Phenix City is a small city located on the Chattahoochee River in Russell County, Alabama. With a population of just over 32,000, Phenix City offers visitors a quieter, slower-paced experience compared to some of Alabama’s larger cities.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Russell County Welcome Center | A starting point for visitors with brochures, maps, guides, and local history exhibits. |
| Latitude 32 | A riverside village offering shopping, dining, and entertainment with iconic views. |
| Phenix City Riverwalk | A scenic pedestrian pathway along the Chattahoochee River with historic interpretive signage. |
| Phenix City Amphitheater | An outdoor venue for concerts and events with riverside views. |
| Ida Bell Young Museum | Exhibits on the local history and cultural heritage of Phenix City. |
| Phenix City Farmer’s Market | A market for locally grown produce, homemade goods, and community gatherings. |
| Confederate Naval Museum | Showcases artifacts and exhibits from the Confederate Naval era. |
| SouthPoint Church | Notable for its architectural design and overlooking views of the river valley. |
| Lakewood Golf Course & Amphitheater | Offers golfing and entertainment with beautiful lakeside views. |
| Chattahoochee RiverWalk Trail | A trail for hiking and biking with scenic views and ecological insights. |
| Oxbow Meadows Environmental Center | A nature center with interactive exhibits, trails, and wildlife viewing. |
| Phenix City Parks | Various parks offering recreational activities, community events, and natural beauty. |
Though small, Phenix City still packs in plenty for visitors to see and do during their stay. From historic attractions that highlight the city’s unique past to family-friendly parks and museums, Phenix City is an excellent destination for those looking to experience authentic Southern hospitality and charm. This article outlines 12 of the top attractions that you won’t want to miss when visiting Phenix City.
Russell County Welcome Center
Name and Location: The Russell County Welcome Center is located at 100 Glenn Street in Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: The welcome center opened in 2015 to provide visitors with information on attractions, events, dining, shopping and accommodations in the Phenix City area. It serves as a central source for promoting tourism and economic growth in Russell County.
What to Expect: Visitors can expect to find brochures, maps, guides and helpful staff at the welcome center to learn about things to see and do in Phenix City and surrounding areas. There are clean restrooms and an outdoor picnic area as well.
Visitor Information: The welcome center is open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Additional information can be found by calling 334-298-0681 or visiting the website at russellcountywelcomecenter.com.
The Russell County Welcome Center is an ideal first stop for visitors to Phenix City looking to get oriented and gather information on local attractions. The Welcome Center offers a wealth of brochures, maps, and guides to help you plan the rest of your time in the area.
Friendly staff are available to give recommendations catered to your interests and answer any questions you may have. Exhibits and displays highlight key pieces of local history, culture, and points of pride for Phenix City and Russell County. The Welcome Center also has clean public restrooms and an outdoor picnic area perfect for enjoying a packed lunch.
Latitude 32
Name and Location: Latitude 32 is a restaurant located at 323 Broadway Street in Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: Latitude 32 opened in 2018 in a historic 1913 building, bringing upscale southern cuisine focusing on seafood dishes. Its charming atmosphere and tasty food make it a popular dining destination.
What to Expect: Guests can enjoy dishes like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and crab cakes in a warm, elegant dining room. There is a full bar and extensive wine list as well.
Visitor Information: Latitude 32 serves lunch and dinner daily, and Sunday brunch. Reservations are suggested. Visit latitude32restaurant.com for menus and hours.
Latitude 32 is a unique village built alongside the Chattahoochee River offering shopping, dining, entertainment and scenic views. The bright blue pedestrian bridge connecting Latitude 32 to Columbus, Georgia across the river has become an iconic landmark.
Visitors will find a variety of hip restaurants, bars, and boutique shops selling anything from clothing to gourmet foods. One highlight is Phenix City’s only brewery, Inner Space Brewing Company, known for its craft beers and welcoming taproom.
When the sun goes down, Latitude 32 comes alive with lights strung throughout the trees as visitors flock to nightlife spots like the rooftop bar The Upper Room. The riverfront setting makes Latitude 32 a great place in Phenix City to watch the sunset while strolling along the riverwalk.
Phenix City Riverwalk
Name and Location: The Phenix City Riverwalk is a walking trail along the Chattahoochee River in downtown Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: The Riverwalk was constructed in 2006 to showcase Phenix City’s riverfront and provide recreational opportunities. The path features educational signs about the history and ecology of the Chattahoochee River.
What to Expect: Visitors can take a peaceful stroll along the Riverwalk and enjoy views of the riverfront and Oxbow Meadows park. There are benches, trash receptacles, lighting, and green spaces along the paved walkway.
Visitor Information: The Riverwalk trail is open daily from dawn to dusk. There is no admission fee. Parking areas are located at the 14th Street Bridge.
One of Phenix City’s most popular outdoor attractions is the Phenix City Riverwalk. This approximately one mile long pedestrian walkway stretches along the Chattahoochee River waterfront through the main downtown district.
Visitors can take in scenic views of the riverfront while enjoying interpretive signage detailing notable points of interest in Phenix City’s history. The pathway is dotted with park benches, art sculptures, and charming lighting inviting leisurely daytime or evening strolls.
Many restaurants and shops in downtown Phenix City back directly up to the Riverwalk, making it easy to access amenities off the trail. The Riverwalk connects Latitude 32 to the Phenix City Amphitheater for convenient access to events.
Phenix City Amphitheater
Name and Location: The Phenix City Amphitheater is an outdoor performance venue located along the Chattahoochee River at 100 Riverfront Drive in Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: The amphitheater opened in 2014 as part of redevelopment efforts in downtown Phenix City. It hosts concerts, theatre shows, movie nights and community events throughout the year. The venue is significant for promoting arts, culture and tourism.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a variety of family-friendly performances and activities in an open-air setting with a covered pavilion and grass seating area overlooking the riverfront. Food trucks are onsite for most events.
Visitor Information: Event dates, times and ticket information can be found at phenixcityamphitheater.com or by calling 334-448-2727. The box office is open 60 minutes prior to showtime.
The Phenix City Amphitheater is an open-air performance venue along the Chattahoochee River waterfront. The covered main stage is equipped with top-notch lights and sound for concerts, theater shows, dance performances and other entertainment.
Surrounding the stage is grass seating for approximately 1,500 guests to spread out blankets and lawn chairs. Food and beverage vendors are onsite for most Amphitheater events. An impressive lineup of high profile acts take to the stage annually including well-known musical artists spanning genres like rock, country, jazz and pop.
Even if nothing is scheduled during your visit, the Amphitheater is a beautiful spot along the riverwalk in Phenix City to stop and snap some photos.
Ida Bell Young Museum
Name and Location: The Ida Bell Young Museum of History is located at 905 Line Street in Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: Named for a prominent educator, the museum opened in 1994 in a former synagogue building constructed in 1913. It highlights local history and African American heritage exhibits.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore exhibits on Native American history, slavery, civil rights landmarks and more. There is also an art gallery. Group tours are available by appointment.
Visitor Information: Hours are Tuesday-Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm. Admission is free. Learn more at idabellmuseum.com or call 334-291-4511.
History buffs will not want to miss visiting the Ida Bell Young Museum located inside the historic Central Masonic Lodge of Phenix City downtown. This quaint museum houses exhibits showcasing the unique history and cultural heritage of Phenix City and the surrounding region.
Guests can learn about influential figures and impactful events through newspaper clippings, artifacts, photos, furniture and other period objects. Notable displays cover Phenix City’s inception and early years, the notorious vice-era of the 1940s-50s, the famous Phenix City political assassination and other pivotal moments in time. The Ida Bell Young Museum provides intriguing insight into how Phenix City became the city it is today.
Phenix City Farmer’s Market
Name and Location: The Phenix City Farmer’s Market takes place at 1010 Broadway Street in downtown Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: The market began in 2012 to support local food growers and vendors. Over 30 regional vendors sell fresh produce, prepared foods, crafts and more during market days.
What to Expect: Visitors will find booths and tents lining the street filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, breads, cheeses, sweets and garden plants grown by regional farmers and artisans.
Visitor Information: The market is open Tuesday and Saturdays from May through October, 9am-1pm. Learn more at phenixcityalabama.org/386/Farmers-Market.
For locally grown fresh produce, arts and crafts and sweet Southern hospitality, look no further than the Phenix City Farmer’s Market. Open seasonally each Saturday, vendors from across the Chattahoochee Valley region come together to sell homemade and homegrown goods ranging from fruits and vegetables to baked treats, jams, honey and arts & crafts.
In addition to quality shopping, the lively atmosphere makes the Farmer’s Market a favorite Phenix City gathering place to catch up with friends and neighbors. Special events like corn hole tournaments and live music performances are also frequently hosted at the market. The convenient downtown location places it close to restaurants and shops to easily make a morning of supporting local business in Phenix City.
Confederate Naval Museum
Name and Location: The Confederate Naval Museum is located inside the Historic Port of Columbus at 1002 Victory Drive in Columbus, Georgia.
History and Significance: Founded in 1963, this was the first museum dedicated exclusively to the Confederate Navy. It houses artifacts from the American Civil War such as naval swords, uniforms, maps, journals and ship models.
What to Expect: Guests can learn about life aboard Confederate warships and how the South developed from an agrarian society into an industrialized naval power during the Civil War. Interactive exhibits bring history to life.
Visitor Information: The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm. Admission is $7.50 for adults. Visit portcolumbus.org or call 706-327-9798 for details.
Phenix City pays homage to the Confederate Naval forces at the Confederate Naval Museum, an expansive complex housing detailed exhibits and artifacts from this unique aspect of Civil War history. Visitors are educated on how the Confederate Navy developed from scratch without sea ports and grew to formidable success despite the odds against them.
Authentic period cannons, rockets, swords, maps, goods and other naval relics help bring history to life. The centerpiece of the Museum is the restored 110-foot long CSS Jackson wooden gunboat displayed within a towering steel structure enclosing the full vessel. Interactive components like working pumps and loading cranes allow guests to envision life aboard the Confederate ships during wartime battles along the Chattahoochee.
SouthPoint Church
Name and Location: SouthPoint Church is located at 3920 6th Avenue in Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: SouthPoint began in 2006 as a Southern Baptist congregation focused on outreach, discipleship and community service. Their welcoming environment makes the church significant in the local community.
What to Expect: Visitors can join weekly services and Bible study groups. There are men’s, women’s, youth and children’s ministries along with community service activities.
Visitor Information: Sunday services are at 9am and 11am. Learn more by visiting southpointwired.com or calling 334-298-6433. All visitors welcome.
While places of worship may not immediately come to mind as a typical tourist attraction, SouthPoint Church is undoubtedly worth experiencing for the jaw-dropping architecture alone during your visit to Phenix City. This mega-church campus off Highway 280 overlooks the Chattahoochee River Valley offering gorgeous natural views.
The modern glass and steel building almost seems to defy gravity in parts, with angled exterior walls and vaulted roof peaks throughout. Inside, innovative lights, ceiling details and seating arrangements surrounding the oval main stage create an atmosphere more reminiscent of a grand performance hall than church.
Guided tours showcasing the unique architectural elements, art installations and river valley vistas are available upon request. Even for non-churchgoers, marveling at the soaring design highlights is an inspiring glimpse of modern worship space design.
Lakewood Golf Course & Amphitheater
Name and Location: Lakewood Golf Course and Amphitheater is located at 1515 Lakewood Drive in Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: Established in 1923, Lakewood is the oldest golf club in Alabama. The course overlooks Lake Harding and hosts tournaments along with music concerts in the outdoor amphitheater venue built in 2008.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a round of golf on the challenging 18-hole course or attend a concert by national touring acts during summer months in the grass-seating amphitheater section.
Visitor Information: Golf course hours are daily 7am-7pm. Concert schedules and ticket details at lakewoodamphitheater.com or 334-298-0399.
For recreation and entertainment options just minutes from downtown Phenix City, Lakewood Golf Course and Amphitheater has visitors covered. This multi-use complex features an 18-hole championship golf course with stunning views over Lakewood Lake, excellent for all skill levels. The scenic lakeside setting also hosts an outdoor amphitheater equipped for major concerts and events within a natural grass and tree-lined space.
Patrons can rent pedal boats and kayaks for leisurely paddling adventures on Lakewood Lake in between shows at the amphitheater. With dining available onsite at the Lakewood Bar & Grill, it’s easy to make a full day or evening of golfing, boating and taking in a concert or performance at Lakewood.
Chattahoochee RiverWalk Trail
Name and Location: The Chattahoochee RiverWalk Trail runs 15 miles from the George C. Marshall civil rights trail in downtown Columbus, Georgia to the Phenix City Riverwalk in Alabama.
History and Significance: Completed in 2012, this multi-use trail allows visitors to walk, run or bike along the Chattahoochee River and across state borders while enjoying views of whitewater rapids and historic sites.
What to Expect: Walkers, joggers, cyclists and skaters can all use this paved, flat trail system. There are benches, markers and art installations along the way with river access for kayaking and fishing.
Visitor Information: The trail is open daily from dawn till dusk. Find park entrances and maps at visitcolumbusga.com/listings/Chattahoochee-RiverWalk-Trail/4769/
Adventure seekers and nature lovers visiting Phenix City will want to lace up their hiking shoes for the Chattahoochee RiverWalk Trail. This extensive network of looping trails spans both sides of the Chattahoochee River between Phenix City and Columbus, Georgia offering 5+ miles of pathway with new segments actively under development.
The scenic and sometimes rugged footpaths cater to hikers and mountain bikers with elevation changes winding up and down steep river valley terrain. Phenix City’s main trailhead off 2nd Avenue provides easy walkable access to downtown off the trail system.
Interpretive signage imparts interesting facts about the river ecology, native plants and wildlife visitors may spot like herons, turtles or even American alligators. With pure wilderness so close by, the RiverWalk Trail provides the perfect Phenix City escape into nature.
Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center
Name and Location: Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center is located at 350 Hardley Place in Phenix City, Alabama.
History and Significance: A 60-acre nature preserve along the Chattahoochee River, Oxbow Meadows has offered environmental education programs since 1998 to teach visitors about the river and native ecosystems.
What to Expect: Guests can walk interpretive nature trails spotting birds and native plants, attend educational workshops and special events, or reserve facilities for private rentals.
Visitor Information: Oxbow Meadows is open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4pm. Details at oxbowmeadows.org or 334-291-7771.
Families visiting Phenix City seeking fun and educational things to do with kids should plan to spend an afternoon at Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center. Tucked away within a 35-acre oxbow wetland habitat, this nature center offers interactive exhibits and displays all focused around conservation and environmental lessons.
Guests can observe native fish up close in indoor aquarium tanks then cast their own lines at the stocked outdoor fishing pond. Five miles of short loop nature trails wind through wetland forest areas, meadow clearings and along the Chattahoochee River revealing diverse plants and wildlife. Seasonal family events from fishing tournaments to guided birding adventures make learning about environmental stewardship exciting for all ages.
Phenix City Parks
Name and Location: Phenix City Parks & Recreation maintains over 300 acres of park space including 13 parks, athletic fields, a skate park, recreation center and more throughout the city.
History and Significance: Providing recreation areas has been important since Phenix City was founded in 1883. Today the park system hosts sports leagues, community events and offers outdoor amenities for residents and visitors.
What to Expect: Guests can enjoy playgrounds, walking trails, tennis, picnics, sports fields, river access and wooded natural areas within the city’s diverse park properties.
Visitor Information: Find a full park directory at phenixcityalabama.org/97/Parks-Recreation or call 334-291-4724. Most parks are open daily 8am-10pm.
While taking advantage of riverfront recreational opportunities, make time to experience some quintessential Southern small town charm at one of Phenix City’s community parks. Lakeside Park serves as a prime gathering place for community events and family picnics with shaded pavilions, playground equipment and walking trails circling a fishing lake.
MeadowCrest Park boasts one of Phenix City’s newer playgrounds featuring unique slides built into an artificial grass hillside catering to thrill-seeking kids. Just across the street lies the R. L. Turner Sports Complex meeting game play and spectator needs for baseball, softball, soccer and more with multiple fields. Phenix City’s public parks offer pleasant spots to relax or stay active that channel the welcoming spirit of this Southern community.
Conclusion
Phenix City, Alabama presents visitors with no shortage of attractions and activities to fill their itinerary when traveling to this historic Southern small town. From exploring its pivotal role in Civil Rights history at the Ida Bell Young Museum to strolling along the tranquil Chattahoochee Riverwalk, immerse yourself in the culture and landscapes that shape Phenix City’s storied past and welcoming present personality.
Families can create memorable adventures boating across Lakewood Lake or getting back to nature at Oxbow Meadows. Outdoor enthusiasts have miles of trails across the RiverWalk system beckoning to be hiked and biked with stunning river valley views as the reward. When hunger strikes, the charming downtown district along the river offers locals favorite eateries and one-of-a-kind shops to browse. Phenix City’s perfect blend of rich heritage and natural attractions make it the ideal quiet Southern getaway for your next Alabama vacation.