Specialty Farms Homestead Prairie Farm Rock Springs Nature Center 3939 Nearing Lane Step into a restored 1860's farmhouse and experience an era when apple butter and ham and beans cooked over open fires; candles were hand-dipped and quilts were hand-stitched; dulcimer music filled the air; and fields were worked by man and beast. For hours call, 217-423-7708. maconcountyconservation.org Mari-Mann Herb Farm 1405 Mari Mann Lane Spanning six rolling acres on bluffs overlooking the Sangamon River Walk and designated an Official Illinois Herb Garden, this specialty farm is a potpourri of herb beds, everlasting beds, wildflower fields, and formal gardens. Reputed for the area's largest variety of herb products, Mari-Mann also offers a gift shop, group tours, programs, and classes. For hours call, 217429-1404. marimann.com
Family Fun Scovill Zoo 71 S. Country Club Road Zoo exhibits hundreds of wild and domestic animals from Madagascar to Australia and every place in between. Take a ride on the Z.O.O. Express train or hop on the Endangered Species Carousel. For hours and fees, go to www.decatur-parks.org. Children’s Museum of Illinois 55 S. Country Club Road Interactive stations encourage youngsters to be whoever they imagine — pilot, builder, banker, or scientist. The newest exhibit is Heroes Hall, a two-story, 7,000 square foot law enforcementthemed addition that was made possible by a 3 million dollar grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. For hours and fees call, 217-423-5437. cmofil.org Overlook Adventure Park 2501 E. Nelson Park Road One of Decatur’s newest attractions – two 18-hole miniature golf courses, ropes course and batting cages, nestled in the hills of Nelson Park. New Splash Cove family aquatic center opening 2021. For hours and fees, go to www.decatur-parks.org. Rock Springs Nature Center & Trails Find out what surprises nature has in store through the window on wildlife and the hiking and biking trails. Interpretive staff members are always on hand to help translate the child-to-critter dialogue. Bike rental fee. Trails are open daily 7:00 am to sunset. For hours call, 217-423-7708. maconcountyconservation.org
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