Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

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?

Back to Listings

What's happening nearby...

Always Olivia featuring Annie Aiello at the Decatur Civic Center

Decatur Civic Center •  Nov 09 @ 7:30PM

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, memories, and celebration as "Always Olivia" honors the extraordinary legacy of Olivia Newton-John with grace, passion, and love.

Read more about Always Olivia featuring Annie Aiello at the Decatur Civic Center

You might also be interested...

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

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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.