Decatur, often known as "The River City," is located in northern Alabama along the banks of Wheeler Lake and has a surprising amount of things to do for a city with a population of only 55,000 people.
Did you know that Decatur was once known as "Rhodes Ferry Landing" after Dr. Rhodes, who ran a ferry along the river? The city was finally formed in 1821 and given the name Decatur that we know today.
As professional dog trainers in Decatur, Alabama, we are very familiar with the lay of the land here! This city has a strong feeling of community and plenty of things to do, so let's take a look at the top 5 things to do in Decatur.
The Civil War was one of the most significant conflicts in American history, with over 625,000 Americans losing their lives over the course of the four-year fight. In fact, this conflict claimed the lives of more Americans than any of the previous wars in which the United States had fought. The Blue and Gray Museum houses numerous weaponry and items from the conflict, and it is a fantastic museum to learn about the immense challenges that the war's heroes faced.
Cook's Natural Science Museum is one of the best of its kind in the world. There are over 2,000 exhibits to see, including mounted birds, unusual insects, animals, sea shells, coral, and minerals. There is a portion dedicated to animals found in the Tennessee Valley, which has been grouped together in a single display case. A component of the museum is dedicated to endangered and protected animals, including golden and bald eagles. After you've had your fill of looking about the museum, you can sit in the theater and view natural science films.
The Carnegie Visual Arts Center is housed in one of the numerous historic buildings in the region. Many shows exhibiting both local and national works of art are held in this ancient structure. You can also visit the Carnegie Visual Arts Center to take part in art lessons (for both children and adults), camps, and lectures. The Center is available to the public from Tuesday through Saturday and admission is free.
Nothing beats meeting the folks who farmed your food and then buying it from them when it comes to getting it as fresh as possible. Between April and November, the Decatur Farmers' Market is open every Monday through Saturday. The market is bustling with stalls offering fresh fruits and vegetables, and it may get rather crowded at times. Every month at the market, there is also a unique event that honors a specific fruit or vegetable that is in season at the moment.
The Old State Bank is one of the few structures that has such a diverse story. The Alabama General Assembly authorized three banks in the area to commence operations in 1832, one of which being this one. The structure, which is approximately 200 years old, has seen two depressions and a civil war. The building's usage has also evolved over time; it has previously served as a bank, a hospital, a guardhouse, and a dance hall. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972; it is a lovely structure with many antiques from the Federal and Empire periods.
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