Two new turtles added to Decatur’s Downtown Turtle Trail

Visitors and residents alike are invited to explore the heart of Decatur through the Downtown Turtle Trail, a growing public art experience that blends local history, creativity and outdoor exploration.

The trail recently expanded with the addition of two new turtle sculptures ahead of a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for January 23, 2026, at the MeritHouse. The addition brings the total number of turtles on display to 12.

Decatur Morgan County Tourism introduced the new members — Tallulah and The Judge — in a social media post.

The Downtown Turtle Trail is a collection of bronze turtle sculptures placed throughout downtown Decatur, primarily along and around Second Avenue.

The trail features 10 — now 12 — primary turtles that make up the interactive scavenger hunt, each designed with a unique accessory highlighting a piece of Decatur’s history.

“Talullah,” is named after Mrs. Tallulah Crane who owned Crane’s Cafeteria, a local favorite for meat & three cafeteria-style meals. “The Judge” was named in honor of Judge David Breland who served Morgan County for 25 years.

The trail was conceived by Lucy Orr while she was a junior at Decatur Heritage Christian Academy. Inspired by similar sculpture trails in other cities, Orr envisioned a project rooted in Decatur’s natural environment and history.

Through her research, she learned that Alabama ranks first in the nation for freshwater turtle species and that turtles are commonly found in the Decatur area near streams that feed into the Tennessee River.

Orr planned the turtle locations throughout downtown, designed each turtle, sculpted their accessories and worked with local tourism officials to help brand and promote the Downtown Turtle Trail.

The turtle sculptures were created by Everett Cox, who carved the shells and limbs and cast the turtles in bronze based on Orr’s designs. Cox produces his work in his studio at Lowe Mill in Huntsville and specializes in figure sculpting and bronze casting.

Visitors can begin the Downtown Turtle Trail by picking up a guide at the Decatur Visitors Center on Market Street or by downloading a digital guide online. Participants are encouraged to locate the primary turtles that make up the official trail challenge.

Those who find all turtles can participate in the contest by posting photos with each turtle on social media using the hashtags #TurtleTrail and #DecaturDowntown.

After posting, participants can visit the Cook Museum of Natural Science Museum Store on Holly Street or the Decatur Morgan County Tourism office on 6th Avenue and show their photos to receive a special prize.

With its mix of art, history and walkable discovery, the Downtown Turtle Trail offers both visitors and locals a fresh way to experience downtown Decatur — one turtle at a time.

Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.