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Guntersville Museum: A Window to the Past

Explore Guntersville's history and culture in a unique, castle-like setting with Native American artifacts, local art, and lake exhibits.

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Housed in a historic 1936 armory, the Guntersville Museum showcases the history and culture of the Guntersville, Alabama region. Exhibits range from Native American artifacts to local art and displays about the creation of Lake Guntersville.

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 weekday for a quieter experience and more personal interaction with the exhibits.
  • Check the museum's website for information on special exhibits and events.
  • Allow at least an hour to fully appreciate the exhibits and local art on display.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Guntersville Museum is located at 1215 Rayburn Ave. If you are in downtown Guntersville, head northwest on Gunter Ave toward Rayburn Ave. Turn left onto Rayburn Ave, continue for about a 0.4 miles. The museum will be on your left. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Driving

    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 operates within the city limits. To schedule a ride, call 24 hours in advance. The one-way fare within city limits is $1.00 for 0-5 miles.

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Discover more about Guntersville Museum

The Guntersville Museum, located in Guntersville, Alabama, offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. The museum is housed in the historic rock Armory, constructed in 1936 under President Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration (WPA). Originally a military armory for Company E, 167th Infantry Division, the building is a landmark with its castle-like architecture built from local limestone. After serving as a fire station, the armory was renovated in 2006 and transformed into the Guntersville Museum. Inside, exhibits showcase Native American artifacts, including the Percy Barnard Collection with items dating back to the Paleo-Indian era. Visitors can explore the story of John Gunter, the city's namesake, and learn about his great-grandson, Will Rogers. The museum also features a collection of mounted native birds from the 1920s, collected by Bessie Rayburn Samuel. Exhibits also detail the impact of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the creation of Lake Guntersville, displaying archival photos and documents. The museum hosts a permanent collection of work by local artist Frank Nelson. With its diverse collections and exhibits, the Guntersville Museum offers an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

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