26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Fort Payne (AL)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Fort Payne, AL?

Fort Payne, Alabama, is known as “Sock Capital of the World”, with more than half of the socks in America produced in the town.

Fort Payne, Alabama, has a lot of fun options for all grades, such as visiting the incredible cascading waterfalls, hiking along the historic mountain trail, studying the history of the famous Cherokee, and lots more.

The small town is located in northeast Alabama. It houses essential structures such as the 14,000-acre Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park, making it a top attraction around the United States.

The historic Fort Payne is also known as the home to the famous country-rock band Alabama, and the city houses the majority of the museum and band’s fan club.

Additionally, the city boasts one of the best nature preserves, state parks, lakes, and museums with many fun things to do and see for interested individuals.

Lets explore the top places to visit in Fort Payne, AL

Things to Do in Fort Payne, AL

1. Little River Canyon National Preserve

Are you looking for an adventurous time out? Be sure to include Little River Canyon National Preserve in your list of best things to do in Fort Payne, Alabama, for your all-round fun.

The Little River Canyon National Preserve was established in the early 1990s, and it is surrounded by Cherokee Counties and DeKalb counties, all in northeast Alabama.

The Little River Canyon National Preserve comprises about 15,288 acres which are predominantly owned and managed by the state government.

The Little River Canyon preserve also houses the famous pristine Little River and a unique environment that shelters many rare plants and animals.

Additionally, the Little River Canyon National Preserve provides fun activities for visitors, such as whitewater rafting, swimming, fishing, climbing and many more.

Address: 4322 Little River Trail NE, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.

2. Cloudmont Ski Resort

The famous Cloudmont Ski Resort is located on the Lookout Mountain and gives guests one of the perfect views of the city, which makes it an ideal centre and a great option in your checklist of what to do in Fort Payne, AL.

Experience the snowfall during temperature drop at the Cloudmont Ski Resort, which stands as one of the best scenes around the city.

The fabulous establishment accommodates beginners, intermediate and professional skiers with over two to one-thousand-foot slopes.

The Cloudmont Ski Resort was fabricated with machine-made snow, and it offers an excellent chance to learn all winter sports in a hot/sunning climate.

Additionally, instructors are stationed around to help you along the way, and there are pony lifts to transport you to the top of the high slopes.

Address: 721 Co Rd 614, Mentone, AL 35984, United States

3. Sally’s Smokin’ Butt BBQ

The Fort Payne based restaurant is popular with tourists and locals, and anyone who likes barbeque food should try adding Sally’s Smokin’ Butt BBQ to your list of best fun things to do in Fort Payne, Alabama.

It serves a wide variety of delicious meals such as pork and brisket, chicken or a mouth-watering dessert, ribs, succulent meat combos, and more.

The famous Sally’s Smokin’ Butt BBQ offers dinner set in the old gas station area with delicious plates of food and a friendly atmosphere to go along with.

The magnificent centre boasts unique customer service for all visitors with an extensive menu to choose from and well-organised restrooms.

The Sally’s Smokin’ Butt BBQ also offers home-made cakes, tasty sandwiches, crunchy pies and other freshly baked foods.

Address: 2904 Gault Ave S, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States

4. Alabama Walking Trail Park

Spend a pleasurable time away from home in the beautiful Alabama Walking Trail Park, which adds as one of the best places to visit in Fort Payne, AL.

The Alabama Walking Park is well positioned along the new park in Fort Payne, close to the Depot Museum, which is one of the excellent places for both the young and old ones.

Visitors can engage in various activities ranging from a stroll along landscaped walking trails, workout out at the fitness station and many more.

The centre boasts large pavilions and green grassy areas for kids’ playgrounds, public events, live music shows, and a break for a picnic.

Additionally, the Alabama Walking Trail Park is open to everyone and has fun things to do and see for children, younger ones and adults.

Address: 151 5th St NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States

5. Cherokee Rock Village

The Cherokee Rock Village has been known for exciting, fun activities worldwide.

The Cherokee Rock Village is located around Leesburg, 24 miles along the south of Fort Payne, with multiple boulders and fun vistas all over the area.

The centre follows an existing protocol of Cherokees Street, which is situated nearby, with lots of fun scenes and activities to engage in.

The beautiful Cherokee Rock Village is a region for bird watchers and lovers of the natural environment, as it is possible to witness the soaring birds around.

Additionally, the facility offers superb views of the Alabama countryside, with Virginia pines hickory trees lined in the boulder ridge.

Address: 2000 County Rd 70, Leesburg, AL 35983, United States

6. 411 Drive-in Theatre

Watch a movie traditionally in the old-fashion 411 Drive-in Theatre, which has all it takes to have a fun vacation or tour, an excellent addition to your list of fun things to do in Fort Payne, Alabama.

The historic 411 Drive-in Theatre boast of up to date movies and the latest Hollywood blockbusters; it is open every weekend for the whole year from Memorial day to labour day.

A magnificent theatre arena is where all the family can gather together in the beautiful outdoors scene and watch blockbusters movie on a large screen.

It is one of the facilities to watch exciting documentaries about the city and get more knowledge about the place’s public, political, and educational history.

Additionally, the 411 Drive-in Theatre is open to both the young and old, and visitors can order snacks, burgers, chilli geese fries and most especially, buttered popcorn.

Address: 300 County Rd 265, Centre, AL 35960, United States

7. DeSoto State Park

The beautiful DeSoto State Park spread across the top of the lookout mountain in the Northeast Alabama region, about 8-9miles from Fort Payne.

The DeSoto State Park was established in the early 1930s and had a lot of experience in the business, making it one of the best things to do in Fort Payne, Alabama.

The beautiful DeSoto State Park boast one of the best serene environment for relaxation, and it is rich in the fragrance of wildflowers and the presence of a waterfall field.

It features a large pavilion, restaurant, picnic section, meeting rooms, seasonal swimming pool, a playground, 25 miles of biking and hiking trails, a conservation museum and many more.

Additionally, the DeSoto State Park entertains visitors and interested individuals with the availability of lodge premises such as a modern campground, primitive campsites, luxury mountain chalets. Much fun is experienced.

Address: 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States

8. Vintage 1889

Enjoy delicious lunch at the vintage 1889 eatery, an excellent venue for all kinds of local dishes, an incredible addition to your list of top things to do in Fort Payne, AL.

The centre was officially opened in 2013, and it offers a friendly atmosphere in a large with bare brick walls and a beautiful courtyard close to the old water tower.

It serves locally made sandwiches fabricated with high-quality ingredients and a large variety of sandwiches, such as the Cuban sandwich with locally smoked pork.

The Vintage 1889 has the most extensive beer production in the city of Fort Payne, with over 100 labels, eight on draft and other handcrafted wines.

Additionally, enjoy the special Nana’s Roast Beef for interested individuals with the restaurant’s spacious room reserved for special events and shows.

Address: 151 8th Street NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.

Alabama holds some top US attractions and activities, check out the top things to do in Guntersville and fun things to do in Foley for a memorable exploration.

9. Martha’s Falls

Exploring the famous Martha’s Falls is one of the cool things to do in Fort Payne, AL, to enjoy the best outdoor swimming experience.

The historic Martha’s Falls is popularly known as the Hippie Hole or Little Falls, a well-known swimming hole in the Little River Canyon National Preserve.

The beautiful swimming hole is located on the state line of Alabama and Georgia, with a trail passing through the parking lot on the Lookout Mountain to the falls, making it one of the fun centres during summer.

 The Fall is surrounded by a trail that moves starts on the gravel round along a rougher pathway, and it ends over 100 yards downhill the Rocky path.

 Additionally, the beautiful area is fantastic and lush, with natural rocks and benches covered in moss and ferns; it is expedient to watch the protruding rocks before jumping into the blue pool.

Address: AL-35, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States

10. Fort Payne Depot Museum

Visiting the historic Fort Payne Depot Museum is one of the unique things to do in Fort Payne, Alabama and explore ancient sandstone buildings of over 85 years.

The Fort Payne Depot Museum is located in the heart of the city of Fort Payne, with the building designed in a Richardsonian Romanesque pattern in the early 1890s.

The magnificent museum serves as home to a number of permanent and rotating exhibits in the two buildings, which are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the States.

The Fort Payne Depot Museum was purchased and restored by a group of local preservationists in 1986 after it was dismantled cause of the development of the Railroad.

Additionally, the museum boasts unique exhibits and fine collections which speak of the history of DeKalb County and Fort Payne, exhibitions such as basketry, native American pottery, and unique artefacts.

Address: 105 5th St NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.

11. Santa Fe Cattle Co

The famous Santa Fe Cattle serves delicious southwestern inspired meals making it a massive credit to your checklist of fun things to do in Fort Payne, AL.

The Santa Fe Cattle boasts unique dishes such as hand-cut steaks, fajitas, ribs, buckets of peanuts in shells and other Western cultural foods.

The famous Santa Fe Cattle is open for kids and adults, with lots of freshly baked rolls, pies and home-made sausage to enjoy.

While the steak has been prepared and arranged, munching on peanuts is one of the best ways to spend some time, as loads of peanut shells are placed on the floor for visitors.

Additionally, Santa Fe offers a conducive environment, with an array of comfortable booths on each side and country music has been played regularly in the background.

Address: 305 Ruby Tuesday Ln. SW, Ft. Payne, AL 35968, United States.

12. Alabama Fan Club and Museum

Explore live country music and melodic vocals from the popular southern rock band whenever you visit the city, making it an excellent option to add to your list of things to do in Fort Payne, AL.

The city of Fort Payne houses the prestigious Alabama fan club, which has been renamed the Country Music Group of the Century.

The historic Alabama Fan Club and Museum has hosted many music bands, especially the southern rock band, which started in the early 1970s under Wild country.

The famous band has over 27 number one hit tracks and about seven multi-platinum albums; it has sold nearly 73 million albums and joined the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Additionally, the beautiful museum serves as a store for Alabama’s accolades, collections, magnificent artworks, achievements, gift shops, and souvenirs.

Address: 101 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.

13. Jefferson’s Restaurant

The magnificent Jefferson’s restaurant is located in downtown Fort Payne just along the interstate, near the Taco Bell, where professionals service all meals.

The famous Jefferson’s Restaurant boast of offering delicious dishes such as burgers, chicken wings, oysters; the menu is enormous, and there is something for everyone.

The Jefferson’s Restaurant houses the very best large TVs where you can watch ongoing games and enjoy a cosy pub feel and other special activities.

The historic Jefferson’s Restaurant is a friendly local hangout for lunch and dinner; it is usually open on Sundays when families can come with their children.

Additionally, the Jefferson’s Restaurant’s delicious wings are served with various sauces, both mild or spicy, usually on Wednesday.

Address: 802 Glenn Blvd. SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.

14. Orbix Hot Glass

The beautiful Orbix Hot Glass is one of the best places to visit in Fort Payne, AL, it houses a team of glassblowers with indefinite attention to balance, form and colour.

The historic Orbix Hot Glass was established in 2002. It is divided into two sections; the gallery arena and the glass art studio, covering 26 acres of land along Alabama’s Appalachian foothills.

It showcases a wide variety of extraordinary museum-quality sculptures, artworks, and crafts sold in the gallery on-site or online platforms.

The Orbix Hot Glassworks takes a definite form that can be influenced by the turbulent waters of the surrounding landscape and the cliffs.

Additionally, the centre is open for visitors and those interested in learning about glass-making, sculptures and other craftwork.

Address: 3869 County Rd 275, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States

15. The Big Mill Antique Mall

The Big Mill Antique Mall houses dozens of antique shops and artisans, which sells materials such as toys, a collection of vintage wares, furniture, books, ceramics, home decors and paintings.

The magnificent Big Mill Antique Mall stands as the best fun thing to do in Fort Payne, Alabama and has contributed to the millions of pairs of socks produced in the city.

The establishment is located inside the old W.B Davis Hosiery Mill, and it occupies about 21,000-square-foot with an extensive array of collectables and beautiful Antiques.

The historic Big Mill Antique Mall serves as home to a host of restaurants around the city, such as Vintage 1889, Jefferson’s Restaurant and many more.

Additionally, the establishment is open for everyone; whether you’re an antique collector or loves new home decorations, the Big Mill Antique Mall has something special for you.

Address: 151 8th St NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States

Also, check out our list of things to do in Gadsden and things to do in Fort Morgan for a fun time in these cities of Alabama.

16. True Adventure Sports Complex

Along the Little River Canyon National Preserve and Lookout Mountain, visitors should drop by the True Adventure Sports complex.

True Adventure Sports is located just about 10 miles from the preserve. It provides about 39 different adventures for interested individuals, such as canoeing, rappelling, ziplines, rock climbing, a sky swing, kayaking and many more.

The beautiful facility offers full-scale outfitter organized adventures, all sorts of gear, guided trips, classes, and lodge equipment for groups and individuals.

The historic True Adventure Sports boast unique and experienced guides. You can find mountain guides, certified rappel masters, WFR certified medics, confined space rescuers, highly trained wilderness experts, etc.

Additionally, True Adventure Sports gives maximum fun trips and safe and exciting journeys for interested individuals, both families, young ones, and older people.

Address: 13102 AL-176, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.

17. Jacksonville State University

The Jacksonville State University spots its location in the Little River Canyon Center, making it a perfect addition to your bucket list of best things to do in Fort Payne, AL.

The centre allows visitors to explore more of the historical, social, and natural attractions that surround the city of Fort Payne, Alabama.

The magnificent Jacksonville State University was established in 2009, with lots of regular programs for locals, students, and visitors.

It boasts unique exhibits such as a grand hall, classrooms, a movie theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre, library, other special shows open to the public, gift shop.

Additionally, the beautiful place is one of the must-visit natural attractions around the city of Fort Payne; it offers map guides and unique itineraries to give everyone a wonderful experience.

Address: 4322 Little River Canyon Rim Pkwy, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States

18. Little River Canyon Center

The Little River Canyon Center is an integral part of the Jacksonville State University located in Northeastern Alabama near the famous Little River Canyon National Preserve.

Visiting the beautiful Little River Canyon Center is amongst the top things to do in Fort Payne, AL, for joint meetings, social gatherings, retreats, and many more.

The historic Little River Canyon Center was officially opened in 2009, with large parts leased to the National Park Service for community assistance and state promotion.

It boasts unique exhibits such as an outdoor amphitheatre, many hiking trails, a sizeable deck, gifts shops, a grand hall, a natural history library and many more.

Additionally, the Little River Canyon Center offers regular programs for students and visitors such as workshops, lectures, organised hikes, concerts and other educational programs.

Address: 4322 Little River Canyon Pkwy, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States

19. Little River Canyon Rim Parkway

Little River Canyon Rim Parkway adds as one of Fort Payne attractions.

The magnificent Little River Canyon Rim Parkway covers about 11 miles along Highway 176 road making it a top attraction in the city of Fort Payne.

It is a perfect setting for relaxing drives. You can view the beautiful scenario of rock walls, the lush greenery that turns into red and orange foliage during Fall, and well-arrayed waterfalls.

It is possible to make several necessary stopovers along the way for photoshoots of the fabulous sceneries that the Littler River Canyon gives.

Additionally, Little River Canyon Rim Parkway offers a more adventurous experience for everyone to explore from the natural environment, with lots of biking along the paths permitted.

Address: Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.

20. Mountain View Motel

The famous Mountain View Motel is well settled in a vintage sandstone lodge that the early Civilian Conservation Corps constructed in the 1930s.

The unique restaurant stands as one of Fort Payne attractions and it offers excellent service to every visitor and interested individual.

The Mountain View Motel boasts a magnificent arena and a warm atmosphere with a special lunch buffet prepared every Sunday, and it is a total fun centre for everyone.

It serves a tasty seafood buffet every Friday evening, and delicious breakfast buffets are served on weekend mornings at the Mountain View Motel, making it a top attraction in the city.

Additionally, apart from the delicious food served at the Mountain View Motel, it also boasts of treating its visitors to a picturesque view of the famous West Fork of Little River.

Address: 2302 Gault Ave S, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States

21. The Spot Coffee Shop

Visit the beautiful Spot Coffee Shop to get the very best of tasty handcrafted coffee and a host of coffee varieties, exceptional addition to your list of things to do in Fort Payne, Alabama.

The magnificent Spot Coffee Shop is located at the Lookout Mountain Arena and North Alabama Region, making it one of the best producers and sellers of good coffee.

It serves delicious fair trade organic coffee and a wide range of other lovely produce such as frozen blended drinks, blue belled ice cream, and more.

The historic Spot Coffee Shop also boast unique exhibits such as the production of delicious pizza, panini sandwiches, pastries and desserts and many more.

The centre also houses an art gallery that exhibits free WiFi for everyone on the Spot. It is open from 7 am to 10 pm daily, Saturdays 9 am – 10 pm and remains closed on Sunday.

Address: 101 Gault Avenue North, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States

22. Sallie Howard Memorial Baptist Chapel

The Sallie Howard Memorial Baptist Chapel is located in the heart of the city of Fort Payne, Alabama, along the famous Lookout Mountain.

For unique things to do in Fort Payne, AL, pay a visit to Sallie Howard Memorial Baptist Chapel for events and shows.

The historic Sallie Howard Memorial Baptist Chapel was built as a memorial to the wife of the famous Colonel Milford Howard regarding their first trip to Europe.

The magnificent Sallie Howard Memorial Baptist Chapel contains a charming yet straightforward mountaintop arena with a well-arranged rustic and serene atmosphere; at the altar, there is a natural rock and pews.

Additionally, the beautiful chapel is used mainly for church activities every Sunday and other public events such as weddings, religious talk shows, etc.

Address: Howards Chapel Cemetery, Mentone, AL 35984, United States

23. The Wills Valley Recreation Center

The Wills Valley Recreation Center is an outstanding indoor sports venue that hosts various sporting activities and community-related meetings.

The centre focuses mainly on sports shows ranging from significant football to other sports such as basketball, baseball, and volleyball league games.

The historic Wills Valley Recreation Center also has an exceptional indoor walking track where visitors and interested individuals can jog or hike while engaging in other fitness activities.

For a quick workout in and around town, a trip to the Wills Valley Recreation Center is one of the best things to do in Fort Payne, Alabama.

Additionally, Wills Valley Recreation Center boasts top-notch facilities, making it one of the recommended places for training athletes and fitness lovers.

Address: 4220 Godfrey Ave NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States

24. Manitou Cave

Manitou Cave can be found in modern-day Fort Payne. It possesses certain geological patterns with a rich biological assortment.

During the American Civil war, Saltpeter, gotten from this cave, helped turn the tides for the confederates.

This cave was a refuge space for protection from Nuclear bombs after the outset of the cold war. Some tools used to build the cave house can still be found in the cave.

If you’re interested in learning about the history of the area, including the unique geological patterns of the cave and its biodiversity, then you should book an appointment.

During the tour, you can learn about the history of the Trail of Tears and why the cave is an important part of the Cherokee tribe.

Its certification as a Trail of Tears Interpretive Center only adds to its allure, so don’t waste any more time. Book an appointment as soon as possible. 

Address: Manitou Cave, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.

25. Fort Payne Hosiery Museum

The impact of hosiery can only be understood at the Fort Payne Hosiery Museum. This Museum studies hosiery and those who use it, as well as displays hosiery products and their users.

The Museum holds interesting presentations and exhibits which aim to educate its visitors and express historic and modern concerns.

Why not spend a day or week observing how it’s used and learning about people who’ve utilized hosiery?

Address: 510 Gault Ave N, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.

26. DeSoto Golf Course

Delsoto Golf Course began its operation in 1961 and is the oldest golf course in Dekalb County.

You can practice your swing at the par-36 course at a 3,007 yards distance from back tees.

They have a 9-hole course which though demanding, is also very pleasing with its Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens.

There’s a public pool for use during special events and certain seasons.

Drop by the Desoto Golf course if you’re ever in the city’s hub.

Address: 502 Crystal Lake Dr, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States.

Are you planning a trip to Alabama and wondering what to do here? check out our guide on things to do in Montgomery, things to do in Decatur, and fun things to do in Auburn for a memorable vacation.

Plan your trip to Fort Payne

Fort Payne, Alabama, is an exciting city with many great activities for your family or friends. The True Adventure Sports Complex in Fort Payne is one of the best Sports centres in Alabama and one of the top attractions in Fort Payne.

Fort Payne, Alabama, has many exciting things to do and see, such as trails, nature, wildlife, parks, restaurants, and game centres, making it a perfect destination for loved ones.

There is always something new to try with your family or friends in Fort Payne. Check out Little River Canyon Center for an adventurous experience, Wills Valley Recreation Center for much pleasure, or shop for lovely jewelry and home furniture at the Big Mill Antique Mall.

Start planning your trip today, and always feel free to use this article as a guide during your vacation/tour around the Fort Payne, Alabama.