The Pioneer Museum of Alabama opened in 1971 with the goal of preserving the history of the pioneers who settled Alabama, the gateway to the last Frontier. The collection began with one main building and a log cabin and continues to grow with the addition of artifacts, buildings and facilities. Today, the museum has more than 18,000 artifacts, 15 historic buildings, an authentic 1881 wood burning locomotive, a covered bridge, an amphitheater and a nature trail and is located on over 40 acres of beautiful wooded land. The museum received the 2003 Attraction of the Year award from the Southeast Alabama Trails, a tourism association covering thirteen Alabama counties.