Part of our Alabama guide.
2 places and guides from our Dothan coverage, gathered into one page.
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6 Top Attractions In Dothan, Alabama
Dothan, Alabama, is known as the "Peanut Capital of the World," offering a delightful blend of Southern charm and unique agricultural heritage. In this article, we'll explore six top attractions in Dothan, each offering a unique ambiance and a glimpse into the city's rich heritage. From historic landmarks to engaging museums, Dothan's cultural scene has something for everyone. So, let's embark on a captivating tour of the finest attractions that Dothan, Alabama, has to offer.
Start at Landmark Park, a 135-acre living history museum that brings the Wiregrass region's past to life. Walk through the 1890s farmstead, visit the working blacksmith shop, and explore the nature trails that wind through piney woods and wetlands. The park also houses the Alabama Agricultural Museum, where you can see antique tractors and peanut farming equipment that tell the story of Dothan's agricultural backbone. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 4–12, and free for kids under 4. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Next, head downtown to the peanut statues that dot the city streets. These colorful, life-sized peanut sculptures—each decorated by a local artist—celebrate Dothan's title as the Peanut Capital of the World. You'll find them outside the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, near the Houston County Courthouse, and along North Foster Street. Grab a map from the Visitor Center at 104 Jamestown Road to find all 12 statues, each with its own theme, from "Peanut Farmer" to "Peanut in Space."
The National Peanut Festival, held each November at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, is the city's signature event. This 10-day festival features carnival rides, live music, a parade, and—of course—peanut-themed contests like the peanut butter sculpture competition and the peanut shelling championship. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–12, and free for kids under 6. The fairgrounds are located at 5622 U.S. Highway 231 South, about 10 minutes from downtown.
For art lovers, the Wiregrass Museum of Art at 126 Museum Drive offers rotating exhibitions of regional and national artists. Housed in a restored 1912 power plant, the museum features works in painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged. Check their website for current exhibitions, which often include works by Alabama artists and traveling shows.
Dothan's murals are another highlight, with more than 20 large-scale paintings on buildings throughout downtown. The "Dothan Mural Trail" includes works like "The Peanut Harvest" on West Main Street and "Wiregrass Wildlife" on North Oates Street. Pick up a self-guided walking tour map at the Visitor Center or download it from the Dothan Tourism website. The trail takes about 1.5 hours to walk at a leisurely pace, and each mural includes a plaque with the artist's name and the year it was painted.
Finally, visit the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens at 1500 W. Main Street, a 20-acre garden featuring native plants, a butterfly garden, and a rose garden. The gardens are free to enter and open daily from dawn to dusk. Seasonal events include the Spring Plant Sale in April and the Fall Garden Festival in October. The gardens also host a weekly farmers market from May through October, where you can buy local produce, honey, and handmade crafts.
11 Local Art Scenes To Immerse In Dothan, Alabama
Dothan, Alabama, is not just a city known for its peanuts and southern charm. It also boasts a vibrant and diverse local art scene that offers a unique cultural experience. From galleries and studios to public art installations, Dothan is a haven for art enthusiasts and creators alike. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into 11 local art scenes that showcase the rich artistic tapestry of Dothan. Get ready to discover the dynamic and captivating art world nestled within the heart of Dothan, Alabama.
Begin at the Wiregrass Museum of Art, which anchors the city's art district. Beyond its rotating exhibitions, the museum hosts monthly "Art After Hours" events with live music, wine (though Dothan is not a wine destination), and hands-on art activities. The museum's permanent collection includes works by Alabama folk artists and contemporary Southern painters. Admission is free, and the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Next, explore the Dothan Downtown Mural Trail, which features 22 murals painted on buildings between 2015 and 2023. Notable works include "The Wiregrass" by local artist John L. Smith on East Main Street and "Peanut Pride" by Mary Johnson on North Foster Street. The trail is self-guided, and a downloadable map is available at the Dothan Tourism website. Allow 2 hours to see all murals, and look for the "Mural of the Month" program that adds a new piece each year.
Visit the Dothan Opera House at 115 N. Oates Street, a restored 1915 theater that hosts live performances, art exhibits, and film screenings. The Opera House seats 400 and features a balcony with original plasterwork. Tickets for performances range from $15 to $40, depending on the show. The building also houses the Dothan Arts Council, which offers classes in painting, drawing, and pottery for all ages.
The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce at 104 Jamestown Road displays rotating art from local high school students and regional artists. The lobby gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to enter. Past exhibitions have included photography by Wiregrass High School students and watercolors by members of the Dothan Art League.
For public art, visit the "Peanut Capital of the World" statue at the intersection of U.S. 231 and Ross Clark Circle. This 12-foot-tall bronze peanut on a granite base was installed in 2003 and is a popular photo spot. Nearby, the "Wiregrass Heritage" sculpture at the Houston County Courthouse depicts a farmer, a teacher, and a soldier, representing the region's history. Both are accessible 24/7 and free to view.
The Dothan Art League at 200 N. Foster Street holds monthly exhibitions in its gallery space, featuring works by member artists in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media. The gallery is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment. Annual events include the "Art in the Park" show at Landmark Park each April, where you can buy original art and meet the artists.
Other stops on the art scene include the Wiregrass Art Center at 300 W. Main Street, which offers classes and studio space; the Dothan Public Library's art wall, which rotates monthly; and the murals at the Dothan Regional Airport, which depict the city's peanut and aviation history. Each location is free to visit and open during regular business hours.
