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Dothan is a city of about 71,000 people in the southeastern corner of Alabama, near both the Florida and Georgia lines. It calls itself the Peanut Capital of the World, since much of the country's peanut crop is grown within a short drive, and every fall it hosts the National Peanut Festival with rides, concerts, a parade and agricultural shows.
Downtown Dothan is known for the Murals of the Wiregrass, large painted scenes of local history on building walls, along with the historic Houston County Courthouse, restored storefronts and street clocks. Look for decorated peanut statues around town. Landmark Park is a living history farm and nature preserve that shows rural life in the Wiregrass a century ago.
The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens offer themed gardens and walking paths, Porter Park and Westgate Park provide green space, and the Wiregrass Veterans Memorial Park honors service members with displays including a helicopter. The Gulf Coast beaches of Panama City are about 90 minutes south.
A series of large painted murals on buildings in downtown Dothan, each showing a moment from the history of the city and the Wiregrass region, such as the peanut industry and early settlers. A free map shows the locations. It makes a pleasant self-guided walk; spring and fall mornings are most comfortable.
A public art project of large decorated peanut statues placed around Dothan, which calls itself the Peanut Capital of the World. Each peanut is painted with its own theme by local artists and sponsors. Many stand near downtown and the visitor center; collecting photos of them is a fun family activity.
An art museum in downtown Dothan in a former power plant building, with changing exhibitions of regional and national artists, a permanent collection and a hands-on gallery for children. Admission is generally free or low cost. Allow about an hour, and check the website for opening days.
A museum in downtown Dothan honoring George Washington Carver, the scientist known for his research on peanuts and crop rotation, and presenting African American history and achievement. Exhibits include his work and inventions. It is small; call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
Alabama's official agricultural museum, a 135-acre park north of Dothan with a living history farm from the 1890s, a one-room schoolhouse, a church, a general store, nature trails and a planetarium. Farm animals and seasonal events make it good for families. Allow about three hours and wear walking shoes.
A historic Neoclassical theater built in 1915 in downtown Dothan, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It still hosts plays, concerts and community performances. If no show is on, you can admire the restored exterior and combine it with the downtown murals and the nearby museums.
The historic county courthouse in downtown Dothan, a large columned stone building serving Houston County, Alabama, with a busy schedule of local court sessions. It is surrounded by murals and historic commercial buildings. It is a working government building, so most visitors enjoy the exterior while walking downtown.
The historic downtown of Dothan around Foster and Main Streets, with murals, restaurants, small shops, museums and the Dothan Opera House. Poplar Head Park marks the spring where the town began. It is easy to explore on foot, and free parking is common. Evenings are quiet outside special events.
A botanical garden of about 50 acres on Headland Avenue in north Dothan, with themed gardens such as roses, herbs, daylilies and a heritage garden, plus woodland walking trails. It is quiet and pleasant for a morning stroll. Spring is the best season for flowers; check hours, as they are limited.
A large city recreation complex on Choctaw Street with sports fields, tennis courts, a walking trail, a gym and the city's water park area. It hosts many youth tournaments and community events. It is busy on weekends during the sports season; check the city website for facility hours.
A city-run water park in Westgate Park with a wave pool, water slides and a children's splash area. It is an affordable way to cool off during the hot Alabama summer and opens only in the summer months. Arrive early on hot weekends, bring sunscreen and check opening dates before you go.
A large annual festival held each fall in Dothan to honor the peanut harvest, with a midway of carnival rides, concerts, livestock shows, a parade and plenty of peanut-themed food. It runs for about ten days at the festival fairgrounds south of town. Weekend nights are the busiest.
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