NELSON PARK

Historic Nelson Park is one of the oldest and most beautiful parks in Central Illinois featuring rolling hills on the banks of Lake Decatur.  Thousands of mature deciduous trees change into breathtaking golds and oranges in the fall and the boardwalk gives a perfect view of the colors across the lake. The park also features pavilions, a fitness trail and fitness park, dog park, rock garden, disc golf course and is home to the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater.

Runners – 4 out of 5 – Runners and road bikers will enjoy the paved boardwalk along lake Decatur that connects Scovill Park, Pier 36, Historic Nelson Park and Overlook Adventure park. The area also provides stunning color views across the lake.

Bikers- 4 out of 5 – Offroad bikers will love riding among the fall colors on Nelson Park’s 1.5-mile single-track dirt trail. It contains 9 obstacles, including smooth rollers, a 4-bump “Nessy,” a snake ladder, and more. The course has a slightly hilly topography but is perfect for beginners to intermediate riders.

Hikers – 3 out of 5 – Nelson Park offers a 2-mile mixed hiking route with restrooms, some sidewalks, some trails, some mowed grass and a few hills.  A great route for beginners looking to enjoy the scenery.

For the Gram – 4 out of 5 – With the lake views and a gorgeous pier, Nelson Park is an Instagram-worthy stop for anyone who wants to snap pics of beautiful fall colors.

Families – 5 out of 5 – In addition to lakeside dining at the Beach House, Nelson Park offers playgrounds, pavilions for picnics, a dog park, and a fitness park for families. Plus, Nelson Park is adjacent to the Overlook Adventure Park! Keep the kiddos busy with mini-golf, a ropes course, and batting cages Thursday through Sunday until October 31st. Click HERE for more info.

Scovill Japanese Gardens/ Scovill Sculpture Garden

This spot is a 4 in one with the Scovill Zoo, the Scovill Japanese Garden, Sculpture Park, and the Children’s Museum. As for fall foliage, this area has the most stunning collection of Japanese maples as well as tall old deciduous trees and landscaping that is a photographer’s dream come true.

Runners, Bikers, and Hikers – 0 out of 6. Unless you’re out for a nice stroll between the attractions, this isn’t really designed for outdoor sports. But with all of the beauty to see, you still don’t want to miss it.

For the Gram – 5 out of 5 – Where to begin. First, there is the Scovill Japanese Garden with its vibrant red bridge and brick banquet house, then there is the Scovill sculpture garden that connects the Zoo and Children’s museum with contemporary art in a park-like setting. All of this is surrounded by trees and overlooks Lake Decatur where you can get photos of fall colors along the lake.

Families –  5 out of 5 – By far, the most family-friendly of the locations, this will keep the kiddos busy while you enjoy the fall colors. Boo at the Zoo at Scovill Zoo begins October 15th. You can support the zoo while collecting treats, enjoying the decorations, spinning on the carousel, and howling during a spooky train ride. Find out more about Boo at the Zoo HERE. There is also the Children’s Museum of Illinois, A nationally recognized interactive museum for children ages two to ten packed with hands-on experiences throughout a two-story, 27,000 square foot facility.

FAIRVIEW PARK

With over 80 species of trees, many of which are mature deciduous trees over 100 years old, Fairview Park is a gorgeous place to do fall foliage viewing. Plus it’s home to the most famous tree in Decatur! The bikini tree! This tree, which resembles a lounging lady, has been an icon since the late 1950’s when a high school class painted a bikini on the tree as a senior prank. Ever since she has stayed fresh with regular “outfit” changes by mysterious groups or persons who have never been identified.

Bikers – 5 out of 5 – with a covered blacktop trial under a fall foliage canopy that connects to Fairview to the Stephens Creek Bikeway and the Conservation Trail to Rock Springs, it’s a bikers dream.

Runners – 5 out of 5 – same as above.  You do share with bikers, who have the right of way.

Hikers – 2 out of 5 – in terms of hiking paths, Fairview is made for walking shoes rather than hiking boots, but it’s a great place for a stroll.

For the Gram- 4 out of 5 – between the vast acreage, the bikini tree, and its duck pond “dreamland lake”, this is a great spot for photographers.

Families – 4 out of 5 – the park has ample picnic space, playgrounds, skate park, pavilions, dog park, tennis courts, and plenty of places to explore. Plus, well-maintained bathrooms!

ROCK SPRINGS CONSERVATION AREA

Rock Springs is the perfect place for just about any fall activity. It’s home to a nature center with art and exhibits, tons of hands-on programs of all ages, a restored 19th Century Farm House, and over 9 miles of trails. As for trees, Rock Springs is not only home to acres and acres of deciduous trees, but also stunning autumn prairie grass fields and a pine Forrest.

Runners and Bikers – 4 out of 5 – The paved trails once again connect to the Fairview system, making this a perfect place for runners and bikers alike. There are also flat trails along the prairie grass if cross country running is more your thing. But Rock Springs is also popular with families, so you might be yielding to others.

Hikers – 5 out of 5 – Again, there are over 9 miles in trails ranging from easy and short to long and moderate. Plus, you have views of forest and prairie and the Sangamon River along the way.

For the Gram – 5 out of 5 – There is a reason that Rock Springs is one of the most popular photo destinations in Decatur! Make sure to check out the 5-acre pine tree forest while you are there. The way the light shines through the tall pines makes your photos look magical.

For Families – 5 out of 5 – take advantage of their family and kids programs like guided nature walks and wildlife watching. Plus Rock Springs has ample picnic space, a playground, interactive exhibits for kids, and nice clean restrooms.