Looking for a unique Alabama roadside attraction? The Rock Zoo, located in Fackler in Northeast Alabama, is definitely like nothing you've ever seen.

By Haley Laurence l hlaurence@al.com



Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

It's exactly how it sounds -- it's rocks crafted into zoo animals. You'll find dozens of critters, from cattle and a rooster ...

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

... to this friendly-looking turtle ...

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

... and this Bama-loving elephant.

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

... and a duck ...

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

There's even a crocodile that stands his ground and protects the other animals.

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

According to a 2012 story by AL.com's Kelly Kazek, farmer Leonard Dawson began the rock zoo in the '70s when someone moved a boulder on his property. He grabbed a paintbrush and painted a rooster on the boulder, and the Rock Zoo was born. Leonard passed away around 13 years ago, and his son, Larry, now acts as head zookeeper.

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

It's a popular spot for tourists and every weekend you'll find someone stopped on the side of the road visiting the site.

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

There's only one rule at the zoo: Don't feed the animals.

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

(Seriously, don't feed the animals, even though there's some watermelon beside the road.)

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

One warning, though: The Rock Zoo isn't the super easiest place to find. It's located on Hwy. 32 in Fackler, on the backroads.

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

It's the ultimate destination for kids, because they can actually "pet" the animals. And if they try to ride them, that's OK, too.

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

So, what are you waiting for? Make your way to Rock Zoo soon.

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

Read more cool Alabama stories:

This little-known Alabama community is the perfect Alabama getaway

Why Frank Lloyd Wright's Rosenbaum house is one of Alabama's finest gems

Which Alabama small town should you live in? Take our quiz here.

10 romantic Alabama getaways

Don't Edit

Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com

Even more Alabama ...

This Alabama outdoors destinations is one of the state's best-kept secrets

13 reasons to visit this Alabama lake town this summer

This Alabama restaurant serves hot dogs out of a treehouse

Don't Edit