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THINGS TO DO IN DOTHAN
Between Florida and Georgia, Dothan is a quaint little city in Southern Alabama. This city has everything that a small touristy city has to offer. Visitors experience a sense of community belonging when they arrive here. This city is fondly referred to as “The Peanut Capital of the World”.
The city is in the Wiregrass Region and is home to many attractions that will make you extend your vacation here. Native tall, wiry grass lines Dothan. The city has a fascinating history, and rich heritage & culture.
You can visit museums, parks, theme parks, or plan your trip to enjoy the humble peanut festival in the city. And if you aren’t able to make it, read this article to find interesting and fun things to do in Dothan, Alabama.
Landmark Park
Park is a large 135-acre park. This park aims to preserve the natural heritage of Wiregrass Region Alabama. No matter what type of visitor you are, you will love the exhibits and programs offered here. It is an official museum of agriculture. The exhibits include an 1890s living history farm. This farm has an old farmhouse, a smokehouse, a cane mill, farm animals like cows and pigs, and a syrup shed.
There is also a Digitarium Planetarium. If you are visiting the city with kids, visit this attraction to have a wonderful time. It offers knowledge about the night sky with a special 360-degree dome and real-time simulation. There are many nature trails and wildlife exhibits for guests who want to have a more exciting end to their day.
Visitors can also have a tranquil picnic here. Kids can interact with farm animals. Check more about this park here.
Address: 430 Landmark Drive, Dothan, AL 36303
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 9 am to 5 pm; Sun: 12 pm to 5 pm.
Wiregrass Museum of Art
Are you a lover of visual art? If yes, then the Wiregrass Museum of Art is a must-visit place for you. The museum showcases a large range of exhibits, permanent art collections, and educational programs. The volunteers here engage with guests in a friendly manner. The museum preserves the arts of Dothan, Alabama.
The museum is in an old Water and Electric building. Visitors of all ages will enjoy spending a day. Explore the pieces from the early 20th century to the present. The museum houses over 1,100 artifacts in its permanent collection. It showcases the works of Frank Stella, John Kelly Fitzpatrick, etc.
If you happen to be here on the first Saturday of a month, make sure to enjoy one of their family-friendly classes, camps, and workshops. You can spend the day drawing, sculpting, or more. Check their website here to know about the events being hosted here at the time of your visit.
Address: 126 Museum Ave, Dothan, AL 36303
Opening hours: Wed-Sat: 10 am to 5 pm; Sun – Tue: Closed.
Adventureland
Adventureland is the promised theme park for thrill-seekers in Dothan, Alabama. This theme park lives up to its name quite literally. It is a land full of family-friendly adventurous activities and games. It comes highly recommended in the list of fun things to do in Dothan while having a day out.
From go-karts, mini-golf, bumper floats, and even arcade games to batting cages, there is something for visitors of every age here. Its food courts offer typical American meals like hot dogs, nachos, burgers, drinks, and Dippin’ Dots. Check the website of this theme park here.
Address: 3738 W Main St, Dothan, AL 36305
Opening hours: Daily: 10 am to 8 pm
George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum
George W. Carver Interpretive Museum is a museum that will interest the guests who are interested in the socio-political history of a place. The museum spreads awareness about the contributions of African-Americans.
There is a permanent exhibit named ‘Designing the World We Live In’ and ‘Black Scientists, Inventors and Explorers’. The Carver Room of the museum showcases the lifetime of Dr. George Washington Carver. It has interactive displays.
Address: 305 N Foster St, Dothan, AL 36303
Opening hours: Thurs – Sat: 10 am to 3 pm; Sun-Wed: Closed.
Dothan Area Botanical Gardens
The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens has 50-acres of splendid landscapes, trimmed gardens, and walking nature trails. It displays many native flowering plants that have importance in Alabama’s history.
The gardens were established in 1997. It has rows of roses and 15 specialty areas. There’s also a vegetable garden from where you can source supplies. There are also many artifacts like statues, water fountains, and wilderness. The place is also up for rentals to host weddings. Check their website here if you want to make bookings to host your special event here.
Address: 5130 Headland Ave, Dothan, AL 36303
Opening hours: Daily: 9 am to 6 pm
Water World
Water World is an aquatic adventure park. The park offers everything that a water park has to offer. It is famous for having a 450,000-gallon riptide wave pool. The waves of this pool can achieve a height of over 3 feet. So if you happen to visit Dothan, Alabama in summer, you can cool down here.
Here, you can relax and sunbathe in the beach area of the park. There are also many lounge chairs to relax while sipping a cool drink. One of the other attractions is the Great White. It is a four-story slide that is a 400-feet-long Banzai Pipeline. It has three unique slides. There is a kid-friendly Tadpole Holes, swimming pool, and slides. Check their website here to avail discount coupons.
Address: 401 Recreation Rd, Dothan, AL 36303
Opening hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 10 am to 8 pm; Wednesday – Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm
Dothan Opera House
The Dothan Opera house is several hundred years old. This opera house entertains thousands of visitors. They have acoustics that is top-class. The Atlanta Symphony was recorded once here. Since it is a very old building many renovations have been done here. But the architecture of this opera house should be appreciated nonetheless.
It has 590 seats. The Dothan Opera House hosts opera, beauty pageants, and several community theaters throughout the year. Spend an evening here while enjoying a glass of wine and some opera. Check out their annual calendar here.
Address: 115 N St Andrews St, Dothan, AL 36303
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
National Peanut Festival
Dothan hosts the nation’s largest peanut festival. The festival had a humble start as a small event. It now is an event of ten days that sees 150,000 guests each year. There are many family-friendly attractions, concerts, and events hosted here. The festival also serves countless peanuts and peanuts-based recipes. It is hosted in the fall season.
Dothan National Club
The Dothan National Golf Club has full 18 holes. It is a championship course. In past, the club has hosted SEC Championship. The course is 7500 yards long.
It is one of the scenic golf clubs that has manicured lawns. The course is in the lower hills of Alabama. Mesmerizing pine trees line the course. The Dothan National club also boasts much wildlife, including, the white and black fox squirrels. The club is open to guests of all ages.
Address: 7410 US Hwy 231 S Dothan, AL 36301
United States Army Aviation Museum
The US Army Aviation Museum is a place for you if you are an aviation history enthusiast. It boasts a large exhibit of military aircraft and military helicopters in the world! It has over 160 planes and helicopters, a photo gallery, memorabilia, and the Army Aviation Hall of Fame.
The museum showcases the army’s contribution to military aviation. Make sure to visit this place to satisfy the aviation and combat enthusiast in you. It also offers tribute to fallen soldiers.
Address: 6000 Novosel St, Fort Rucker, AL 36362
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 9 am to 4 pm; Sun: Closed.
Murals Of The Wiregrass
Historic downtown Dothan is a place for you if you are into street art. It has many murals scattered. Take a drive or a stroll to see them all.
Museum Avenue is the perfect base for this exercise. From there, you can follow a guide of the local roads that showcase the artwork. These murals highlight local places and events, including Fort Rucker Army Base.
Fun Zone Center
Fun Zone Skate Center has a 20,000 square feet entertainment zone for children of all ages. It has a laser tag, a gyro chair, a rock wall, bumper cars, and video games. The most popular attraction of the center is the skating rink.
The skating zone is large. It has sections for all level skaters. It even offers lessons to those who want to revise their skills. The center also hosts roller discos for the whole family and has an in-house DJ.
Address: 465 Westgate Pkwy, Dothan, AL 36303
Opening hours: Mon-Wed: Closed
Continental Drive-In
Excited to explore a drive-in cafe at Dothan? If yes, then this is your chance. The cinema is operated by Jeff and Chase Taylor and is one of the most loved places in Dothan, Alabama. If you are planning a date night, this could be your ideal destination. They have four separate screens from which you could choose the movie that fits you the best. The rules are simple- just drive in and enjoy your movie.
Address: Continental Dr. Dothan, AL 3630
Dothan Forever Wild Trails
Channelize your adventure-loving spirit with a visit to Dothan Forever Wild Trails. This is a 10-mile rail network that comprises six trail loops. The trail is characterized by its natural beauty, which will leave you astounded. One of the best places to visit in Dothan is a popular tourist destination for joggers, hikers, and mountain bikers. The trail’s difficulty ranges from easy to moderate, so you can choose the ones that work best for you. One of the best places to visit with friends, we recommend you to check them out.
Hope this article will help you in planning your itinerary for the trip to Dothan, AL. If you have free time on your hands check out more top things in Alabama.
