The Best Outdoor Art Stops in DeKalb County, Alabama
Written By Emma Goggans
DeKalb County, Alabama, is more than just natural beauty and historic charm—it’s also home to a vibrant outdoor art scene. From colorful murals that tell the stories of our towns to whimsical sculptures that spark curiosity, exploring the outdoor art scene here is like embarking on a treasure hunt. Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh perspective or a visitor hoping to experience the area in a unique way, here’s where to find some of the coolest and most interesting public art in DeKalb County.
- Alabama Band Statues
Located in downtown Fort Payne, these life-sized bronze statues, created by Paula Devereaux from Texas, honor the legendary country music group Alabama, whose roots run deep in this charming mountain town. The statues capture the band members with their instruments, allowing fans to connect with their musical legacy in a unique and tangible way. Fans from all over the world visit this spot to snap photos with the statues.
The statues not only celebrate the band’s monumental success—over 75 million records sold, numerous awards, and hits like Mountain Music and Dixieland Delight—but also serve as a reminder of their philanthropic contributions to Fort Payne and beyond. A stroll through this area offers more than just a look at impressive public art; it’s a chance to connect with the band’s legacy, from their humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential acts in country music history.
Gault Ave. & 4th St. North Fort Payne, AL 35967
- The Dye Ditch Gang
This quirky and heartfelt tribute to Fort Payne’s millworking history is as charming as it is unexpected. Inspired by the iconic Dye Ditch, the playful sculptures depict local millworkers, celebrating the hardworking community that helped shape the town. The Dye Ditch itself, a beloved and historically significant drainage channel, once carried the colorful runoff from the town’s bustling hosiery mills, earning its nickname for the vibrant hues that would streak through its waters.
The sculptures, created by Bobby Welch Works, bring these stories to life with whimsical, larger-than-life figures that honor the legacy of the millworkers who contributed to Fort Payne’s thriving textile industry. The art installation not only adds a whimsical and nostalgic touch to an otherwise ordinary drainage ditch but also invites visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate how art can breathe life into the most unexpected places.
151 5th St NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967
- Junkosaurus Wrecks
One of the most unique sculptures in the county is a life-sized metal dinosaur that sits atop Lookout Mountain and greets visitors along the Lookout Mountain Parkway. Junkosaurus Wrecks is a twenty-one feet tall sculpture built by local artist Ekim Snaggog. The sculpture weighs approximately one and a half tons and was constructed with over two thousand pieces of junk (from anything as small as a spark plug to as large as an entire lawn mower).
Ekim Snaggog, known to locals as Mike Goggans, built Junkosaurus Wrecks over a period of 10 years using thousands of nuts, bolts, washers, and wire. However, Junkosaurus Wrecks isn’t the only creation of Mike’s to see. The lot next to Barnyard Antiques is filled with over 20 of Mike’s creations including: a ten-foot-tall robot named Lirpa Anad Nitsud, a giant Rattle Headed Copper Moccasin, and Junkaroo and Baby Roo. Junkosaurus Wrecks & Mike Goggans’s Junk Sculpture Garden is a must-see attraction on Lookout Mountain!
4616 DeSoto Parkway, Fort Payne, AL 35967
- Mosaic Stairwell at DeSoto Falls
Tucked away at one of Alabama’s most picturesque waterfalls, the mosaic stairwell at DeSoto Falls is a colorful surprise amid natural beauty. The vibrant tiles create a beautiful path of art, featuring nature-inspired designs, vivid colors, and storytelling elements. After enjoying the overlook of the falls, you can take in the area’s culture and enjoy the artistic vision behind this fun community project through your ascent of the stairwell.
- Make Your Mark on Mentone
A dynamic and ever-changing addition to Mentone’s outdoor art scene, Make Your Mark on Mentone invites both artists and visitors to experience the magic of chalk art in a truly interactive way. Launched in 2024 by the Little River Arts Council, this project was created to celebrate the artistry of chalk while fostering community engagement with public art. What began as a temporary installation has now become a permanent feature near the Mentone Inn, serving as a canvas for talented artists to showcase their work.
Each new design brings fresh creativity to the space, with vibrant, large-scale chalk murals that capture the spirit of the area. Since chalk is a temporary medium, visitors can return again and again to see how the space transforms with each new contribution. Whether you’re an artist looking to leave your own mark or a visitor hoping to admire the latest design, Make Your Mark on Mentone offers a unique and inspiring way to experience the town’s creative energy.
Next to the Mentone Inn at the corner of Hwy 117 and 89
- Sequoyah Sculpture Garden
Nestled in the serene garden of the Mentone Arts Center, the Sequoyah Sculpture stands as a powerful tribute to Cherokee history and culture. Created by artists Betsy Scott and Carl McCleskey, this bronze sculpture was donated to the arts center in 2019 and has since become a cherished piece of Mentone’s outdoor art scene. The sculpture depicts Sequoyah, the Cherokee silversmith and creator of the Cherokee syllabary, holding a tablet inscribed with his written language.
Surrounded by vibrant blooms and natural greenery, the sculpture invites visitors to reflect on the region’s rich Native American heritage. Whether you’re exploring the arts center’s indoor galleries or strolling through the tranquil garden, the Sequoyah Sculpture is a must-see stop for art and history enthusiasts alike.
5951 AL Highway 117, Mentone, AL
- Firmly Planted, Moving Forward (Moon Lake Village)
At Moon Lake Village in Mentone, a vibrant new sculpture garden invites visitors to explore the intersection of art, nature, and community history. Just off Alabama Highway 117 on East River Road, this thoughtfully designed space features local artist shops, hand-crafted artisan benches, and the showstopping centerpiece: a 10-foot-tall aluminum totem titled Firmly Planted, Forward Moving created by Deedee Morrison.
The sculpture, shaped like a white oak leaf, pays homage to the 240-year-old white oak tree that has stood watch over the former Moon Lake Elementary School for generations. The tree’s enduring presence is a symbol of strength and resilience, much like the community itself. As visitors wander through the garden, they’ll find a sense of peace and inspiration—a testament to Mentone’s deep-rooted appreciation for the arts and its commitment to moving forward while honoring the past.
5866 E. River Road, Mentone, AL 35984
- MERF’s Pathway to Community
The Pathway to Community project, a collaboration between the Little River Arts Council and the Mentone Educational Resources Foundation (MERF), is a vibrant display of community spirit and creativity. Located along MERF’s 1/4-mile walking trail on Alabama Highway 117 at the eastern edge of Mentone, this project invites visitors to experience art in a truly interactive way.
A highlight of the Pathway to Community is the colorful fence adorned with hundreds of hand-painted pickets, each crafted by local community members. Installed in September 2020, this whimsical fence is more than just an art installation—it’s a celebration of Mentone’s collaborative and welcoming spirit. As you stroll along the pathway, the bright and unique designs offer a joyful reminder of the power of art to bring people together.
4561 AL Highway 117, Mentone, AL
- DeKalb County Mural Trail
There are also 19 full-scale murals throughout DeKalb County. Each mural tells a unique story, from historical events to highlighting local business to the interpretations of community life. The vibrant colors and creative designs provide perfect backdrops for photos while offering a glimpse into the region’s rich culture and artistic talent. If you are interested in viewing all of these murals, you can check out our dedicated Mural Trail for a fully mapped out route to follow at your own pace to experience this open-air gallery.
