Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Point Mallard Park: Decatur's Recreational Oasis
Discover year-round fun at Point Mallard Park in Decatur, AL: home to America's first wave pool, championship golf, scenic trails, and outdoor adventures.
Point Mallard Park is a 750-acre park in Decatur, Alabama, offering a wide array of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Opened in 1970, the park is home to one of the first wave pools in the United States and provides year-round recreational opportunities.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Point Mallard Park
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
10 am-6 pm
Tuesday
10 am-6 pm
Wednesday
10 am-6 pm
Thursday
10 am-6 pm
Friday
10 am-6 pm
Saturday
10 am-6 pm
Sunday
10 am-6 pm
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Getting There
Driving
Point Mallard Park is easily accessible by car, located a few minutes from I-65. From I-65, take either Exit 340 or Exit 334 towards Decatur. Follow the signs for Point Mallard Park. Once you're on Point Mallard Drive SE, continue until you see the park entrance on Point Mallard Circle SE. Parking is free within the park, but during major events like the Alabama Jubilee, traffic can be heavy, so arrive early or consider using the remote parking with shuttle service from the General Electric Appliances parking lot at 2328 Point Mallard Drive SE for $5 per person round trip.
Ride Share
From anywhere in Decatur, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) provides a convenient way to reach Point Mallard Park. A ride from downtown Decatur to the park entrance typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. Simply provide the driver with the address, 2901 Point Mallard Circle SE, Decatur, AL 35601, and follow Point Mallard Drive SE until you see the park entrance on Point Mallard Circle SE.
Local tips
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Visit during the week for smaller crowds at the waterpark, especially during Twilight Admission hours for discounted rates.
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Check the park's event calendar for festivals and special events like the Alabama Jubilee or Spirit of America Festival.
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Consider renting a cabana at the waterpark for a comfortable and shaded home base, especially with a large group.
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Explore the Native American Indian Interpretive Walking Trails to learn about the area's rich indigenous history.
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Bring your own floats to the Lazy River, but be mindful of the size restrictions.
Discover more about Point Mallard Park
Point Mallard Park, a sprawling 750-acre municipal park in Decatur, Alabama, has been a beloved destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts since 1970. Situated on the Flint Creek shoreline, a tributary of the Tennessee River, the park offers diverse recreational activities and attractions, making it a year-round playground. The park is named after the Point Mallard duck, a frequent visitor to the neighboring Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.The park's centerpiece is the J. Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center, renowned for housing one of the first wave pools in the United States. The aquatic center also features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a lazy river, towering water slides, and dedicated kiddie pools, ensuring a splashing good time for the whole family. The water park generally opens Memorial Day weekend and closes Labor Day weekend.Beyond the aquatic center, Point Mallard Park boasts a championship 18-hole golf course that challenges golfers of all skill levels. For those seeking a different kind of challenge, the Strike Zone Driving Range and Batting Cages offer opportunities to hone your swing. For outdoor enthusiasts, Point Mallard Park features an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that meander through the park's diverse terrain. These trails provide a chance to immerse yourself in nature, observe local wildlife, and enjoy the beauty of the Flint Creek shoreline.Point Mallard Park also offers a unique attraction: an open-air ice skating arena. This facility provides a rare opportunity to enjoy ice skating in the mild Southern climate. The ice skating arena is open year-round. The park's campground provides 217 campsites with full hookups, offering a convenient and comfortable option for overnight stays. The campground is open year-round, making Point Mallard Park a popular destination for RV travelers and camping enthusiasts.The Native American Indian Interpretive Walking Trails offer a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of the region's indigenous peoples. The trails wind through a wooded area of the park, featuring informational kiosks and personalized trail names that pay tribute to past leaders of regional Native American tribes.
A brief summary to Point Mallard Park
Use Point Mallard Park as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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More about Decatur
Discover Decatur, Alabama: A charming city on the Tennessee River, rich in history, culture, and outdoor activities, perfect for a relaxing and adventurous getaway.
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