Dothan

Dothan is the largest city in southeastern Alabama and the chief city of the western Wiregrass region, with a population of about 68,000 (2018). Known as the "Peanut Capital of the World," approximately one-quarter of the peanuts grown in the United States are cultivated within 75 miles of the city. Dothan hosts the annual National Peanut Festival (since 1938), reflecting its deep agricultural roots. Originally called "Poplar Head," the city was incorporated in 1885 and renamed after the village mentioned in Genesis 37:17.

The climate is humid subtropical, with hot, sticky summers reaching 90°F (32°C) or more, and generally mild winters averaging 59°F (15°C). Snowfall is rare. Dothan sits at the junction of US Highways 231, 431, and 84, approximately 20 miles north of the Florida state line.

By Plane

Dothan Regional Airport is located northwest of the city in Napier Field, served by ExpressJet (Delta subsidiary) with flights to and from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

By Car / Road

Dothan sits at the junction of US Highways 231, 431, and 84, all four-laned for several miles beyond the city limits. US-231 is four-laned all the way to Montgomery (north) and Panama City, FL (south). There is no interstate service in this part of Alabama. The city is encircled by the four-lane Ross-Clark Circle bypass. Greyhound bus service is available at 285 S. Foster St., ☏ +1 334-792-1191.

There is no public transit system in Dothan, so a car or bicycle is essential. Traffic on the Ross-Clark Circle can be heavy during rush hours and around lunchtime.

US Army Aviation Museum — Located at Fort Rucker, about 20 miles north. Honors the history of Army aviation with displays of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft from the early 20th century to today. Free admission. ID required at Fort Rucker gates.

Dr. George Washington Carver Monument — At the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds. Honors the African-American scientist who created hundreds of products from peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other Southern plants.

Dothan Area Botanical Gardens — Features a paved nature trail through a rose garden, herbs, daylilies, camellias, azaleas, a peaceful pond, and Victorian gazebo.

Dothan Opera House — 115 N St Andrews St, ☏ +1 334 615-3173. Built in 1915, hosting theatre performances, concerts, symphonies, and ballet.

Wiregrass Museum of Art — Features five galleries of changing visual and decorative arts exhibitions, plus ARTventures for children.

World's Smallest City Block — At the intersection of North Appletree, Museum, and Troy streets. A triangular plot marked by a granite marker placed in 1964.

Peanuts Around Town — A public art project with 5-foot-tall peanut sculptures decorated in various fashions displayed around Dothan.

Landmark Park — Alabama's official agriculture museum with a 1900s farmstead, boardwalk, nature trail, planetarium, and playground.

Adventureland Theme Park — A family-oriented mini-theme park with two 18-hole miniature golf courses, go-cart track, bumper boats, batting cages, roller coaster simulator, and arcade.

Highland Oaks Golf Course — Part of Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, proclaimed by Golf Digest as the 7th best public course in the US. 36-hole facility.

Water World — Ocean-size waves in the giant wave pool and twisting water slides.

Dothan has a variety of dining options, including standard chain restaurants and local establishments. Southern barbecue, fried catfish, and Southern comfort food are local specialties.

Water is safe to drink in Dothan. The town has limited nightlife with restaurants serving beer and wine.

Downtown Dothan features the Wiregrass Murals, an ongoing project of historic murals painted by nationally acclaimed muralists on building walls. Guided tours available. Local shops offer Southern crafts and agricultural products.

• Enterprise (25 minutes west) — Home of the Boll Weevil Monument and a tribute to agricultural resilience.
• Ozark (30 minutes north) — Small town with the Alabamaacic Track and Dale County history.
• Panama City Beach, FL (1.5 hours south) — Gulf Coast beaches and resort amenities.
• Troy (45 minutes northwest) — Troy University and the Pioneer Museum.
• Auburn (1 hour northwest) — Auburn University and college town atmosphere.