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. It includes NW Alma Street to NW Vine Street. It included 42 contributing buildings and a contributing site on 31 acres.

Day trips

Decatur – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Decatur, it's worth seeing attractions such as: U.S. Space & Rocket Center (Huntsville), Rosenbaum House (Florence), Big Spring Park (Huntsville).

21 milesNE
Museum, Science museum, History museum
U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, located in the vibrant city of Huntsville, Alabama, is a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts and curious tourists alike. This sprawling complex is not only the largest spaceflight museum in the world but also serves as an...
42 milesW
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Rosenbaum House, Florence
The Rosenbaum House is a single-family house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and built for Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum in Florence, Alabama. A noted example of his Usonian house concept, it is the only Wright building in Alabama, and is one of only 26 pre-World War II Usonian houses.
25 milesNE
Park
Big Spring Park, Huntsville
Big Spring International Park is located in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. The park is built around its namesake "Big Spring", the original water source that the city of Huntsville was built around. The Huntsville Museum of Art and Von Braun Center are located in the park.
25 milesNE
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Weeden House Museum, Huntsville
The Weeden House Museum is a historic two-story house in Huntsville, Alabama. It was built in 1819 for Henry C. Bradford, and designed in the Federal architectural style.
25 milesNE
Museum, Art museum
Huntsville Museum of Art, Huntsville
Huntsville Museum of Art is a museum located in Huntsville, Alabama. HMA sits in Big Spring Park within Downtown Huntsville, and serves as a magnet for cultural activities.

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Best Time To Visit Decatur

Learn when is the best time to travel to Decatur weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May, June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in August and October. Most of it rains in March.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Decatur?

The top attractions to visit in Decatur are:

What is the best time to visit Decatur?

May, June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and December.