Mount Vernon AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mount Vernon, Alabama.
1. Waterfront Park
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
Waterfront Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat along the Mobile River with stunning natural scenery. Visitors can enjoy picnic facilities, walking paths, and excellent spots for wildlife viewing. The park provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation while taking in the beauty of Alabama's waterways.
2. David Lake
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
David Lake is a popular fishing destination known for its abundance of bass and other freshwater species. The lake features boat ramps and shoreline access for anglers of all experience levels. Surrounded by natural beauty, it's an ideal spot for both serious fishing and casual outdoor recreation.
3. MOWA Choctaw Cultural Center
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The MOWA Choctaw Cultural Center showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring tribal artifacts, historical displays, and contemporary Native American art. The center offers educational programs that highlight the continued presence and contributions of the Choctaw people in Alabama.
4. Mount Vernon History Trail
HISTORICAL WALKING PATH
The Mount Vernon History Trail takes visitors through significant historical sites including Ephraim Kirby's Grave. This self-guided walking tour features informative markers that detail the town's rich past dating back to the early 19th century. The trail provides an educational journey through Alabama's history and the development of Mt. Vernon as a settlement.
5. Mobile River Paddling Route
SCENIC KAYAKING ADVENTURE
The Mobile River Paddling Route offers kayakers and canoeists a scenic water trail through pristine natural surroundings. Paddlers can enjoy diverse wildlife sightings including various bird species and occasionally alligators in their natural habitat. The route features several access points near Mt. Vernon for trips of varying lengths and difficulty levels.
6. Mobile Museum of Art
REGIONAL ART COLLECTION
The Mobile Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of over 10,000 works of fine and decorative arts spanning two centuries. The museum features American, European, African, and Asian art, with special emphasis on works from the southeastern United States. Its beautiful setting in Langan Park provides visitors with both cultural enrichment and natural beauty.
7. Alabama Contemporary Art Center
MODERN ART SHOWCASE
Alabama Contemporary Art Center presents cutting-edge exhibitions featuring works by regional, national, and international artists. The center occupies a historic building in downtown Mobile and serves as a cultural hub for contemporary artistic expression. Visitors can experience thought-provoking installations, multimedia presentations, and interactive art experiences throughout the year.
8. Stewart Heath Gallery
LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Stewart Heath Gallery showcases a carefully curated selection of works by talented local and regional artists. The intimate gallery space creates a welcoming atmosphere for art enthusiasts to connect directly with creative expressions from the Gulf Coast. Regular exhibition openings and artist talks provide opportunities to engage with the vibrant local arts community.
9. Fort Morgan State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR FORTRESS
Fort Morgan State Historic Site preserves a historic masonry fort that played a crucial role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. The pentagon-shaped fort features original cannons, soldier quarters, and impressive architecture dating back to 1834. Visitors can explore the grounds independently or join guided tours that bring to life the stories of soldiers who served there.
10. History Museum of Mobile
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
The History Museum of Mobile chronicles the rich and diverse past of Mobile and the surrounding Gulf Coast region. Housed in a National Historic Landmark building, the museum features permanent and rotating exhibits spanning pre-colonial times through the present day. Interactive displays, artifacts, and multimedia presentations engage visitors of all ages in the compelling stories that shaped the region.
11. Swift-Coles Historic House
PRESERVED SOUTHERN MANSION
Swift-Coles Historic House stands as a beautifully preserved example of Gulf Coast architecture dating back to the 1850s. The 16-room antebellum mansion features period furnishings, family heirlooms, and stunning woodwork throughout its spacious interior. Guided tours transport visitors back in time while exploring the house and surrounding grounds with their ancient live oak trees.
12. Historic Oakleigh
ANTEBELLUM HOUSE MUSEUM
Historic Oakleigh is one of Mobile's oldest surviving mansions, built in 1833 during the city's cotton boom era. The Greek Revival house museum provides visitors with insights into 19th-century life through its period furnishings, decorative arts, and historical interpretations. The property includes the main house, the Cox-Deasy Cottage, and the Cook's House, offering a comprehensive look at different aspects of antebellum society.
13. Mardi Gras Park
CARNIVAL HERITAGE SITE
Mardi Gras Park celebrates Mobile's distinction as the birthplace of America's original Mardi Gras celebration, which predates New Orleans' famous festivities. The park features statues representing different carnival traditions and figures important to the city's Mardi Gras history. Visitors can learn about the colorful traditions, societies, and parades that have made Mobile's Mardi Gras a beloved cultural institution since the early 1700s.
14. Fairhope by Foot
CHARMING WALKING TOURS
Fairhope by Foot offers guided walking tours through one of Alabama's most picturesque bayside communities. Tours highlight the town's unique single-tax colony history, arts community, and stunning architecture along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. Knowledgeable guides share local stories and insights that bring to life this enchanting town known for its flowers, oak-lined streets, and artistic character.
15. Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail
HISTORIC ROSE GARDEN
Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail features a stunning collection of heritage roses in a picturesque garden setting. Visitors can stroll among fragrant blooms that represent centuries of rose cultivation and hybridization history. The trail offers seasonal displays of color and fragrance, with peak blooming periods in spring and fall making it a favorite destination for photography and relaxation.