The Staley Museum
361 N. College St., Decatur, IL 62522
Historic Sites
A.E. Staley was a big man with big dreams and had the determination to make those dreams a reality. Although he did not arrive on the scene until the 1900’s, his impact of Decatur was such that he is counted as one of the founding fathers.
The Staley Museum opened its doors to the public during the summer of 2015. It was A.E.’s pioneering vision in the area of soy beans, both the cultivation and processing, that gave Decatur the name “Soy Bean Capitol of the World.”
In the period of one decade, 1920-1930, A.E. Staley made significant contributions to the community of Decatur, being the driving force behind the creation of Lake Decatur, the Staley viaduct, the Staley Office Building, and the formation of the Decatur Staleys football club, later to become the Chicago Bears.
The story of A.E. Staley is one in which the city of Decatur has the right to feel great pride. It is a story which forms a major part in the industrial and agricultural history of central Illinois.
Images
More Information
- Mon: Closed
- Tue: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Wed: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Thu: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Fri: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Sat: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Sun: Closed
Admission $3.00 for adults, $1.00 children 17 and under.
How to find us?
What's happening nearby...

Toast - The Ultimate Bread Experience at the Lincoln Square Theater
The Lincoln Square Theater • May 03 @ 7PM
Toast is the No. 1 Tribute in the world to the 70's hit band, Bread!
Read more about Toast - The Ultimate Bread Experience at the Lincoln Square Theater
Millikin Opera Gala at Albert Taylor Theatre
Albert Taylor Theatre • May 06 @ 7:30PM
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of opera and musical theatre classics as Millikin University welcomes alumnus Zach Devin, Class of 2008, back to the stage.
Read more about Millikin Opera Gala at Albert Taylor Theatre
Decatur Craft Beer Festival 2025 in Central Park
Central Park • May 09 – May 10 @ 7PM
The Decatur Craft Beer Festival returns to Central Park in Downtown Decatur, bringing together a variety of breweries from across Illinois and beyond.
Read more about Decatur Craft Beer Festival 2025 in Central ParkYou might also be interested...

Decatur 9/11 Memorial
Decatur
A locally produced memorial to 9/11 made with an actual piece of a beam from the World Trade Center.
Read more about Decatur 9/11 Memorial
James Millikin Homestead
Decatur
Historic home of Mr. & Mrs. James Millikin, open for tours & special events and available for rental.
Read more about James Millikin Homestead
Homestead Prairie Farm
Decatur
Walk into the past to an exciting place where the days before the Civil War live on.
Read more about Homestead Prairie Farm