Rock Zoo, Tennessee Valley Travel Guide

4.8 (89)

Discover a whimsical roadside attraction in Fackler, Alabama, featuring an ever-growing collection of painted rock animals. A delightful, free stop for all ages!

The Alabama Rock Zoo in Fackler is a quirky roadside attraction featuring an ever-growing collection of rocks painted to resemble animals. Created in the 1970s by local farmer Leonard Dawson, it's a whimsical and free stop for visitors of all ages.

A brief summary to Rock Zoo

3215 Co Rd 32, Fackler, Alabama, 35746, 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 Rock Zoo.

Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the colors and details of the painted rock animals.
Bring your own painted rock to add to the collection and leave your mark on the Rock Zoo.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Neversink Pit for a unique day of exploring natural and man-made wonders.

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Getting There

Driving

The Rock Zoo is located on County Road 32 in Fackler, Alabama. From downtown Fackler, head east on County Road 32. The Rock Zoo will be on your left. There is no dedicated parking lot, so park on the side of the road. Parking is free. The attraction itself is free.

Discover more about Rock Zoo

The Alabama Rock Zoo is a unique and free roadside attraction located in Fackler, Alabama. What began in the 1970s as a single boulder that resembled a rooster has evolved into a whimsical collection of painted rock animals. Leonard Dawson, a local farmer, started the zoo after road construction workers moved two large boulders onto his property. Dawson saw a rooster in one of the rocks and added a comb made of cardboard and cement.Over the years, the collection expanded to include a bull, turtles, bears, giraffes, elephants, and even sea creatures. Dawson's family maintains the site, welcoming visitors to experience this unusual and charming attraction. Visitors can admire the colorful creations, take photos, and even leave their own painted rocks to add to the menagerie. The Rock Zoo offers a fun and imaginative experience for children and adults alike.The zoo stretches about 100 yards along County Road 32. The bull and rooster are the largest boulders and are located where the road crew initially placed them. Smaller stones have been added over the years to fill out the collection.