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Guntersville Museum: A Window to the Past

Explore Guntersville's history and culture in a unique, historic armory. Discover Native American artifacts, local art, and the story of Lake Guntersville.

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Housed in a historic 1936 armory, the Guntersville Museum showcases the rich history and culture of the Guntersville area. Exhibits range from Native American artifacts to displays about the construction of Guntersville Dam and local art.

A brief summary to Guntersville Museum

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 1 pm-4 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check out the museum's gift shop for books on local history, note cards, and unique gifts.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around the surrounding cultural district, including the Guntersville Public Library and the Whole Backstage Theatre.
  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Guntersville Museum is located at 1215 Rayburn Ave, within Guntersville's cultural district. If you are already in the downtown area, near the Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce on Gunter Avenue, the museum is a 10-15 minute walk. Head north on Gunter Avenue, then turn left onto Rayburn Avenue. The museum will be on your right, next to the Guntersville Public Library and across from the Whole Backstage Theatre.

  • Driving

    If approaching from Highway 431, turn onto AL-69 South toward Guntersville. Continue on AL-69 South for approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto Rayburn Avenue. The Guntersville Museum will be on your right at 1215 Rayburn Ave. Free parking is available at the museum.

  • Public Transport

    Guntersville Public Transportation provides transportation services for residents within the city limits. To schedule a ride, call (256) 571-7574 at least 24 hours in advance. Fares range from $1.00 to $5.00 one way, depending on the distance, with an additional $1.00 for each extra stop. Please note that this service is exclusively for residents within the city limits.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Guntersville. From the Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce, a taxi ride to the museum would be a short trip. Expect to pay around $16 for a 5-mile trip.

Unlock the Best of Guntersville Museum

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Discover more about Guntersville Museum

The Guntersville Museum, located in Guntersville, Alabama, offers a glimpse into the region's past and present. The museum is housed in the historic rock Armory, constructed in 1936 under President Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration (WPA). The building, built of local limestone, served as a military armory for Company E, 167th Infantry Division. The armory is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits about John Gunter, the city's namesake, and an impressive collection of Native American artifacts dating back to the Paleo-Indian era. The Percy Barnard Collection offers insights into the lives and culture of the indigenous people who once inhabited the area. The museum also features exhibits about the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the creation of Lake Guntersville in the 1930s, with archival photos and historical documents illustrating the area's transformation. Other highlights include a permanent collection of work by nationally-acclaimed local artist Frank Nelson and a display of native birds collected and mounted by Bessie Rayburn Samuel in the 1920s. The museum also features exhibits about Will Rogers, the great-grandson of John Gunter.

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