Budget Friendly Things to Do in Decatur, Arkansas
7/14/2025
If you have recently visitied our website, then you will see the start of this article under the "Welcome" section. The first two mentions in that article are the Iva Jane Peek Public Library and the Decatur Public Swimming Pool. If you aren't a reader and you don't want to swim, then how about some history? As a writer, my imagination runs wild as I am combing through the historical articles reading about life in Decatur back in a day. As I read about the orchards of Mr. Plank, or the newspaper article about the retirement of the station manager, or maybe I am looking at the book of passenger tickets, a train comes rumbling by. I am immediately transported back in time when trains were a mode of transportation not only for products, but for passengers as well. Maybe its because I grew up reading "Little House on the Prairie" books, and watching Westerns with my dad. Whatever it is that catches your fancy, whether you like history, or you just like trains, it is still a cool place to be. The Depot Museum was rebuilt in 1910 after the first one burnt in 1908. This year the depot will be 115 years old.
If you are interested in touring the museum, admissions is free. The Depot Museum is open every Saturday, starting the first Saturday in May and closing the last Saturday in September. Its hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This year the museum will be closing for the 2025 season on Saturday, September 27th. If you are interested in touring the museum at a different time than Saturdays, please call 479-752-3912 ext. 4. Depending on staffing availability, we will get you set up with an appointment if at all possible. Appointments are not available for Sundays.
Are you more an outdoors person? We have seven (7) parks within a 2 square mile area. Some have the same features such as playground areas and picnic areas, but they have their own unique features as well.
Veterans Park is home to the walking trail, playground area, soccer fields, disc golf and other seasonal events. Within this park you will also find McCollum Picnic Area and Edmiston Ballparks.
Are you in for a game of Pickleball? Old City Park is where you will want to be. If you don't want pickleball, you can swim, or play horseshoes. There are some playground equipment as well. This park is the old city park where for many years the Decatur Chamber of Commerce hosted the Decatur Annual Barbeque. Many of famous Country and Western singers performed here. It was eventually moved to Veterans Park and is now called the Annual Decatur BBQ Fest.
Nestled in between Buckner Avenue and Hill Avenue is a neighborhood pocket Park called Royce Johnson Memorial Park. It has playground equipment including a "Mommy and Me" swing.
If this is not quite what you are looking for, then you might try Crystal Lake or Compton's Ridge (backside of Crystal Lake.) This is a small lake that is stocked by the Arkansas Game and Fish. You can enjoy fishing, picnicing, hiking, kayaking, or if you go to the backside to Compton's Ridge, you can go spelunking.
Other seasonal events you might enjoy are: The Farmer's Market (Every Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm in front of the carwash off of Hwy 59); The Annual Decatur BBQ Fest, Pickin' Time on 59, Trunk or Treat in Veterans Park, and The Christmas Parade and Santa Claus.
Whatever you like, whatever you enjoy, there is lots to do in Decatur, Arkansas. Come see us!