Aliceville: History, Museum, and Nature

In Aliceville, you can plan your stay around cultural history and complementary nature activities. The Aliceville Museum presents the history of the former prisoner-of-war camp; the Aliceville Reservoir, about 12 miles northwest, adds camping, day-use, and fishing options. This gives you a concrete basis for comparing hotels: should local history be the focus, or would you also like to set aside time for activities on the water?

History of the Prisoner-of-War Camp at the Aliceville Museum

The Aliceville Museum’s main exhibit features artifacts from the Aliceville Prisoner of War Camp, which operated from 1942 to 1945. More than 6,100 German prisoners of war were housed at the camp; the exhibit on German prisoners of war includes the largest collection of artifacts from World War II prisoner-of-war camps in the United States.

The first members of Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps arrived in Aliceville on June 2, 1943. Another museum exhibit is devoted to a Coca-Cola bottling plant from around 1948. To put these topics in context, note their different timeframes: the camp represents several years, the arrival a specific day, and the bottling plant a later museum topic.

The Aliceville Library building

Another perspective on local history is offered by the Aliceville Library building. Built in 1912, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been renovated. Its construction date and register listing provide historical context, while the renovation describes the building’s condition. The two areas of focus are therefore distinct: the museum emphasizes artifacts and historical events, while the library is a specific building.

Nature and fishing at the reservoir

The Aliceville Reservoir is about 12 miles northwest of Aliceville. It has modern campgrounds, basic camping areas, day-use facilities, and public access from the shore and by boat. In the tailwater below the dam, fishing opportunities include catfish, crappie, bass, and drum.

You can distinguish the different uses when planning: camping and day use describe different ways to spend time there, while fishing is tied to a specific stretch below the dam. Check the current status of the facilities and fishing conditions before making plans.

Fossil hunting and a seasonal market

At Shark Tooth Creek, you can search for shark teeth and fossils. Unlike the historical artifacts at the museum, this activity centers on searching for yourself. The topics differ not only in content, but also in the kind of activity: a historical collection on the one hand and fossil hunting on the other.

A farmers market was organized for 2026 at the Farmers Market Pavilion behind Aliceville City Hall. If the market is relevant to your travel plans, check the seasonal details in advance.

For an overview of the wider area: Pickens County.