Arts and Culture
Discover the Heart of Athens Limestone’s Arts & Culture
Where Tradition Meets Creativity
Explore a vibrant community rich in artistic expression, historic landmarks, and cultural experiences. From local galleries and theaters to festivals and live music, Athens Limestone invites you to immerse yourself in its unique creative spirit.
Must-See
Arts & Culture Destinations
- Limestone County Archives
- 102 W. Washington St. Athens, AL
- If you are looking for your ancestors or the history of Limestone County, this is the place to go. Located in the old Athens passenger depot, they are open Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Established in October 1980, the collection includes the government records of the county as well as historical and genealogical material concerning northern Alabama and southern Tennessee.
- Houston Memorial Library and Museum
- 101 N Houston Street Athens, AL
- The George S. Houston Library and House is one of the cornerstones of the historic Athens community. Serving as both a public library, with an ongoing used book sale, and period museum, the restored site honors two-time Alabama governor and U.S. Senator George S. Houston who resided here.
- Donnell House Museum
- 601 S. Clinton Street Athens, AL
- This living history museum was built in 1845 by a travel weary 61-year-old Cumberland Presbyterian minister, Robert Donnell. In the 1860s the homestead served as a bivouac for union troops during the Civil War. Notable events include– Tablescapes Fundraiser: Held each spring, this event showcases beautifully set tables and supports local charities; Festival of Trees: Typically occurring in November, this event features the historic home decorated with themed Christmas trees.
Still More to See & Experience
- 1818 Farms
- 24889 Lauderdale St, Mooresville, AL 35649
- Located on three acres in the northwest corner of Mooresville, 1818 Farms is named for the year the historic village was incorporated. The animal residents on the farm include Babydoll Southdown sheep, a Nubian goat, cats, hens, a pot-bellied pig, mini pigs, and two Great Pyrenees dogs. In an adjacent field, lavender and other herbs are grown for use in hand-made beauty products and for wreaths and bouquets. Offers variety of classes on gardening, food preservation, raising backyard chickens, knitting, and more. Farm tours, summer camps, and other special events.
- (256)-771-7578
- Open Monday - Saturday: 9am - 3 pm
- Free Admission
- Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives
- 114 West Pryor Street Athens, AL
- The Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives collection contains an impressive display of artifacts from the Revolutionary War until present day. Visitors can walk among the actual uniforms, medals, photos and weapons; hear stories and experiences about the nation’s wars from men and women who were actually there. Coffee Call 1st Saturday each month. Contact for information about the Event Center rental.
- April Historic Walking Tours
- 100 N Beaty St. Athens, AL 35611
- In accordance with the statewide Alabama Tourism tradition, Athens-Limestone Tourism proudly hosts free, guided walking tours each Saturday in the month of April. Residents and visitors are invited to take part in each casual stroll through historic Athens and/or Mooresville and learn about their history and heritage. Knowledgeable guides escort participants through historic neighborhoods and landmarks where they will share the history of the city, featuring the stories of local businesses and families, architectural styles of the homes and other colorful moments of the past. Featured spots include the Historic Athens Downtown Square, Athens State University, Houston Historic District, and Beaty Historic District. Mooresville Historic tours are also available.
- (256)-232-0739
- October- December 7am-5pm
- Free Admission
- Associated Growers Co-Op Inc
- 15031 Brownsferry Road Athens, AL 35611
- Experience an official functioning Alabama Cotton Gin. Call to schedule a tour.
- Tuesday Markets – May 5 through August 26, 2025, 3 PM - 6 PM Saturday Markets – June 7 through September 27, 2025, 8 AM - 12 PM
- Athens Farmers Market
- 409 W. Green St. Athens, AL
- This Certified Alabama Farmers Market at the newly renovated Doug Gates Park has an array of seasonal fruits, vegetables, eggs, meats, honey, and prepared items like bread, sweets, and fried pies. Enjoy live music and kids’ activities while you shop for hand-crafted gifts like candles and jewelry as well.
- Athens Haunt Walks & Wagon Tours
- 101 N Beaty St. Athens, AL 35611
- Haunt Walks: Experience the history and mystery of Athens on these approximate 2-hour walking tours. Filled with stories inspired by Shane Black’s Spirit of Athens, wander the darkened streets of Athens, led by expert local guides who will make up to 10 spooky stops before returning. Whether you’re a history buff or just in it for the scares, the Athens Haunt Walk is a perfect blend of local history, folklore, and ghostly entertainment. Wagon Tours: If walking isn’t your speed, this approximate hour and a half horse and buggy tour will be right up your alley. Lean in as a local guide recounts spine-tingling stories of haunted landmarks and mysterious occurrences that have captivated residents for generations. Be prepared for a night of intrigue and thrills as you uncover the hidden supernatural side of Athens.
- 2025 Dates: Thursday-Saturday from June 2025 – July 2025
- Free Admission; 50 cents per ride
- Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival
- 309 E Forrest Street, Athens, AL 35611
- The Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival is a seasonal attraction featuring rides especially designed for little ones. Among the rides for the little ones are a small ferris wheel, rocket ships, swings, carousel, train, roller coaster, parachute rides, bigger swings and the scrambler. There’s also bingo for the big kids to enjoy. Bring an appetite and enjoy your favorite carnival foods at the concession stand: sandwiches, french fries, popcorn, snow cones, funnel cakes, drinks and the crowd-favorite cotton candy.
- Athens State University
- 300 N Beaty St. Athens, AL
- This is Alabama’s oldest institution of higher learning. The main building on campus, Founders Hall, was built in 1822. Local legend says the building was saved from burning by Union troops raiding Athens during the Civil War when the college President, Jane Hamilton Childs, produced a letter said to have been written by President Abraham Lincoln. Founders Hall, also houses the majestic Altar of
- (256)-233-8728
- Open by appointment. Call to schedule.
- Free Admission
- College Inn/Newby Gulf Station Museum
- 125 East St. Athens, AL
- College Inn/Newby Gulf Station Museum was built in 1933 by W.A. Caughran, a local Gulf dealer, and the two-building service station and lunch counter complex was one of the first service stations built in Athens. It is one of only two service station/cafe structures of the Prairie Style architecture left in the state. This style is associated with architect Frank Lloyd Wright and includes a low-pitched roof, overhanging eaves, horizontal lines and an open floor plan. In 1947, Cloyde Mason Newby Jr., acquired the College Inn & Newby Gulf Station which became one of Athens’ Hot Spots. Built in the later 1920s, the College Inn was where everyone caught up on the latest news and where soldiers home on leave visited frequently. Young ladies were always happy to see the GI’s and hear their stories.
- (256)-233-8286
- Call for more information
- Free Admission
- Delmore Brothers Museum
- 302 Bryan St, Athens, AL
- Located on the ground floor of McCandless Hall at Athens State University, the Delmore Brothers Museum has been open since 2008, thanks to the generous donation of artifacts from Debby Delmore, the youngest daughter of Alton Delmore. The Delmore Brothers made up of Alton and Rabon, found their start right here in Limestone County, Alabama. “Born into poverty near Elkmont, sons of tenant farmers, amid a rich tradition of gospel and Appalachian folk music;” they went on to write over 1200 songs. The Delmore Brothers became stars of the Grand Ole Opry, Grammy winners, and Country Music Hall of Famers.
- Donnell House Museum
- 601 S. Clinton Street Athens, AL
- This living history museum was built in 1845 by a travel weary 61-year-old Cumberland Presbyterian minister, Robert Donnell. In the 1860s the homestead served as a bivouac for union troops during the Civil War. Notable events include– Tablescapes Fundraiser: Held each spring, this event showcases beautifully set tables and supports local charities; Festival of Trees: Typically occurring in November, this event features the historic home decorated with themed Christmas trees.
- 2025 Dates: Open Weekends in Late September-Early November Friday Hours: 8pm -11pm | Saturday Hours: 7pm - 11pm
- General Admission: $28/person | Slash Pass: $50/person | Corn Maze: add $10/person
- Doomsday Haunted Attraction
- 24952 US 72 Athens, AL 35613
- Horror attraction offering a hybrid immersive experience with twisted trails and actors to engage visitors, as well as a corn maze.
- 2025 Dates: Open Weekends in late September-Early November Fridays/Saturdays: 6:30 -9:30pm
- Starting at $20-$30/person
- Grace Hill Farms Zombie Paintball
- 22611 Grace Hill Ln, Athens, AL
- This fun, all-ages, family-friendly ride is about 30 minutes in length from start to finish with black-lights, glowing paintballs and a heart-thumping sound system. This one-of- a-kind intense ride will have your adrenaline rushing hard and fast! Other activities include a paintball shooting gallery, Zombie Mission-Walking Trail, glow-in-the-dark axe throwing, mini escape room, and movies at the farm.
- Historic Elkmont
- Elkmont, AL
- Established in 1858, Elkmont is the site of the bloodiest Civil War Battle in Alabama at Sulphur Creek Trestle. Elkmont is located just five miles west of I-65 off Exit #361. This community is home of the 10-mile Rails to Trails Richard Martin Trail where you will walk in the footsteps of both Confederate and Union soldiers, a historic train depot, a train caboose, and antique shops. The Limestone County 100-mile bike trail traverses the town and Elkmont is the trailhead town for the Limestone County Canoe and Kayak Trail.
- Historic Mooresville
- Mooresville, AL
- This tiny community was incorporated on Nov. 16, 1818; one year after the Alabama Territory was created. The Mooresville Post Office, the oldest in the State, has been in continual operation since 1819. The town is home to two historic churches, including the old white clapboard Church of Christ where President James A. Garfield once preached. The Brick Church, the Post Office, and the Stagecoach Inn and Tavern are maintained by the town’s residents in an effort to preserve some pieces of history. Often referred to as “Alabama’s Williamsburg,” the entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of Alabama’s most important and intact villages.
- Houston Memorial Library and Museum
- 101 N Houston Street Athens, AL
- The George S. Houston Library and House is one of the cornerstones of the historic Athens community. Serving as both a public library, with an ongoing used book sale, and period museum, the restored site honors two-time Alabama governor and U.S. Senator George S. Houston who resided here.
- Isom’s Orchard
- 24012 US Hwy 72, Athens, AL
- This family-owned and operated orchard is in its fourth generation of growers. Wes Isom, current owner and farmer, is proceeded by his grandfather, E.K, who started growing peaches before World War II, and his father, Joe, who established the fruit stand we know now in 1957. Isom’s is still a family business run by Wes, Marlene and children. Isom’s will provide you with a wide variety of only the freshest and tastiest produce grown right on their farm. They operate 7 days a week with an ever-changing inventory of local fruits and vegetables. Make sure to try the famous apple slushie!
- Open Weekends in October-Early November Friday Hours: 8pm -11pm | Saturday Hours: 7pm - 11pm
- $20/person | Fast Pass: $30/person
- Lester Haunted Hospital
- 30338 Lester Rd, Lester, AL 35647
- The Lester Haunted Hospital opened in 2010 and is run by the Scare 4 Charity organization. Our location was formerly D.E. Jackson Memorial Hospital, which opened in the early 1940’s as a clinic for Lester and surrounding communities. Yes our building was an actual operating hospital at one point. The facility changed hands a few times until closing down in the 1990’s. It remained vacant until we made it our new home. People may know us from our previous location, GoodSprings Haunted House, that ran for 27 years. So, you are guaranteed a scary good time with over 40 years of scare experience lurking behind our doors. Wagon Tours: If walking isn’t your speed, this approximate hour and a half horse and buggy tour will be right up your alley. Lean in as a local guide recounts spine-tingling stories of haunted landmarks and mysterious occurrences that have captivated residents for generations. Be prepared for a night of intrigue and thrills as you uncover the hidden supernatural side of Athens.
- Limestone County Archives
- 102 W. Washington St. Athens, AL
- If you are looking for your ancestors or the history of Limestone County, this is the place to go. Located in the old Athens passenger depot, they are open Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Established in October 1980, the collection includes the government records of the county as well as historical and genealogical material concerning northern Alabama and southern Tennessee.
- 2025 Dates: Saturday in December (TBA)
- $30/person
- Mooresville Holiday Tours
- Mooresville, AL
- Historic Mooresville invites you to join a guided walking tour through town showcasing Mooresville’s holiday traditions, past and present. The tour is an hour-long, involves less than 1 mile of walking, and will include Mooresville’s historic public buildings and multiple private residences. During the tours, guests will be taken “behind the picket fences” to experience the holiday traditions of several of our Mooresville residents.
- Sports Museum
- 476 E Pryor St. Athens, AL
- The Sports Museum showcases photos, mascots, trophies, and memorabilia from over 100 years of Athens State sports. The museum highlights a diverse array of artifacts from the early days of tennis and swimming to championship softball and basketball teams. The Sports Museum was founded with generous community support and continues to honor decades of dedicated athletes, coaches, and the community who cheered them on.
- Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Museum
- 302 Bryan St, Athens, AL
- Located on the ground floor of McCandless Hall at Athens State University, the museum features photos and memorabilia from this long and vibrant history. Free and open to the public. Athens State University is honored to continue being a proud host for the folk music legacy that is the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention.
- Town of Ardmore
- Ardmore, AL
- This unique community spans across two states and four counties. Visit the Veterans Memorial Walk. Notable events include: Ardmore Christmas Parade – Held annually on a Monday in December at 6:30 pm. No entry fee. Pictures with Santa at Town Hall – Held annually on a Saturday in December from 10am to 12pm. Pictures are free.
- Trinity School 1865-1970
- 606 Trinity Circle Athens, AL
- Established by the American Missionary Association of New York in 1865, Trinity was one of many schools set up to educate children of freed slaves. One of its’ famous graduates is Patti Malone of the Fisk University Jubilee Singers. Trinity Congregational Church, founded in 1871, has long been a spiritual partner to the Trinity School. Browns Ferry St. Open House & Alumni Reunion Annually in September.
