8 Best Things to Do in Guntersville, Alabama

© Courtesy of hildeanna - Fotolia.com

Lake Guntersville State Park offers an outdoor adventure unlike any other. The main attraction is the actual lake itself, which is the largest lake in Alabama and is filled with bass, catfish, and crappie. If you’re not in the mood for fishing, you can go biking or hiking on the 36 miles or trail, cool off at the beach complex, or play a round at their excellent 18-hole championship golf course. Bird and wilderness lovers will enjoy spending time at their outdoor nature center, where you can learn about the park’s efforts to conserve and increase the local population of bald eagles. A resort inn, restaurant, and convention center are all available as well.

24 State Campground Road, Guntersville, AL 35976, Phone: 257-571-5455

© Courtesy of auremar - Fotolia.com

Take a safari through the wilderness of Northeast Alabama with Screaming Eagle at Lake Guntersville. The entire family will get a unique opportunity to experience the park while hiking past the stunning scenery, when their crossing the crazy suspension bridges, and as they zoom down on the thrilling ziplines. There are two tours to choose from: level 1 lasts nearly two hours and includes rides on ten ziplines, some of which are over 400 feet long and over 75 feet in the air. Level 2 is available to participants who have already overcome Level 1 and has an additional seven new super zips which are over 2,100 feet long and over 190 feet high.

1155 Lodge Dr, Guntersville, AL 35976, Phone: 256-886-2517

© Guntersville Museum & Cultural Center

The building in which the Guntersville Museum & Cultural Center is housed is in itself a stunning architectural piece which reflects Guntersville’s rich history. The castle-like structure was constructed in 1936 as the Guntersville Armory and housed Company E of the 167th Infantry of the Alabama National Guard. After a new armory was constructed in the 70s, the old building was used as a local fire station until the Guntersville Museums relocated there in 2006. The museum’s collection is so varied, with several documents, artifacts, and photographs from the area’s past. You’ll also be able to see an exhibit dedicated to the Native Americans who resided there, watercolors by local artist Frank Nelson, and a display of native birds which were collected and mounted in the 1920s.

1215 Rayburn Ave, Guntersville, AL 35976, Phone: 256-571-7597

© Courtesy of andrys lukowski - Fotolia.com

Residents and visitors have made the Whole Backstage Theatre a place for friends and family to come together and enjoy live theatre and the performing arts. The theatre produces four main stage and one holiday production every year, with some of their current performances being ‘Go Ask Alice’, ‘Over My Dead Body’, and ‘High School Musical’. Younger patrons can join the several children’s camps which are conducted throughout the year; five children’s productions are executed as well. Several special events bring the entire community together, so be sure to attend their performances, musical concerts, and one-night-only specials while you’re there.

1120 Rayburn Ave, Guntersville, AL 35976, Phone: 256-582-7469

© Courtesy of nd3000 - Fotolia.com

Based in Guntersville Lake, the Town Creek Fishing Center is a wonderful place to explore the natural outdoor surroundings of Guntersville. You can participate in several activities such as hiking, horseback riding on the trails, renting out a canoe or boat for a day on the water, or fishing on Lake Guntersville. They have several amenities such as boat rentals, boat ramps, and a pontoon. Their dockside store is equipped with everything you’ll need for an amazing day out including camping supplies, fishing licenses, drinks, snacks, ice, and an assortment of artificial and live fishing bait. Their beach area is perfect for taking a refreshingly cool swim on a hot summer day.

11868 AL-227, Guntersville, AL 35976, Phone: 256-582-8358

© Rock House Eatery

The Rock House Eatery is a family-owned restaurant that opened up to the public in the summer of 2009. They serve fresh, innovative cuisine which has captured the hearts, and stomachs, of their diners. You will enjoy a southern gourmet dining experience like no other when you’re there. Some of the most popular choices on their menu include the famous Rockstar Roast Beef Sub, their hand-tossed traditional Italian pizza, shrimp fettuccine alfredo, and their angus tenderloin steak which is cooked to perfection. Be sure to pair your meal with a bit of the house liquor, a glass of wine, or one of the many craft beers available on tap.

1201 Gunter Ave, Guntersville, AL 35976, Phone: 256-505-4699

© Courtesy of ImagesMy - Fotolia.com

Top O’ The River was established in 1982 and soon became one of the largest catfish and seafood restaurants in the Southeast. Everything on the menu is prepared fresh daily with their own secret recipe which has been tried and tested to perfection over the years. The family-owned restaurant is an integral part of the Guntersville community and has been a part of many birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations. Their catfish, which they are so popular for, is farm-raised and grain fed in Mississippi while their seafood comes in fresh twice a week. Other unique items off their menu which customers love include the mustard greens and the fried dill pickles.

7004 Val Monte Dr, Guntersville, AL 35976, Phone: 256-582-4567

© Old Town Stock House

Old Town Stock House is the brainchild of Crystal McKone, a graduate from the University of Alabama as well as the International Culinary Center. She worked in various aspects of the hospitality industry throughout the nation before deciding to open up the Old Town Stock House. Their menu changes seasonally based on what is freshly available; some of the items that are currently popular include the crispy chicken skin lettuce wraps, the ricotta gnocchi, the duck breast with peach and black pepper glaze, and their delicious lamb chops cooked with red peppers and pine nuts. Be sure to keep some room for dessert; their frozen passion fruit souffle on chocolate shortbread is highly in demand.

410 Old Town St, Guntersville, AL 35976, Phone: 256-582-1676