Joe Wheeler State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joe Wheeler State Park |
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Joe Wheeler State Park, January 2006
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 Joe Wheeler State Park
Location in Alabama
Joe Wheeler State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lauderdale, Lawrence, Alabama, United States |
| Area | 2,550 acres (10.3 km2) |
| Elevation | 571 ft (174 m) |
| Established | 1949 |
| Named for | Joseph "Joe" Wheeler |
| Operator | Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Joe Wheeler State Park |
Joe Wheeler State Park is a super fun place for outdoor adventures in northwest Alabama! It's a state park owned by the state, offering lots of cool resort features. You'll find it right on Wheeler Lake, which is a large lake created from the Tennessee River.
The park covers about 2,550 acres (1,030 ha) of land. This huge area is split into three different parts. It's also right next to Wheeler Dam, which was built by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Contents
Park History: How It Started
The story of Joe Wheeler State Park began in 1949. That's when the state of Alabama bought the land from the TVA. This purchase helped create the park we know today.
Upgrades and Naming the Park
Later, in 1973, the park got a big upgrade. Many of the resort features, like the lodge and golf course, were added then. The park, the lake, and the dam are all named after a famous person named Joseph Wheeler. He was a general during the American Civil War and later became a U.S. Congressman.
Awards and Recognition
Joe Wheeler State Park is really popular, and it has even won awards! In September 2020, it received the Traveler's Choice Award from Tripadvisor. This award is given to places that get lots of great reviews from visitors. Joe Wheeler was one of eleven Alabama State Parks to earn this special recognition.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
There are so many exciting things to do at Joe Wheeler State Park! It's a great place for families and friends to visit.
Resort Features and Facilities
The park has a comfy resort lodge where you can stay. There are also places for meetings and events, plus a restaurant to grab a bite. If you love camping, there's a campground too! For boaters, there's a big marina with 140 slips.
Golf, Hiking, and Views
Golf fans will enjoy the 18-hole golf course. If you prefer to explore on foot or bike, there's a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) loop trail. You can also visit a special overlook near the park's cabins. From there, you can get an amazing view of the TVA's Wheeler Dam.
