Visiting the Museums and Historical Sites of Guntersville

Home to the largest lake in the state of Alabama, Guntersville has a story to tell. Founded by John Gunter, a salt mine owner, the city has stood the test of time as one of the prettiest places to visit in the United States. Within this natural beauty is a sense of enriched history, some of which we will dive into today as we talk about the museums and historical sites that can be found throughout the county seat and surrounding areas.

Guntersville Museum & Cultural Center

Situated right in the heart of Guntersville, the Guntersville Museum & Cultural Center is a must-visit. The building alone is sure to delight, as it was built in 1936, originally as a military armory. Since this time, it has become a museum showcasing the history of Guntersville. It covers a wide variety of topics, including history about the Native Americans, early settlers, and military affairs.

Home to a watercolor collection by local artist Frank Nelson, the museum boasts rich details in its vault. An additional collection of native is  birds, titled Bessie’s Birds, can be found hidden within these walls. With a diverse collection, the Guntersville Museum is a must stop during your stay near Lake Guntersville.

Arab Historic Village

South of Guntersville is the city of Arab, where the Arab Historic Village showcases a glimpse into the past. Witness history unfurl through their displays of late 19th and early 20th century pieces. Several historic buildings are included, some of which we will feature below:

• The Elvin Light Museum: Showcasing Arab’s past, you can see near-perfect replicas of typical business settings. Vintage pieces, including tools, furniture, and more can be found within the museum.
• The Hunt School: This two-room school hosted kids and was utilized from 1935 to 1955. From there, it has since been a place to accommodate guests for parties, as well as take a glimpse into the early education of Alabama.
• Phillips’ Blacksmith Shop: See what a traditional blacksmith shop would’ve looked like “way back when”. It continues to operate today, making Reindeer shoes during their annual Santa at the Park.

Albertville Museum

The Albertville Museum is situated in the old “Jewel Box” building, historically known for originally being a bank, followed by a treasured jewelry store. Today, it showcases the history of the town, and what makes Albertville unique. Albertville historically is known for its involvement in the Civil War, having had some Confederate raids occurring during January of 1865. This history is on full display, along with other exhibits at the local museum. 

Tours can be customized to fit your particular needs, as the museum is nearly 100% volunteers. Because of this, you can experience a visit tailored to your party as you learn more about the history of Albertville.

Boaz Museum

The city of Boaz brings another museum, the Boaz Legacy Museum, which provides the rich history of this Alabama town. Situated in an old Southern-style house, it has since been converted into a space that showcases the early settlement and Native American involvement in the city’s development. Whether it is farming tools, photographs, or other items, the city’s significance is on full display in this museum. 

Take a stroll through history as you stop by the Boaz Legacy Museum today.

Why Visit?

Whether you’re a history buff, or simply enjoy learning new things, Guntersville and the surrounding areas supply a wealth of information. Each Alabama museum and site showcases the rich history and early settlement of the cities, and how they have progressed through the years. So, next time you find yourself in the area, stop by these local sites to explore more about what makes Alabama a top vacation destination.