Dothan is a city located in southeastern Alabama, not far from the Florida border. It may not be as well known as some other cities in Alabama, but it has plenty to offer visitors. From historic sites and museums to parks and attractions, Dothan is full of interesting things to see and do.
| # | Attraction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Landmark Park | A living history park and agricultural museum with a variety of exhibits. |
| 2 | Dothan Area Botanical Gardens | Expansive gardens featuring a range of plant species and serene landscapes. |
| 3 | Adventureland Theme Park | An amusement and water park offering rides and games for all ages. |
| 4 | The Peanut Monument & Statue | Iconic landmarks celebrating Dothan’s peanut heritage. |
| 5 | Dothan Opera House | A historic venue hosting live performances and cultural events. |
| 6 | Wiregrass Museum of Art | Museum showcasing regional art and offering various educational programs. |
| 7 | Westgate Park & Disc Golf Course | A park offering sports facilities and a renowned disc golf course. |
| 8 | Poplar Head Park & Farm | A historical farmstead providing insight into rural life. |
| 9 | Foster Fest & Fridays After Five | Community events featuring music, food, and local culture. |
| 10 | The Peanut Festival | An annual festival celebrating the peanut, a key local crop. |
| 11 | Artifacts Wine Garden & Café | A dining venue known for its Southern cuisine and tranquil setting. |
| 12 | Several Rivers Trails | Trails offering scenic outdoor recreation opportunities. |
This article will highlight 12 of the top attractions and activities in Dothan that you won’t want to miss on your next visit. From exploring the local history and culture to enjoying the outdoors, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest. Keep reading for an overview of the best things to do in Dothan, Alabama.
1. Landmark Park
Name and Location: Landmark Park is located at 430 Landmark Dr. in Dothan, Alabama.
History and Significance: Established in 1976, Landmark Park preserves the agricultural history of southeast Alabama across 135 acres with historic buildings, gardens, nature trails and educational demonstrations like blacksmithing and butter churning.
What to Expect: Guests can visit an 1890s town, farmstead, and nature center filled with regional history exhibits and activities. A museum, restaurant, antique trains and resident animals provide family-friendly amenities.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm. Admission fees apply. Details at landmarkparkdothan.com or (334) 794-3452.
Landmark Park is a 135 acre living history park and agricultural museum located just outside of downtown Dothan. It’s one of the top attractions in the area. Visitors can explore a historic town and farmstead, ride on an antique train, play in a massive playground, and visit various exhibits on science, heritage, and the local wiregrass area. Some highlights include:
Colonial Town:
This recreated 1900s town features an old country church, drug store with soda fountain, one room schoolhouse, sheriff’s office and jail, farmhouses, shops like a blacksmith and print shop, and more. Costumed interpreters add a living history element.
Peanut Festival:
Held each November, the peanut festival includes concerts, arts & crafts, carnival rides, food vendors, and a beauty pageant. It’s a big annual event for Dothan tied to the local peanut farming heritage.
Carousel:
The beautifully restored 1906 carousel located in Landmark Park features 34 hand carved animals and chariots. Visitors can take a nostalgic spin while listening to the antique organ music.
With so much to see and do, you can easily spend an entire day exploring Landmark Park and learning about Dothan’s heritage and culture.
2. Dothan Area Botanical Gardens
Name and Location: Dothan Area Botanical Gardens is located at 5130 Headland Avenue in Dothan, Alabama.
History and Significance: Established in 2007 by community volunteers, these 105-acre public gardens focus on cultivating and displaying southeastern native plants across cultivated beds, trails, ponds, and naturalized landscapes.
What to Expect: Guests can explore floral varieties along walking paths, visit scenic pavilions and porches for events, cross babbling brooks over quaint bridges, spot wildlife around ponds, and appreciate occasional art installations.
Visitor Information: Trails/gardens open daily 8am to dusk. Details at dothanareabotanicalgardens.com or call (334) 612-4010.
For nature lovers, the gorgeous Dothan Area Botanical Gardens are a must-see attraction. Spanning over 110 acres, the gardens feature cultivated flower gardens, ponds, nature trails, picnic areas, and more. Some highlights include:
Japanese Garden:
This serene garden features pagodas, stone lanterns, koi ponds, waterfalls, wooden bridges, bonsai trees, and gorgeous flowering plants. It’s meticulously maintained and modeled after traditional Japanese garden architecture and style.
Rose Garden:
The rose garden contains over 200 varieties of roses in an array of vibrant colors and scents. Blooming season peaks in April/May and again in September/October. An arbor and gazebo provide perfect backdrops for photos.
Nature Trails:
Miles of paved and unpaved nature trails wind through lush botanical gardens, pine forests, and wetland environments inhabited by native plants and wildlife.
The Botanical Gardens host various events throughout the year like summer concerts, gardening lectures, and seasonal light displays. With natural beauty and informal elegance, it’s easy to spend hours appreciating the peaceful vibes.
3. Adventureland Theme Park
Name and Location: Adventureland Theme Park is located at 2245 Reeves St. in Dothan, Alabama near the Westgate Softball complex.
History and Significance: Family owned and operated since 1963, Adventureland Park offers 100+ rides and attractions across over 30 acres including rollercoasters, waterslides, arcades, mini golf, race cars, exotic animals and amusement park fare thrilling over 400,000 annual visitors.
What to Expect: Thrill seekers will find heart-pumping rides while kids can explore designated children’s play zones. Options range from classic rides to modern simulated adventures alongside carnival entertainment.
Visitor Information: Hours vary seasonally. Check adventurelandpark.net for operating days, promotions and ticket deals or call (334) 793-3278.
Adventureland is Dothan’s beloved amusement and water park catering to all ages. Thrill rides like the Kings Crown roller coaster, Typhoon water coaster slide hybrid, and 70 foot free fall drop tower get the adrenaline pumping. Family favorites include the log ride, go karts, mini golf, bumper boats, arcade, and kiddie rides.
Recent expansions include two massive splash pads and swimming pools with fun aquatic features. Popular special events occur throughout the season like concert nights with live music. With affordable pricing and the option of combo passes to both the amusement park and water park, Adventureland offers an excellent value for visitors looking for amusement park thrills without traveling too far or spending too much. It’s one of the best things to do in Dothan with kids.
4. The Peanut Monument & Statue
Name and Location: A giant Peanut Monument statue is located downtown at the intersection of North Alice and Troy Streets in Dothan, Alabama.
History and Significance: Erected in 1975, this iconic 14-foot peanut sculpture pays tribute to Dothan’s designation as the “Peanut Capital of the World” thanks to high regional peanut crop production. It stands near the former Electric Peanut Shelling Plant.
What to Expect: Visitors can view and take photos of the beloved Dothan landmark peanut statue made of concrete and painted gold. Another peanut soldier statue can be seen along Main Street as well recognizing the integral legume crop.
Visitor Information: The Peanut Monument landmark is freely viewable year-round at the downtown intersection of N Alice/Troy Streets.
Considering Dothan brands itself as the “Peanut Capital of the World,” no trip here is complete without seeing the Peanut Monument. This iconic roadside attraction is located downtown and consists of a towering peanut sculpture weighing over 4,000 pounds.
Right across the street is the companion Peanut Lady Statue depicting Ms. Edla Lumpkin, who is waving while seated on a giant boll weevil. The story goes that Ms. Edla used to sell boiled peanuts on that very corner in the 1930s and 40s, which helped establish Dothan’s association with peanuts.
Be sure to stop by this legendary landmark for some fun photo ops and selfies. While you’re there, pick up some tasty boiled peanut snacks as an iconic memento of visiting the Peanut Capital of the World!
5. Dothan Opera House
Name and Location: The Dothan Opera House is located at 121 N Saint Andrews St. in historic downtown Dothan, Alabama.
History and Significance: Originally constructed in 1915, the elegantly restored 900-seat theater reopened in 2009 as a premier performing arts venue to offer cultural concerts, comedy, dance, theatre and movie events.
What to Expect: Patrons can enjoy diverse shows from children’s series to Broadway musicals in an ornate space with modern sound, lighting and concessions bringing renowned entertainment to town. Guided tours also available.
Visitor Information: Show and ticket info at dothanoperahouse.org or call 334-616-7100. Box office open weekdays plus one hour before performances.
The historic Dothan Opera House opened originally as a vaudeville theater in 1915. It still hosts a variety of live shows and concerts in a beautifully preserved architectural setting. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Opera House features an ornamental rococo style facade and atmospheric interior with velvet seats, balconies, and ornate embellishments.
The intimate 500 seat theater provides an ideal space for concerts, musicals, stand up comedy shows, classic movies, dance recitals, and even weddings. Upcoming acts range from country musicians and southern rock bands to magic shows and local theater groups. Taking in a live show at this storied venue is certainly one of the most entertaining things you can do during your visit to Dothan.
6. Wiregrass Museum of Art
Name and Location: The Wiregrass Museum of Art is located at 126 Museum Ave. in Dothan, Alabama.
History and Significance: Established in 1988, this museum promotes visual arts through permanent collections, rotating exhibits, educational programs and cultural events welcoming 20,000 annual visitors to discover artistic mediums.
What to Expect: Guests can admire contemporary Southern art across painting, sculpture, pottery and fiber art galleries in the main building and sculpture garden while enjoying museum store shopping and special event receptions.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturdays 1pm-4pm. Details at wiregrassmuseum.org or call (334) 794-3871.
As the largest museum dedicated to the visual arts in southeast Alabama, the Wiregrass Museum of Art makes an engaging cultural stop. The museum’s permanent collection focuses on regional artists from Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Diverse temporary exhibits feature various mediums and genres ranging from contemporary painting to photography to installations.
Programming highlights for visitors include artist talks and openings, hands-on art classes and workshops for all ages, performances by The Pizitz Family Theater Company, and seasonal art festivals. The museum also contains an art library, museum store, and casual café to relax in. With free admission, the Wiregrass Museum of Art makes understanding and appreciating the local creative scene both accessible and enjoyable.
7. Westgate Park & Disc Golf Course
Name and Location: Westgate Park and its disc golf course are located at 800 Westgate Parkway in Dothan, Alabama.
History and Significance: Spanning over 100 acres since 1949, Westgate Park was Dothan’s first recreational park and now boasts floral gardens, walking trails, playgrounds, athletic fields and the only public pool alongside an 18-hole disc golf course added in 2016.
What to Expect: Visitors can play a round of disc golf, take a dip in the Olympic pool, go for a nature walk through gardens and oak groves, picnic under pavilions, or access sports fields and courts like tennis and softball located throughout the scenic park grounds.
Visitor Information: Westgate Park open daily 8am-10pm. Disc golf course is freely accessible anytime to practice your toss. Details at dothanleisureservices.org/westgate-park or (334) 615-3720.
For sports and nature lovers, Westgate Park offers first-rate recreational amenities to enjoy during your stay. As one of the top area parks, the 300 acre complex contains walking trails, baseball fields, picnic pavilions, tennis courts, playgrounds with splash pads, and more.
Westgate is also considered one of the best disc golf courses in the state, bringing in competitive players from across the Southeast. The challenging championship level course winds through hardwood forests incorporating elevation changes and water hazards over 27 holes.
Beginner players can focus on the front 9 holes, while advanced players tackle the back 9 signature island green for true tests of accuracy. Bring your own discs or rent them on site. Whether you come for the hiking, family playgrounds, disc golf, or just open green space, Westgate Park makes an active and refreshing break from city sightseeing.
8. Poplar Head Park & Farm
Name and Location: Poplar Head Farmers Market takes place behind Poplar Head United Methodist Church at 314 Church St. in Dothan, Alabama.
History and Significance: This long-running weekly market allows growers and food producers to sell fresh, local produce, plants, homemade items and staples directly to the public while supporting small businesses.
What to Expect: Visitors will find booths and tents lining the field selling seasonal fruits and vegetables, bread loaves, honey, arts and crafts. The relaxed, friendly setting celebrates Dothan’s agricultural bounty.
Visitor Information: Open every Tuesday, 2-6pm from May through August. Attendance is free for the community market event.
Nestled on a quiet hilltop outside Dothan, Poplar Head Park & Farm offers family fun with educational opportunities related to local history and agriculture. Kids will love interacting with farm animals like cows, goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and more in the barnyard petting zoo. Barnyard critter shows happen daily where kids can hold chicks, rabbits, ducks, and other friendly creatures.
Historic buildings from the 1800s dot the landscape, including a farmstead mansion, church, schoolhouse, sugar cane press, and working blacksmith shop. Interpreters in period clothing demonstrate crafts and skills from the era like quilting, soap carving, cornshuck dolls, horseshoeing, and using a washboard and ringer washer.
Fun special events occur throughout the year like agriculture days teaching about growing cotton and peanuts, old fashioned hobby horse races, pioneer kids camps, and fall corn mazes. Poplar Head provides a wonderful glimpse into 1800s farm life in the wiregrass region of Alabama.
9. Foster Fest & Fridays After Five
Name and Location: Foster Fest takes place annually each May at multiple venues in downtown Dothan near the civic center complex off Saint Andrews Street.
History and Significance: Launched in 2014, Foster Fest celebrates the legacy of local rock icon Bert Foster with dozens of music acts performing free daytime sets across stages at a vibrant street fair filled with arts, crafts, food and classic cars showing downtown.
What to Expect: Festgoers can enjoy regional food trucks, cold beverages, over 50 musical performances spanning rock tributes to gospel choirs during this spirited annual gathering honoring cultural arts. Evening portion titled Fridays After Five continues at the amphitheater.
Visitor Information: Held 2nd Saturday of May. Details at fosterfestdothan.com or downtownamphitheater.com.
Dothan hosts a variety of annual community festivals that are worth timing a visit around to immerse yourself in local culture. One beloved event is Foster Fest, held each May downtown at the civic center. Named after Dothan’s famous country music sons Wynona and Randy Owen of Alabama band fame, Foster Fest incorporates live concerts by big country acts, a motorcycle rally, 5K run, car show, food vendors, and even peach ice cream eating contests paying homage to another staple crop in the region. With free admission, it’s an acclaimed kickoff festival to Alabama’s event season.
Another popular happening is Fridays After Five, a weekly community event held in downtown Dothan each summer. Every Friday evening from Memorial Day to Labor Day, local residents gather for a festive night of live music, food trucks, cold beverages, lawn games like cornhole, and pop up shopping with local artisans. It offers a perfect opportunity to mingle with locals while enjoying some great entertainment and food in a block party atmosphere.
10. The Peanut Festival
Name and Location: The National Peanut Festival takes place each November at the Dothan Civic Center grounds along Highway 231 North in Dothan, AL.
History and Significance: An annual celebration since 1938, this 10-day fall fair honors Dothan’s peanut harvest heritage with agriculture exhibits, pageants, art shows, amusement rides and food alongside entertainment acts attracting over 200,000 visitors.
What to Expect: Guests can sample peanut-infused festival fare, appreciate local art displays, enjoy free music and shows, take carnival rides or view prize-winning crop exhibits during one of the region’s largest fairs. WithSetBackgroundColour
Visitor Information: Check nationalpeanutfestival.com for exact 2023 dates, ticket deals, schedules and vendor info. Entry is $10/Adults.
While the city hosts smaller peanut themed events year-round, like boiled peanut stands along the roadside, the annual National Peanut Festival held each November is Dothan’s signature event related to its legume heritage. Taking place over ten days, the massive fair celebrates all things peanut with amusement park rides, vibrant parades, livestock shows, arts & crafts exhibitions by 200 vendors, concerts, food contests, beauty pageants, and agricultural education.
Two iconic aspects you won’t want to miss include watching the Run for the Nuts 5K kicking off the festival and marveling over elaborate parade floats adorned by peanut plants. The festival draws over 200,000 visitors who flock to the “Peanut Capital of the World” to join the nutty fun! Trying signature peanut dishes like candied and boiled peanuts and peanut butter sandwiches while supporting the local agricultural community represent cherished Dothan experiences.
11. Artifacts Wine Garden & Café
Name and Location: Artifacts Wine Garden is located at 108 S St Andrews St., adjacent to Dothan Civic Center.
History and Significance: Opened in 2018 beside historic artifacts murals, this sophisticated downtown hotspot pairs boutique wines, craft beers and tapas plates perfecting pleasant small plates and evening relaxation for patrons over 21 years.
What to Expect: The intimate brick patio ambiance dotted with string lights allows visitors to enjoy live music and finer wines not typically accessible within the immediate area alongside tapas menus that may feature stuffed dates, artichoke dip or prosciutto flatbread.
Visitor Information: Artifacts is open Wednesday–Saturday evenings. Details at artifactsdothan.com or call (334) 389-7042 to inquire on table reservations. Must have valid 21+ ID for alcoholic purchases.
Rounding out your Dothan trip, make time to relax at Artifacts Wine Garden for a fine dining experience in lush surrounds. Known for its gorgeous patio located adjacent to a scenic pond, Artifacts plates up delectable Southern cuisine like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese dips, seafood gumbos, perfectly fried chicken, and mouthwatering desserts like pecan pie paired with homemade ice creams. Of course the wine list shines with a thoughtful global selection to sip on while dining al fresco.
In addition to the restaurant, Artifacts operates as an event venue hosting weddings, parties, and live music performances ranging from jazz to blues bands fitting the speakeasy vibe. Located just outside downtown, Artifacts’ inviting setting and talented kitchen team create an excellent spot for a romantic dinner or fun evening out while visiting Dothan.
12. Several Rivers Trails
Name and Location: Several Rivers Trails offer interconnected walking and biking paths around Wicksburg along the Interstate 84 rest areas.
History and Significance: Named for intersecting waterways, Several Rivers Trails traverse scenic southern landscapes spanning nearly 10 miles to promote active living through pedestrian recreation opportunities established by community partnerships.
What to Expect: Outdoor enthusiasts can navigate rolling woodland trails to spot native flora and fauna while traversing footbridges over ravines, quaint streams and hardwood bottoms perfect for revitalizing the body and spirit only 25 minutes from Dothan along Highway 231.
Visitor Information: Trail maps and area information at severalriverstrails.com with free access for hikers and leashed pets during daytime hours to roam the public trails.
Beyond the city sights, the wilderness surrounding Dothan offers gorgeous scenery begging to be explored while hiking or biking the vast trail networks. The Choctawhatchee, Pea, and Chipola Rivers carve through the landscape, flowing past high sandy banks cloaked in longleaf pine forests or sloping down to wetland swamps.
Several Rivers Trails represent a collaborative initiative between conservation agencies to connect recreational paths allowing people to immerse themselves in these rich environments. Lengthy routes like the Piney Woods Trail or Chipola River Canoe Trail could take days or just a few hours depending on what sections you tackle.
You may spot vibrant orchids tucked under trees, bellowing alligators slithering into sandy banks on the water’s edge, or colorful birds like red-cockaded woodpeckers flitting through pine branches high above. With dozens of access points spanning over 280 miles, the options prove boundless for scenic adventures in Alabama’s great outdoors surrounding Dothan.
Conclusion
As showcased above, visitors to the city of Dothan, Alabama and its surrounding countryside will discover no shortage of sites and attractions to fill up an exciting trip itinerary. From history museums and cultural gardens to amusement parks, community festivals, delectable dining, and abundant wilderness recreation, Dothan truly has something for travelers of all ages and interests to enjoy.
So next time you find yourself nearby or road tripping through the southeastern states, take a few days to stop and explore the “Peanut Capital of the World.” Once you experience that famous Southern hospitality paired with local peanuts, you too may find yourself charmed by Alabama’s beautifully blossoming cities like Dothan. Just don’t leave without a bag or two of boiled peanuts for snacking on the journey home!