Ozark is a great city to visit if you want authentic Southern hospitality and charm.
This hidden gem is in the state’s southeastern part of Dale County, Alabama.
According to local tales, Ozark’s name originated from a traveler who thought the area looked like the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas.
Whatever the case, this city of 15,000 people is worth a visit.
The city offers a variety of things to do, including outdoor activities, historical landmarks, and shopping.
Plus, you can’t beat the savory Southern food.
Are you planning to visit Ozark yet don’t know where to go?
Don’t worry!
Here are the best things to do in Ozark, Alabama:
The Dale County Public Lake is a 92-acre lake nestled two miles north of downtown Ozark.
This is a beautiful spot to get some relaxation as you breathe the fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Fishing is a popular activity at the Dale County Public Lake.
The lake has an abundance of fish varieties like largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and sunfish.
You can also go canoeing, swimming, and picnicking at the Dale County Public Lake.
Rental pavilions are available if you want to picnic with family or friends.
You can always rent gear from the on-site bait and tackle shop if you don’t have your equipment.
Other facilities include a boat ramp, fishing pier, concessions, and public restrooms.
Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to have a great outdoor experience at the Dale County Public Lake.
The Ed Lisenby Public Lake is just a short walk from the Dale County Public Lake, another great spot for outdoor activities.
This park is smaller than the Dale County Public Lake, but it still offers plenty of things to do.
It’s a great place to go birdwatching with more than 200 species of birds in the area.
Like Dale County Public Lake, the Ed Lisenby Public Lake is also a great spot to go fishing.
You can bring a boat with you or rent one.
If you’re just there to enjoy the scenery, you can also take a walk through the birding trail or have a picnic in the pavilion.
Once you’ve had your fill of nature, you can head to the nearby Ozark Community Archery Range for some fun.
Pick up a new hobby at the Ozard Community Archery Park, a park dedicated to archery.
The Ozark Community Archery Range is open to the public and offers a variety of targets to shoot.
Whether a seasoned archer or a complete beginner, you’ll have a great time at the Ozark Community Archery Range.
The range targets all skill levels, so you can challenge yourself or take it easy.
The park also offers classes courtesy of the Ozark Parks and Recreation Department, and other activities to increase public interest in archery.
The J.D. Holman House is a historical landmark and event venue in downtown Ozark.
Prominent local merchant Jesse DeCosta Holman once lived there.
Built in 1912, the J.D. Holman House is a beautiful example of late 19th-century architecture.
It features intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and a grand staircase.
The house’s exterior is just as impressive as the interior, with a wrap-around porch and four stately columns greeting visitors.
The J.D. Holman House is an event venue for weddings, receptions, and other special occasions.
In addition, the outside area is open to the public for tours and events.
If you’re looking for an Ozark historical attraction and a picturesque backdrop for your photo souvenir, check out the J.D. Holman House.
Kidzone at Seagull Park is the ultimate kids’ outdoor playground.
It sits on top of a hill with a great view of Ozark.
The playground has fun equipment for kids, including swings, slides, monkey bars, and more.
There’s even a large splash pad for kids to cool off during hot days.
In addition to the playground, Kidzone at Seagull Park also has a walking trail and a big gazebo that features several picnic tables.
The best part about this park is that it has fences and reinforced gates.
Unfortunately, there’s also only one entrance and exit pathway.
That means your kids can run around and have the best time of their lives without worry.
Spend the afternoon with your kids at the Kidzone at Seagull Park!
The Flowers Center for Performing Arts is Ozark’s premier auditorium for live performances.
It’s on East College Street in downtown Ozark and serves as a stage for local talent and a venue for traveling shows.
With 501 fixed theater-style seating and a total capacity of 750 people, the Flowers Center for Performing Arts is one of the largest performing arts venues in Dale County.
The auditorium features a large stage with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment.
The Flowers Center for Performing Arts has also become the favorite venue for many of Ozark’s cultural events.
Whether you’re in the mood for a musical, a play, or a stand-up comedy show, you’re sure to find something to tickle your fancy at the Flowers Center for Performing Arts.
The Ozark/Fort Rucker KOA Journey is the perfect place to enjoy a camping trip with your family or friends.
The KOA Journey offers various camping options, from RV sites to tent sites and even cabins.
Plenty of activities keep you busy during your stay, such as swimming in the pool, playing volleyball, horseshoes, and shuffleboard.
Other campground amenities include fishing, cable TV at select sites, a playground, and a dog park.
There’s even a Wi-Fi connection to stay connected while enjoying the great outdoors.
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing camping trip, the Ozark/Fort Rucker KOA Journey is the place for you.
You can’t visit a Southern state like Alabama without trying their food.
Regarding Southern cuisine in Ozark, there’s no better place to go than Our Place Diner.
Our Place Diner is a diner-style restaurant that serves classic Southern-style favorites like burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
They also have a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items.
You should also try their famous chicken, quesadillas, and ribs, which come with a special Our Place Diner sauce.
In addition to their excellent food, the diner has a fun and friendly atmosphere.
The staff is always happy to serve you, and the vintage décor makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Ozark has an active golfing community, and the Fox Ridge Golf Course is one of the best places to tee off.
Built in 1972, the Fox Ridge Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 courses situated on 140 acres.
The course features a variety of challenging holes, including water hazards, sand traps, and elevation changes.
In addition to the main course, Fox Ridge Golf Course has a driving range, a chipping green, and a putting green.
Whether a seasoned pro or a beginner, you will have a great time at the Fox Ridge Golf Course.
Cvernon1, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Imagine 50 acres of cultivated gardens, wooded landscapes, and long, winding nature trails.
Add a butterfly house, a conservatory, and a gift shop.
That’s the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens in a nutshell!
It’s a great place to go if you want to relax and unwind in nature.
You can find it in Dothan, Alabama, 30 minutes from Ozark.
The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens is a great place to relax, take a walk, or even have a picnic lunch.
The beautifully landscaped and well-maintained gardens constitute a peaceful and serene oasis in the middle of the city.
The Dothan Area Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to go if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, even if just for a little while.
Lake Tholocco is a nearby lake sitting amid many outdoor recreational centers and resorts.
You can find it 15 minutes from Ozark.
While there are many spots to choose from, East Beach is nearest to Ozark.
This resort offers cabins, RV sites, tent sites, and even glamping accommodations.
There’s also a marina where you can rent boats, jet skis, and paddleboards.
If you’re looking to stay on dry land, the resort has a playground, tennis courts, a basketball court, and a swimming pool.
No matter what you’re looking for, Lake Tholocco is the perfect place to spend a day, a weekend, or even a week!
John Hutto Park is a recreational park located in Newton, Alabama, 14 minutes from Ozark.
The park spans over 200 acres and features a variety of amenities, including picnic tables, RV sites, shady tent areas, and several camping grounds.
There’s also a boat launch, ramp, public toilets, and electricity so you can charge your phones or connect to the internet via Wi-Fi.
Whether you’re just there for the day or spending the weekend, John Hutto Park is a great place to relax and unwind.
Since it’s along the road, the park is easily accessible and makes for a great pit stop on your travels.
If you want to experience the outdoor scene on the outskirts of Ozark, John Hutto Park is the place to go.
The United States Aviation Museum in Fort Rucker, Texas, is a great place to learn and explore the history of aviation in the country.
Likewise, the museum is 19 minutes from Ozark.
Check out the exhibits, including aircraft from different eras, interactive displays, and simulators.
You can also explore the museum’s library, which has a collection of books, magazines, and movies about aviation.
The United States Army Aviation Museum is a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning about aviation history or just a fan of airplanes!
The Adventureland Theme Park is also in Dothan, 28 minutes from Ozark.
It’s an excellent place for kids and adults.
The park has various rides and amenities, including batting cages, bumper boats, a go-kart track, mini golf, a large arcade, and much more.
The Adventureland Theme Park has become Dothan’s go-to place for fun and adventure for families for 20 years.
This theme park is the perfect place to spend a day if you’re looking for fun and excitement with family and friends.
If you love ice cream, the nearby city of Enterprise, Alabama, has something sweet and tasty for you!
Milky Moo’s Homemade Ice Cream is a local ice cream shop serving deliciousness since 2002.
You can find this sweet shop 26 minutes from Ozark.
The shop has a wide variety of flavors, including some unique and interesting ones like cotton candy, cookies and cream, and pistachio.
They also have all the classic flavors you know and love, like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
Apart from ice cream, Milky Moo’s Homemade Ice Cream is also famous for its ciabatta sandwiches, made with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients.
If you ever find yourself in Enterprise during your Ozark vacation, stop by Milky Moo’s Homemade Ice Cream for a delicious and refreshing treat!
Have you ever tried watching a movie at a drive-in?
If not, you should head to Newton, Alabama, to experience this one-of-a-kind activity.
The VIP Star-Lite Drive-In is a popular spot for watching movies, especially during the summer months.
You can find this theater 26 minutes from Ozark.
This drive-in has operated since 2005 and has successfully replicated the old-school movie-watching experience.
Unfortunately, it’s also one of the few remaining drive-ins today.
All you need to do is bring a ride, snacks, and drinks, and you’re all set for a fun and unique movie-watching experience under the stars.
These are some of the best things to do in Ozark, Alabama, and nearby places.
Whether you want a place to have fun and adventure with the family or an escape from the hassles of city life, Ozark is the perfect place.
There’s something for everyone in this charming city, so make Ozark your next vacation destination!
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
