05/16/2026
❗️ June 6 & 7 Lake Decatur Boat Races - Important Information
Get ready for the thrilling Hardy's: Race for the Lake event taking place on June 6 and 7 at Nelson Park and Lake Decatur! This year, the event will be even more special as Decatur is hosting the 2026 APBA Nationals.
To ensure you have the best experience, here are some important details to note:
▪️ Live Stream - Spectators can tune in to LIVE coverage of the event streaming at NowDecatur.com - just click "Hardy's Race for the Lake." Don't miss a moment of the action! NowDecatur.com will be the best way to tune into the race action and hear important announcements.
▪️ Road Closures - Lakeshore Drive from Lost Bridge Road to Cantrell Street into Nelson Park will be closed starting at 5 a.m. on Friday, June 5, and will reopen on Monday, June 8 at 5am. Please plan to use alternate routes during this time. Detour signage will be provided.
▪️ Spectator Parking - Parking for spectators will be available on Lake Shore Drive for $10, and limited preferred parking is $25. Motorists should enter from the intersection of Lost Bridge Road/16th Street and Lake Shore Drive. A tram shuttle will be provided to transport patrons to Nelson Park. No overnight parking is allowed.
▪️ NEW! Testing - On Friday, June 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., boat racers will conduct course testing. Please note Basin 2 will be closed to the public during this time to accommodate testing activities.
▪️ Coolers and Personal Belongings - No Coolers, Tents, or Canopies will be allowed in Nelson Park or on Lake Shore Drive. No personal belongings (chairs, etc.) will be allowed to remain overnight. All personal belongings must be removed overnight between race days.
Boater Specific Information 🚤
▪️ Boat Ramps and Fuel Dock Closure - The Nelson Park Boat Ramps will be closed from 5 a.m. on Friday, June 5, until 5 a.m. on Monday, June 8. Please plan to utilize another boat ramp outside basin #2 during this time. The G&H fuel dock will be open Wednesday and Thursday normal hours, then from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday. It will be closed Saturday and Sunday.
▪️ Boat Travel - Slip Renters in Nelson Park and other dock owners in Basin #2 who wish to exit their slips for open water to observe the races or make their way to other portions of the Lake on will need to do so by 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7. Boaters traveling from other basins to watch the races will also need to be in basin #2 by 9 a.m.
▪️ Boaters may not leave their slips after 9 a.m. until a break in racing is announced which could be early afternoon. Both Lake Patrol and IDNR Officers will be patrolling the area once race boats begin entering the water to ensure a safe event. Please tune in to the live stream on NowDecatur.com for periodic break announcements.
▪️ No Wake Zone – On Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, Basin #2 will be designated as a no wake zone for all spectator boats from bridge to bridge. Please adhere to this requirement to ensure safety and enjoyment for everyone. Officers from the IDNR will be assisting Decatur Lake Patrol Officers to ensure a safe event for all.
▪️ Swimming - Swimming and Floating will be prohibited in the water within 50 feet of the outside buoy line.
▪️ Periodic Breaks - Boaters who do not leave their slips at Nelson Park, their personal docks, or travel from another basin before 9 a.m. for open water may do so during periodically announced breaks. Boaters may also return to their slips or travel to another basin during announced break periods. Boat travel must not create a wake in Basin #2 even during periodic breaks. Breaks are not scheduled and will wholly depend on how the races progress. The race is jam packed with heats and is sure to be an exciting, but long two days. PLAN ACCORDINGLY. Tune into the race stream at NowDecatur.com for announcements and updates.
▪️ Accidents – In the unfortunate event of an accident, trained rescue and dive teams will respond accordingly. Personal watercraft are asked to remain at the outside buoy line and not interfere in order to allow first responders quicker access to area of the accident.
▪️ Anchoring - Details TBA
▪️ Parking Passes - A limited number of parking passes for boat slip renters will be available at the Decatur Park District main office located at 620 East Riverside Avenue starting on Wednesday, May 20, at 10 a.m. Each slip renter is eligible for only 1 parking pass. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We hope this information helps you plan your visit to Hardy's Race for the Lake at Nelson Park and Lake Decatur. Enjoy the incredible races and the exciting atmosphere!
