Background

Ten Islands Historic Park: Where History Meets Nature

Discover Alabama's hidden gem: a historic park on Neely Henry Lake offering swimming, fishing, hiking, and a peaceful connection with nature and history.

4.6

Ten Islands Historic Park in Ragland, Alabama, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Located on the shores of Neely Henry Lake, the park provides a tranquil escape with opportunities for swimming, fishing, picnicking, and exploring the region's rich past, dating back thousands of years [3, 5].

A brief summary to Ten Islands Historic Park

  • Monday 5 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-9 pm
  • Friday 5 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, as parking is limited [3, 5].
  • Bring your fishing gear and try your luck at catching bass or catfish from the fishing pier [3].
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the covered picnic tables [3, 4].
  • Explore the nature trails for birdwatching and to enjoy the peaceful surroundings [3, 5].
  • Note that no dogs are allowed in the park [3, 7].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From Ragland, Alabama, head east on AL-144 for approximately 5 miles [3]. Ten Islands Historic Park will be on your left [3]. Parking is free at the entrance, but spaces are limited, especially during peak season [3, 5]. Nearby street parking is also available [3, 5].

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Ten Islands Historic Park, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service from nearby towns like Ragland. A taxi from Ragland to the park (approximately 5 miles) would cost around $15-$25. Verify rates with the service provider.

Unlock the Best of Ten Islands Historic Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Ten Islands Historic Park

Ten Islands Historic Park is a captivating destination where history and nature intertwine on the Coosa River near Ragland, Alabama [3]. This day-use park invites visitors to explore a site with a rich and varied past that stretches back millennia [3]. The park's name, derived from the Creek Indian village of "Oti Palin" meaning Ten Islands, reflects its origins as a series of islands along the Coosa River [3]. While most of these islands are now submerged following the construction of Neely Henry Dam, the area retains its historical significance and natural beauty [3, 7]. Evidence of settlement dates back to Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, and Mississippian Indian groups [3, 7]. In 1540, Hernando de Soto is believed to have crossed the Coosa River here [3, 7]. During the Creek War of 1813-1814, General Andrew Jackson established Fort Strother near Ten Islands, using it as a strategic supply base [3, 10, 13]. Figures like Davy Crockett and Sam Houston were among those who passed through this area during that period [3, 10]. The park also witnessed a Civil War skirmish in 1864 [3, 10, 13]. Today, Ten Islands Historic Park is a peaceful retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the outdoors [3]. The park features a sandy swimming beach, perfect for cooling off on a hot day [3, 5]. Anglers can cast their lines from the fishing pier or along the shoreline, hoping to reel in bass, catfish, and other local species [3, 5, 15]. A boat ramp provides easy access to Neely Henry Lake for boating and watersports enthusiasts [3, 6]. For those who prefer to stay on land, the park offers a network of nature trails that wind through wooded areas and along the lake's edge [3, 5]. These trails are ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings [3, 5]. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with a diverse array of species inhabiting the area [3, 4].

Popular Experiences near Ten Islands Historic Park

Popular Hotels near Ten Islands Historic Park

Select Currency