Overview
Decatur is a city in Alabama. It is called The Ballooning Capital of Alabama.
3 sights · 2 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Decatur
Princess Theatre: Center for the Performing Arts
This historic building has a storied past including livery stable, silent movie theater, vaudeville playhouse, and movie house. The original structure dates to 1887, and over the decades has seen numerous major renovatio…
Old State Bank
Built in 1833, it's the oldest bank building in Alabama and one of only four to survive when the Union set fire to the town.
Point Mallard Park
Known primarily for its water park along the Tennessee River, it also features an indoor ice rink, golf course, and camping. Special celebrations occur on Memorial Day and Independence Day.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Cook Museum of Natural Science
Opened in 2018, this science museum particularly showcases some interesting flora and fauna exhibits.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Dec and Mar. (climate data from nearby Huntsville)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HSV Huntsville International Airport, Huntsville — 12 mi away. Directions
- MSL Northwest Alabama Regional Airport, Muscle Shoals — 37 mi away. Directions
- BHM Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Birmingham — 73 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Point Mallard Park, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Princess Theatre: Center for the Performing Arts
- Lunch Big Bob Gibson's BBQ
- Afternoon Cook Museum of Natural Science, Old State Bank
- Evening Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
See
See Princess Theatre: Center for the Performing Arts
This historic building has a storied past including livery stable, silent movie theater, vaudeville playhouse, and movie house. The original structure dates to 1887, and over the decades has seen numerous major renovations. Now owned by the City of Decatur, it now hosts a variety of performances.
Do
- Some noteworthy festivals:
- Alabama Jubilee - a hot air balloon festival over Memorial Day weekend.
- Spirit of America 4th of July festival with its Miss Spirit of America Pageant.
- Riverfest - music festival last weekend or so of August.
- Racking Horse World Celebration, held in April in nearby Priceville.
Eat
Eat Big Bob Gibson's BBQ
A prominent bbq venue, kind of like a Decatur institution, with their own line of sauces.
Drink
Drink Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company
Brewery, taproom with games, and outdoor beer garden. No kitchen, but you can bring your own food and often have food trucks on site. Kids allowed throughout, and dogs can be in the beer garden.
Sleep
Nearby
Athens
City / town · 6 listings · 13 mi away
Elkmont
City / town · 1 listings · 22 mi away
Huntsville
City / town · 85 listings · 24 mi away
Cullman
City / town · 1 listings · 31 mi away
Sipsey Wilderness
Park · 33 mi away
Arab
City / town · 1 listings · 34 mi away
Florence
City / town · 28 listings · 42 mi away
Tuscumbia
City / town · 8 listings · 42 mi away
My experience
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