The Decatur center point is about the area of Downtown Decatur and 10 miles east of Downtown Bridgeport.
Most people visit Decatur once the hot summer temps start to cool, from September through November. Texan summers can be scorching, and Decatur is no exception, averaging in the mid-90s. On the flip side, winters are mild, typically in the upper 50s and low 60s. If you plan to travel in May or June, be aware that rainfall is somewhat heavier, but you'll likely still get plenty of sunny days.
In Decatur, there's always an opportunity to learn more about the Old West life and the bygone days of the cowboy rancher and homesteader. May is all about preservation and tradition in Decatur. Check out the Wise Chicks chicken coop tour, then book a tour of the historic courthouse (by appointment). Come August, Chisholm Trail Days celebrate Western heritage with shooting, wrangling, roping, and rodeo events.
In a nod to more recent history, you can attend Decatur's Cruise Nights on the Courthouse Square in May, June, September, and October and marvel at restored classic cars from Model-Ts to mid-century roadsters.
If you've been to a Baymont Inn location before, you will already know that this hotel chain offers excellent hotel rates any day of the week. On top of that, Baymont by Wyndham Decatur offers excellent discounts to AAA members, military and government service members, senior citizens, and extended-stay guests.
From Baymont by Wyndham, it's just a two-minute drive to Wise County Heritage Museum and Decatur Golf Club. Rooms earn rave reviews for being utterly spotless and comfortable. Other amenities include air-conditioning, refrigerators and microwaves in the rooms, and complimentary wireless internet access. You can stow your belongings in your room's safe during your stay, and daily housekeeping will keep everything tidy.
Outside your room, the perks continue. The indoor pool and spa tub allow you to splash and have fun 365 days a year and includes accessible access, so everyone can get in on the action. An on-site fitness center stocked with weights and equipment makes for an excellent workout too, if you have the time.
Baymont by Wyndham Decatur boasts an outdoor picnic area and barbecue grill station, so you can save even more during your stay by cooking out. In the morning, head downstairs for the complimentary daily buffet breakfast. From hot coffee to fresh pastries and other breakfast favorites, the selection is fresh and varied.
Hampton Inn & Suites Decatur is certainly one of the best value hotels in Decatur, Texas. Guests consistently remark on this hotel's exceptional service, cleanliness, and amenities. You can take a dip in the indoor pool while you're here, then go down the hall and dry your bathing suits in the convenient laundry center.
The breakfast nook is simply breathtaking, from its soaring ceiling and pendant lamps to the dark wood paneling and stylish bistro tables. In the morning, this is the spot to get a free breakfast of fresh biscuits, cereal, pastries, and other breakfast favorites as well as hot coffee and tea. If you plan to host an event in the Decatur area, this is the hotel of choice, as the Hampton Inn & Suites offers 900 square feet of event space.
Decatur prospered initially as a supply town catering to ranchers and herders. While the 1850s and 1860s were a time of significant growth for Decatur, these decades were also sorrowful and hard-fought. Native American tribes constantly raided the town for horses, and many townspeople perished and are laid to rest at Deep Creek Cemetery. You can visit their markers to this day.
The golden age of railways and the establishment of Decatur's own station ushered in a second burst of city growth in the 1880s. Decatur's famous courthouse, built in 1896, is a stunning architectural marvel made of pink granite and Vermont marble. The building remains in use today and has received accolades as one of the best historic courthouses in the United States.
Decatur Baptist College was established here as the first two-year college in Texas but later became the Wise County Heritage Museum. Take your time touring the museum's multiple floors and exhibits. From pioneer days to the Civil War, World Wars, and even Vietnam, past events are translated through the voices of Decatur locals to provide context and connection.
Architectural enthusiasts can't miss walking by The Waggoner Mansion. The Waggoner family built the 16-room mansion in 1883. It is not open to tours, but its Victorian profile is impressive to see.
The voices of the past live on in Decatur in its local events and traditions, in the food, and in the hearts of the friendly local Texans. Whether you're in town on business, just for fun, or visiting family, you'll learn a lot in Decatur and have a great time doing it.
Below are reviews of the city of Decatur, TX from an actual visitor's perspective.
Downtown has been revived. Lots of activity there.
Nice hotel.
Decatur has a wonderful downtown plaza with lots of history and great shopping for specialty items.
Roosters Roadhouse is unique eating experience.
Good
great shops, good food and a beautiful Court House.