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Tourism & Attractions

As a thriving county, the Ozark area meets the needs of both its residents and visitors. A plenitude of dining options are available, ranging from fast-food restaurants, diners and elegant dining to ethnic cuisine. While many residents profit from a successful restaurant business, their patrons share in the sweet taste of success.

Accommodations are available for short- or long-term stays. Many attractions could keep one busy for days. Historical homes and churches are abundant. Guided walking tours are offered in the spring with other events and festivals throughout the year.

Both Ozark and Dale County enjoy a pleasant climate year round that lends itself to numerous outdoor activities. The outdoorsman will love fishing in Ozark throughout the entire year at Ed Lisenby Lake among many others, and there is also an abundance of wildlife for hunting.

Christmas is a wonderful season in Ozark. The town is traditionally decorated with businesses offering “Open House.” The annual Christmas Parade ushers in the season on the first Thursday evening in December. Christmas City, located in nearby Ariton, is open from Thanksgiving night through December 25.

Claybank Church, which is the oldest original log church in Ozark-Dale County, transports visitors to the past and illustrates Dale County’s rich heritage. The Claybank Jamboree Arts and Crafts festival gives shoppers a chance to browse for bargains.

ATTRACTIONS

Army Aviation Museum—Located on Fort Rucker, the Museum is an 87,000-square-foot facility housing a collection of one-of-a-kind aircraft. The aircraft display traces the history of Army Aviation from its beginnings. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. (334) 255-2893 (www.aviationmuseum.com)

Turkey Creek Canoe Adventure—Located at 5225 Highway 27, east of Ozark, Turkey Creek offers trips from three to eight hours, as well as overnight trips on the Choctawhatchee River. Guided hunting and fishing available. Campsites also available. April through October 30. (334) 795-1002

Carillon and Bell Tower—Carillon and Tower is located on Painter Avenue in downtown Ozark-courtyard above Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce. The 37 Bell Carillon and 50-foot tower was built in 1975 to honor all military and civilian personnel who served at Fort Rucker since 1942. Display memorial plaques pay tribute to the late Henry B. Steagall and the late George W. Andrews, both U.S. Congressmen from the Third Congressional District of Alabama. Steagal served from 1915-1942, and Andrews served from 1944-1971.

Claybank Church and Cemetery—This is a famous landmark in Dale County and is highly prized to those living in Ozark. It is a small building made of logs with fat lightwood stumps serving as a foundation. A crude pulpit stands in one end, and benches, made in 1852, remain in place today. The church is on the National Register of Historic Places, as of 1976. Free admission. (334) 774-9321

Claybank Jamboree Arts & Crafts Festival—Held in downtown Ozark the first Saturday in October, activities include arts and crafts, food vendors, kiddy rides, entertainment, quilt show, and art show and sales. Historical program on Sunday afternoon at Claybank Church. A 5K run is held in the morning at Ed Lisenby Lake. For more information on the Jamboree, call (334) 774-9321; the 5K, call (334) 774-3694.

Crawdad Festival—Held the third Saturday in March at Eagle Stadium in Ozark, the Crawdad Festival features Cajun food and a taste of the Caribbean, as well as crafts vendors, music, and rides for children. Admission is charged. (334) 774-2618

Dowling Museum/Ann Rudd Art Center—Located on East Court Square in downtown Ozark, the center is housed in a historic two-story building built in the 1870s. Art exhibits are held year round. (334) 445-6526

Ed Lisenby Lake—The site covers 365 total acres with 92 surface acres of water. A concession building provides food and beverages, license, and boat rental. There is a pavilion, picnic areas, and a newly constructed 3.1-mile walking trail with stations for nature and wildlife study. (334) 774-0588

Ozark Country Club—Located on Country Club Drive in Ozark, the 18-hole Ron Garl-designed championship golf course features four sets of tee markers and electric carts. There is also a fully stocked pro shop, lounge, and swimming pool. (334) 774-3333

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Armed Forces Day—This military-wide celebration is held in May each year at Fort Rucker. Open to the general public, attendees are able to view static displays of aircraft and military equipment. Free admission.

Bi-Plane Fly-In—Pitts aircraft show is held in November at Blackwell Airfield in Ozark. Admission charged. (334) 774-1187

Business Expo—Held in August at the Ozark Civic Center, the event features a large display of area businesses’ products and services. (334) 774-9321

Civil War Reenactment—Held the third weekend in October in Newton, the Battle is staged at John Hutto Park. (334) 299-3672

Chamber Golf Tournament—Held at the Panther Creek Golf Course in June, this is a three-person scramble with lots of prizes and a chance to win $1 million and/or an automobile. (334) 774-9321

Christmas Parade—Held in December in downtown Ozark, the parade features lighted floats, marching bands, Santa Claus, and more. (334) 774-2523

Claybank Jamboree Arts & Crafts Festival—Held in Ozark the first Saturday in October, admission is free. (334) 774-9321 (Jamboree), (334) 774-3694 (5K run)

Crawdad Festival—Held the third Saturday in March at Eagle Stadium in Ozark, admission is charged. (334) 774-2618

Farm/City Week—Held in November, the event honors outstanding Dale County farmers. Farm/City Week features agricultural displays, a petting zoo, and a student art contest. (334) 774-9321

Fourth of July Celebration—Held each year at Fort Rucker, the celebration features a patriotic band concert by the 98th Army Silver Wings Band prior to a brilliant display of fireworks. Free admission.

Jazz Festival—Held the first Saturday in April at Flowers Center for the Performing Arts, area bands are in concert starting at noon. (334) 774-4915

Governmental Affairs Meetings—Beginning in February while the legislature is in session, meetings are held every other Monday at the Chamber of Commerce. The meetings run through May. (334) 774-9321

Dewey P. Williams Sacred Harp Sing—Held the first Sunday in March at the Church of God by Faith in Ozark, the church is located at 112 King Avenue. (334) 774-9493

Sacred Harp Sing—Held the first weekend in May at Mabson Church on Highway 27 north of Ozark, Sacred Harp music has played an important role in the social and spiritual lives of the people of Ozark and Dale County. Contact Tommie Spurlock at (334) 774-5092.

South Alabama Pro Rodeo Classic—Held in Ozark in August, the South Alabama Pro Rodeo Classic is composed of seven events sanctioned by APRA. Good family entertainment. (334) 774-9190