Outdoor and Wildlife
Parks & Recreation
Biking, running, cross-country skiing, sledding, trails, birding, golfing, fishing, disc golf, swimming, and more…our great outdoors offers something for everyone! If you thought that “acreage” referred only to the farm fields throughout Central Illinois, just wait until you explore the more than 2,000 lush acres at various public parks throughout Decatur and Forsyth!
With 30+ miles of scenic shoreline and many convenient public access points, Lake Decatur is a year-round lure for fishing, boating, water sports, bird and wildlife watching, or simply relaxing!
Golf
Red Tail Run Golf Club by Raymond Floyd
Host of IHSA Class A & AA Girls’ State Tournaments
Designed by legendary Hall of Famer Raymond Floyd, this signature course features large undulating greens, wide rolling fairways, and native Prairie grasses. Located on Decatur’s south side, Red Tail Run has five tee locations and multiple angles, making it a course for players of all skill levels.
520 West Grove Rd.
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 422-2211 for Tee Times
Hickory Point Golf Club
Host of the Decatur-Forsyth Classic presented by Tate & Lyle and the Decatur Park District, an LPGA Symetra Tour Event
Host of IHSA Class AA Girls’ State Tournament
Hickory Point Golf is enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. Its flat, wide fairways provide a foundation for learning, while long distances and the ever-present wind provide a challenge for more experienced golfers. Designed by leading golf course architect Larry Packard, Hickory Point features a lighted driving range and a a special 6-hole short course for beginning and youth golfers.
727 Weaver Rd.
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 421-7444 for Tee Times
Miniature Golf
Overlook Adventure Park – Mini Golf Complex
This Decatur Park District complex includes two state of the art 18-hole miniature golf courses and a clubhouse as part of the Lakeshore Landing development on Lake Decatur. Over the Top Ice Cream Shop is located within the clubhouse. Those with wheelchairs and walkers are able to participate in the fun, as 9 holes of each course are accessible. For information on dates, times, and prices, visit their Facebook Page.
2501 E. Nelson Park Rd.
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 422-2316
Disc Golf
Forsyth Park Disc Golf Course
The newest addition to Forsyth Park is an 18-hole Disc Golf Course. The Forsyth Park Disc Golf Course has been designed to allow anyone from beginning players to experienced players to have a good time. The Course provides players with 5 alternate holes for those players with a more advanced skill level and also includes an alternate tee box for hole 13 for those players unsure of playing around the pond in Forsyth Park.
343 Forsyth Pkwy
Forsyth, IL 62535
Nelson Park Disc Golf Course
Looking for an exciting, active sport? Try disc golf at Nelson Park! This popular activity is enjoyed by people of all ages and is played much like traditional golf, but instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc or Frisbee®. The objective is to complete the course in as few throws as possible. Participants begin their play at concrete tee pads and progress toward a series of elevated metal baskets. When the “putt” lands in the basket, the hole is completed.
For more information about the game, visit the website of the Professional Disc Golf Association at www.pdga.com.
2501 E. Nelson Park Rd.
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 422-2316
Parks and Wildlife
Fairview Park
Located in Decatur’s historic West End, Fairview Park was established in 1857 by the Macon County Agricultural Society for the purpose of holding county fairs. The name “Fairview Park” was created from the merger of “fairgrounds” and “review” in recognition of the Decatur Review’s contest to name the park. The Decatur Park District acquired the land in 1924. Over the years, Fairview Park has grown to 181 acres and includes Dreamland Lake, Rose Garden, Ursula K. Beck Tennis Center, D-Town Skate Park, and Fido Fields Dog Park. The park is also home to a popular, paved bicycling/running trail, which is part of the Park District’s larger trail system, extending north to Greendell Park and south to the Macon County Conservation District’s Rock Springs Center. For those traveling without their bicycles, Tandemonium Tandem Bicycle Rental has you covered. Located inside Fairview Park, just south of the children’s play area and large pavilion, they offer a variety of bicycles for rent as well as free helmet rentals. For information on hours, pricing, etc., visit their website.
1455 W. Fairview Park Dr.
Decatur
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park covers 75 acres, is the home of two pavilions, (with grills, picnic tables and electricity if needed), play structures, a sand volleyball court, three tennis courts, and four softball/baseball fields. The park has four separate off-street parking areas, wooded and open bike path areas and walking trails, two fishing ponds and a wildlife observation stand. It also features wooded areas along with spacious areas of open field. The park is ADA accessible, and contains public restrooms, rest stop benches and water fountains.
500 Forsyth Parkway
Forsyth, IL 62535
(217) 877-9445
Nelson Park
Established in 1912, Nelson Park is nestled along the shores of Lake Decatur and is the community’s largest park. It was named in honor of William E. Nelson, a longtime Decatur resident and Circuit Judge. With 187 acres, the park is site of an exciting new development called Lakeshore Landing, a premier regional destination place that will provide big city amenities in a beautiful lakeside setting at Decatur’s lakefront. Completed elements include the Nelson Park Dog Park, Overlook Adventure Mini Golf Course, 18-hole disc golf course, Nelson Park marina, Snack Shack and Beach House restaurants. Added in 2018, high ropes course, destination playground, amphitheater, and the Great Lawn.
Water Park coming in 2020
200 Nelson Blvd.
Decatur
Spitler Woods
Spitler Woods is a State Natural Area of 202.5 acres that is named for Ida B. Spitler, who donated the land to the State of Illinois in 1937. A beautiful nature preserve and natural area of white oak and hickory trees, it offers hiking trails, picnicking, horseshoe pits, drinking water, enclosed heated shelter pavilion and toilets.
Groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park’s facilities, but are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
705 Spitler Park Drive
Mt. Zion, IL 62549
(217) 864-3121