Historic Nelson Park
Historic Nelson Park is one of the oldest and most beautiful parks in Central Illinois. Rolling hills on the banks of Lake Decatur make it a fantastic place to explore.
- Pavilions/Great Lawn
- Fitness Park/Trail
- Dog Park
- Disc Golf Course
- Rock Garden
- Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater
Nelson Park is our community’s most visited park, with 4th of July festivities, Shoreline Classic Race, Special Olympics Polar Plunge, Staley Firecracker Road Run, Shake the Lake Summer Concert Series, and hundreds of family gatherings. An estimated 80,000 people enjoy the park over the course of the year. Check out the Decatur Park District calendar for event listings!
The Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater
The Devon G. Buffett amphitheater, located just south of Pavilion 1 in Nelson Park, provides a one-of-a-kind lakefront setting for concerts, arts performances, road races, festivals, and other special events. The state-of-the-art facility draws 40,000 visitors a year from across Central Illinois, accommodating 3,200 guests in the fixed seating, pit, terrace and lawn levels. The venue includes a stage with specialized lighting and acoustics, concession building with restrooms, and changing room for performers. Rentable “party decks” provide a special, more private listening experience for businesses or groups of friends.
This exciting new venue is made possible thanks to a generous contribution from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. For the complete show schedule, visit www.devonamphitheater.com.
