Lake Guntersville State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Guntersville State Park |
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Lake Guntersville State Park, January 2005
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 Lake Guntersville State Park
Location in Alabama
Lake Guntersville State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Guntersville, Marshall, Alabama, United States |
| Area | 5,909 acres (23.91 km2) |
| Elevation | 886 ft (270 m) |
| Established | 1947 |
| Operator | Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Lake Guntersville State Park |
Lake Guntersville State Park is a publicly owned recreation area in Alabama, United States. It is located on the far north side of the city of Guntersville in Marshall County, Alabama. This large state park covers about 5,909 acres (2,391 hectares) on the eastern shore of Guntersville Lake. The lake itself is a huge 69,000-acre (28,000-hectare) body of water formed from the Tennessee River. The park offers many fun activities and resort facilities. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages the park.
Contents
Park History: How It Started and Grew
Early Days of Lake Guntersville State Park
Lake Guntersville State Park began in 1947. At that time, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) gave about 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares) of land on Guntersville Reservoir to the state. This land was used to create a new park. It was first known as Little Mountain State Park. The park officially opened its doors to visitors in 1974.
Rebuilding After the 2011 Tornadoes
In 2011, the park faced a big challenge. It was hit twice by strong tornadoes during a large storm system on April 27. Hundreds of trees in the northern part of the park were destroyed. The campgrounds also suffered damage to RV campers and the camp lodge building. A second tornado caused damage near the park entrance and the golf course.
Despite the damage, the park worked hard to recover. Two years later, the campground officially reopened. It had been rebuilt and upgraded with new facilities. More than 400 new trees were planted to replace those lost. This showed the park's strong spirit and dedication to its visitors.
Awards and Recognition
Traveler's Choice Award
In September 2020, Lake Guntersville State Park received a special honor. It was one of eleven Alabama State Parks to win Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award. This award is given to businesses and attractions that consistently receive high ratings and great reviews from visitors. It means many people enjoyed their time at the park.
Activities and Fun Things to Do
Lake Guntersville State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors of all ages. You can find something fun to do whether you love relaxing or seeking adventure.
Resort and Lodging Options
The park features a resort inn located on Taylor Mountain. This inn includes a restaurant where you can enjoy meals. There is also a convention complex for meetings and events. For different lodging experiences, the park offers lakeview cottages. There is also a lakeside campground for those who prefer camping.
Outdoor Adventures and Sports
- Golf Course: The park has an 18-hole golf course for golf enthusiasts.
- Fishing Center: If you love fishing, there's a dedicated fishing center.
- Beach Complex: Enjoy swimming and relaxing at the park's beach complex.
- Trails: The park has about 36 miles (58 kilometers) of trails. These trails are designated as National Recreation Trails. You can use them for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
- Zip Lining: For thrill-seekers, the park opened a zip lining course in 2016. They even added a more challenging Level 2 course in 2017.
