Decatur Indiana
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Decatur, Indiana.
1. Southeastway Park
NATURE SANCTUARY | FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP IN
Southeastway Park spans 188 acres of diverse habitats including forests, wetlands, prairies, and Buck Creek's meandering waters. Visitors can explore four miles of trails or participate in educational programs such as maple syrup making or Bug Fest events held throughout the year. The park provides picnic shelters and playgrounds for family gatherings alongside opportunities for environmental learning. Open daily from dawn to dusk without admission fees, Southeastway Park is an inviting space for nature enthusiasts.
2. Adrenaline Family Adventure Park
INDOOR FUN | FISHERS IN
Adrenaline Family Adventure Park offers a thrilling indoor experience for kids and adults alike with its 50,000-square-foot facility. Guests can enjoy activities such as trampolines, ropes courses, ninja warrior challenges, and virtual reality games. The park is perfect for hosting birthday parties, corporate events, or field trips, combining active entertainment with a vibrant atmosphere. With options for all age groups, it's a destination that guarantees fun and exhaustion by the end of the day.
3. Columbian Park Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ZOO | LAFAYETTE IN
The Columbian Park Zoo is Indiana's second oldest zoo, featuring nearly 200 animals across immersive exhibits that delight visitors of all ages. Highlights include a butterfly garden, petting zoo, Wild Tykes Play Zone, and interactive education programs that foster wildlife appreciation. Seasonal events like animal encounters provide unique opportunities to meet species like wallabies and tamanduas up close. Located within Columbian Park, it's a perfect destination for families seeking outdoor fun.
4. Porter Beach
SCENIC SHORELINE | PORTER IN
Porter Beach is a tranquil retreat within Indiana Dunes National Park, offering pristine sands and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Visitors can swim at their own risk or relax while enjoying scenic photo spots along the shore. Seasonal restrooms and parking facilities make it accessible during warmer months, though crowds often fill parking lots early on summer weekends. Leashed pets are welcome to join the fun.
5. Heritage Trail
HISTORIC WALKING TOUR | FORT WAYNE IN
Fort Wayne's Heritage Trail offers visitors an immersive journey through the city's rich history via its Central Downtown route with 19 stops. Historic landmarks such as the Allen County Courthouse and Old City Hall are highlights along this self-guided tour. Each stop features markers with QR codes for detailed historical insights or audio guides. This trail is perfect for history buffs looking to explore Fort Wayne's architectural and cultural heritage.
6. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
AUTOMOTIVE HERITAGE | SPEEDWAY IN
Located within the Indianapolis Motor Speedway grounds, this museum celebrates automotive history with exhibits on IndyCar racing and passenger vehicles. Highlights include over 30 winning cars from the Indianapolis 500 alongside memorabilia like driver suits and trophies. The museum frequently rotates its collection to showcase rare artifacts and innovative designs. Following renovations set to complete in 2025, visitors will enjoy enhanced interactive displays and modernized facilities.
7. Potawatomi Zoo
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS | SOUTH BEND IN
Potawatomi Zoo is Indiana's oldest zoo and home to over 400 animals across diverse exhibits like giraffes, lions, red pandas, and rhinos. Visitors can participate in interactive animal encounters with bison or rhinos for an up-close experience with these majestic creatures. Families love feeding goats at the farm area or riding the handcrafted Endangered Species Carousel before hopping on the Zoo Train for scenic views of the grounds.
8. Soldiers & Sailors Monument
HISTORIC ICON | INDIANAPOLIS IN
The Soldiers & Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis is a towering tribute to Hoosier veterans who served in wars before World War I. Standing at 284 feet tall, visitors can climb or take an elevator to its observation deck for panoramic city views. Designed by Bruno Schmitz in 1902, this architectural marvel features intricate sculptures representing war themes and military branches. As one of Indiana's most iconic landmarks, it serves as both a historical site and cultural centerpiece.
9. Turkey Run State Park
NATURAL ESCAPE | MARSHALL IN
Turkey Run State Park offers visitors a rugged outdoor experience with its sandstone gorges, suspension bridge, and scenic trails. The park's Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve showcases unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems. History buffs can explore the Lusk Home and Mill Site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With camping facilities and canoeing opportunities on Sugar Creek, it's a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
10. Southlake Mall
SHOPPING HUB | HOBART IN
Southlake Mall is Northwest Indiana's premier shopping destination with over 148 stores including major anchors like Macy's and JCPenney. Spanning 1.3 million square feet across two levels, it offers a mix of retail options ranging from fashion to electronics alongside dining establishments for every taste. Conveniently located near Chicago's metropolitan area, this enclosed mall serves as a bustling hub for shopping enthusiasts seeking variety under one roof.
11. The Outlet Shoppes at Fremont
BARGAIN PARADISE | FREMONT IN
The Outlet Shoppes at Fremont offer an open-air shopping experience with unbeatable deals on high-end brands and boutique items. Visitors can enjoy dining options after browsing diverse stores that cater to all budgets. Regular events and promotions enhance the vibrant atmosphere of this shopping haven. Conveniently located with ample parking, it's an ideal stop for travelers seeking retail therapy in northern Indiana.
12. Indiana Dunes State Park
NATURE PRESERVE | CHESTERTON IN
Indiana Dunes State Park features over 2,000 acres of towering sand dunes and pristine beaches along Lake Michigan's southern shore. Hiking trails lead visitors through wetlands, forests, and dune landscapes while offering challenges like the “3 Dune Challenge†for adventurous trekkers. The park's Nature Center provides educational programs year-round alongside birdwatching opportunities from observation towers overlooking marshes. With its blend of recreation and biodiversity, this park is ideal for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat.
13. Falls of the Ohio State Park
GEOLOGICAL MARVELS | CLARKSVILLE IN
Falls of the Ohio State Park invites visitors to explore one of the world's largest exposed fossil beds along the Ohio River shoreline. The interpretive center provides insights into prehistoric life through interactive exhibits and guided tours. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike scenic trails or fish along the riverbanks while marveling at the park's unique geological formations. Its blend of natural history and recreational opportunities makes it a fascinating destination for all ages.
14. The Fashion Mall at Keystone
LUXURY SHOPPING | INDIANAPOLIS IN
The Fashion Mall at Keystone is Indianapolis' premier destination for high-end shopping and dining. Featuring luxury retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Louis Vuitton alongside popular brands like Apple and Crate & Barrel, this mall caters to diverse tastes. Visitors can enjoy gourmet dining options such as The Cheesecake Factory or Seasons 52 while exploring stylish boutiques and specialty stores. Its modern design and convenient amenities make it a top choice for shoppers.
15. North Beach
LAKE MICHIGAN SHORELINE | CHESTERTON IN
North Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park offers pristine sandy shores along Lake Michigan with breathtaking views of dunes and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can hike trails that traverse Mount Tom or relax on three miles of beaches perfect for swimming or sunbathing during warmer months. The area also features diverse ecosystems including oak savannas and wetlands that attract nature lovers year-round. This destination combines outdoor recreation with ecological exploration in Northwest Indiana's iconic dunes region.