Ozark: Art, History, and Ed Lisenby Lake

Ozark, Alabama, offers several distinct attractions for a trip: murals, historic architecture, exhibits, and activities at Ed Lisenby Lake. The places and activities appeal to different interests. Timing also matters for some of them—for example, an annual festival or a seasonal course schedule.

Fishing, a Walking Trail, and Archery at Ed Lisenby Lake

The Dale County State Public Fishing Lake is also known as Ed Lisenby Lake. This award-winning state fishing lake covers 92 acres and is located in a 390-acre park in Ozark. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bream, redear sunfish, and channel catfish.

Ed Lisenby Lake also has a 3-mile walking trail. The Ozark Community Archery Park is located right next to the lake. Fishing, the walking trail, and archery offer different ways to tailor your stay to your interests; the stated length and location details for the trail and park also provide specific planning points.

Pickleball is another possible activity, but certain requirements apply to the “Mini” courses at the Ozark Pickleball & Sports Complex. They are seasonal and intended for members in good standing who have completed at least the beginner course. Check the current schedule and membership requirements before planning.

Murals and Memorials

The Wilbur Jackson Mural is 82 feet long and 26 feet high; it was completed in 2021. The Dale County Music & Theater Mural takes a different approach: it depicts people from Dale County who have achieved success in music or theater. Large-scale mural art and portraits with local connections are thus presented side by side, though the two works do not share the same subject.

The Welcome to Ozark mural is located at 936 Andrews Avenue next to D.A. Smith Middle School. It depicts an M60 tank in honor of the Alabama National Guard’s 131st Armored Tank Battalion and commemorates Ozark’s military heritage. Another memorial is the Carillon and Bell Tower: its carillon has 37 bells and commemorates the personnel who have served at Fort Rucker since 1942.

Exhibits and History at the Holman House

The Dowling Museum | Ann Rudd Art Center is located at 114 E. Broad Street in Ozark and offers changing exhibits and educational programs. Art enthusiasts will find a different experience here than at the murals: the focus is on exhibits and educational offerings rather than a single large-scale image.

The J. D. Holman House is a historic Neoclassical residence. It was built in 1912–13 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The United States Army Warrant Officer Museum opened at The Holman House in Ozark on February 23, 2024. The construction period, addition to the register, and museum opening mark different points in the house’s history.

Plan Event Dates and Choose a Hotel

The Claybank Jamboree Arts and Crafts Festival is an annual family event. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the event dates for your chosen travel period. You should also check the current schedule for the seasonal pickleball courses.

When looking for a hotel in Ozark, it helps to first clarify the purpose of your trip and any fixed dates. Then you can decide whether murals and exhibits, historic architecture, or activities at the lake should be the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Daleville

View the broader travel guide: Dale County.