In northeast Alabama, Fort Payne is a small town. Just because it is a small town, you need not have to think that there are not many things to do in Fort Payne. Very close to this small town is the 15,000-acre Little River Canyon National Preserve. Not just this forest, there are many things that will keep you and your family entertained in this part of Alabama. Let us explore the top 14 options available to keep you engaged in this town:
1. What to see in Little River Canyon National Preserve?
As we have already stated when it comes to things to do in Fort Payne, the Little River Canyon National Preserve is never to be missed. But, what to do in this place? This preserve is home to the longest mountain river in the entire state of Alabama. Above all, the river has three main waterfalls. It means that this part of Fort Payne will provide you a lot of options when it comes to things to do.
Yes, you can swim, hike and capture some breathtaking photos. Even, it is possible to camp overnight by the riverside.
2. Visit the DeSoto State Park:
Are you looking for rest and relaxation as the best things to do in Fort Payne? Then, you should plan your visit to DeSoto State Park. This park is located just at a distance of about 8 miles from Fort Payne. The serene environment will provide the relaxation you expect. Above all, the fields of wildflowers and rushing waterfalls will make it more relaxing.
3. How About Exploring Interesting Exhibits?
You will be surprised to know that Fort Payne has a fascinating history. You can get to know about the history from the Fort Payne Depot Museum, which is also a train station. The museum has an incredible collection of Western US Native American Artifacts to excite visitors.
4. Do you like to swim?
Do you feel swimming to be one of the best things to do in Fort Payne? Then, you should visit Martha’s Falls. This is a part of the Little River Canyon Preserve. This is a popular place among the locals. Also, you can park your car and can have a wonderful walk to the falls. On the way to your falls, you can rest in the natural benches made using rocks. Even, you can get a rock-climbing experience here.
5. How about exploring glass art?
Established in the year 2002, Orbix Hot Glass is a glass art studio and gallery. Located in a land spread over 26 acres of land, you will find a lot of glass-made artistic pieces here. It will not be an overstatement to say that each piece of art in this museum has been created with infinite attention.
The artists Cal and Christy Breed has given attention not just to balance but also to color and form of each glass art piece in this gallery.
6. Do you look for a place with lots of things to do?
Are you looking for a place that will provide you with lots of things to do in Fort Payne? Then, you should visit Spring Grove Park. This park has a great-looking grassy area. Above all, this area is peppered with small trees. The amenities that will keep you engaged in this place are garden areas with swings, fitness stations and a mini-amphitheater. Even, you can have a relaxing walk with your kids and partner in this park.
7. How about visiting a religious spot?
When it comes to things to do in Fort Payne, do you love visiting a religious spot? If this is your favorite, you should never forget to visit the Sallie Howard Memorial Baptist Chapel. This chapel stands at the summit of the lookout mountain. This simple but serene and rustic chapel stands on the mountaintop. With natural rock formation and wooden pews, this place will give you a different experience.
8. How about engaging in organized adventure activities?
When you visit the Little River Canyon National Reserve, you should stop at the True Adventure Sports. If you are interested in adventure activities, this place will help you. Yes, you can get organized guided trips, classes and adventures. You can find different types of gears including lodging for groups and individuals at this place. There are a lot of things to do in Fort Payne here like ziplines, kayaking, rock climbing, canoeing and rappelling to name a few.
9. Get a Bird’s eye view of falls:
Have you ever imagined seeing a falls from a bird’s eye view? This is one of the best things to do in Fort Payne. To get this view, you will have to visit the Indian Falls.
It is located in the Desoto State Park in Fort Payne. This falls offers visitors a bridge that passes over the creek. It is this bridge from where you can get a bird’s eye view of the falls.
10. Overlook the Little River Falls:
Again, getting a view of the Little River Falls is one of the best things to do in Fort Payne. From the boardwalk of the falls, you can enjoy the river falling with rapid force surrounded by forests from the top angle. Even, to help visitors to picnic, the boardwalk has many tables.
11. Are you looking for an educational trip for your kids?
Of course, you have a lot of fun and adventure activities to do in Fort Payne. But, how about planning for an educational trip to your kids? Yes, the Little River Canyon Center will provide this opportunity to your kids. It is part of the Jacksonville State University Building. The attractions in this educational center include an outdoor amphitheater, educational exhibits and natural history library. Even, you can find a HD Movie Theater and walking trails.
12. How about tasting South-Western Foods?
If you are a foodie, of course, one of the best things to do in Fort Payne is to taste South-Wester foods. You can get this opportunity from the Santa Fe Cattle.
This is a local road-side eatery in Fort Payne famous for peanut dishes.
13. Visit the Alabama Fan Club:
Do you know the Southern Rock Band Alabama? If you are a fan of this band, you should visit the Alabama Fan Club and Museum for sure. You can learn everything about this band from this Fan Club, which is also a museum with a lot of displays.
14. Taste Barbeque foods:
If you are a person with a great interest in BBQ foods? If so, one of the best things to do in Fort Payne is to taste the Barbeque foods at the Fort Payne Restaurant. The locals love the mouthwatering taste of BBQ dishes in this restaurant.
So, you now have a lot of options when it comes to things to do in Fort Payne, isn’t it? Plan your trip and get everything memorable this vacation!