Pickens County: Fossil Hunting, Nature, and History

In Aliceville, Shark Tooth Creek gives visitors the opportunity to search the creek for shark teeth and fossils. The Shark Tooth Creek Express takes them to the creek by hay wagon; the fossil hunt there lasts about an hour and a half. If you plan this activity, confirm the arrangements before your trip. The ride and the search give the outing a distinctive focus alongside the exhibits on Aliceville’s history.

Fossil Hunting and Local History

The Aliceville Museum showcases two distinct aspects of the town. The main exhibit displays artifacts from the Aliceville prisoner-of-war camp, which operated from 1942 to 1945. The local history collection traces Aliceville’s history from its founding in 1902 to the present. Historical maps and photographs are included, as are antique household items and vintage clothing. The collection thus spans the town’s development and objects from various aspects of everyday life.

The museum’s Coca-Cola exhibit offers another perspective: it preserves the complete, intact bottling equipment in the configuration in which it was installed when the building was constructed. Alongside maps, photographs, and household items, the exhibit focuses on a complete set of technical equipment.

Waterways and Nature Watching

Aliceville Reservoir is an 8,300-acre reservoir in Pickens County, formed by Tom Bevill Lock and Dam. It is known as a fishing destination for largemouth bass and crappie. On the south shore is Pickensville Recreation Area, a wooded, elongated park. The reservoir, fishing area, and shore-side park showcase different aspects of the county’s water-based nature attractions.

Bald eagles can be observed year-round at Pickensville Recreation Area. Ospreys hunt for fish there mainly during the warmer seasons. This means there is a specific seasonal distinction to consider when planning your trip: bald eagles can be observed year-round, while the osprey activity described is primarily associated with the warmer months.

Tom Bevill Visitor Center has picnic tables and restrooms, and the center is accessible. Check these details again before your visit.

History and Local Legends

Gordo Old Jail, also known as Gordo Jail and Mayor’s Office, was built in 1914 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 17, 1974. The construction year and the later listing date are two distinct points in the building’s timeline.

A local legend is associated with the Pickens County Courthouse in Carrollton, Alabama: a window shows a ghostly image believed to be the face of Henry Wells. The story is told as folklore, not as a verified historical account.

Hunting is another activity available in Aliceville. Westervelt Lodge has offered it there since 1951. Along with fossil hunting, the museum, and nature-related activities, this offers a range of interests to shape your time in Pickens County around.

Find a Hotel for Your Stay

The attractions range from fossil hunting and museum visits to nature watching, fishing, and local history.

Discover more destinations: Aliceville, Franklin County, Jackson, Greene County, Houston, Escambia County, Conecuh County, Autauga County.

For the broader travel overview: Alabama.