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I know that everyone is looking for ways to get outside these days! In these (anything but normal) times, outdoor adventures are the one thing keeping us sane! We typically “travel” within 100 or so miles from our home but today I want to share a fun outing right here in Dothan, Alabama. We are lucky to have a number of great little places nearby to explore and Landmark Park Dothan Alabama is one of our favorites.
Now, if you are local or passing through, make sure to visit but if you are not, take a minute and look for something similar near you. We have lived in numerous places across the US and almost all of them have something similar nearby. Typically, they are those places that the kids visit on grade school field trips but are often great destinations for families to enjoy as well.
Where is Landmark Park Dothan Alabama?
Located just north of Dothan, Alabama this 135-acre park is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. We should know because we have been there at least a dozen times since moving here a little over 2 years ago. It’s located on Highway 431 and along the main route when heading from Atlanta down to the panhandle. So, even if you aren’t local, keep this in mind for a little pitstop, as it’s a great place to grab a treat and stretch your legs.
Basically, this park is a go at your own pace type outing and very low-key. There are numerous areas to explore and we easily spend 2-3 hours on each visit. Our favorite activities, which I am going to talk more about below, include walking on the elevated boardwalk nature trail, checking out historical buildings, loving on the farm animals, and getting some ice cream.
Things To To at Landmark Park
There are a number of different things to do at your own pace while visiting! I actually listed them below in the exact order that we normally visit them.
Hiking at Landmark Park
We love walking the elevated Nature Trail through the wetlands. This boardwalk is just over half a mile and a very easy walk to do with young kids and there are a few little exhibits along the way. You can also venture off the boardwalk just past the Wetlands exhibit and run/walk/hike a trail around the wetlands. I am not exactly sure how long it is but I would estimate around a mile. It’s very peaceful and there is a little wetland overlook about 2/3rds of the way through.
Landmark Park’s Historic Buildings
There are a few historical buildings that have been relocated to Landmark Park. Visitors can head inside the Headland Presbyterian Church (built-in 1908) that was relocated from Headland, AL. You can see Abby standing in the doorway in the photos below. Love that stained glass!
Visitors can also head inside the Brown’s Crossroads School. This one-room schoolhouse was brought in from nearby Dale County. The kids always love exploring in her and sitting at the small desks!
Right next to the school is a General Store (open for some special events only) and the Martin Drugstore in a row next to the two buildings above. See below for more about the drugstore.
My favorite historic structure at Landmark Park is the Waddle House! This building is located over on the farm and part of the “living history museum”. This 1906 home was originally situated just a few miles from Dothan. Occupied by the Waddle family for years, this home is a great representation of what would exist here at the turn of that century. I love the high ceilings and wide breezeway. These were crucial for creating a breezeway during those hot southern summers!
The Working Farm at Landmark Park Dothan
Landmark Park is home to a working farm! We love spending time watching the animals including a friendly cow/bull, obviously, I don’t know enough about farm animals, but he/she loves coming over to the fence to greet visitors. There is a large pig/hog, a donkey/mule, and a bunch of birds/roosters. Seriously, this is showing me that I actually don’t know enough about these animals but I’ve included them in some photos just in case I called them by the wrong name. There is a blacksmith shop and sometimes they even have a blacksmith in there working! There are also some farm buildings/tools/etc that would be historically appropriate for the 1890s. They even have an outhouse that the kids always think is so funny. Then Matt tells them how he had to use an outhouse when visiting their family farm in Cuba, Missouri in the 1980s and they don’t believe him.
Martin Drug Store
We can’t visit Landmark Park and not pop into Martin Drugstore. They serve ice cream including milkshakes, malts, and sundaes. They also have a soda fountain. And I want to point out that prices are really cheap! Almost all of the treats are priced at $2-$4 which is refreshing! While in there make sure to check out all of the antiques. This was once a working Drug Store in Enterprise, Alabama and they have a lot of antiques on display!
Landmark Park Interpretive Center and Gift Shop
If you want to see some critters (including snakes and turtles )and do some shopping pop into the Landmark Park Interpretive Center and Gift Shop located near the entrance to the Nature Trail. It is here that you will typically find an employee on duty and most are more than happy to chat more about the park and point you in the right direction. They also sell books and other small toys, educational items, and souvenirs.
Alabama Agricultural Museum in Dothan, Alabama
Did you know that Landmark Park Alabama’s Official Museum of Agriculture? Well, it is! However, the actual museum just reopened after being closed for quite some time and we have not had a chance to visit it. So at this point, I am not much help here, but I will make sure to update this post after we get a chance to visit.
Landmark Park Digitarium Planetarium
We actually have not had the opportunity to check out the Planetarium at Landmark Park but it’s on our list! They do host Astronomy Night events outside where you can view stars and planets through telescopes and binoculars. You can visit this page on the Landmark Park website to see what is going on this month including the feature movie.
Staff is on hand to help you know what to look for and something they have night walks, bonfires, and hayrides!
Picnic Playground
The park has numerous areas for picnicking and a large playground for the kids to enjoy! The big playground was recently rebuilt and there is a smaller one for the little kids as well. There is a covered picnic area adjacent to the playground.
Click here for operating hours for each of the above activities as they do slightly differ from the general hours.
Special Events at Landmark Park Dothan Alabama
There are several places to rent for special occasions including birthday parties and reunions. If interested in planning a larger event check out the Stokes Activity Barn! They also host field trips and have various camps during the summer. As you know, Jake is a Cub Scout (read my post here about scouting) and Landmark Park provides numerous opportunities throughout the year to help these kids meet requirements for badges through educational programs and experiences.
Landmark Park also holds quite a few public events throughout the year with everything from a Peanut Boil to a Victorian Christmas and everything in between. One of the most popular events is Spring Farm Day which will be held in March each year. This is an opportunity for guests to see what it would be like to work on a farm here in the 1890s. You can learn about seasonal planting, handicrafts, trades of the time, and even watch horses plow a working field!
Click here to view the events page on their website. I would also suggest following Landmark Park on Facebook for up-to-date information regarding special events. They do a great job creating actual Facebook Events where you can ask questions and get up to the date information.
Plan Your Visit to Landmark Park
Landmark park charges a small admission and memberships are also available. Currently, ages 13+ are $4.00, and children 3-12 are $3.00. Little ones 2&under are free! Pets are not allowed inside the park however, they just opened Landmark Bark, a one-mile dog walking trail adjacent. Call them for more information on that!
Landmark Park is a Blue Star Museum and offers free admission to active-duty military, retired military, and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday and from 12 pm – 5 pm on Sunday. They are closed for a few Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Please visit their website at LandmarkParkDothan.com for the most up-to-date information.
Are you looking for more Alabama adventures? Click here to read all of my Alabama-related blog posts including a few others from the Dothan, Alabama area!
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