Prattville is a historic city located just north of Montgomery, the capital of Alabama. Founded in 1839, it sits along the Autauga Creek and has been an important industrial center in the state for over 180 years. Prattville offers visitors a unique glimpse into Alabama’s history and culture, with various historical sites, parks, and museums to explore.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Capitol Hill Golf Course | A premier 18-hole golf course known for its stunning landscape and prestigious tournaments. |
| Prattville Dragoons Baseball | Watch the collegiate league baseball team, showcasing top talent and a family-friendly atmosphere. |
| Autauga Creek Heritage Center | A museum rich with local history, featuring artifacts from various eras and celebrating Prattville’s heritage. |
| Alabama Bass Trail | A popular spot for bass fishing, offering beautiful lakes and hosting amateur fishing tournaments. |
| Prattville Wetumpka Light Display | A seasonal light display over the Coosa River, featuring millions of lights and synchronized to music. |
| Jasmine Hill Gardens & Outdoor Museum | Explore sprawling gardens and historical architectural artifacts in a picturesque outdoor setting. |
| Pratt Park & Splash Pad | A community park perfect for summer, with a splash pad, playgrounds, and special events. |
| Shopping & Dining Downtown | Experience the charm of downtown Prattville with its unique shops and local dining options. |
| Sanders Covered Bridge | A historical wooden bridge, offering a glimpse into the early 20th-century architecture. |
| First White House of the Confederacy | Tour the historic residence of Jefferson Davis, featuring Civil War artifacts and original furnishings. |
| Autauga County Genealogical Society | Ideal for those researching family histories, with extensive records and genealogical resources. |
Whether you’re interested in the Civil War, nature, sports, or just learning about this charming Southern town, Prattville has something for you. Here are 12 of the top attractions that you must see when visiting Prattville, Alabama:
Capitol Hill Golf Course
Name and Location: Capitol Hill Golf Course is located in Prattville, Alabama, just a short drive from Montgomery.
History and Significance: Capitol Hill Golf Course is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, a collection of championship-caliber golf courses throughout Alabama. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1999.
What to Expect: Capitol Hill Golf Course features three 18-hole courses: The Senator, The Legislator, and The Judge. Each course offers unique challenges and stunning views of the Alabama River and surrounding wetlands. The course is known for its well-maintained greens and fairways, as well as its challenging layout.
Visitor Information: The course is open to the public year-round, with tee times available for booking online or by phone. Rental clubs and golf carts are available, and the clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant, and locker rooms.
The Capitol Hill golf course is one of Alabama’s top golf destinations. This 18-hole championship course was built along the Autauga Creek Valley by renowned golf course architects Bob Cupp and John Fought. The strategically placed bunkers, undulating greens, and mature trees provide a challenging yet stunning golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
The course has hosted prestigious tournaments like the Future Masters and the Justin Thomas Junior Championship. After you play a round, relax in the Tuscan-style clubhouse featuring panoramic views of the course. Capitol Hill is a must-play for any golf enthusiast visiting Prattville.
Prattville Dragoons Baseball
Name and Location: Prattville Dragoons Baseball is a minor league baseball team based in Prattville, Alabama.
History and Significance: The Prattville Dragoons were founded in 1998 and have been a member of the Southeastern League since their inception. The team has won several league championships over the years and has produced numerous major league prospects.
What to Expect: Attending a Prattville Dragoons game is a fun and affordable family outing. The team plays at Pratt Park, which features a modern stadium with comfortable seating and a variety of concessions. Between innings, fans can enjoy on-field contests and giveaways.
Visitor Information: Tickets for Prattville Dragoons games can be purchased online or at the stadium box office on game days. The team typically plays home games from April through August, with a schedule available on their website.
Baseball fans will love watching the Prattville Dragoons play at their home stadium, Municipal Park. As part of the collegiate Coastal Plain League, the Dragoons attract some of the most talented college players from across the country. recent Dragoons players have gone on to play for Major League teams like the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Municipal Park provides an intimate, family-friendly atmosphere to watch exciting baseball action while munching on classic concessions like peanuts and cracker jacks. With competitive spirit and elite talent on display, a Dragoons game is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in the area during summertime.
Autauga Creek Heritage Center
Name and Location: The Autauga Creek Heritage Center is located in downtown Prattville, Alabama, along the banks of Autauga Creek.
History and Significance: The Heritage Center is housed in a historic building that was once part of Daniel Pratt’s cotton gin factory, which played a significant role in the early development of Prattville. The center features exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history of the area, including its Native American heritage, early settlement, and industrial growth.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Autauga Creek Heritage Center can explore a variety of interactive exhibits that bring the history of the area to life. The center also offers guided tours and educational programs for school groups and other organizations.
Visitor Information: The Heritage Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, with admission prices and hours available on their website. The center is located within walking distance of several other downtown Prattville attractions, including the Prattville Artisan Center and the Prattville Historic District.
Immerse yourself in Prattville and Autauga County’s rich history with a visit to the Autauga Creek Heritage Center. This museum houses exhibits and artifacts from Native American settlers, African American heritage sites, and nineteenth century cotton plantations. Standout collections include Arrowhead and spearheads dating back 9,000 years, Kymulga Ferry artifacts that operated during the 19th century and displays honouring Daniel Pratt’s industrial and architectural impact on Prattville.
The neighbouring Pioneer Museum expands on the local history with a replica 1800s home, one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, and blacksmith shed. Every item at these museums helps illustrate Prattville’s unique place in Alabama’s timeline.
Alabama Bass Trail
Name and Location: The Alabama Bass Trail is a series of premier bass fishing lakes located throughout the state of Alabama.
History and Significance: The Alabama Bass Trail was established in 2012 to promote the state’s world-class bass fishing opportunities and to encourage tourism and economic development in rural communities. The trail includes 13 lakes, each known for its outstanding bass fishing and scenic beauty.
What to Expect: Anglers who visit the Alabama Bass Trail can expect to find some of the best bass fishing in the country, with opportunities to catch largemouth, spotted, and striped bass. Each lake on the trail offers its own unique challenges and opportunities, from the deep, clear waters of Lewis Smith Lake to the shallow, stump-filled backwaters of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
Visitor Information: Visitors to the Alabama Bass Trail can find information on each lake, including maps, fishing reports, and local guides and outfitters, on the trail’s website. Many of the lakes also offer lodging, camping, and other amenities for anglers and their families.
Largemouth bass fishing is hugely popular at the lakes surrounding Prattville, so amateur anglers flock here to try their hand thanks to the Alabama Bass Trail program. Local lakes within the trail like Autauga Creek Lake and Cooter’s Pond offer convenient boat launches, picturesque scenery, and most importantly, plenty of chunky bass ready to take your bait.
The Bass Trail hosts frequent amateur fishing tournaments with thousands of dollars in prizes at stake. So bring your rod and tackle box to see if you can reel in a prize-worthy catch! Expect peaceful mornings out on the water away from city life.
Prattville Wetumpka Light Display
Name and Location: The Prattville Wetumpka Light Display is a holiday light show located in Pratt Park in Prattville, Alabama, and Hardin Park in Wetumpka, Alabama.
History and Significance: The Prattville Wetumpka Light Display began in 2016 as a joint effort between the cities of Prattville and Wetumpka to celebrate the holiday season and bring the community together. The display has grown each year and now features over a million lights and dozens of animated displays.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Prattville Wetumpka Light Display can drive through the parks and enjoy the dazzling light displays from the comfort of their own vehicles. The displays feature a variety of holiday themes, from traditional Christmas scenes to whimsical animations.
Visitor Information: The Prattville Wetumpka Light Display is open nightly from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, with a small admission fee per vehicle. The display is located in Pratt Park in Prattville and Hardin Park in Wetumpka, with maps and directions available on the event’s website.
Enjoy a dazzling display along the banks of the Coosa River during the holiday season with the Prattville Wetumpka Light Display. Stretching across the Bibb Graves Bridge that connects the two cities, this half-mile long display features over seven million sparkling white lights synchronized to beloved Christmas tunes.
Visitors can tune their radio as they drive slowly across the bridge and take in unforgettable views of the glittering lights reflecting off the river below. The stunning show attracts visitors from all over and has been ranked among the best public light displays nationally. It’s certainly one of the brightest attractions in Prattville year after year.
Jasmine Hill Gardens & Outdoor Museum
Name and Location: Jasmine Hill Gardens & Outdoor Museum is located in Wetumpka, Alabama, just a short drive from Montgomery.
History and Significance: Jasmine Hill Gardens was founded in 1928 by Benjamin and Mary Fitzpatrick, who were inspired by the gardens of Europe and wanted to create a similar space in Alabama. The gardens feature a collection of Greek and Roman statuary, as well as a variety of native and exotic plants.
What to Expect: Visitors to Jasmine Hill Gardens can stroll through over 20 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring a variety of themed areas such as the Olympic Garden, the Olympian Garden, and the Japonica Garden. The gardens also include several outdoor museums, showcasing Greek and Roman antiquities, as well as a collection of local and regional art.
Visitor Information: Jasmine Hill Gardens is open year-round, with admission prices and hours varying by season. Guided tours are available for groups, and the gardens also host a variety of special events throughout the year, including concerts and art exhibitions.
Nature lovers will adore exploring the lush landscapes of Jasmine Hill Gardens & Outdoor Museum situated on 300 sprawling acres. The outdoor museum section features a fascinating collection of architectural artifacts from around Alabama that have been preserved or reconstructed, like an 1821 log smokehouse, an 1800s board-and-batten church, and the picturesque Rose Cottage.
The formal terraced gardens overflow with vibrant blossoms like hydrangeas, roses, and camellias arranged in unique patterns and styles. Visitors can meander through wooded trails, tranquil ponds, and even encounter friendly farm animals in the barnyard zoo. Jasmine Hill provides a peaceful natural oasis just minutes from Prattville’s city center.
Pratt Park & Splash Pad
Name and Location: Pratt Park & Splash Pad is located in the heart of downtown Prattville, Alabama.
History and Significance: Pratt Park has been a fixture of downtown Prattville since the early 1900s, when it was established as a public green space for the community. In recent years, the park has undergone several renovations and improvements, including the addition of a splash pad and playground equipment.
What to Expect: Visitors to Pratt Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including walking trails, picnic areas, and a large playground for children. The splash pad is a popular attraction during the summer months, featuring a variety of water features and spray elements.
Visitor Information: Pratt Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with the splash pad operating seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The park is located within walking distance of several downtown Prattville attractions, including the Autauga Creek Walk and the Prattville Historic District.
When summertime temperatures start blazing, head to Pratt Park to cool off at the splash pad! This community park along 4th Street is centered around the interactive water playground where kids can splash and play among shooting water jets, tipping buckets, slides, and more.
The park also features large playground equipment, walking trails circling a pond, picnic pavilions, a dog park, and open green space for games or relaxing under the shade trees. Special events like outdoor movies and food truck festivals are also held at the park periodically. Pratt Park is the perfect place for families looking to have some free, wet fun in the sun.
Shopping & Dining Downtown
Name and Location: Shopping & Dining Downtown refers to the variety of retail and restaurant options located in the historic downtown district of Prattville, Alabama.
History and Significance: Downtown Prattville has been the commercial center of the city since the mid-1800s, when the first stores and businesses were established along Main Street. Today, the district features a mix of historic buildings and modern storefronts, offering a unique shopping and dining experience.
What to Expect: Visitors to downtown Prattville can browse a variety of locally-owned shops and boutiques, offering everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and gifts. The district also features several restaurants and cafes, serving up a range of cuisine from classic Southern fare to international flavors.
Visitor Information: Downtown Prattville is easily accessible by car, with ample public parking available throughout the district. Many of the shops and restaurants are located within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore the area on foot. The district also hosts several special events throughout the year, including the Prattville Mardi Gras Parade and the Prattville Christmas Tree Lighting.
Prattville’s historic downtown along Main Street offers quaint storefronts, delicious dining spots, and charming scenery to admire while you stroll around. Boutiques like Bell + Branch Home carry stylish clothes, gifts, and accessories with that classic Southern flair. You can browse the record collection at Encore Music then stop by Southern Style Bake Shop to satisfy your sweet tooth with cakes, pies, or stuffed cookies.
When it comes to lunchtime, you’ll find all your barbecue favorites like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork served up piping hot at Smokey Cattle Company. The combination of tasty eateries and cute local shops makes downtown Prattville a must-visit attraction.
Sanders Covered Bridge
Name and Location: Sanders Covered Bridge is located just outside of Prattville, Alabama, in rural Autauga County.
History and Significance: Sanders Covered Bridge was built in 1855 and is one of the oldest remaining covered bridges in Alabama. The bridge spans Autauga Creek and was originally built to provide access for local farmers and residents. Today, the bridge is no longer open to vehicle traffic but remains a popular spot for picnics and photos.
What to Expect: Visitors to Sanders Covered Bridge can walk across the 82-foot span and admire the craftsmanship of the wooden structure. The bridge is surrounded by a scenic wooded area, with several picnic tables and benches available for use. The area is also popular for fishing and kayaking on Autauga Creek.
Visitor Information: Sanders Covered Bridge is located just off County Road 65 in Autauga County, with limited parking available near the bridge. The area is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and there is no admission fee. Visitors are encouraged to bring insect repellent and wear sturdy shoes for walking on the uneven terrain.
Journey back in time as you walk across the Sanders Covered Bridge, a historical wooden bridge built in 1925 that still carries cars today. Also known as the Grist Mill Bridge, this 168 foot tunnel-like structure with a tin roof stretches over the Autauga Creek along CR 29 south of town.
The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and preserves signature architecture featured on many covered bridges constructed in the early 20th century. Visitors can park in the grassy areas around the bridge and safely take photos of cars driving through or walk across themselves, hearing the wooden boards creak beneath their feet. It’s certainly one of Alabama’s most treasured historic sites.
First White House of the Confederacy
Name and Location: The First White House of the Confederacy is located in Montgomery, Alabama, just a short drive from Prattville.
History and Significance: The First White House of the Confederacy served as the executive residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his family from February to May 1861, during the early months of the American Civil War. The house was built in the 1830s and has been preserved as a museum and historic site.
What to Expect: Visitors to the First White House of the Confederacy can tour the restored antebellum home and see a variety of artifacts and exhibits related to the Davis family and the early days of the Confederacy. The museum also features a gift shop and a research library for those interested in learning more about the history of the Civil War and the Confederacy.
Visitor Information: The First White House of the Confederacy is open for tours Monday through Saturday, with admission prices and hours varying by season. The museum is located in downtown Montgomery, with ample parking available nearby. Guided tours are available for groups, and the museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including lectures and reenactments.
History enthusiasts will find one of Prattville’s most significant attractions just north of downtown – the First White House of the Confederacy. This stately two-story white building overlooking the Autauga Creek served as executive residence to Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America in 1861 for three months at the outbreak of the Civil War.
The house museum displays many of the original period furnishings owned by the Davis family along with exhibits featuring Civil War artifacts, pictures, and stories. Guests can tour the historic rooms like Davis’ office, parlors where his cabinet members met, and the dining room where decisions that shaped a nation happened over meals. Standing inside the walls that played a pivotal role during such a tumultuous time is truly moving.
Autauga County Genealogical Society
Name and Location: The Autauga County Genealogical Society is located in Prattville, Alabama, and serves as a resource for those interested in researching their family history in Autauga County.
History and Significance: The Autauga County Genealogical Society was founded in 1987 to promote and preserve the history and genealogy of Autauga County. The society maintains a research library and archive, as well as a variety of online resources for genealogists.
What to Expect: Visitors to the Autauga County Genealogical Society can access a wealth of information and resources related to the history and genealogy of the county. The society’s research library contains a variety of books, manuscripts, and other materials related to local history and family research, and the society also offers a variety of online databases and resources for members.
Visitor Information: The Autauga County Genealogical Society is located in the historic Prattville Cotton Gin building in downtown Prattville. The society is open to the public on select days and hours, with appointments available for research and consultation. Membership in the society is open to anyone interested in the history and genealogy of Autauga County, with annual dues and benefits varying by membership level.
Experts estimate that over 50 million Americans are actively researching their family histories and genealogy. So for those wanting to trace their Alabama ancestors while visiting Prattville, the Autauga County Genealogical Society offers valuable tools. Their research library contains over 1,000 publications like census records, marriage indexes, cemetery listings, and more for Autauga county and other parts of Alabama dating back to the 1800s.
Members assist visitors with finding their relatives in the digitized records and provide guidance for expanding searches elsewhere. Genealogists could uncover new branches of their family tree or find the missing pieces to finally connect relatives to famous Alabamians. It’s the perfect place to dig into your lineage.
Conclusion
Prattville emerged along the Autauga Creek nearly two centuries ago, bringing industry, history and Southern small-town charm that visitors still admire today. From the ivory bunkers of Capitol Hill Golf Course to the shimmering white lights over the Coosa River, it’s clear why they call this scenic city Alabama’s Capital City of Opportunity.
Explorers looking to experience first-class golf, fishing, gardens, dining, genealogy, and historic gems need only make the short scenic drive up I-65 to discover everything wonderful about Prattville, nestled at the top of the River Region.