Aliceville: Discover History and Nature

Aliceville brings a specific chapter of prisoner-of-war history into focus; other travel interests include activities at Aliceville Reservoir and searching at Shark Tooth Creek. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, it is worth considering whether you mainly want to explore Aliceville’s historical sites or also plan experiences on the water.

Prisoner-of-War History and Historic Buildings

The Aliceville Museum’s main exhibition features artifacts from the Aliceville Prisoner of War Camp, which existed from 1942 to 1945. More than 6,100 German prisoners of war were housed there. The museum’s exhibition on German prisoners of war includes the largest collection of artifacts from World War II prisoner-of-war camps in the United States. Together, these aspects lead from the history of a specific camp to the broader subject of prisoner-of-war camps in the United States.

A specific date adds to this historical timeline: On June 2, 1943, the first members of Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps arrived in Aliceville. The museum also features a Coca-Cola bottling plant exhibition dating to around 1948. Different historical references are presented side by side: the years the camp operated, a specific day in 1943, and an exhibition from around 1948.

The Aliceville Library building also offers a distinct perspective on local history. Built in 1912, it has been renovated and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum and library building thus offer two different historical subjects to consider when planning your stay.

Water Activities and Fossil Hunting

Aliceville Reservoir is about 12 miles northwest of Aliceville. It has modern campgrounds, basic camping areas, and day-use facilities. Public access is available from the shore and by boat. Facilities and fishing conditions may change; check the current conditions before your trip.

Below the dam, fishing is for catfish, crappie, bass, and drum. This fishing spot is distinct from the general camping and day-use facilities: If you want to fish specifically, you can plan to visit the area below the dam and target the species listed.

At Shark Tooth Creek, visitors can search for shark teeth and fossils. This offers a different focus from the museum exhibition: here, searching takes center stage, while the museum focuses on historical artifacts. If you want to combine different interests, these activities can shape your travel plans.

A farmers market was organized in Aliceville in 2026 at the Farmers Market Pavilion behind City Hall. Check seasonal details in advance if you plan to include the market in your itinerary.

Choose Your Accommodation Based on Your Travel Interests

A simple way to choose a vacation rental or vacation home is to prioritize what matters to you: If the museum and library building are your main focus, you can search in Aliceville. If the reservoir is also important, factor in its location about 12 miles northwest when planning. What matters is which subjects you want to shape your stay: prisoner-of-war history, fishing and activities at the reservoir, or fossil hunting at Shark Tooth Creek.

For a broader travel overview: Pickens County.