Dothan AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dothan, Alabama.
1. Landmark Park
LIVING HISTORY FARM EXPERIENCE
Landmark Park is a 135-acre historical park built to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of southeast Alabama. The park features an elevated boardwalk, nature trails, and serves as a perfect place to enjoy a picnic or learn about rural life in the 1890s through its living history exhibits. Visitors can explore farm animals, interactive displays, and attend various educational programs throughout the year.
2. Dothan Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Dothan Opera House, built in 1915, represents the elegance of turn-of-the-century life and is listed on the National Historic Register. This landmark venue hosts theatrical productions, ballets, and symphony performances throughout the year. Inside, visitors can discover a hidden mural painted on the stage's fire curtain, adding to the building's historical significance.
3. Wiregrass Museum of Art
CONTEMPORARY ART COLLECTION
The Wiregrass Museum of Art showcases the local artistic scene of Dothan and the surrounding Wiregrass region. The museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, permanent collections, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. Art enthusiasts can enjoy the annual Mural City Art Fest associated with the museum, celebrating the vibrant arts culture of Dothan.
4. Dothan Nurseries
WHIMSICAL GARDEN CENTER
Dothan Nurseries offers a whimsical wonderland and serves as a haven for gardening enthusiasts and the curious alike. Visitors can explore the butterfly house, a kaleidoscope of color and life, or relax among the variety of plants, flowers, trees, and decorative statues. The garden center provides a unique blend of horticultural displays and artistic garden installations that appeal to all ages.
5. Folklore Brewing & Meadery
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Folklore Brewing & Meadery ranks as a top attraction in Dothan for those seeking local craft beverages. The establishment offers handcrafted beers and traditional mead in a relaxed, rustic setting that celebrates local culture. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours of the brewing facilities, and often live music or special events on the premises.
6. Water World
FAMILY WATER PARK
Water World is Dothan's premier destination for aquatic entertainment and summer fun for families. The park features a wave pool that mimics a beach experience without the salt, alongside numerous water slides and attractions for all ages. Visitors can cool off during hot Alabama summers while enjoying food concessions and comfortable lounging areas throughout the facility.
7. Beaver Creek Trail
URBAN WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Beaver Creek Trail holds the distinction of being the only urban Forever Wild Land Trust Trail in Alabama. The trail winds ten miles on the northwest side of town, offering hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts a natural escape within city limits. Outdoor adventurers can enjoy the relatively new trail while experiencing native flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
8. Dr. George Washington Carver Monument
AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION TRIBUTE
The Dr. George Washington Carver Monument stands 6 feet tall at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, saluting the scientist who invented more than 300 uses for peanuts. This significant statue commemorates Carver's contributions that ushered in a new agricultural era for the Wiregrass region after cotton was no longer the dominant crop. Visitors can view this historical monument during festival events at the fairgrounds, celebrating Dothan's identity as the 'Peanut Capital of the World.'
9. Escape Dothan
INTERACTIVE PUZZLE ROOMS
Escape Dothan offers immersive puzzle-solving experiences that challenge visitors' problem-solving skills and teamwork. Groups are locked in themed rooms where they must discover clues, solve puzzles, and complete objectives to escape within a set time limit. This entertainment venue provides a unique indoor activity option for friends, families, and corporate groups looking for mental stimulation and fun.
10. Dothan Area Botanical Gardens
FLORAL DISPLAY PARADISE
The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens showcases beautiful floral displays and offers peaceful walking paths through meticulously maintained garden spaces. Visitors can explore various themed gardens, including rose gardens, butterfly habitats, and native plant collections. The botanical gardens host seasonal events and educational programs centered around horticulture, conservation, and environmental awareness.
11. Farley Nuclear Plant Energy Education Center
INTERACTIVE ENERGY LEARNING
The Farley Nuclear Plant Energy Education Center invites visitors to explore energy production at Alabama's largest nuclear facility, which supplies approximately 20 percent of the state's power. The center features interactive exhibits explaining nuclear energy generation, safety protocols, and environmental considerations. Tours are available on weekdays for school groups and the general public, though they must be scheduled in advance.
12. Dothan Historic District
CHARMING DOWNTOWN AREA
Dothan's Historic District presents visitors with charming architecture, quaint shops, and local restaurants in the heart of the city. The area features numerous peanut-themed street art and murals that celebrate the city's agricultural heritage and provide excellent photo opportunities. Visitors can stroll through the district to experience the unique blend of history, culture, and Southern hospitality that defines Dothan.
13. Carver Museum
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Carver Museum preserves and celebrates the history and contributions of African Americans to the Wiregrass region. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of local African American communities from the era of slavery through the Civil Rights Movement to present day. Visitors gain insights into the cultural, social, and economic impacts of African Americans on Dothan's development.
14. Porter Hardware
HISTORIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Porter Hardware represents one of Dothan's longest-standing retail establishments, offering both practical items and a glimpse into the city's commercial history. The store maintains its vintage character while providing modern hardware supplies, unique gifts, and local specialty items. Visitors can experience shopping as it once was, with personalized service and a slice of authentic local culture.
15. National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds
AGRICULTURAL CELEBRATION VENUE
The National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds hosts the nation's largest peanut festival each fall, celebrating Dothan's agricultural heritage. Throughout the year, the grounds serve as a venue for various events including concerts, trade shows, and community gatherings. Visitors can see the Dr. George Washington Carver Monument on site and learn about the crop that earned Dothan its title as the 'Peanut Capital of the World.'