Those wanting to learn more about the history of Athens, Elkmont and Mooresville are invited to participate in guided walking tours each Saturday in April, the first of which is set for this weekend.

Check-ins for walks in Athens and Mooresville will kick off at 9:45 a.m., with walks beginning at 10. Elkmont’s walk also begins at 10 a.m.

The tours are coordinated by the Alabama Tourism Department as part of the state’s ongoing bicentennial celebration. Alabama is the only state in the nation to hold statewide, simultaneous walking tours, according to a press release from the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association.

“These walking tours are a great way to get out and enjoy the spring weather and find out the history of our state and communities especially during the Alabama Bicentennial ‘Year of Our Stories,’” the release said.

The walks are free and will last about one hour. Attendees can expect to hear tales of how the area was impacted by the Civil War, in addition to stories about early residents, events and places.

Comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket are suggested for the walk, which includes a variety of terrain. For more information, call 256-232-5411.

Walk locations

Athens

Participants will meet at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center, 100 N. Beaty St., Athens. There will be four options to choose from:

• The Beaty historic district with guide Bill Ward;

• The downtown Athens historic district with guide Wendy Yarbrough;

• Athens City Cemetery with guides William Pepper and Zack Magnusson; or

• Athens State University with guide Dakota Cotton.

Some of Athens’ tourism destinations — the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archive, Robert Donnell House & Museum and the Gov. George S. Houston Library & Museum — are also inviting the public to tour the facilities following the walking tour. The Donnell House and Veterans Museum are also Alabama 200 PastPort locations.

Mooresville

Like Athens, Mooresville’s guided tour will last about an hour. It will explore the history and people of the state’s oldest incorporated town. The homes and structures were featured in Disney’s live-action movie, “Tom and Huck.”

Check-in and departure will be at the town’s historic post office, 24995 Lauderdale St. Attendees should wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket.

Elkmont

Attendees will depart from the Elkmont Depot, 25450 Railroad St., and be led by local guides from the Elkmont Historical Society. Sights on the door will include a reclaimed cotton mill, historic buildings and the former L&N railway, which is now the Richard Martin Rails to Trails. Guides will share stories about the Civil War and Elkmont’s cotton farming history.