In Courtland, the historical themes at the Courtland Heritage Museum range from agriculture and business to transportation and the military. Exhibits include the first railroad in northern Alabama and the Battle of Courtland in July 1862. The museum was founded in 2009 and officially opened in 2010. The Courtland Historic District offers a different perspective: It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1998 and includes homes dating from the 1820s to the mid-1940s. Here, specific historical events meet a long span of residential architecture.

Buildings, Exhibits, and Memories

In Lawrence County, Pond Spring, the General Joe Wheeler Home, encompasses a 50-acre property with twelve historic buildings, gardens, and archaeological features dating back nearly 5,000 years. The buildings, gardens, and archaeological traces give this place several distinct historical dimensions. Pine Torch Church offers a different perspective on construction and community life: It was built in 1850 from poplar logs, with oak shingles and a tin roof. The building served as both a church and a school. Non-denominational services are held there on Sundays at 10 a.m.; self-guided tours are available. Check the hours and access details before your visit.

In Oakville, the 20-acre Jesse Owens Memorial Park honors Jesse Owens and his four gold medals at the 1936 Summer Olympics. The park includes a replica of his dogtrot-style birthplace. Visitors can listen to an account of his childhood, narrated by his brother Sylvester. The Jesse Owens Museum has three galleries, including one about Owens’s life and another featuring track and Olympic memorabilia. The park, the account, and the exhibits highlight different aspects of his life and athletic legacy.

The Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center is free to visit and self-guided, both the museum and the grounds. The center’s Multicultural Indian Event takes place annually on the second Saturday in May. The Saturday program is open to the general public. Event dates and programs may change, so it’s worth checking the latest information before your visit.

Community and Landscape

The Annual Strawberry Festival takes place every year in Moulton and serves as a community festival for Moulton and Lawrence County. The festival includes food, an agricultural program, and various community activities; specific events vary from year to year. At H.A. Alexander Park, the Moulton Inclusive Playground offers several play areas, two covered pavilions, picnic tables, and benches.

Wheeler Lake forms the northern boundary of Lawrence County. Joe Wheeler State Park, a 2,550-acre resort park, is located on the lake. It offers hiking and mountain biking trails. Boat access is available via ramps at First Creek, Second Creek, Cabin Area, TVA/Wheeler Dam, and Elk River Group Lodge. The park thus features both trails on land and several named boat access points. Check current access information before setting out.

Sipsey Wilderness is home to dozens of waterfalls and is known as the “Land of 1000 Waterfalls.” Deer Run Golf Course offers a different nature and recreation experience: Designed by Earl Stone, the course has 18 holes, five lakes, and 30 bunkers. Its holes include hilly, flat, and water holes. Four sets of tees cover distances from 5,400 to 6,800 yards. Those planning to play golf on their trip can compare the course’s features and listed distances as well as the number of holes.

Explore more destinations: Moulton, Cleburne, Dallas County, Macon, Franklin County, Jackson, Covington County, Sumter County.

For the main travel overview: Alabama.