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Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Point Mallard Park.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Point Mallard Park: Decatur's Family Fun Hub
Discover year-round fun at Point Mallard Park: America's first wave pool, championship golf, camping, and events in Decatur, Alabama!
Point Mallard Park in Decatur, Alabama, is a 750-acre recreational haven offering diverse activities year-round. From a historic wave pool and championship golf to camping and scenic trails, it's a destination for family fun and outdoor enthusiasts.
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A brief summary to Point Mallard Park
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Discover more about Point Mallard Park
Point Mallard Park, a sprawling 750-acre park in Decatur, Alabama, has been a beloved destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts since its opening in August 1970. The park's name is derived from the mallard ducks that frequent the nearby Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.
The park's centerpiece is the J. Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center, which houses 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. 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 is open year-round. The meticulously maintained course winds through scenic landscapes, providing a serene and enjoyable golfing experience. The park also features a 25-acre wooded campground with 217 full hookup sites and 6 primitive sites. The campground is open year-round.
Other attractions include the Point Mallard Ice Complex, open seasonally, the Strike Zone Driving Range and Batting Cages, Jimmy Johns Tennis Center, and the Native American Indian Interpretive Walking Trails. The park also hosts annual events such as the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic, the Spirit of America Festival, and a Civil War Reenactment.
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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. During major events, remote parking with shuttle service may be required from the General Electric Appliances parking lot at 2328 Point Mallard Drive SE. Shuttle bus fee is $5 cash per person roundtrip; children 3 and under are free.
Ride-Share/Taxi
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.
A brief summary to Point Mallard Park
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