Fort Payne is a city located in DeKalb County, northeast of Alabama, United States. During the 2020 census, they recorded a population of 14,877 people.
The city has an area of 55.8 square miles and a moderate climate. The city once held an impressive record for baking an enormous cake worldwide in 1989.
Fort Payne comprises many amenities making the city a center for tourist attractions. Places like museums, little river canyon national preserve, the Wills Valley recreation center, and many other beautiful sites in the city.
Here is a guide to the 15 Best Things to do in Fort Payne, Alabama
1. Enjoy Delicious Steak at Sally’s Smokin’ Butt BBQ
Sally’s Smokin’ Butt BBQ is a popular restaurant in the city that offers delicious barbecue meat. Their menu includes pork and brisket, chicken ribs, sandwich, chicken fingers plate, and many other mouth-watering dishes.
Sally’s Smokin’ Butt BBQ also makes homemade cakes, delicious pies, and other baked products. They also have friendly customer service to attend to your needs.
Address: 2904 Gault Ave S, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
2. Have Fun at the Alabama Walking Trail Park
Alabama Walking Trail Park comes with a unique topography, which is accessible to kids and adults. Its serene environment makes it a lovely place to be in Fort Payne.
The park features two playgrounds for older and younger kids with different playing equipment. Adults can visit the fitness station for physical activities or walk along the park trails.
The park has many benches in strategic positions for relaxing with your loved ones. There is also a large pavilion, a splash pad, and a picnic area within the park’s premises. If you like a fun time with your family, add spending time here to your bucket list of things to do in Fort Payne, AL.
Address: 151 5th St NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
3. See the Beauty of Nature at DeSoto State Park
Desoto State Park was developed on 3502 acres of land in 1930, with many fantastic facilities. The picturesque environment gives you access to enjoy nature to its fullest. You have full access to kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, and going on a picnic with your family.
Desoto State Park offers restaurants, meeting rooms, pavilions, a civilian conservation corps museum, 25 miles of trails, and a large swimming pool.
If you wish to stay for a while, accommodation is available at the mountain chalets, motel rooms, or one of the 94 tents in the campground.
Address: 7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
4. Wine and Dine at the Vintage 1889 Cafe
Vintage 1889 Cafe is owned by Dr. Steve and Lynn Brewer and was opened in 2013, replacing a big mill with a lot of history. The Cafe aims at making delectable dishes, which they haven’t disappointed.
The Restaurant has a beautiful courtyard where people can eat delicious meals. Their menu offers Spinach artichoke dip, French dip, vintage Cuban sandwich, Nana’s roast beef, and many other tasty dishes.
Enjoying a meal at the Vintage 1889 Cafe should be on your list of things to do in Fort Payne. Vintage 1889 produces the highest number of beers in Fort Payne and handcrafted wines. The Restaurant is spacious and can be used to organize special events.
Address: 151 8th St NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
5. Take a Tour of the Fort Payne Depot Museum
Fort Payne Depot Museum was formerly used as Alabama’s great southern railroad passenger depot in 1891 before being converted into a museum in 1986. The museum building has a sandstone design, and it was built according to the Richardsonian Romanesque style by an architect named Charles Taylor.
Fort Payne Depot Museum features many Native American artifacts, an exhibition containing scenes of historical events, and a former Norfolk Southern caboose. The museum has two buildings that show off different historical artifacts.
One of the buildings includes Gussie Killian Collection, which offers Native American basketry and pottery. The other building displays memorabilia from the Civil War, World War I and II, and the Vietnam War.
Fort Payne Depot Museum gained recognition from the national register of historic places in 1971. The museum aims at preserving artifacts for future use. It is a place perfect for field trips and teaching school kids about history.
Address: 105 5th St NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
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6. Order a Meal at Santa Fe Cattle Company
If you are in for delicious meals to satiate your hunger, then a stop at Santa Fe Cattle Company is one of the best things to do in Fort Payne. Santa Fe Cattle Company has a calm environment with a small compartment that offers customers melodious countryside music as they enjoy their meals.
They have a menu for both children and adults, with well-prepared delicious feasts from freshly gotten ingredients. Their menu offers foods like Nacho Grande, Santa Fe Enchiladas, Jumbo Fried Cheese, Chips & Salsa, South of the Border Burrito, and many other palatable dishes.
Address: 305 Ruby Tuesday Ln, Fort Payne, AL 35968, United States.
7. Eat at Jefferson’s
Jefferson’s is a spectacular place to get excellent meals in Fort Payne. You wouldn’t want to miss getting unique burgers in this place, which is one of the best things to do in Fort Payne.
Jefferson’s offers customers large televisions to keep them occupied with popular TV shows and sports activities as they enjoy their meals. Their menu includes Chicken sandwiches, Fried pickles, BBQ sandwiches, Buffalo chicken, Philly Cheesesteaks, and many other delicious meals.
Jefferson’s is a perfect place to take your family or friends for lunch, and you shouldn’t forget to taste their delicious chicken wings with sauce.
Address: 616 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
8. Learn Unique Art at Orbix Hot Glass
Orbix Hot Glass was established in 2002 by Cal and Christy Breed on 26 acres of land. This sizeable adorable place contains two sections: the gallery and the glass art studio.
Orbix Hot Glass contains beautiful artworks and sculptures sold in the gallery. You can purchase them online if you can’t make it to the site.
Visiting Orbix Hot Glass is one of the best things to do in Fort Payne. They offer classes on how glass, sculptures, and beautiful craftworks are made. These classes are taught by a team of glassblowers who have mastered the act of glassmaking and craft activities.
Address: 3869 County Rd 275, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
9. Buy Different Types of Antique at the Big Mill Antique Mall
The Big Mill Antique Mall offers varieties of artifacts by artists and artisans. The antique mall was established in W.B. Davis Hosiery Mill, which has a historical record. You will be amazed that the antique mall holds 21,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles.
They offer books, vintage wares, furniture, ceramics, paintings, and many other artifacts you need. The Big Mill Antique Mall also houses different kinds of restaurants within its environment, like Vintage 1889 and Jefferson’s Restaurant.
If you love getting different kinds of artifacts, which is one of the best things to do in Fort Payne, the Big Mill Antique Mall has you covered.
Address: 151 8th St NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
10. Engage in Thrilling Sports Activities at True Adventure Sports
Experiencing thrilling activities at True Adventure Sports is one of the best things to do in Fort Payne if you are an adventure seeker.
True Adventure Sports provides you with 39 different adventures, including rock climbing, kayaking, ziplines, rappelling, and many other thrilling activities.
Your safety is always paramount to True Adventure Sports as they provide equipment like gears, strong ropes, experienced instructors, space rescuers, and well-trained wilderness experts to guide you during your adventure.
Address: 13102 AL-176, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
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11. Enjoy Well-Brewed Coffee at The Spot Coffee Shop
Enjoy perfectly brewed coffee at The Spot Coffee Shop in Lookout Mountain Arena and North Alabama Region. They offer one of the best handmade coffee in Fort Payne.
Coffee is not the only thing produced here; you can also get mouth-watering pizza, pastries, sandwiches, and many other meals. Their menu offers organic coffee, ice cream, and other frozen drinks, making you return for more due to its uniqueness.
You can also access their free Wi-Fi in the art gallery, present in The Spot Coffee Shop. Lovers of coffee can make this place a perfect destination for well-brewed coffee.
Address: 101 Gault Ave N, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States
12. Have a Workout Session at the Wills Valley Recreation Center
The Wills Valley Recreation Center is one of the finest indoor recreation centers to visit. It was regarded as the best in Alabama in 2001 because of its quality.
The recreation center contains amenities like a gymnasium and two oversized courts for basketball or volleyball. You can also enroll in gymnasium, aerobics and Tae Kwon Do classes. The gymnasium comprises weights of different sizes.
Locker rooms with showers and steam rooms are available after working out. You don’t have to worry about your child’s welfare because a playroom is available for little children.
If you want to keep fit, there’s a fitness room made available with a thread mill, bike climber, Stairmasters, and other equipment for a cardiovascular workout.
Address: 4220 Godfrey Ave NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
13. Get in Touch with Nature at Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River Canyon National Preserve is a center of attraction located on top of Lookout mountain. It was established in 1992, and it occupies 15,288 acres of land. The preserve holds the well-known ‘Little River,’ showcasing different kinds of wildlife and plants that will interest you.
The Little River Canyon National Preserve provides recreational activities like swimming, fishing, rock climbing, and water rafting. If you are seeking a place of attraction and fun activities, add stopping by here to your list of things to do in Fort Payne.
Address: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
14. Dine at Fontana’s Restaurant
Lovers of Italian dishes won’t miss visiting Fontana’s Restaurant as one of the things to do in Fort Payne. They are specialized in making delicious Italian cuisines with locally sourced ingredients.
Fontana’s Restaurant has a conducive environment that gives you an Italian atmosphere while you eat. Their menu offers molten lava cake, spinach dip, chicken alfredo, cheese planks, cowboy calzone, white chicken lasagna roll, and many other delicious Italian meals.
Refreshing drinks like red wine, white wine, beers, and rose wine are also served to complement your meal.
Address: 100 1st St, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
15. Enjoy the Sumptuous Toke Sushi and Thai Grill
If you are craving delicious Japanese cuisine, visiting Toke Sushi and Thai Grill is one of the best things to do in Fort Payne. The Restaurant’s ambiance is peaceful and gives out a Japanese scenario.
Toke Sushi and Thai Grill’s menu offers foods like Spring Rolls, Fried Gyoza, Calamari Tempura, Yakitori Chicken, Tuna Tataki, and other palatable dishes.
Try out their delicious sushi made from scratch with quality ingredients. It’s a perfect place to enjoy your lunch with friends or family.
Address: 2605 Gault Ave N, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.
Plan a Trip to Fort Payne, Alabama
Fort Payne is a beautiful city in Alabama with many infrastructures to keep you occupied. Enjoy the beauty of nature in Fort Payne when you visit the city. Remember to read this guide carefully to learn about these places.
Where’s the first place you would visit in Fort Payne? Let us know in the comment section. Share this article with others, and suggest how we can update it. Thank you!
