25 Fun Things To Do In Dothan, The Peanut Capital Of Alabama

Dothan, Alabama, isn’t just another stop along a Southern highway. It’s a town where small-town charm wraps itself in a leather jacket, cranks up the music, and throws a street party that blends history, hospitality, and a dash of delightful weirdness. You’ll find giant murals brightening up old brick buildings, a peanut museum that honors both humor and heritage, and a street corner so tiny it made world news. Here, you can throw axes for fun, meander along green trails, and end your day at a local brewery under twinkling lights.

Forget the cookie-cutter guides. If you're looking for unforgettable things to do in Dothan, you’re in the right place. Whether you're itching to geek out over vintage airplanes or sip craft brews while a local band plays your new favorite song, Dothan serves up the experiences you didn't even know you were craving.

1. Visit the George Washington Carver Museum

📍 Location: 305 N Foster St, Dothan, AL 36303

The George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum in downtown Dothan is a meaningful tribute to Carver’s ingenuity, cultural impact, and enduring legacy. Housed in the city’s former Greyhound bus station, the museum was thoughtfully transformed in 2000 by Dr. Francina Williams and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority into a hub of African American history and innovation.

Inside, exhibits celebrate Carver’s groundbreaking work as an agricultural scientist—from his pioneering crop rotation methods to his inventions using peanuts and sweet potatoes. Visitors can explore interactive displays that illustrate how his sustainable agricultural techniques revived Southern farmland after the boll weevil, laying the foundation for Dothan’s Peanut Festival tradition.

The museum also highlights broader African American achievements, with galleries showcasing Black inventors, artists, and cultural progress. Carver’s own philosophies are featured on impactful murals and quotes; one reads, “When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world”. Visitor feedback echoes its powerful effect: “A really worthwhile place to visit with children… combines a cultural experience with interesting facts”

2. Attend the National Peanut Festival

📍 Location: 5622 US-231, Dothan, AL 36301

Each November, Dothan transforms into a lively celebration with the National Peanut Festival—America’s largest peanut-themed event drawing over 150,000 visitors to Houston County Fairgrounds for a ten-day celebration. Dating back to its inaugural three‑day event on a freezing day in 1938—where Dr. George Washington Carver delivered the keynote—the festival honors the local peanut farmers who helped revive the region’s economy after the boll weevil crisis.

Today, the festival blends tradition and fun with carnival midway rides, agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, demolition derbies, and a bustling petting zoo. An iconic parade kicks off the festivities and later stages host pageants, beauty contests, and live concerts led by nationally known musicians. Inside the exhibit halls, you’ll find contests ranging from sewing and cake decorating to photographing the largest peanuts—a testament to the festival’s agricultural spirit.

For families, peanut lovers, and adrenaline seekers alike, there’s something for every visitor: fried peanut treats, funnel cakes, carnival rides, and even chainsaw‑carving demonstrations. With its deep roots in Dothan’s identity as the “Peanut Capital of the World”—where more than half the country’s peanuts are grown within 100 miles — this festival remains a must-do event full of flavor, festivity, and community pride.

3. Explore the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens

📍 Location: 5130 Headland Ave, Dothan, AL 36303

The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens is a 50-acre oasis tucked just north of downtown Dothan, established in 1991 and nurtured by community volunteers ever since. This living museum offers more than manicured paths—it’s a dynamic blend of vibrant themed gardens and peaceful woodland trails that appeal to both the casual stroller and the serious nature lover.

Wander through Sunlit Dunes of flowering camellias, azaleas, hydrangeas, succulents, daylilies, and herbs, each planted in dedicated zones like the Southern Heirloom, Rose, Asian, and Butterfly gardens. A standout feature is the Coleman Tropical House, where orchids and exotic plants thrive under controlled conditions. Educational signage explains local ecology and gardening practices, while a serene wetlands boardwalk and a childrens’ garden invite quiet reflection and discovery.

The Gardens serve as more than a visual delight; they’re an educational resource for locals and tourists alike. Storytime events, plant sales, and seasonal highlights—such as Camellia shows each spring and “Gardens Aglow” during the holidays—are staples of their community calendar. Accessible trails, picnic areas, a pavilion, and a charming farmhouse venue make it perfect for family outings, school field trips, or even intimate outdoor weddings.

It’s quiet, it’s free, and it feels like nature remembered how to show off. Parents bring their kids to chase squirrels (or just run wild), photographers find golden-hour gold, and solo wanderers finally get a minute to think.

4. Check Out the Wiregrass Museum of Art

📍 Location: 126 Museum Ave, Dothan, AL 36303

Established in 1988 and opened at its current site in the early 1990s, the museum offers free admission and is celebrated for its rotating exhibitions of regional, national, and contemporary art—including works by Josef Albers, Jim Dine, Robert Indiana, and Frank Stella.

Inside, galleries display diverse media—from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed-media installations. Its permanent collections highlight both Southeastern artists like Dale Kennington and nationally recognized figures, offering an enriching mix that reflects broader cultural conversations. Beyond exhibitions, the museum hosts ‘Art After Hours’ events—laid-back mid-evening openings with a cash bar and opportunities to meet artists—alongside Saturday family days, open mic nights, and yoga sessions in the gallery space.

5. Go Golfing at Highland Oaks

📍 Location: 904 Royal Parkway, Dothan, AL 36305

Highland Oaks Golf Course in Dothan is a highlight of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail—featuring three full 9-hole championship layouts plus a par‑3 short course. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1993, this sprawling 36-hole complex offers a rich variety of golfing experiences across diverse terrain.

The Highlands Course is classic parkland-style, with open fairways, lakes in play, and a memorable peninsula green on the sixth hole. The Magnolia Course weaves through specimen magnolia trees and crosses marsh via a scenic 1,000-ft wooden bridge, delivering a serene yet strategic play. For a real challenge, the Marshwood Course features Wald-like elevation changes and includes the notorious par‑5 sixth, stretching 701 yards from the back tees. The Short Course is ideal for all skill levels—compact yet well-designed, with three water holes and fast Bermuda greens.

Golfers praise the immaculate conditions: firm, true greens, great fairways, and helpful staff. With a smooth mix of length, strategy, and natural beauty, Highland Oaks offers a memorable round. It also features a full driving range, practice greens, pro shop, and clubhouse with food services

6. Adventure in Landmark Park

📍 Location: 430 Landmark Dr, Dothan, AL 36303

Landmark Park is Dothan’s premier destination for outdoor explorers, history enthusiasts, and families seeking both education and adventure in one scenic place. Spanning roughly 135 acres, this living-history museum and wildlife preserve immerses visitors in rural life, native habitats, and hands-on experiences deeply rooted in the Wiregrass region.

Strolling along the park's winding trails—through longleaf pine forests, wetlands, and meadows—you’ll encounter an original 1900s-era homestead and blacksmith shop, where interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts like woodworking, forging nails, and turning mule-powered grinding stones. It’s an immersive dive into the past that connects visitors to the rhythms of early American life.

For wildlife and nature lovers, the boardwalk provides entry into the wetland ecosystem where turtles sun on logs, wading birds stalk shallow pools, and butterflies dance over blooming native wildflowers. Children adore the animal barn too, with its small herd of heritage breeds and translucent observation area that lets you peek at barnyard life.

7. Shop at the Dothan Farmers Market

📍 Location: 1155 Reeves St, Dothan, AL 36303

The Poplar Head Farmers Market has solidified its place in Dothan for a reason—it captures the region’s agricultural pride in one vibrant gathering. Open every Saturday from 8 AM to noon during June and July at the Houston County Farm Center parking lot, the market features over 30 local vendors offering just-picked produce, handcrafted goods, and live cooking demos.

Mornings here buzz with conversations about heirloom tomatoes, local honey, and fresh eggs, while rock ’n’ roll sushi rolls and chef-hosted demos invite you to taste, learn, and connect. The market emphasizes quality and sustainability, with most vendors accepting cash and card—perfect for picking up seasonal fruits, artisanal bread, candles, and preserves.

It's a true reflection of Southern hospitality: neighbors meet to share recipes, chefs offer tips, and families make a morning of it. Visiting the farmer’s market isn’t just shopping—it’s an experience.

8. Visit the World's Smallest City Block

📍 Location: Corner of E Troy St & N College St, Dothan, AL 36301

Dothan’s claim to quirky fame is the World’s Smallest City Block, located at the corner of East and North College Streets—a full city block measuring just 40 × 40 feet. Officially dedicated in 1982, this miniature block includes a tiny courthouse, a brick street with painted crosswalks, and even a stretch of sidewalk, all constructed to scale. It’s a delightful conversation starter and a playful nod to municipal ingenuity.

More than just a novelty, the block reflects Dothan’s humor, community pride, and attention to detail. Locals love to sneak into the “city square,” gather for selfie ops, and use the block as a marker of unexpected charm in their hometown. Visitors are often surprised at how something so small can spark so much curiosity.

The installation is maintained by the City of Dothan and makes for a quick, free stop during a downtown walk or historical tour. You’ll also find interpretive signage that explains how and why this micro-city block came to be.

9. Enjoy a Performance at the Dothan Opera House

📍 Location: 115 N Saint Andrews St, Dothan, AL 36303

Stepping into the Dothan Opera House is like entering a time capsule—with a heartbeat. Designed by Atlanta’s Morris & Morris architectural firm and built in 1915, this Classical Revival–style gem opened its doors on October 8, 1915, to rousing applause from a local orchestra. With its facade of Ionic pilasters, arched entryways, and ornate detailing, it stands as one of Dothan’s most treasured historic landmarks—listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977.

Inside, the auditorium seats roughly 600 to 800 guests in an atmosphere both intimate and grand. Early on, vaudeville acts, orchestras, and USO shows energized its stage; over time, it has hosted dance recitals, plays, concerts, and community events—including local youth theater and graduation ceremonies.

Today, following a sensitive renovation that upgraded sound, lighting, and gathering spaces while preserving historic charm, the Opera House again shines as Dothan’s cultural epicenter. It now stages a wide range of events—from musical performances to comedy nights and “Circle Sessions” singer-songwriter showcases

10. Take a Walk through Historic Downtown Dothan

📍 Location: Centered around N Foster St and Main St

Historic Downtown Dothan offers a delightful journey through time, blending charming architecture with modern vitality. Centered along Foster and St. Andrews Streets, the district is a walkable hub where early 20th-century storefronts and downtown landmarks meet eclectic boutiques, cozy cafés, and inviting eateries. Stroll beneath vintage awnings, discover art galleries and antique shops, and pause for a locally roasted coffee or a sweet treat from a sidewalk café.

History blends naturally with present life here. Restored façades echo Dothan’s entrepreneurial roots, while modern murals celebrating local culture add vibrant splashes of color to alleyways and hidden corners. Notable stops include the Azalea City historic marker and the community-championed Mural Trail, which showcases rotating public artworks by local artists—bringing conversation and creativity to the streets.

During seasonal events like “Food Truck Fridays” or the downtown holiday celebrations, the streets fill with music, lights, and gatherings of families and friends. Benches, planters, and pedestrian lighting create an inviting atmosphere at any hour. Interpretive signs offer glimpses into Dothan’s past, while occasional guided walking tours deepen appreciation for architectural details and civic milestones.

11. Experience the Dothan Survival Games

📍 Location: 3759 Ross Clark Cir, Dothan, AL 36303

If you're seeking an adrenaline-fueled activity in Dothan, the Dothan Survival Games is a must-see. This premier paintball park, located at 386 Cowarts Road, offers an immersive outdoor adventure designed for all skill levels—whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-timer.

Spread across wooded fields dotted with bunkers, obstacles, and elevated hideouts, the Survival Games feature strategic gameplay in team-based scenarios. Players gear up with high-quality rental markers and protective gear, guided by attentive referees focused on safety and fair play. Participants rave about the professional staff who deliver clear instructions and a welcoming environment: one reviewer noted, “Great course and referees… equipment in great condition… everyone had a great time”.

Game packages typically include several rounds of paintball, safety briefing, and all necessary gear—group rates and military discounts are often available. With free on-site parking, accessible facilities, and courses suitable for youth parties, corporate team-building, or friendly competitions, it makes a thrilling stop for active visitors. It’s a dynamic, engaging addition to any list of things to do in Dothan—perfect for groups, families, or anyone eager for action outdoors.

It’s a solid choice for birthdays, bachelor parties, team building, or just blowing off steam with your crew. Staff keeps things safe but fun, and there’s a good mix of open space and cover, so even beginners can have a blast without getting lit up the second the whistle blows.

12. Visit Water World

📍 Location: 401 Recreation Rd, Dothan, AL 36303

Water World is a refreshing aquatic escape - especially during Alabama’s hot summer months. This family-friendly water park combines thrill rides, relaxing pools, and entertainment to suit all ages, making it a go-to destination for both locals and visitors looking for splash-packed fun.

The centerpiece is the Wave Pool, where gentle swells mimic the ocean and offer a playful spot for floating or splashing. For thrill-seekers, towering slides like “Stealth” and “Barracuda” send you speeding down steep chutes, while the winding “Lazy River” provides a laid-back float under shaded bridges. Younger guests enjoy reserved areas with toddler pools, mini-slides, and spraygrounds designed for little ones.

Lounge chairs, cabanas, and shaded picnic areas are placed throughout the park, ensuring comfortable spots to relax between rides. Food stands serve classic poolside fare—think juicy hamburgers, corn dogs, snow cones, and ice-cold lemonade—keeping energy levels high for a full day of activity.

13. Explore Antique Attic

📍 Location: 1815 Ross Clark Cir, Dothan, AL 36301

Antique Attic, located at 5037 Fortner Street, ranks high among the most rewarding places to visit in Dothan for collectors and curious browsers alike. Open since 1969 and spanning 16,000 square feet across multiple buildings, this three-generation family-run store is one of Alabama’s largest privately owned antique emporiums. Step inside and immerse yourself in a vast trove of American and European furniture, paintings, tapestries, Depression-era glassware, bronze and marble statuary, quilt and oak rooms, even a music and glassware section—each corner revealing unexpected treasures.

The store is thoughtfully organized, making it easy to navigate the diverse offerings. What stands out most is the knowledgeable and friendly staff—visitors rave about assistance from team members like Ms. Wanda, who help uncover special finds and explain the market value. While some reviewers note that prices can be higher than pawn-shop bargains, many agree that the quality, history, and service more than justify the investment.

14. Attend a Workshop at The Cultural Arts Center

📍 Location: 909 S St Andrews St, Dothan, AL 36301

The Cultural Arts Center in Dothan is a thriving hub for creative expression and hands-on learning in the Wiregrass region. Established in 2002 inside the beautifully repurposed Southside Elementary School, this nonprofit venue connects art and community through classes, camps, performances, and workshops. Nestled behind its iconic façade lies "The Messy Space Studio"—a vibrant art lab where both novices and seasoned creators can experiment with clay, textiles, painting, sculpture, and mixed-media projects.

Workshops range from multi-week courses to one-day intensive sessions, ideal for those eager to explore new skills—perhaps wheel-thrown pottery, watercolor landscapes, or textile exploration. The Messy Space Studio emphasizes accessibility, fostering a friendly environment where you’re encouraged to “create, grow, explore, and experiment” without fear of perfection. It’s a hands-on invitation to embrace imperfection, build confidence, and connect with fellow artists.

Beyond visual arts, the center also partners with Southeast Alabama Community Theatre, Tri-State Community Orchestra, and other groups, hosting performance workshops and seasonal festivals that bring the entire community together.

15. Play at Westgate Recreation Center

📍 Location: 501 Recreation Rd, Dothan, AL 36303

Owned by the City of Dothan, this expansive center provides a huge variety of recreational options—all in one place—making it a local favorite for both casual fun and structured activities.

The center’s standout feature is its large, climate-controlled indoor sports complex, which includes basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a multi-use gym where open play, leagues, and classes run year-round. For younger kids, Westgate offers colorful, secure playgrounds, splash pads (seasonal), and open green spaces perfect for pick-up soccer games, frisbee tossing, or impromptu picnics under mature shade trees.

Fitness-minded visitors will appreciate the well-equipped gym, complete with cardio machines, free weights, and group exercise studios hosting classes like yoga, Zumba, and aerobics. Recent renovations have also added walking paths, a splash pad, and a senior-friendly fitness area, widening the range of visiting guests.

Beyond drop-in use, Westgate coordinates youth sports leagues, dance classes, martial arts lessons, and summer camps. Organized events—such as family fun nights and healthy-living expos—bring the community together and showcase Westgate’s role as a neighborhood hub.

16. Tour the Murals of the Wiregrass

📍 Location: Throughout downtown Dothan

Discovering the vibrant public art scattered throughout Dothan and the surrounding Wiregrass region offers a colorful, free, and culturally rich experience—ideal for art lovers and casual wanderers alike. The “Murals of the Wiregrass” initiative showcases a growing collection of large-scale murals, each telling a story about the region’s heritage, diversity, and natural beauty.

Start your self‑guided tour downtown, where bold murals depict local scenes: historical figures, agricultural life, and Southern wildlife. On Foster and Main Streets, wall‑size canvases reflect the spirit of community, while nearby alleys host rotating artworks created by area schools and emerging artists. Venture further to nearby Ozark and Enterprise to find more hidden mural gems showcasing everything from Civil Rights themes to whimsical nature motifs.

The murals are finished under public‑art standards, often supported by community groups, businesses, and the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, which enhances public engagement by connecting viewers with art outside traditional gallery walls. There’s something magical in stumbling across a new piece—each wall brightens an ordinary block and invites storytelling.

17. Bowl and Play Arcade Games at Adventureland Theme Park

📍 Location: 3738 W Main St, Dothan, AL 36305

Located at 3738 W Main Street, this vibrant amusement venue combines go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, batting cages, and arcade games—all in a colorful, welcoming setting. What makes it stand out is the Play-the-Park package: for just $20, you enjoy a go-kart ride, a round of mini-golf, 20 arcade tokens, and a bumper boat ride—offering exceptional value for a full hour of fun.

The centerpiece is the arcade room, which features classic and modern games that dispense tickets redeemable for prizes. Token packages—like 120 for $22—ensure plenty of playtime. Slots fill up quickly during weekends, school breaks, or weekend nights when the park extends hours until 10 PM on weekdays and 11:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bowling isn’t available on-site—but the mini-bowling alternatives in the arcade and the bumper boats keep the competition friendly and fun. Visitors praise the safe, clean environment and the variety of activities that make it easy to spend a couple of entertaining hours—or much more—with friends and family

18. Grab a Table at Hunt’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

📍 Location: 177 Campbellton Hwy, Dothan, AL 36301

Hunt’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts. Step inside, and you’ll immediately feel welcomed by the warm glow of lantern-style lighting, polished wood paneling, and the enticing aroma of seafood cooking. The menu showcases daily catches like grilled mahi-mahi, blackened grouper, and snapper, alongside signature dishes that define Southern seafood comfort—think shrimp and grits, crab cakes, she-crab soup, and oyster platters. Don’t miss the shucked-to-order oysters served with classic mignonette or zesty cocktail sauce.

Hunt’s also offers attentive service, a curated wine list, and a full bar featuring crisp regional beers and handcrafted cocktails. Many diners make a night of it with appetizers, a hearty entrée, and a key lime pie or bread pudding to finish.

19. Hike the Trails at Beaver Creek Forever Wild Park

📍 Location: 3560 Twitchell Rd, Dothan, AL 36303

Beaver Creek Forever Wild Park, formally known as the Forever Wild Trails at Beaver Creek, is a 400-acre oasis of natural beauty nestled within Dothan. Managed through a partnership between the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust, the City of Dothan, and SORBA, this urban nature preserve offers more than 14 miles of single-track trails winding through pine forests, wetlands, and along the creek itself.

Whether you're a casual walker, trail runner, or enthusiastic mountain biker, there's something for everyone. Hikers can explore loops like Beaver Trail Flats, Zion Cemetery Ridge, or Dragon’s Tail, each varying in difficulty and ranging from under a mile to moderate 2-mile routes. Mountain bikers will appreciate technical features such as the Wall Ride Loop and Big Levee, while a mile-long boardwalk highlights scenic views over wetlands.

Access is easy via three separate trailheads—off Flowers Chapel Road and Fortner Street—with parking, bike repair stations, restrooms, and trail maps provided. The trails are open daily from sunrise to dusk, free to all.

20. Hit the Skating Rink at Fun Zone Skate Center

📍 Location: 465 Westgate Pkwy, Dothan, AL 36303

Fun Zone Skate Center is Dothan’s top destination if you're looking for lively and family-friendly fun. Located at 465 Westgate Parkway, this expansive entertainment center combines classic roller skating with arcade games, bumper cars, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, and a soft‑play gym for younger guests.

Roller-skating nights are the main draw, with themed sessions such as Cosmic Skate under glowing lights, set to upbeat tunes. Skating rentals are available, and safety is prioritized with staff maintaining a clean, supervised environment. The arcade offers both retro and modern games, where players earn tickets to redeem for prizes. There’s also a dedicated pizza café onsite, perfect for grabbing a slice between laps.

For those planning special celebrations, Fun Zone hosts party packages including skating, arcade credits, laser tag, bumper cars, and private party rooms—designed to make birthdays or group events extra exciting. They also rent the venue for corporate events and field trips, catering to groups of various sizes

21. Explore Nature and Wildlife at Eastgate Park

📍 Location: 1949 Sanitary Dairy Rd, Ashford, AL 36312 (just east of Dothan)

Eastgate Park offers nearly 200 acres of natural wonder right on Dothan’s eastern edge. Originating in 1989 from a former horse farm, this multi-use park features broad lawns perfect for kite-flying, shaded picnic areas under grand oaks, and two serene fishing ponds where anglers cast lines for bass and bream.

A two-mile walking trail with a boardwalk winds through woodlands and wetlands, inviting quiet strolls or wildlife spotting. The park is home to an 18-hole disc golf course, four lit pickleball courts, an archery range, plus five youth baseball fields—making it a lively hub for sports, fitness, and community gatherings. Families can bring bikes or let little ones enjoy the playground, while those seeking calm can relax lakeside with a good book.

The onsite archery range, built in cooperation with Alabama’s Wildlife & Fisheries Division, includes known-distance adult and youth targets plus an elevated platform for more advanced practice. Weekend visits often bring leagues, tournaments, and casual pick-up games.

22. Try the Local Brews at Folklore Brewing & Meadery

📍 Location: 153 Mary Lou Ln, Dothan, AL 36301

Folklore Brewing & Meadery blends craft, community, and southern storytelling into one laid‑back experience. Set on a former family farm purchased in the 1960s, it opened in 2013 as the area’s first packaging brewery since Prohibition—marking a new chapter in Dothan’s local brew scene.

The venue feels like enjoying a pint in a friend’s backyard: a rustic barn‑style taproom surrounded by oak trees and open space. Indoors and out, you’ll find a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere—complete with live folk, Americana, and bluegrass music on select weekends.

Taproom visitors choose from a rotating lineup of 16+ beers and meads—from the bright, citrusy Snipe Hunt IPA to the smooth Shadowcaster Porter and seasonal sour Cherry Bomb. Mead lovers can sample traditional cyser and melomels, connecting with Alabama’s agricultural past

23. Take a Pottery Class at the Ceramics Studio at the Art Center

📍 Location: 136 Museum Ave, Dothan, AL 36303

The Ceramics Studio at the Cultural Arts Center offers a hands-on pottery experience. Housed within the vibrant Cultural Arts Center campus, the studio provides both novice and experienced artists a place to learn, experiment, and craft with clay in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Classes range from beginner wheel-throwing sessions to advanced hand-building workshops. With expert instructors guiding each step—from wedging clay to glazing fired pieces—students quickly gain confidence mastering their craft. The open studio time allows aspiring potters to practice and refine techniques using studio tools like pottery wheels, slab rollers, and kilns. Each finished piece carries a sense of pride and personal artistry, whether it’s a whimsical mug, textured bowl, or sculptural form.

Beyond structured classes, the studio hosts community events like open-studio nights, “Clay & Cocktails” socials, and pottery showcases featuring local artists. These gatherings bring together makers and appreciators, fostering a sense of creative community—a moment to chat, learn and be inspired.

24. Step Inside Dothan’s Aviation Museum for a Local History Lesson

📍 Location: 189 Heritage Way, Dothan, AL 36303 (part of the U.S. Army Aviation Museum satellite display)

If you're into aircraft, military history, or just want to explore something unexpected, the United States Army Aviation Museum, located at Fort Rucker just outside Dothan, stands as the largest aviation museum in the Wiregrass region. Housed in Dickinson Hall, its breathtaking collection features over 160 aircraft and over 50 helicopters on display, spanning eras from the Wright brothers' earliest flight experiments to modern combat choppers.

Visitors entering the cavernous hangar are greeted by iconic helicopters such as the Huey, Cobra gunship, and Black Hawk, many displayed in context-rich scenes with lifelike mannequins. Educational placards and guided tours illustrate Army Aviation’s evolution, mission roles, and veteran stories, turning static exhibits into immersive journeys through flight and military service.

Temporary exhibits and the Hall of Heroes spotlight Medal of Honor recipients and pioneering aviators—adding layers of tribute and personal narrative. The museum partners with Visit Dothan and local schools to host community events and educational outreach, making it a cultural pillar of this area

25. Throw, Compete, and Escape at Big Time Entertainment

📍 Location: 3050 Ross Clark Cir, Dothan, AL 36301

Located just off I‑20 in nearby Oxford, this massive facility spans 60,000 sq ft and brings together bowling, arcade gaming, go‑karts, laser tag, axe‑throwing, mini‑golf, and even a ninja warrior course—all under one roof.

Families and groups love the versatility: 16 modern bowling lanes offer both recreational and VIP options with full-service scoring systems, plush seating, and lanes ideal for team events or friendly competition. The arcade bursts with over 80 retro and modern games—from skee-ball to VR experiences—stacked with ticket rewards. Race fans can ignite their adrenaline with European-style electric go‑karts on a fast track, while laser tag and ninja courses add immersive, high-energy challenges. For thrill-seekers, axe-throwing lanes combine friendly rivalry with precision and strategy.

Big Time goes beyond drop-in fun: it’s a top-tier venue for birthday parties, corporate events, school field trips, and group outings, complete with tents, dedicated party areas, and catering options. Open late every night, it’s also a hotspot for weekend entertainment.

Conclusion

From its agricultural legacy to its modern-day arts and leisure scene, Dothan offers a rich variety of fun things that cater to every interest.

What makes Dothan special is how effortlessly it brings together outdoor thrills, artistic exploration, historical reflection, and community warmth. Every time you visit, you’ll uncover another facet of local flavor and hospitality. Come explore—you might just fall in love with Dothan’s undeniable charm.

Ready to plan your visit? Check out Karta for fantastic deals on Dothan vacation rentals and start building your own Wiregrass adventure today!

FAQ

1. How far is Dothan from Montgomery, Alabama?

Dothan is approximately 107 miles southeast of Montgomery, Alabama. The drive typically takes around 2 hours, making it an easy road trip or day trip option for travelers.

2. What is there to do in Dothan, Alabama?

Dothan offers a variety of activities, including visiting the George Washington Carver Museum, exploring the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, attending the National Peanut Festival, and walking through downtown Dothan with its unique shops and historical sites.

3. What is downtown Dothan known for?

Downtown Dothan is known for its vibrant local culture, charming historical architecture, murals depicting the city's history, and attractions like the Wiregrass Museum of Art and the World’s Smallest City Block.

4. Is Dothan, Alabama worth visiting?

Yes, Dothan is worth visiting for its unique blend of history, culture, outdoor activities, and annual events like the National Peanut Festival, making it a great destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

5. What is Dothan, Alabama known for?

Dothan is famously known as The Peanut Capital of the World, thanks to its rich agricultural history and its role as a major peanut producer. It also hosts the National Peanut Festival every year.

6. When is the best time to visit Dothan?

The best time to visit Dothan is during the fall, especially in early November when the National Peanut Festival takes place. The weather is pleasant, and the festival brings a vibrant atmosphere to the city.

7. What outdoor activities can I do in Dothan?

Dothan offers several outdoor activities, including hiking and picnicking at Westgate Recreation Center, exploring the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, and participating in paintball and laser tag at Dothan Survival Games.

8. How far is Dothan from the beach?

Dothan is about a 90-minute drive (approximately 80 miles) from Panama City Beach, Florida, making it a convenient day trip for those looking to combine their visit with some beach time.