Decatur was founded in 1823 but reduced to four buildings during the Civil War in 1865. Then a yellow fever epidemic hit in 1888 but the town continued through it all. The city has the Old Decatur District, a Victorian-era neighborhood, which occupies the original town site that was settled in 1820.
Cook's Natural Science Museum features exhibits that include mounted wildlife and birds, minerals and rocks, to over 50 exotic insects, sea shells, snakes and coral. Many of the animals on display are depicted in their natural habitat.
The 64-seat auditorium is available for visitors to view video tapes with natural science themes.
Hours:
9am-12pm, 1pm-5pm; Sun:9am-12pm, 2pm-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Greek Revival architecture of the State Branch Bank Building in Decatur is located on the original site where it was built in 1833. The limestone columns are said to have been cut from a nearby plantation and brought to the site by a team of 16 oxen. The first floor of the building features a banking lobby complete with its original walk-in vault, and a replica of a teller's cage.
Point Mallard in Decatur is a 500-acre family park with an 18 hole championship golf course, water park, indoor ice skating rink, 25 acre campground, and hiking/biking trails. Point Mallard is open year round to allow visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature and numerous outdoor activities.
Address: Point Mallard Park, Box 488, Decatur, AL 35602, United States
Phone: 1 (256) 341-4900, Fax: 1 (256) 341-4906
Tips: Admission charged for aquatic center. The park closes at 10pm for specific hours, visit the website or call.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 as an experimental home for waterfowl. 304 species of birds have been recorded within the refuge boundaries including the bald eagle, osprey and wild turkey.
This area was originally inhabited by Native Americans in pre-settlement times.
Address: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, 2700 Refuge Headquarters Road, Decatur, AL 35603, United States
Phone: 1 (256) 353-7243, Fax: 1 (256) 340-9728
Hours:
March 1 to September 30: 9am-4pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
October 1 to February 28: 9am-5pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
Tips: Hours apply to the Visitor Center and Observation Building.
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