Alabama's Very Own Wetumpka Was Recently Named One Of The South's Best Small Towns

How did Wetumpka, AL get its name?

With a unique name like Wetumpka, surely, you must be curious about how this tiny town got its name. And of course, the first thing that would come to mind is that it was derived from Native Americans. And in fact, that would be correct. Before 1714, the land was settled by the Creek tribe, now known as the Muscogee Nation. And then later, the French and the British inhabitants settled the land. The name Wetumpka is derived from two Native American words. The first is ‘we-wau’ meaning water and the second is ‘tum-cau’ meaning rumbling or sounding. This was in reference to the cadence of the rapids racing across the rocky Coosa River that runs adjacent to the town. As you read in this article, this town is one of the best small towns to visit in Alabama. And here’s a previous article about Wetumpka and how the town became a culinary destination in the U.S. 

What are some things to do in Wetumpka, Alabama?

Perhaps you have heard of Wetumpka from movies or maybe you saw the town get restored on HGTV, or it could be that you read about it in Southern Living. Regardless if you have heard of this small town or not, it’s a great place to visit because there is so much to do and see. The town is nicknamed “The City of Natural Beauty” and it has rightfully earned that name. It’s sprinkled with gorgeous parks, lakes, hiking trails, and more, making it the perfect place for the outdoor enthusiast. You can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding on the Coosa River. Or you can plan a picnic at nearby Corn Creek Wilderness Park, or if you enjoy birdwatching, grab your camera and head to Gold Star Park. If you’re not an outdoor enthusiast, no worries, there are museums, shops, and lots of restaurants where you can spend the day. Wetumpka is a great small town in Alabama worthy of a day trip.