Coffee County: Culture, History and Nature

Coffee County brings together distinctive memorial sites and small museums with opportunities to spend time outdoors. A historic birthplace, a monument in the heart of Enterprise, and a former railroad depot give history tangible settings. For active pursuits, consider the trails in Johnny Henderson Park and Coffee County State Public Fishing Lake, among other options. You can tailor your trip to the subjects that interest you most.

Discover History in Its Original Settings

In downtown Elba is the Governor James E. (Big Jim) Folsom Birthplace, designated a historic landmark by Alabama. The Old Jail is also in Elba. The Pea River Museum is housed in the old Enterprise Railroad Depot: built in 1903, the depot has served the society as a museum since 1974. The museum’s collection includes historic clothing, agricultural equipment, furniture, and weapons—various items that offer insights into everyday life, work, and history.

Enterprise is also home to several memorial sites. The Boll Weevil Monument stands in the heart of downtown and was unveiled on December 11, 1919. Its message is about hope, perseverance, and resilience. Enterprise City Cemetery, the town’s original historic cemetery, contains the graves of more than 40 Civil War soldiers, as well as early pioneers and local founders. The Wall of Freedom memorial commemorates fallen soldiers from Coffee County. At the intersection of Park Avenue and Plaza Drive, a monument honors aviators of the past, present, and future.

Elba Veterans Memorial Park is home to the first “Lest They Be Forgotten” monument in the United States. It is dedicated to Sergeant Jason D. Jordan, who was from Elba. These different forms of remembrance—from a historic cemetery to a monument in the city center to a park—each give the places their own connection to the past.

Events and Time Outdoors

In Enterprise, the Boll Weevil Fall Festival is an annual tradition in the historic downtown. The World’s Smallest St. Patrick’s Day Parade has just one participant: the Grand Marshal. The Piney Woods Arts Festival takes place each year on the first weekend in April on the grounds of Enterprise State Community College. Check the dates and program for your travel year before planning around them.

If you enjoy being active outdoors, Johnny Henderson Park has trails for walking, running, hiking, and biking. The LZ Disc Golf Course in Johnny Henderson Family Park is located at 1901 Neil Metcalf Road, off Route 167N, in Enterprise. Since trail conditions and facility details can change, it’s a good idea to check current information before your visit.

Coffee County State Public Fishing Lake covers 80 acres and is stocked with largemouth bass, sunfish, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie. Since fish stocks and operations can change, check current information before a fishing trip. The Pea River runs from north to south through the middle of Coffee County. Options on the river include floating and fishing in a small flat-bottomed boat or a canoe.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to first decide what you’d like to focus on: historic sites and museum collections, an event on a set date, or outdoor activities. That way, you can tailor your accommodation search to your planned stops and travel dates without limiting yourself to just one way of exploring. Enterprise Municipal Airport is just outside Enterprise in Coffee County. You can also visit the town page for Enterprise.

Discover more destinations: Dekalb County, Montgomery, Cleburne, Jefferson, Pickens County, Etowah, Greene County.

View the main travel overview: Alabama.