Historical Treasures
Danielle Gibson • March 25, 2022
STEP INTO THE PAST WITH THESE HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

Day 1
- Begin the day with a stop at the Decatur Morgan County Tourism and pick up walking guides.
- Start with a cup of coffee at Java Jaay’s (1713 6th Ave SE Decatur).
- Take a tour of Historic Old Decatur with your first stop at the Old State Bank. Take the free guided tour through the building’s vault and replicated period teller’s cage. Learn about the life of Washington Keyes, the bank’s first cashier, while viewing his second floor apartment. See if you can find the marks from Civil War-era musketfire and miniballs.
- Continue walking through Old Decatur Historic District following the walking guide. Many of the houses were built in the early 1900s and represent a wide-range of architectural styles. Also included in the walking tour is Decatur’s first courthouse, Fort Nash, the Carnegie Library, and the Old Cemetery.
- After lunch, begin the walking tour for New Albany. Start on Second Avenue and travel south to St. John’s Episcopal Church. Follow the walking guide to see Victorian, Colonial Revival and other historic homes.
- Finish the New Albany walking tour and roam through the historic shopping districts to find treasures from the area’s many antique stores.
- Return to the hotel to rest.
- End your evening with a quiet dinner at Mellow Mushrrom (202 Moulton St SE).
Day 2
- Begin in historic downtown Decatur and take the Civil War Walking Tour. Visit the sites where Confederate and Union soldiers fought, including Rhodes Ferry Park the location for the Charge of the 14th Colored Infantry.
- Next, visit the Morgan County Archives, genealogical materials, an extensive photograph collection, and other archival and manuscript materials dating from the early 1800s. The archives also contain rare photographs from the infamous “Scottsboro Boys” case.
- Have lunch at The RailYard
- Head south to Hartselle’s Historic District. Make your first stop Hartselle’s Depot Station before wandering through the historic shopping district.
- Return to Decatur for dinner at B B Perrins (608 Holly Street NE) or Simp McGhee’s (725 Bank Street NW).

When the Alabama summer heat arrives, there's no better place to cool off than Point Mallard Water Park in Decatur. As one of North Alabama's most beloved family attractions, Point Mallard has been helping visitors make summer memories for generations. Whether you're planning a family vacation, weekend getaway, or just a day of fun in the sun, here's everything you need to know before visiting Point Mallard Water Park. Point Mallard is home to a piece of water park history. The park's iconic wave pool was the first of its kind in the United States and remains a favorite attraction for visitors of all ages. Grab a float, catch some waves, or simply relax as the pool transforms into an ocean-like experience right in the heart of Decatur.

This April, discover the stories that shaped Decatur, Alabama during our Free Historic April Walking Tours , held every Saturday as part of a statewide tourism initiative celebrating Alabama’s history. Each week offers a different themed tour through downtown, giving visitors and locals alike the chance to explore the city’s rich heritage one step at a time. Beginning at 10 a.m. each Saturday , these guided tours stroll along historic 2nd Avenue, Bank Street, Historic homes and throughout downtown Decatur , highlighting everything from early settlement and Victorian architecture to fascinating local legends and notable landmarks. Led by passionate local historians and storytellers, each tour brings Decatur’s past to life in a fun and engaging way. Tour Details 📅 Every Saturday in April ⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 💲 Free and open to the public 👟 Family-friendly, easy walking routes, and ADA accessible 🐕 Dog-Friendly, Must be leashed April 4 – Historic Downtown Decatur Tour Kick off the series on April 4 with a guided walk through the historic streets of downtown Decatur led by local historian Suzanne Langdon . This tour explores the city’s early development such as the historic Union Train Depot and the people and places that helped shape Decatur into the vibrant community it is today. As you walk along Bank Street and 2nd Avenue, Suzanne will share fascinating stories and historical insights at some of downtown’s most recognizable landmarks. This tour will begin at the Historic Union Train Depot. April 11 – Old Town Historic District Tour On April 11 , take a meaningful walk through Decatur’s Historic Old Town District , the city’s original settlement dating back to the 1820s when it was known as Rhodes Ferry Landing . Once a vital river and rail hub, the area later became a thriving African American community following the Civil War. Led by Peggy Towns , this tour explores Old Town’s deep cultural roots and its significance in civil rights history. Guests will hear stories about early Black-owned businesses, historic churches, and community leaders, including the city’s first Black Alderman. The tour will also include a look at the CEOTA Civil Rights Museum , currently undergoing renovations, and other important landmarks in the district. The Old Town tour begins at the Decatur Scottsboro Boys Museum on Sycamore Street. April 18 – Downtown Crime & Mystery Tour History takes a darker turn on April 18 during the Downtown Crime Tour led by local historian and storyteller John Allison . This thrilling walk through Decatur’s past explores infamous crimes, unsolved mysteries, Prohibition-era misdeeds, and dramatic courtroom showdowns that once made headlines. Guests will stroll past historic buildings and hidden alleyways while hearing captivating tales of scandal and intrigue from Decatur’s past. With engaging storytelling and deep local insight, this tour offers a fascinating look at the city’s more mysterious side—perfect for true crime enthusiasts and curious history buffs alike. The Crime Tour begins at the Morgan County Archives. April 25 – Historic Homes of Old Decatur Tour To wrap up the month, join us on April 25 for a walk through the beautiful Old Decatur Historic District , one of Alabama’s most treasured neighborhoods. Known for its beautifully preserved Victorian and early 20th-century homes , this district offers a glimpse into Decatur’s architectural elegance and the families who built the community. As you wander shaded streets lined with historic homes, you’ll hear stories of craftsmanship, community traditions, and the generations who once called these houses home. This tour will begin at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center.







