Longleaf Destinations

Landmark Park: A Living History Museum and Park - Dothan, Alabama

By Laura Weber, Executive Director, Landmark Park/Alabama Agricultural Museum

Landmark Park, home to Alabama's Official Museum of Agriculture, is pleased to announce the installation of a brandnew exhibit depicting the longleaf pine ecosystem! Designed by Backstory Media and Kelton Designs, this interactive exhibit features live animals, taxidermy, a kid-sized gopher tortoise burrow, and interpretive panels that showcase the longleaf pine ecosystem.

The Park was fortunate to secure top exhibit designers Phil Ratliff and John Kelton to develop the project. Extensive research was completed, exploring the plants and animals that inhabit the longleaf pine forest. Clear and concise graphic panels explain the ecosystem’s synergy, while live animals, taxidermy, and sculptures bring the designers’ vision to life.

Live animals include a gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snake, corn snakes, aquatic turtles, and a legless lizard. A demonstration hive of honeybees will also be joining the exhibit in the spring of 2023.

Since the gopher tortoise plays such a key role in the longleaf ecosystem, the live gopher tortoise takes center stage at Landmark Park. Kids can crawl through the kid-sized gopher tortoise burrow and see how it feels to be a keystone species. Visitors will also learn about the importance of controlled burns in a longleaf forest.

After exploring the exhibit, visitors can make their way outside and enjoy the boardwalk and nature trails at Landmark Park. Landmark Park is a site on the Wiregrass Birding Trail, so birders will have an opportunity to see a variety of species.

A. The new exhibit includes an interpretive display on Alabama Landscapes. Photo by Phil Ratliff. B. Park visitors Megan and Georgia Carter explore the gopher tortoise burrow exhibit. Photo by Bence Carter. C. Peak into the “hidden” features of longleaf pine and what is happening belowground. Photo by Phil Ratliff. D. Veteran’s Community Garden at Landmark Park.

This exhibit was made possible by funding obtained through the State of Alabama several years ago. Special thanks to retired Senator Harri Anne Smith and Senator Arthur Orr for contributing to this project. The Park has also recently rebuilt the playground, renovated the elevated boardwalk, designated a dog-friendly walking trail, developed a community garden for veterans, and added a bridal suite to the Stokes Activity Barn.

Landmark Park is a 150-acre living history museum and park located at 430 Landmark Dr. in Dothan, Alabama. It is home to an 1890s living history farmstead, Alabama Agricultural Museum, and many more recreational opportunities. The Park hosts approximately 50,000 visitors annually for field trips, special events, and regular visitation.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for kids, and free for members and children 2 and under. Landmark Park is a Blue Star Museum, allowing active and retired military and up to five family members free admission from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Park’s membership program allows guests to purchase a pass that is good for a full year.

Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. For details on field trips, special events, venue rentals, and more, visit www.landmarkparkdothan.com or call 334.794.3452 or follow us on your favorite social media platforms.