Point Mallard Park, Tennessee Valley Travel Guide

4.5 (3138)

Discover endless fun at Point Mallard Park in Decatur, AL: home to America's first wave pool, championship golf, scenic trails, and year-round 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. The park's centerpiece is the J. Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center, featuring one of the first wave pools in the United States. Beyond the aquatic center, Point Mallard Park boasts a championship 18-hole golf course, a year-round ice complex, and extensive hiking and biking trails.

A brief summary to Point Mallard Park

2901 Point Mallard Cir SE, Decatur, Alabama, 35601, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Point Mallard Park.

Visit during the week for smaller crowds at the waterpark, especially during Twilight Admission hours for discounted rates.
Check the park's event calendar for festivals and special events like the Alabama Jubilee or Spirit of America Festival.
Consider renting a cabana at the waterpark for a comfortable and shaded home base, especially with a large group.
Explore the Native American Indian Interpretive Walking Trails to learn about the area's rich indigenous history.

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Explore Point Mallard Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Point Mallard Park, mapped for you.

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 available within the park, and event parking at Point Mallard Park parking lots and remote lots is free. Be aware that during major events like the Alabama Jubilee, traffic can be heavy, so arrive early.
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. Direct your driver to 2901 Point Mallard Cir SE.

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 it opened in August 1970. Situated on the Flint Creek shoreline, a tributary of the Tennessee River, the park offers a diverse range of recreational activities and attractions, making it a year-round playground for visitors of all ages.The park's creation was a collaborative effort that began in 1967 by city officials, private investors, and community members. Decatur's mayor from 1962 to 1968, Gilmer Blackburn, envisioned a unique tourist draw inspired by wave-making pools he observed in Germany. The Point Mallard Authority was formed to create a self-sustaining park that would enhance the quality of life for Decatur residents and attract visitors to the area.The J. Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center is a central draw, offering thrilling water adventures. The water park features a wave pool, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, water slides, a lazy river, and dedicated kiddie pools. Other activities include the Point Mallard Golf Course, Point Mallard Campgrounds, Point Mallard Ice Complex, Jimmy Johns Tennis Center, and the Spirit of America Soccer Park. The park also features hiking, jogging, and biking trails.Point Mallard Park hosts several annual events, including the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic, the Spirit of America Festival on July 4th, and a Civil War Reenactment each September. 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.