Decatur, Arkansas is a tiny town in the hills of western Benton County, roughly midway between Siloam Springs and the Missouri line on Highway 59. For most of the year it is a quiet poultry town of fewer than 2,000 people — but for one weekend each summer it hosts the Decatur Barbecue, one of the longest-running community celebrations in Northwest Arkansas. Here’s your guide to visiting Decatur: what to see, a little history, and how to get there.
Decatur is a small bedroom-and-industry community rather than a tourist stop, so be honest with your expectations: there is little to fill a full day here outside of festival weekend. But its barbecue is a genuine regional institution, and its history is a classic Ozark small-town story.
Things to do in Decatur
The Decatur Barbecue
The Decatur Barbecue is the town’s signature event and its main claim to fame. It began in 1953 as a “homecoming” barbecue to thank the community and rally the town after its first chicken plant nearly moved away — and it stuck. Within a few years it was drawing thousands from across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas, and by its 20th anniversary crowds ran into the tens of thousands. It has been held annually ever since, making it one of the oldest continuous community barbecues in the region.
What to expect: mountains of barbecue plus a parade, a car show, live music, a 5K, contests, and food and craft booths — a true small-town festival. It is held on a single Saturday in late summer, but the exact date and venue have shifted over the years (recent years have used the town’s Veterans Park). Check the Decatur Chamber of Commerce or the City of Decatur for the current date, location, and schedule before you plan around it.
Crystal Lake and city parks
Crystal Lake, established in 1950, sits on the edge of town and offers a low-key spot for a bit of fishing or a quiet look at the water. Decatur also keeps modest city parks with playgrounds and picnic space — enough for a short stop, but this is a place to slow down rather than fill an itinerary.
A quick history of Decatur
Decatur grew up around a freshwater spring — later called St. Elmo Spring — that drew the area’s first settlers before Arkansas statehood. Originally known as Corner Springs, the community was renamed Decatur in 1883 for naval hero Stephen Decatur, who had local relatives. When the Kansas City, Pittsburg & Gulf Railroad arrived in 1893, Decatur shipped strawberries and peaches, then apples and green beans, and finally became a poultry town: Lloyd Peterson’s operations, and Peterson-era processing, anchored the local economy for generations. The 2020 Census counted about 1,770 residents, a community that has grown notably more diverse with the poultry industry.
Where to eat, drink, and stay
Decatur has only a handful of hometown eateries and essentially no visitor lodging, so plan to eat, drink, and sleep elsewhere. Siloam Springs is about 15 minutes south, and Bentonville is roughly 30 minutes east with the fullest lineup of restaurants, breweries, and hotels. For where to eat and drink nearby, browse our sister sites NWA Food and NWA Brew, or dive into our full guides to Siloam Springs and Bentonville.
Location & getting there
- Where: Western Benton County, on Highway 59 between Siloam Springs and the Missouri line.
- County: Benton County, Northwest Arkansas.
- From the airport: about 30 minutes from Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA).
- Nearby cities: roughly 15 minutes to Siloam Springs, about 30 to Bentonville and Rogers.
- Main event: the Decatur Barbecue, one Saturday in late summer — confirm the current date and venue with the city or chamber.
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Decatur FAQ
What is Decatur, Arkansas known for?
Decatur is a small poultry town in western Benton County best known for the Decatur Barbecue, a community festival that has been held every year since 1953. Outside that weekend it is a quiet residential and industrial town rather than a tourist destination.
When is the Decatur Barbecue?
The Decatur Barbecue is held on a single Saturday in late summer, but the exact date and venue have changed over the years, with recent editions at the town’s Veterans Park. Check the Decatur Chamber of Commerce or the City of Decatur for the current date and schedule before planning your visit.
How long has the Decatur Barbecue been running?
It started in 1953 as a homecoming barbecue to thank and rally the community after the town’s first chicken plant nearly relocated. It has been held annually ever since, making it one of the longest-running community barbecues in Northwest Arkansas.
How far is Decatur from Siloam Springs and Bentonville?
Decatur is about 15 minutes north of Siloam Springs on Highway 59 and roughly 30 minutes west of Bentonville and Rogers. Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is about 30 minutes away.
Explore more of Northwest Arkansas
Decatur sits in the quiet western edge of the region. Keep exploring with our guides to Siloam Springs, Bentonville, and the Northwest Arkansas outdoors, or head back to the WeKnowNWA home page to browse every town.