Ozark: Murals, Museums and Lake in Alabama

Ozark, Alabama combines impressive murals, museums, local events, and nature experiences around Ed Lisenby Lake. Those looking for a suitable vacation rental for their stay can choose to focus their trip on culture, walks, and fishing. This places historic memorials and creative murals alongside the state fishing lake.

Nature and Active Days at Ed Lisenby Lake

Ed Lisenby Lake, also known as Dale County State Public Fishing Lake, is a 92-acre, award-winning state fishing lake in a 390-acre park in Ozark, Alabama. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. There is also a 3-mile walking trail. This gives you a choice when planning your day between spending time by the water, taking a walk, and exploring the larger park area, without having to commit to just one activity.

The Ozark Community Archery Park is located next to Ed Lisenby Lake. Those who want to combine nature experiences with sporting activities can consider both of these places when planning their trip. When choosing accommodation in Ozark, it is therefore particularly interesting to consider whether you would prefer to focus your stay on the lake and walking trail or on the city’s cultural attractions.

Art, Murals and Historic Places

The Dowling Museum | Ann Rudd Art Center is located at 114 E. Broad Street in Ozark and offers changing exhibitions as well as educational programs. The Wilbur Jackson Mural is another striking feature of the area. It is 82 feet long and 26 feet high and was completed in 2021. The Dale County Music & Theater Mural depicts people from Dale County who achieved success in music or theater.

The Welcome to Ozark mural is located at 936 Andrews Avenue next to D.A. Smith Middle School. It includes an M60 tank honoring the 131st Armored Tank Battalion of the Alabama National Guard and commemorates Ozark’s military heritage. Another memorial is the M60 A3 Combat Tank, which commemorates the service of the 31st Brigade, 131st Armored Tank Battalion of the Alabama National Guard.

Military history is also present in Ozark: The United States Army Warrant Officer Museum opened on February 23, 2024, at The Holman House in Ozark. The J. D. Holman House is a Neoclassical historic residence built in 1912–13 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This cultural picture is complemented by the Carillon and Bell Tower, with a carillon of 37 bells. It commemorates the personnel who have served at Fort Rucker since 1942.

Market, Festival and Local Activities

For a trip with a changing pace, local events offer additional points of interest. The annual Claybank Jamboree Arts and Crafts Festival has been a highly anticipated family event for more than 50 years. The Ozark Farmers’ Market takes place weekly as an indoor/outdoor market and provides farmers, craftspeople, and artists with space to offer fresh produce and goods.

Sporting activities are also available, although with clear requirements: The Ozark Pickleball & Sports Complex offers “mini” pickleball classes to members with valid membership status who have completed at least the beginner course. When choosing a vacation rental in Ozark, you can therefore first consider whether nature, culture, market dates, or a particular sporting activity should be the focus of your trip. Those who want to continue their search beyond Ozark can also find the local page Daleville here.

For the broader travel overview: Dale County.