Local Attractions
Local Attractions
The Coosa River
The majestic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains provide a magnificent backdrop for the City of Natural Beauty. Once there, you’ll find the Coosa River winding through the city offering excellent fishing, swimming, and water skiing. Or you can walk along the nature trails and picnic in Gold Star Memorial park overlooking the Coosa River.
Just a few events that enjoy the Coosa River are:
Coosa River Challenge
Coosa River Whitewater Festival
Wetumpka Impact Crater
Wetumpka, Alabama sits right on the bull’s eye of the greatest natural disaster in Alabama’s history. The hills just east of downtown are the eroded remains of a five-mile-wide impact crater that was blasted into the bedrock of what is now Elmore County. The mighty blast occurred near the end of the “Age of Dinosaurs,” about 84.4 million years ago. All around the semi-circular pattern of hills that make up the remaining rim of the crater, the hard rocks of the Piedmont are bent sharply and point away from the center of the impact. The normally horizontal layers of more recent surface rocks are mixed in and around the crater suggesting an incredible explosiuon that would have destroyed all life in a radius of many miles.Each year, the City of Wetumpka sponsors a lecture and crater tours for the public to tour the sites which are predominantley located on private propery.
For more information on these tours please call 334-567-5147.
Ft. Toulouse - Jackson Park
Nestled at the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers, Fort Toulouse – Fort Jackson State Historic Site has been a part of over 6000 years of history. The Park is open year-round for the public’s enjoyment where you can step back in time wandering through the French and American Forts or walking to the Mississippian Mound site.You may choose to visit the William Bartram Nature Trail, named for the famed 18 century botanist. The trail winds through the southern edge of the park to the Tallapoosa River. Almost every month includes a weekend of living history by the French Marines at Fort Toulouse along with a weekend of living history by the Tennessee Militia and the U.S. Army Regulars at Fort Jackson. One weekend a month is also set aside for historic black-smithing. There are special events throughout the year such as Frontier Days in the Fall and the French and Indian Encampment in the Spring. The Park also boasts of a 39 site camp-ground overlooking the Coosa River. Each Site includes electric and water hook up, a grill, and a picnic table. There is a centrally located shower and bath house and a refuse facility at the campground entrance.
Gate Open: Sunrise to Sunset
Visitor Center Open: 8 A.M. to 5 P.M
Come join us and experience history coming to life. For further information, please contact us at (334) 567- 3002. www.forttoulouse.com
Black History Museum
The Elmore County Black History Museum is housed in the remaining structure of the former Elmore County Training School which was built in 1925. The portion of the school that remains is located at 202 Lancaster Street (across from Goodman’s Funeral Home) in Wetumpka, Alabama and houses history of the Black communities in Elmore County. Built for Black students in the days of segregation, the school was abandoned in the 60’s when the Board of Education transferred students to other schools under a decree to integrate educational facilities. The creation of the museum was the result of efforts by former Mayor, the late Jeanette Barrett and Black community leaders. The facility allows visitors to examine the collective ingenuity, creativity, cultural, and political expressions of Elmore County’s Black community. The museum’s permanent collections focus on the histories of Elmore County families, their communities, schools and churches. Also on display is a mirror owned by Joe Louis, a famous boxer from Alabama.
For hours of operation and tour information call 334-567-5109
Mailing address:
Elmore County Black History Museum
P. O. Box 713
Wetumpka, Al 36092
Wetumpka Depot Players
300 S. Main St.Wetumpka, AL In December of 1999, the Depot incorporated as a non-profit organization and purchased and renovated a building that once housed a grocery store. The Depot’s “black-box” theatre accommodates 160 and continues to host sold-out audiences who are filled with laughter and moved to tears. The Wetumpka Depot Players are committed to providing the best performances possible – that’s the driving force behind the Players success. While some Depot volunteers have degrees in theatre and a few have professional experience, most are getting their first taste of the thrill of trodding the boards on the stage of the converted grocery store. But no matter their backgrounds, all are bitten with the “theatre bug” and treat their work with the Depot with the same commitment and professional attitudes they bring to their “real” jobs. As the Depot enters its 31st season, the group continues to evolve. For the third year, the Depot has participated in the Alabama Community Theatre Festival, returning with awards and critical accolades, including winning best performances in 2009 and 2010. The cast of Second Samuel will represent the state of Alabama in the Southeastern Theatre Conference competition in the spring of 2011. Though its history is rich, the Depot’s best days are in the future. Original plays, moving dramas and Broadway favorites will continue to be staged in the intimate setting of the Depot. There are those who have visions of expanding the current space, improving the technical capabilities, and adding rehearsal facilities. But one thing is certain: The Depot will always offer those who are passionate about theatre the chance to perform and leave audiences hungry for more.
For scheduling and ticket information contact Kristy Meanor at 334-868-1440 or visit http://www.wetumpkadepot.com/
Elmore County Museum
112 S. Main St.
Wetumpka, AL
Wetumpka, ALThe Elmore County Museum offers a glimse of the Elmore County history and houses pieces of historical data and local artifacts from the Civil War era and historical events.
For more information contact the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce at 334-567-4811
Jasmine Hill Gardens
Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum, “Alabama’s Little Corner of Greece” now features over 20 acres of year-round floral beauty and classical sculpture, including new statuary honoring Olympic heroes and mythical gods. The Olympian Centre Welcomes visitors with a video presentation of Jasmine Hill’s history and a display of Olympic memorabilia from the Games of the past years.
For more information visit www.jasminehill.org
Alabama River Regions Art Center
The Alabama River Region Arts Center is a non-profit facility located in the historic high school near the banks of the Coosa River. The Center is committed to stimulating individual creative expression and appreciation of the visual, performing and culinary arts by providing high quality, affordable programs where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can study, create and present art. For more information on classes and events please go to www.arrac.org .
Monthly Bluegrass Jam –
Come join us from 9:00am to 12:00pm the first Saturday of each month for a good old fashion bluegrass jam. Beginner, intermediate and advanced players, singers and listeners welcome. Bring your acoustic instrument and join in. Its FREE !
Wind Creek Wetumpka Casino and Hotel
With over $60 million in payouts every month, you’ll Say Win! Wind Creek Wetumpka Casino and Hotel has the games you love to play, with over 900 of the most popular Class II electronic bingo machines in denominations from $.01 to $50.00.
Wind Creek Wetumpka Casino and Hotel overlooks Wetumpka Alabama’s Coosa River, on Highway 231 just northeast of Montgomery. This 39,000 sq. ft. casino features a Players Club, ATM machines and check cashing. Ample secure covered parking is available in the new five-story parking garage. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information visit www.windcreekwetumpka.com
