Decatur, Texas travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Decatur is a small town in the Cross Timbers region of Texas. It is the county seat of Wise County.

4 sights · 2 places to eat · 3 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Decatur

El Castile

A fine example of Victorian masonry architecture, this beautiful limestone mansion was built in 1883 by cattle baron Dan Waggoner. It remains in private hands today, so it can only be viewed from the street.

Wise County Courthouse

This 1895 pink granite structure is one of the state's most beautiful courthouses.

Petrified Wood Gas Station

It was built in 1927 and then whimsically covered in petrified wood in 1935. This old Texaco station looks like something straight out of the Flintstones.

Wise County Heritage Museum

Housed in what remains of a former junior college built in the early 1890s, this museum has many artifacts from local residents over the ages.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 96°F; winter lows dip to about 35°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Oct and May. (climate data from nearby Fort Worth)

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.
FTW Fort Worth Meacham International Airport, Fort Worth — 31 mi away. Directions
DFW Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth — 39 mi away (major hub). Directions

Decatur is on US 287 about 30 minutes northwest of Fort Worth, and on US 380 between Bridgeport and Denton.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

Places to stay listed here: about $50–$50 a night (typical $63), from 2 listed prices.
Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$90, mid-range ~$140, comfortable ~$220.

See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning El Castile, Wise County Courthouse
Lunch Catfish O'harlies
Afternoon Petrified Wood Gas Station, Wise County Heritage Museum
Dinner Whistle Stop Café

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.

Get in

Decatur is on US 287 about 30 minutes northwest of Fort Worth, and on US 380 between Bridgeport and Denton.

See

See El Castile (Waggoner Mansion)

📍 1005 E Main St⚠ Last checked Nov 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps

See Petrified Wood Gas Station

It was built in 1927 and then whimsically covered in petrified wood in 1935. This old Texaco station looks like something straight out of the Flintstones.

📍 100 S. US Highway 21corner of Business 287 and Hale Ave.

Maps