Morgan County Between Nature and History

When planning a trip to Morgan County, you can give varying priority to nature watching, art, history, and regional food. If you’re looking for a hotel, first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay. The destinations offer different ways to explore them, from the winter habitat at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to exhibits, architectural history, and barbecue.

Nature, Recreation, and Discovery

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge attracts thousands of wintering waterfowl and cranes every year. It is also a winter habitat for the endangered whooping crane. If you want to make nature watching the focus of your trip, the refuge offers a clear seasonal connection: you can plan your travel around the birds’ wintering season and the habitat of this crane species.

Point Mallard Park has a championship golf course. Point Mallard Water Park features the first wave pool built in the United States. These offer two different kinds of recreation: golf and a historically notable wave pool. Cook Museum of Natural Science adds another option. It offers a hands-on, immersive experience where you can explore and learn about nature. Unlike nature watching at the refuge, the focus here is on exploration and learning at the museum.

Art and Architectural History

Carnegie Visual Arts Center is housed in a historic building dating from 1904 that serves as an art museum and educational center. The main floor hosts exhibitions throughout the year. Admission to view them is free. The building brings together both an artistic and educational purpose and a history of its own.

Old State Bank was completed in 1834 and originally housed the Tennessee Valley branch of the Bank of the State of Alabama. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. Its construction date and original function offer a different perspective on local history than the museum and exhibition use of Carnegie Visual Arts Center. Old State Bank is currently closed for extensive structural repairs; check its current status before visiting.

Hartselle: Depot, Downtown, and Events

Hartselle Depot was built in 1914 and features exhibits by the Hartselle Historical Society. It is one of 69 buildings in Hartselle’s central business district proposed for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown shops sell artwork by local artists and craftspeople, linen goods, soaps, and antiques. If you’re interested in local history and crafts, you can take these different aspects of downtown into account when planning your visit.

The recurring Hartselle Depot Days celebrate Hartselle’s railroad history. Check the dates for your travel season if you want to plan around the event. The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic program includes four time slots for balloon flights, as well as events on Saturday and Sunday. Tethered balloon rides are offered during the evening program; availability depends on the pilots and prevailing conditions. Be sure to check dates and times again before your trip.

By Bike or on a Culinary Route

Visitors can ride the Dr. Bill Sims Bike Trail using Decatur Alabama Blue Bikes. The MoCo Barbecue Trail offers a different way to explore Morgan County, taking visitors to barbecue, ribs, and sides. These present two distinct interests: riding the named trail with the specified bike-share service, and following a culinary route featuring regional dishes. You can plan your stay around whether nature, history, art, physical activity, or food is your main interest.

Discover more destinations: Decatur, Hartselle, Lauderdale County, Clay County, Cullman County, Lee, DeKalb County, Walker

For the main travel overview: Alabama.