What is Nelson Park Disc Golf Course like?
Nelson Park Disc Golf Course is one of 287 PDGA-listed courses in Illinois, and one of 2 in Decatur itself. Across 6,984 ft the course fits 18 holes at par 54, which works out to around 388 feet per hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is mixed/varied — a mix of wooded and open holes, which puts the emphasis on a complete game. The variety is the test: you will need a tunnel shot on one hole and a full-power drive on the next, often back to back.
ThrowSpot rates the course demanding overall, making it experienced players who want a real challenge. Length, tight lines, and unforgiving misses mean newer players should expect a long round. Play the shorter tees if they exist. Most groups finish in about 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Nelson Park Disc Golf Course?
For a course like this, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers the majority of shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. It is also worth reading the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Nelson Park Disc Golf Course
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near Nelson Park Disc Golf Course
More disc golf in Decatur
Decatur has 2 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decatur Convention Center | 2 | Beginner | $3 |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Nelson Park Disc Golf Course?
Nelson Park Disc Golf Course has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 6,984 ft, averaging about 388 feet per hole.
Is Nelson Park Disc Golf Course free to play?
Yes. Nelson Park Disc Golf Course is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Nelson Park Disc Golf Course good for beginners?
It is rated advanced difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Length, tight lines, and unforgiving misses mean newer players should expect a long round. Play the shorter tees if they exist.
How long does it take to play Nelson Park Disc Golf Course?
About 110 minutes for a typical group on 18 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Nelson Park Disc Golf Course located?
Nelson Park Disc Golf Course is in Decatur, Illinois, at coordinates 39.83445, -88.92396. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Nelson Park Disc Golf Course?
For this layout, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers most shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.