Decatur, Alabama, also known as “River City” due to its location on the Tennessee River, has a border along the river’s Wheeler Lake section. It is located 25 miles from Huntsville, which is currently Alabama’s largest city in terms of population, and 35 miles from the state line between Alabama and Tennessee. This ideal position not only makes it a destination for fishers but also places it within convenient driving distance for others who are interested in big-city offerings. Decatur is a great spot to spending summer in Decatur, AL since it has so many things to do and see that are enjoyable for people of all ages.
Visit a New, Nationally Renowned Museum
After only a few months of operation in 2019, the Cook Museum of Natural Science was named the Best New Museum in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best.com. The interactive displays and state-of-the-art presentations draw crowds of all ages, but kids especially love the chance to get up and personalize with the exhibits’ featured objects. Families can spend hours here learning about fossils, biology, and geology while still having fun on the museum’s kinetic sand table, petting zoo, or watching fish in the 15,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.
Learn About A Safe Haven For Birds Of All Flights
Around 300 species of birds and countless numbers of fish, animals, and reptiles call the 35,000-acre Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge home year-round. The arrival of the whooping cranes and the gray sandhill cranes is an annual event that is eagerly awaited by the locals, who converge on the wildlife refuge in December and January with their binoculars and cameras in preparation for the spectacle. You can get a better glimpse thanks to the visitor center, the observation tower, and the two short nature paths. Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and biking are all acceptable ways to explore the refuge. Observing wildlife in its natural habitat is a possibility throughout the year.
Participate in the Festive Gathering
Traditionally, on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center hosts its grand Carnegie Festival and Parade (Fat Tuesday). Decatur’s parade is modeled after those of Mobile and New Orleans and contains spectacular floats, musical performances, elaborate costumes, and thousands of throws. On Memorial Day weekend, the skies above Decatur will be filled with the sights and sounds of fifty brightly colored balloons participating in the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate for a launch, the balloonists will still put on a show for the public with a helium glow and some tethered rides, which will take place at Point Mallard Park. The park is lined on all sides with merchants selling both food and crafts. When it comes to free Independence Day events, the Spirit of America Festival on July 4th is among the largest in the country. In addition, it takes place in Point Mallard Park and features live stage entertainment, sporting activities, food and craft vendor booths, public addresses and award presents, and an enormous fireworks display. A boat on the river or along Highway 67 will provide you with excellent vantage points for the hot air balloons and pyrotechnics.
