If you’re new to the area, you’ve probably heard someone (like us) use the term “River Region” at least once. What is the River Region, you ask? Great question! It’s an area that’s made up of the cities of Montgomery, Prattville, Millbrook, and Wetumpka. Here’s your guide to each city in the River Region.
Montgomery
Montgomery is the capital of Alabama and the central hub of the River Region. It’s home to just over 200,000 people and covers 160 square miles.
One of the most prominent areas of Montgomery is the newly revitalized downtown area, complete with a riverboat, a state-of-the-art baseball stadium, dozens of great restaurants, and so much more. You can do just about anything in Downtown Montgomery, from catching a live performance at the 1,800-seat Montgomery Performing Arts Center to grabbing a drink from the amazing selection of bars and restaurants. You can even arrange to take a tour of the area on a horsedrawn carriage! If you love history and want to have a good time, Downtown Montgomery is the perfect place for you.
East Montgomery is filled to the brim with restaurants and all the shopping your heart could possibly desire. There are several new housing developments in this area, and it’s growing so quickly. Lots of people love this area because it’s a newer part of the city and there’s so much going on all the time.
Another popular area of Montgomery is Old Cloverdale. This historic area is teeming with gorgeous homes, cool local shops, and even Montgomery’s only independent movie theater, The Capri. If you’re a fan of historic homes and shopping and eating at local small businesses, we definitely suggest checking out Old Cloverdale.
Did you know?
- Montgomery is ranked #8 on the Top 10 Most Affordable Cities for Homebuyers.
- Montgomery offers low annual real estate taxes, making it a great place to invest in property.
- Montgomery was listed as one of the Top 10 Places to Travel in 2021 by Bloomberg.
Prattville
Prattville is located just north of Montgomery off I-65. This city is home to approximately 36,000 people and covers 36 square miles, making it the perfect place to live and visit if you’re looking for that small-town Southern charm.
Prattville is known as “The Fountain City” because of all the artesian wells that can be found around town. There’s lots to do in Prattville, from visiting Alabama’s first Bass Pro Outdoor World to playing a few rounds at the Robert Trent Jones Capitol Hill Golf Complex.
In the mood for shopping? You’ll love exploring Downtown Prattville and the Creekwalk. Nestled on the banks of the Autauga Creek, this area is home to several small retailers that sell everything from trendy clothing to home decor. You can take a break from shopping and grab a bite to eat from this area’s many restaurants, including Uncle Mick’s Cajun Market and the iconic Little Red Cupcake. Want to do more than shopping and eating in Downtown Prattville? Relax in the Creekwalk Garden or try your hand at kayaking on the creek— there’s a trail that starts right behind City Hall.
Did you know?
- Prattville’s RTJ Capitol Hill Trail hosts an LPGA Tournament each year.
- Prattville is also known as the “Birthplace of Industry in Alabama”.
- Wilson Pickett, the legendary R&B and soul singer and songwriter, was from Prattville.
Millbrook
Millbrook is conveniently located off I-65. Its four-zip code area is home to nearly 35,000, and the city itself spans over 13 square miles. Just like Prattville, Millbrook is a great place to find a small-town feel without sacrificing amenities and things to do.
Outdoor enthusiasts will definitely not have a shortage of things to do in Millbrook, as the great outdoors plays a huge role in Millbrook’s overall quality of life. There are tons of outdoor activities to take part in, from golfing at the city-owned golf course to walking miles of trails at the Alabama Nature Center. There are also tons of spots to access the areas lakes and waterways, including the Alabama River and scenic Lakes Martin and Jordan.
Did you know?
- Millbrook was incorporated as a city in 1977.
- Millbrook can be accessed from three different exits on I-65.
- Millbrook’s Jackson Lake Island is home to the “Town of Spectre” movie set from Tim Burton’s Big Fish.
Wetumpka
Wetumpka is a rapidly growing area in the River Region. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians along the Coosa River, this city is home to just over 8,000 people and covers 12 square miles. This smaller population and space gives the city that classic small-town feel, even more so than Prattville and Wetumpka.
Downtown Wetumpka recently underwent a total makeover as part of HGTV’s Hometown Takeover. New additions include the Tourist Trap, Sweet Home Bookstore, and so much more.
Another major attraction in Wetumpka is Wind Creek Casino and Hotel. This facility houses over 2,500 gaming machines spread over 85,000 square feet. The property is also home to a 20-story hotel and several fabulous restaurants. In addition to providing lots of fun for visitors, Wind Creek is one of the top employers in Elmore County.
Did you know?
- Wetumpka has been part of many filming productions over the years, including Big Fish, The Rosa Parks Story, and Sons of the South.
- Wetumpka was hit by a meteor that left a four-mile-wide crater in the area over 83 million years ago.
- The name “Wetumpka” comes from a Creek Indian word for “rumbling waters”.
BONUS: Pike Road
Located in eastern Montgomery County, Pike Road is a booming area with a population of over 10,000. This town covers approximately 36 square feet, giving it a tight-knit community feel.
Pike Road is actually home to some of Montgomery County’s oldest settlements. It currently consists of over 40 distinct neighborhoods that are all filled with gorgeous homes, and it’s all conveniently located near plenty of restaurants, shops, and other amenities.
Did you know?
- Pike Road was officially incorporated in 1997.
- Pike Road’s Veterans Memeorial honors America’s veterans with commemorative bricks.
- Pike Road has several natural trails you can walk or bike.