Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 14:51 ET
Where is Decatur Located? - Decatur is a city located in the Macon County of Illinois, United States. Decatur lies between 41.3580 Degrees North latitudes and 93.5574 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Decatur, Illinois
Decatur Map, Illinois, USA
Where is Decatur?: The Google Map showing the location of Decatur in the U.S. state of Illinois.
Where is Decatur Located?
Decatur is a city located in the Macon County of Illinois, United States. Decatur lies between 41.3580 Degrees North latitudes and 93.5574 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Decatur city is 70522 people and the city has a total area of 42.32 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.
Transportation and Connectivity in Decatur, Illinois
Transportation
Details
Airport Name
Decatur Airport
IATA Code
DEC
Port
No commercial port
Major Highways
Interstate 72, US 36, US 51, Illinois Route 48, Illinois Route 121
Train/Amtrak Service
No Amtrak service; nearest stations at Lincoln and Champaign
Local Bus/Transit Service
Decatur Public Transit System (DPTS)
Interstate 72 - Connects Decatur with Springfield, Champaign, and Hannibal, Missouri.
US 36 - Major east-west highway serving central Illinois and connecting to Interstate 72.
US 51 - Primary north-south route linking Decatur with Bloomington, Pana, and southern Illinois.
Illinois Route 48 - Connects the city with Taylorville and communities to the north.
Illinois Route 121 - Provides regional access between Decatur, Mount Zion, and central Illinois.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Decatur, Illinois
Landmark Name
Type
Scovill Zoo
Zoo
Children's Museum of Illinois
Children's Museum
Rock Springs Conservation Area
Nature Preserve
Lake Decatur
Lake
Hieronymus Mueller Museum
Museum
Millikin Homestead
Historic Site
Kirkland Fine Arts Center
Performing Arts Venue
Nelson Park
City Park
Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater
Entertainment Venue
Macon County History Museum
Museum
Colleges and Universities in Decatur, Illinois
Institution Name
Type
Level
Notable For
Millikin University
Private
University
Fine arts and business programs
Richland Community College
Public
Community College
Career and workforce education
University of Illinois Springfield - Decatur Center
Public
University
Adult degree completion
Decatur Public Schools District 61
Public
K-12 District
Public education system
Heartland Technical Academy
Public
K-12 District
Career and technical education
Waterbodies in Decatur, Illinois
Lake Decatur, Sangamon River, Stevens Creek, Spring Creek, Long Creek, Sand Creek, Friends Creek, Lake Shelbyville
Golf Courses in Decatur, Illinois
Hickory Point Golf Course, Red Tail Run Golf Course, South Side Country Club, Decatur Country Club, Country Club of Decatur, Scovill Golf Course
Decatur, Illinois - Key Historical Facts
Decatur was founded in 1829 and named after U.S. naval hero Commodore Stephen Decatur.
The city became an important railroad hub during the 19th century, helping industries and agriculture expand across central Illinois.
Major companies such as Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) established operations in Decatur, making it a leading center for agricultural processing.
President Abraham Lincoln practiced law in Decatur and was publicly endorsed there for the presidency during the 1860 Illinois Republican Convention.
Lake Decatur was created in the early 1920s to provide a reliable municipal water supply and has since become one of the city's main recreational attractions.
Today, Decatur is recognized for its manufacturing, agribusiness, higher education, parks, and cultural institutions.
