Fort Payne

The city of Fort Payne is well-known for its state parks, nature preserves, lakes, and museums. Because of its extensive network of mountain trails, cascading waterfalls, and vast nature preserves, it is popular for outdoor activities. The Little River Canyon Preserve has a long mountain river and multiple waterfalls, so you can hike scenic trails, go swimming, or head to the summit to take spectacular landscape photos. The Alabama Fan Club and Museum, a museum dedicated to the country music band Alabama and its fan club, is also a fun place to visit. It has albums, interviews, and music videos.

Manitou Cave, located not far from Fort Payne's downtown area, is well worth a visit if you are already in the area. Native Americans once lived in the ancient cave, which has many natural geological formations. You must reserve a guided tour because access is restricted to protect the environment. Other attractions in Fort Payne include the Fort Payne Opera House, which has been restored to its 1889 elegance and is open for performances, and the Fort Payne Depot Museum, which was a stop on the railroad line in the 1800s and is built of pink sandstone. For some hands-on experience, enroll in a glass-blowing class at the Orbix Hot Glass Studio.