Children’s Museum of Illinois
55 South Country Club Road Decatur 217-423-5437. Child magazine ranked this museum in the Top 25 of all children’s museums! It’s well worth the trip and is within walking distance from the Decatur Zoo; so you can do both in a fun family day trip. The Children’s Museum of Illinois invites you to explore two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits.
Scovill Zoo
71 South Country Club Road, Decatur 217-421-7435. This is a great zoo, located next door to the Children’s Museum of Illinois! Enjoy the endangered species carousel ride. The Z.O. & O. Express Train offers a one-mile narrated tour tracking through a tunnel and along Lake Decatur to give you a unique view of the animals. Riders will have the opportunity to see animals from five different continents like an Emu from Australia and Toucans from South American. Be sure to watch for the South African Cheetahs! There is a wonderful playground set at the main entrance as well.
Madden Arts Center
125 N. Water Street, Decatur 217-423-3189. Check out the exhibits at the Anne Lloyd Gallery featuring fine local talent to outstanding regional artists and art from cultures around the world.
Rock Springs Nature Center
Rock Springs Conservation Area is home to a Nature Center with exhibits, art galleries, a Window on Wildlife, and hands-on programs for the whole family. Pavilions, cross-country ski rentals, over nine miles of trails, and a restored 19th century farmhouse are just a few of the features which make Rock Springs Conservation Area a great place to explore year-round.
