Decatur Magazine

04/13/2026

Buy a tree, plant a tree. They need our help!

04/02/2026

Best Golf Trip Ever, story by Pegg Warnick, photos courtesy of Jeff Sloan.
Local Decatur golfers make the pilgrimage to enjoy a “true golf experience” in Scotland. Pictured here is an aerial view of the 18th green. Can you guess where?
Read all about it in the April/May issue. Link in comments.

03/30/2026

It’s fun living in a city that makes such cool things.

Grab the April/May issue of the Decatur Magazine to read about all of the patented innovations that originated in Decatur like Caterpillar's 797F Mining Truck and the fly swatter (pictured).

Decatur has a long history of innovation, and we continue to make a lot of really amazing things.

03/28/2026

If Decatur had a mascot, it could be this scrappy guy created by local artist Shani Goss. Coming out of hibernation, he’s ready to play with his pals Sal the Soybean and the new Bean Ballers baseball team.
Enjoy all the fun and games in this issue with local stories brought to you by Decatur Magazine contributors - creative and enthusiastic writers, photographers and graphic artists who love this city. Link to learn more in comments.

03/24/2026

Spring has arrived, so let your fingers do the walking…
It’s easy to get full access to the information you want to know about Decatur Illinois.

In print | Digital edition | Online Mapping
QR codes can be scanned with your mobile device in the print and laptop editions. Hyperlinks only available if viewing on your desktop or mobile device

The print Visitor Guide is updated twice per year and includes QR codes to scan with your mobile device that link to Online Mapping of Family Attractions, Craft Beer & Distillery Tour, Historic Places, Caffeine Trail, Nightlife, Entertainment and more.

Find locations, get directions, read reviews, explore descriptions, photos and contact info. Order here: Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Digital editions are available using your mobile device or laptop and include hyperlinks to restaurants, hotels and attractions. Just click and get connected by phone or to local websites. Link to digital edition is in comments. Enjoy making plans!

02/27/2026

Just released: Decatur Illinois
Warmer weather is heading our way and the Decatur/Forsyth area is preparing for visitors to arrive. Browsing the pages of the new visitor guide is a great place to start making plans for spring and summer. Follow the link in comments.

02/16/2026

On President’s Day take a self-guided tour of ten significant Abraham Lincoln wayside exhibits in downtown Decatur. Start at the corner of Main & Merchant Street, the site of his first stump speech about the importance of Sangamon River navigation. Follow the link for maps and brochures in comments. Enjoy!

02/13/2026

We started with a salute to Shani Goss in the Feb/Mar issue, a local artist and graphic designer whose masterful designs have been seen on every page of Decatur Magazine since we launched in 2000, including her original cover art pictured here. We continued by recognizing the creative pursuits of our local contributors and their special skills crafting words and images.

Decatur Magazine exists to remind us what it means to take pride in one’s hometown. This celebration of our 27th year is a tribute to everyone who has shared their talents to bring out the best of Decatur. And to all of our subscribers and advertisers, thank you for supporting our efforts.

02/12/2026

Jordan and Jessica Weatherly-Baker are local multimedia artists who specialize in commercial photography and portraiture. They are frequent contributors to Decatur Magazine including these vivid images of Deco Manufacturing in the current issue, truly collaborative works of art. Learn more at the link in comments

02/11/2026

Kathy Locke is one of those photographers who is able to capture the essence of a story and draw you in to learn more. From documenting conditions in Decatur during the pandemic to portraits of local characters, she’s been a valuable contributor to Decatur Magazine for over fifteen years, including this image from her photo shoot focusing on the art and design talents of architect Marion Mahony at #4 Millikin Place. Story by Zach Shields. Read more at the link in comments.

02/10/2026

Our newest contributor, Ashton Dukeman is a freelance writer and published children’s book illustrator who creates artwork and stories that encourage creativity and inspire others to appreciate and protect the beauty of the environment. A perfect fit in her position as marketing specialist for the Macon County Conservation District. In the new issue, read her tips on hunting for those coveted morel mushrooms. To learn more, follow the link in comments.