Background

Guntersville Museum: A Glimpse into North Alabama's Past

Explore regional history and culture at the Guntersville Museum, housed in a historic armory with diverse exhibits for all ages.

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Housed in a historic 1936 armory, the Guntersville Museum offers a fascinating look into the history and culture of the Guntersville, Alabama region. Exhibits range from Native American artifacts to displays about the construction of the 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

  • Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a quieter experience.
  • Check the museum's website for information on special exhibits and events.
  • Allow at least an hour to fully appreciate the exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Guntersville Museum is located at 1215 Rayburn Ave. If you are in downtown Guntersville, near the Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce on Gunter Avenue, the museum is about 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. Admission is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in Guntersville, a taxi or ride-share service can easily take you to the Guntersville Museum at 1215 Rayburn Ave. The fare will typically range from $6 to $10, depending on the distance and demand. Be sure to confirm the fare before starting your trip. Admission is free.

  • 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.

Unlock the Best of Guntersville Museum

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Discover more about Guntersville Museum

The Guntersville Museum, situated in the historic rock Armory, provides a unique vantage point on the history and culture of the region. As a living repository, the museum offers visitors a chance to explore everything from Native American artifacts to interesting local personalities. The museum is located in a distinctive castle-like building constructed in 1936 as a military armory for Company E, 167th Infantry Division, under President Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration (WPA). The armory was built of local rough limestone. A new armory was constructed in the 1970s, and the old building was turned over to the city of Guntersville. It served as the local fire station until the mid-1980s. After renovations in 2006, the Guntersville Museum was relocated to the historic armory. The building is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Inside, you'll find exhibits about John Gunter, the city's namesake, and an impressive collection of Native American artifacts dating back to the Paleo-Indian era. Other highlights include a permanent collection of work by nationally acclaimed local artist Frank Nelson, a display of native birds collected and mounted by Bessie Rayburn Samuel in the 1920s, and archival photos and historical documents offering a glimpse of Guntersville before the creation of Lake Guntersville. Exhibits also illustrate the construction of the Guntersville Dam.

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