Top 15 Attractions in Hartselle, Alabama

Summary

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Point Mallard Water Park
Quail Creek Golf Course
The Beehive Bathhouse
Hartselle Aquatic Center
Reeve’s Peach Farm
Morgan County Veteran’s Memorial
Cook Museum of Natural Science
Delano Park
Canoe or Fish on Flint Creek
Bankhead National Forest
The Freight House
Ave Maria Grotto
Visit the Dancy-Polk House
El-Marie’s Antique and Art Marketplace

Hartselle is situated approximately 10 miles south of Decatur, Alabama.

The city was established when the North and South Alabama railroads reached the area around 1870, named after one of the railroad founders, George Hartselle.

Its picturesque downtown area features antique shops, barbecue diners, and charming Bed & Breakfast establishments. Outside the city, numerous parks, wildlife refuges, and scenic walks along the Tennessee River await exploration.

As a native of Alabama, I have explored many attractions within the state, and I can attest that Hartselle is a tranquil and inviting place with numerous nearby activities. Let us delve into the most remarkable experiences to be had in Hartselle, Alabama:

1. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, located 10 miles north of Hartselle, serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds in Alabama.

Featuring snow geese, ducks, and over 220 species of avian life, the refuge is a significant destination for bird enthusiasts.

Moreover, the refuge offers five hiking trails that span up to four miles, where visitors may also encounter squirrels, deer, and potentially some American alligators that were introduced into the reserve.

The visitor center includes various observation platforms for photographing or observing birds and wildlife, in addition to fishing opportunities for sunfish, catfish, and bass in the waters.

2. Point Mallard Water Park

Adjacent to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is the scenic Point Mallard Park.

This family-oriented recreational venue provides endless enjoyment with batting cages, a driving range, and three miles of trails designated for hiking and cycling.

If you coordinate your visit thoughtfully, you may witness the Battle for Decatur, a historically realistic Civil War reenactment featuring live battles, camps, and craft stalls.

Alternatively, during the summer season, you can enjoy the renowned water park, which boasts America’s first wave pool, a lazy river, and exhilarating slides.

3. Quail Creek Golf Course

Quail Creek is located amidst the foothills between Falkville and Hartselle, Alabama.

This picturesque golf course is suitable for families and accommodates golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

In addition to the beautiful course, the club features disc golf, a driving range, and a pro shop that offers apparel and equipment.

If you seek a relaxing day with friends or family while enhancing your golf skills without traveling far, you are sure to enjoy your time at Quail Creek Golf Course.

4. The Beehive Bathhouse

For those seeking the ideal souvenir, I strongly recommend The Beehive Bathhouse located in the heart of Downtown Hartselle.

The establishment specializes in natural, aromatic products, including luxurious shea butter and handcrafted soaps.

Offering a variety of products, including room sprays, lip care items, foot care, and men’s shaving oils, there are gifts available to appeal to all your family and friends.

5. Hartselle Aquatic Center

The Hartselle Aquatic Center located near Sparkman Park is a seasonal outdoor recreation facility perfect for family enjoyment.

With expansive lagoon-style swimming pools, water slides, and diving boards, visitors can spend hours soaking up the Alabama sun or swimming lengths for refreshment.

The center offers a wide array of activities throughout the year, including the option for swimming lessons available with prior arrangements.

6. Reeve’s Peach Farm

Located just four miles east of Hartselle, Reeve’s Peach Farm is widely recognized.

This farm encompasses land established by Thomas Jack Reeves in 1835, initially utilized for cultivating corn, vegetables, and cotton. However, in the 1950s, they diversified to harvest juicy watermelons sold along the roadside to passing motorists.

Nonetheless, by 1959, Reeves’ great grandson concluded that peaches were a more lucrative crop.

This decision proved advantageous, as they continue to be renowned for their high-quality, tree-ripened peaches today.

The farm features a dedicated store where visitors can purchase fresh peaches, plums, tomatoes, squash, and other seasonal vegetables.

7. Morgan County Veteran’s Memorial

The Morgan County Veteran’s Memorial, situated in Priceville, honors local soldiers from Alabama who served both domestically and abroad.

The park displays monuments, historic military equipment, statues, helicopters, and tanks, each contributing to a rich narrative.

If you plan your visit accordingly, you might coincide with ceremonies and parades that occur in the park throughout the year.

8. Cook Museum of Natural Science

This relatively new, state-of-the-art museum situated in Decatur provides an engaging, interactive experience for families, allowing visitors to explore and gain insights into the natural world.

Boasting live animals like baby alligators, turtles, bees, and snakes, along with a walk-in cave and exhibits that highlight our planet’s diversity, this destination guarantees an educational and entertaining outing not to be overlooked.

9. Delano Park

For those planning a day in Decatur, a visit to the city’s oldest recreational area, Delano Park, is essential.

This park was established in 1887 as part of civic revitalization efforts following a yellow fever outbreak and the American Civil War.

Visitors can enjoy exploring scenic trails, pass some time in the Splash Pad featuring sprays and jets, have a picnic, or take a leisurely stroll through the fragrant Delano Park Rose Garden.

10. Canoe or Fish on Flint Creek

Flint Creek flows past Hartselle into the Tennessee River, providing excellent opportunities for paddling, canoeing, and fishing.

Engage with nature by taking a canoe trip and drifting past majestic bald cypress trees, sycamores, and water oaks.

Scenic shorelines offer plentiful opportunities for hiking, photography, fishing, and wildlife observation, allowing glimpses of snakes, alligators, and cranes along the way.

If you are an avid angler, endeavor to catch bream, crappie, and bass, or simply unwind with a picnic by the waterside while soaking up the sun.

11. Bankhead National Forest

Bankhead National Forest, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Waterfalls,” features breathtaking scenery as it encompasses extensive walking trails through lush forests.

Spanning over 180 acres of verdant national forest, with limestone bluffs and abundant wildlife, it offers an ideal setting to reconnect with nature and escape the demands of urban life.

Whether you wish to hike, fish, swim, canoe, or ride horseback, the forest provides ample opportunities.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to observe Native American artifacts revealing aspects of local heritage, including petroglyphs, rock carvings, and ancient illustrations.

Many of the historical engravings can be seen at Kinlock Shelter, a cave historically utilized by the Yuchi Tribe. This tribe employed their drawings to predict solar cycles and facilitate trances to reach altered states of consciousness.

12. The Freight House

The Freight House restaurant derives its name from its location within an historic L & N freight terminal in Downtown Hartselle. Boasting a classic ambiance, vintage decor, and delectable homemade cuisine, it is an exceptional venue for a romantic dinner or a meal with family and friends.

Start with the L & N Chef salad or the Grilled Shrimp Chef, then complete your dining experience with steak, chicken, seafood, or a mouthwatering half-pound Depot Burger. Aside from savory dishes, The Freight House also features homemade cakes available whole or by the slice, so be sure to try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake or the delightful Italian Crème Cake before departing.

13. Ave Maria Grotto

The impressive grotto nestles within the grounds of an exquisite Benedictine Monastery in the picturesque town of Cullman, Alabama.

The intricate miniature religious structures and towns were meticulously crafted by Brother Joseph Zoetle, a monk who dedicated his life to the abbey.

He spent many years acquiring diverse materials, including tiles, glass bottles, and face cream jars, to create these remarkable miniature sculptures for public appreciation.

The attention to detail evident in each monument is remarkable, featuring replicas of prominent locations like St. Peter’s Square and Basilica in Rome, as well as the ancient city of Jerusalem.

14. Visit the Dancy-Polk House

During my visit to Decatur, I explored the oldest structure in the city.

The Dancy-Polk House on Railroad Street was erected in 1829 for Colonel William Francis Dancy, who settled in the area after migrating from Virginia.

The distinct architectural style features Doric columns on each level, complemented by a double-height portico and Georgian design.

This house is one of the few in the area that endured the American Civil War, along with the Old State Bank in Decatur’s historic district.

15. El-Marie’s Antique and Art Marketplace

If you are in search of a distinctive shopping experience in Hartselle, El-Marie’s Antique and Art Marketplace is a must-visit.

This venue is ideal if you are looking for a gift or a memorabilia from your time in Alabama.

It genuinely serves as a one-stop shop featuring over 40 stalls showcasing a wide variety of antiques and collectibles.

The combination of vintage and contemporary items attracts collectors, locals, and tourists alike, all drawn to its artwork, vintage apparel, unique jewelry, and textiles.

Following your visit, you can enjoy a coffee at E.A.R.T.H. Park across the street, where you may relax by the gazebo while admiring your purchases or head over to The Freight House Restaurant for a delightful lunch.

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