Decatur Travel Guide
Discover the best cultural attractions, natural landmarks, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scenes, accommodations, local culture and customs, safety and health tips, and transportation options to get to and around Decatur, Texas.
- Introduction to Decatur
- List of Places to Visit in Decatur
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Decatur
- Best Things to Do in Decatur: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Decatur
- Food and Drink Scene of Decatur
- Where to Stay in Decatur: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Decatur Hotels
- What to Buy in Decatur: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Crafts
- Texas Souvenirs
- Local Culture and Customs of Decatur
- Best Time to Visit Decatur
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Decatur: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Decatur
- Where to Go Next from Decatur: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Fort Worth
- Dallas
- Conclusion
Introduction to Decatur
Decatur is a charming city located in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. With a population of just over 6,000, it offers a peaceful and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Decatur is known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie looking for delicious local cuisine, Decatur has something for everyone.
List of Places to Visit in Decatur
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Wise County Heritage Museum
The Wise County Heritage Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in history. It showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of Wise County and its people. Visitors can explore several exhibits, including the Native American exhibit, Civil War exhibit, and the Chisholm Trail exhibit.
Decatur Downtown Historic District
The Decatur Downtown Historic District is a beautiful area with museums, galleries, antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The district features many restored buildings, including the Wise County Courthouse, a Spanish Colonial Revival-style building built in 1896 that is now a museum. Be sure to take a stroll down Main Street and enjoy the charm of this historic area.
Natural Attractions of Decatur: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
LBJ National Grasslands
Located in the heart of the Blackland Prairie region of North Texas, the LBJ National Grasslands is a popular destination of photographers, hikers, and bird watchers alike. The area features over 20,000 acres of rolling hills and prairies, dotted with streams and ponds. The grasslands are also home to over 200 species of birds, making it an ideal destination for bird lovers.
Lake Bridgeport
Lake Bridgeport is a beautiful lake located just north of Decatur. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and picnicking in the park. The lake is also home to several marinas and boat ramps, making it easy to launch a boat or jet ski and explore the waters of Lake Bridgeport.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Decatur
Cross Timbers Trail
The Cross Timbers Trail is a beautiful 17-mile trail that winds through the LBJ National Grasslands. The trail is excellent for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with several scenic overlooks and vista points along the way. The trail is well marked, making it easy to navigate, and visitors can obtain trail maps from the LBJ National Grassland headquarters.
Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) National Grasslands Trail System
The Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) National Grasslands Trail System is composed of several different trails, including the Dinosaur Trail, the Buffalo Trail, and the Timber Creek Trail. Each trail offers a unique hiking experience, from the stunning views of the Dinosaur Trail to the lush meadows and forests of the Buffalo Trail.
Best Things to Do in Decatur: Activities and Tours
Tour of the Wise County Courthouse
The Wise County Courthouse is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, built in 1896. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building, which includes a visit to the courtroom, the judge’s chambers, and the law library. The courthouse still functions as a working courthouse, and visitors can observe court proceedings during their visit.
Cooking Classes at the Heirloom Kitchen
The Heirloom Kitchen is a culinary school located in Decatur, offering cooking classes for beginners and experienced chefs alike. Classes focus on local cuisine and ingredients, with a particular emphasis on traditional Texan dishes. Visitors can also sign up for wine and cheese pairing classes and other culinary workshops.
Week-Long Itinerary for Decatur
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tour the Wise County Courthouse and explore the Decatur Downtown Historic District |
| Day 2 | Hike the Cross Timbers Trail, have a picnic lunch, and explore the LBJ National Grasslands |
| Day 3 | Visit the Wise County Heritage Museum and take a historic walking tour |
| Day 4 | Enjoy water activities and picnicking at Lake Bridgeport |
| Day 5 | Take a cooking class at the Heirloom Kitchen |
| Day 6 | Explore nearby attractions, such as the Fort Worth Zoo and the Stockyards National Historic District |
| Day 7 | Relax and enjoy the local food and drink scene |
Food and Drink Scene of Decatur
Must-Try Dishes
Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Fried Steak is a staple of Texas cuisine, and Decatur does it better than anyone. Beef steak is breaded, fried, and smothered in creamy white gravy. It’s a filling and comforting dish that is sure to satisfy any appetite.
Tex-Mex
Tex-Mex cuisine is a unique blend of traditional Mexican dishes with a Texan twist. Decatur has several restaurants serving up delicious Tex-Mex favorites, such as tacos, nachos, and fajitas.
Local Beverages
Craft Beer
Decatur has several craft breweries that produce delicious and unique beers, such as the Big Sexy Brewery, Wild Acre Brewing Company, and Rabbit Hole Brewing.
Texas Wine
Texas is known for its wine, and Decatur is no exception. Visitors can take wine tours of local vineyards and wineries, such as the Brushy Creek Vineyards and Winery and the D’Vine Wine of Texas.
Where to Stay in Decatur: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Decatur Hotels
Best Western Decatur Inn
The Best Western Decatur Inn offers comfortable and affordable accommodations, with amenities such as an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a free breakfast.
Candlewood Suites Decatur Medical Center
The Candlewood Suites Decatur Medical Center is a great option for longer stays, with each suite featuring a fully equipped kitchen. The hotel also offers a fitness center, laundry facilities, and a convenience store.
What to Buy in Decatur: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Crafts
Decatur has a vibrant arts scene, and visitors can find unique local crafts and handmade items at the shops and boutiques in the Decatur Downtown Historic District.
Texas Souvenirs
Texas is known for its unique souvenirs, such as cowboy hats, boots, and belt buckles. Visitors can find these and other Texas-themed items at local gift shops and souvenir stores in Decatur.
Local Culture and Customs of Decatur
Decatur is known for its warm hospitality and friendly locals. Visitors should expect to be greeted with a smile and a friendly conversation. Texans are also proud of their heritage and traditions, such as cowboy culture, and visitors should expect to see plenty of ten-gallon hats and cowboy boots.
Best Time to Visit Decatur
The best time to visit Decatur is in the spring and fall when the temperature is mild, and outdoor activities are in full swing. Summers can be scorching hot, and winters can be quite cold. Texas is also known for its thunderstorms, so visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Do’s and Don’ts of Decatur
Do:
- Do visit the local museums and historic places.
- Do explore the beautiful natural attractions.
- Do try the local cuisine and drinks.
- Do take a cooking class at the Heirloom Kitchen.
Don’t:
- Don’t underestimate the Texas heat.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
- Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with locals, they’re friendly!
Safety and Health
Safety in Decatur
Decatur is a safe and friendly city, but visitors should still take basic safety precautions, such as locking car doors, keeping valuables out of sight, and staying in well-lit areas at night.
Health in Decatur
Visitors to Decatur should be aware of the high temperature and stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary medications.
Getting to Decatur: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Decatur
The closest airport to Decatur is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, located about an hour’s drive away. Visitors can also fly into Love Field Airport, also located in Dallas, about an hour and a half drive away.
Bus Stations Near Decatur
Greyhound Bus Lines operates a bus station in nearby Bridgeport, Texas, about a 15-minute drive from Decatur.
Other Options
Visitors can also rent a car and drive to Decatur or take a taxi or ride-share service from the airport or nearby bus station.
How to Get Around in Decatur
Decatur is a small city, and visitors can easily explore most of the area on foot. However, for longer distances or transportation to nearby attractions, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi or ride-share service.
Where to Go Next from Decatur: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Fort Worth
Fort Worth is a vibrant metropolis known for its art museums, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can explore the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, the Kimbell Art Museum, or the Texas Motor Speedway, just to name a few of the many attractions.
Dallas
Dallas is a world-famous city with something for everyone, from museums and cultural attractions to sports and nightlife. Visitors can explore the Dallas Museum of Art, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, or catch a game at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
Conclusion
Decatur is a hidden gem in the Texas Panhandle, with rich history, stunning natural beauty, and delicious local cuisine. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or a relaxing escape, Decatur has it all. Come visit us and experience the warm hospitality of this charming Southern city.
