Decatur

Decatur is a city in northern Alabama's Mountains region, known as "The Ballooning Capital of Alabama" for its annual hot air balloon festival. Situated along the Tennessee River between Huntsville and Cullman, Decatur has a rich industrial heritage and a revitalized downtown with cultural attractions. The city is home to several notable museums and a historic downtown district. The climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, with pleasant spring and fall seasons.

By Car / Road

Decatur is located along Interstate 65 and US Highway 31 between Huntsville and Cullman. From Huntsville, the drive is about 25 minutes west. From Birmingham, approximately 1.5 hours north on I-65. US Highway 72 also passes through the city.

Decatur is best explored by car. The downtown area is walkable with several attractions within walking distance. There is limited public transit.

Princess Theatre: Center for the Performing Arts — 112 Second Ave NE, ☏ +1 256-350-1745. This historic building dates to 1887 and has served as a livery stable, silent movie theater, vaudeville playhouse, and movie house. Now owned by the City of Decatur, it hosts a variety of performances.

Cook Museum of Natural Science — 133 4th Ave NE, ☏ +1 256-351-4505. Tu–Su 9AM–5PM. Opened in 2018, this science museum showcases interesting flora and fauna exhibits.

Old State Bank — 925 Bank St NE, ☏ +1 256-341-4818. M–F 9:30AM–Noon. Built in 1833, it is the oldest bank building in Alabama and one of only four to survive when Union forces set fire to the town during the Civil War.

Point Mallard Park — 2901 Point Mallard Dr, ☏ +1 256-341-4900. A popular recreation area along the Tennessee River featuring a water park, indoor ice rink, golf course, and camping. Special celebrations occur on Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Alabama Jubilee — An annual hot air balloon festival held over Memorial Day weekend.

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge — 3121 Visitor Center Rd, ☏ +1 256-350-6639. A major stop on the Mississippi Flyway with opportunities for birdwatching and nature observation.

Spirit of America — A 4th of July festival with the Miss Spirit of America Pageant.

Riverfest — Music festival held the last weekend of August.

• Big Bob Gibson's BBQ — 1715 6th Ave SE, ☏ +1 256-350-6969. Daily 9:30AM–8:30PM. A Decatur institution and prominent BBQ venue with their own line of sauces.

• Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company — 105 1st Ave. M–Th 4–10PM, F 4–11PM, Sa 11AM–11PM, Su noon–6PM. Brewery taproom with games, outdoor beer garden, and food trucks. Kids allowed throughout, dogs in the beer garden.

Water is safe to drink throughout Decatur.

• Budget/Mid-range: Sleep Inn & Suites — 2226 Beltline Rd SW, ☏ +1 256-301-9995.
• Mid-range: Best Western River City Hotel — 1305 Front Ave SW, ☏ +1 256 301-1388. Check-in 3PM, check-out 11AM. Oversized rooms, free WiFi, free hot breakfast. From $76.99/night.

Downtown Decatur has a selection of local shops and specialty stores. The area along the riverfront features retail and dining establishments.

• Huntsville (25 minutes east) — Space and rocket science at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
• Athens (20 minutes north) — Historic downtown and the Alabama Veterans Museum.
• Cullman (30 minutes south) — Ave Maria Grotto and German heritage.
• Birmingham (1.5 hours south) — Alabama's largest city with major cultural attractions.
• Nashville (2 hours north) — Music City with world-class entertainment.