Historic Decatur Union Depot Named North Alabama’s Attraction of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Karen Beasley, Vice President of Marketing & Communications

Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association

PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381

Historic Decatur Union Depot Named North Alabama’s Attraction of the Year

Decatur, Ala. (September 18, 2025) - The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) has honored the Historic Decatur Union Depot as the 2025 Attraction of the Year. The award is among 13 that comprise the 2025 PEAK Awards that were presented today at the AMLA Annual Meeting held at The Venue at Coosa Landing in Gadsden, Ala.

Representing the highest achievement in North Alabama tourism, the PEAK Awards program pays tribute to tourism leaders, attractions, festivals and organizations that set the bar for North Alabama’s $4.9 billion tourism industry. The Attraction of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member attraction that has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.

Built by the Southern Railway in 1905, the Historic Decatur Union Depot stands as a proud symbol of Decatur’s rich railroad heritage which extends back to the 1830s when the first railroad west of the Allegheny Mountains, Tuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur was built. A union depot was the result of the joint use of the depot by two railroads, the Southern and the Louisville and Nashville railroads. Today, the Depot remains a vibrant part of the community. This year it expects to welcome more than 8,000 visitors, with guests already arriving from Paris, Germany and across the United States. The Depot is also home to the Midsouth Division of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) whose members not only showcase their model train displays but also volunteer their time as tour guides, enriching the visitor experience. The building underwent a complete restoration in 2015 and early 2016, carefully preserving original architectural elements such as high ceilings, wainscoting, original doors and windows and the historic brick and plaster walls. Among its special features is the John R. Cook and Lynn Cook wooden viewing platform, a favorite spot for train watching. The Depot’s loading dock, outfitted with benches and picnic tables, provides a welcoming space for visitors to enjoy a meal or host a special function.

“The PEAK Awards are a symbol of excellence in North Alabama tourism, recognizing those that have made a significant and lasting impact on our industry,” said AMLA President/CEO Tami Reist. “This year’s recipients embody the passion, innovation and dedication that make North Alabama a must-experience destination. Their efforts not only enhance the visitor experience but also strengthen our communities and economy. We are proud to recognize their contributions and celebrate the bright future of tourism in North Alabama.”

Thirteen awards were handed out at the awards presentation, held during the annual meeting. This year’s award winners are:

Organization of the Year

The Organization of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member organization that has contributed significantly to the betterment and development of tourism in North Alabama in the past year.

Winner: Visit Cullman / Cullman County Tourism Bureau

Event of the Year

The Event of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member special event or festival that has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.

Winner: River Clay Fine Arts Festival

Attraction of the Year

The Attraction of the Year award is presented to the AMLA member attraction that has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.

Winner: Historic Decatur Union Depot

Good Neighbor Award

The “Good Neighbor” Friend of Tourism Award is presented to a person or organization whose body of work has had a significant impact on tourism in the past year.

Winner: Tanya Arnold, Visit Cullman Tourism Ambassador

Northern Star Award

The Northern Star Award is presented to an individual, such as a ranger, guide and a front line employee, who has gone “above and beyond” expectations.

Winner: Wyatt Oliver, Creative Engineer/Craftsman, Bear Creek Collaborative

Young Professional of the Year Award

The Young Professional of the Year “Green Apple Award” is awarded to a person who has been in the tourism business less than seven years and has exhibited extraordinary leadership skills and initiative associated with their position.

Winner: Curtis Venetta, Marketing and Events Specialist, Madison Chamber of Commerce

Tourism Professional of the Year

The Tourism Professional of the Year award is presented to an individual or employee of an AMLA member organization who has made a great contribution to tourism in the past year.

Winner: Susann Hamlin, President/CEO, Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau

Lasting Impression Award

The Lasting Impression Award is presented to an attraction, event, person or organization that has provided a “lasting impression” on tourists thereby improving the overall image of tourism in North Alabama.

Winner: Scottsboro BBQ Festival

Chairman’s Cup

The Chairman’s Cup Award is given annually to a travel writer or media person who has over time demonstrated support of AMLA, the region and its tourism activities.

Winner: Bishop Chavers, Publisher and Founder, Alabama Magazine

President’s Award

The President’s Award is presented to any person or organization whose tourism-related project created awareness or presented a positive image for North Alabama in the past year.

Winners: Cullman Christkindlmarkt

North Alabama Ambassador of the Year

The award recognizes the work and achievements of a top performing North Alabama Ambassador in the past year.

Winner: Katiya McKinney, Madison, Ala.

North Alabama Film Commission Reel Difference Award

The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the North Alabama film industry in the past year.

Winner: Codie Gopher, President, Meridian Media

Flawless Champion Award

The award honors an individual who embodies an extraordinary commitment to going above and beyond and setting a shining example of what it means to deliver hospitality with true excellence.

Winner: Claire Workinger, Administrator and Marketing Executive, Holistic Performance Group

In addition to the PEAK Awards, six individuals have been named a North Alabama “String of Pearls” leader. The “String of Pearl Leaders” award was created to recognize North Alabama’s cornerstone professionals in the tourism and travel industry. In 1960, Dick Ordway, Decatur Chamber of Commerce Director and one of the visionaries and founders of AMLA said, “Even back then we saw North Alabama had a number of quality destinations laid out across the region next to the Tennessee River like a string of pearls.” His efforts were the cornerstone for the creation of AMLA and his vision is what the “string of pearls” recognition is based on. Honorees are:

Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr of Decatur, Ala.

Danielle Gibson, President/CEO, Decatur Morgan County Tourism

Jessica Jackson, Manager, Alabama Welcome Center (Ardmore)

Tere Richardson, Executive Director, Athens Main Street

Images of award recipients are available upon request by calling AMLA at 800.648.5381 or by sending an email to karen@northalabama.org.

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About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)

AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the $4.9 billion North Alabama travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, golf courses, restaurants, accommodations and vendors. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381, by visiting www.NorthAlabama.org and by following us on social media @VisitNorthAL.