An octagonal house dating from before the Civil War, a paved trail across an old railroad trestle, and a preserve with nearly 300 bird species offer very different ways to experience Barbour County. Historic architecture, trails along Lake Eufaula, and opportunities for wildlife watching give your trip a range of possibilities. When planning, consider whether you’re most interested in discovering architectural history, spending time outdoors, or attending a local event.
Architecture and History
Fendall Hall is one of Alabama’s most outstanding examples of Italianate architecture. Shorter Mansion offers a different historical perspective: it was built from 1901 to 1906 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The mansion is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visiting hours can change, so check the schedule before your visit.
In Clayton stands the Octagon House, also known as the Petty-Roberts House. Benjamin Franklin Petty built it between 1859 and 1861. It is considered the only surviving purely octagonal residence from before the Civil War in the southeastern United States to use the so-called gravel-wall construction method. Its construction date, unusual shape, and building method make it a distinctive destination for anyone interested in architectural history.
Spring Hill Methodist Church in Spring Hill also combines architectural history with later recognition as a historic landmark: it dates from 1841 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 16, 1996. The Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District includes more than 700 listed buildings. The Eufaula Pilgrimage adds another historical dimension as an annual fundraiser for historic homes; its organization and promotion began in 1965.
Trails and Activities on the Water
The Yoholo Micco Trail crosses Lake Eufaula on an old railroad trestle and ends at Old Creek Town, the site of a former Native American village. The paved trail is suitable for hiking, running, and cycling. Away from the trail, a nature path winds through an old-growth hardwood forest to a waterfall. You can choose between a route with a historic destination and one that leads through the woods to a natural feature.
At Lakepoint State Park, activities include hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and wildlife and bird watching. The park has four trails, most of which are about a mile long. Blue Springs State Park also has hiking trails. Its swimming pools are fed by a crystal-clear underground spring that remains at 68 degrees year-round. The different trail lengths and activities offer practical ways to plan your stay around outdoor exercise or time on the water.
Boating access is available along the entire length of Lake Eufaula. Public fishing piers are located at Old Creek Town Park and Highland Park. For guided kayak tours, Kayak Eufaula offers single and tandem kayaks, with routes of three or six miles. Booking details and availability can change, so check them when planning your trip.
Wildlife Watching and Local Events
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge includes remnants of longleaf pine forest and a mosaic of wetlands, agricultural land, forests, fallow fields, grasslands, and open water. Its habitats support nearly 300 bird species and 40 mammal species. At Lakepoint Resort State Park, the Alabama Wiregrass Birding Trail offers another point of interest for bird enthusiasts. The range of species and habitats shows how varied the landscape is, without limiting wildlife watching to just one type of environment.
Events also shape local discoveries. Clio hosts the Chitlin’ Jamboree each May, featuring a cooking competition and parade. Jones Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church is the venue for Barbour County’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Celebration. If you’re traveling for an event, check the exact dates in advance. Near Clayton on County Road 49, Barbour County Wildlife Management Area offers opportunities to hunt deer, turkeys, and wild pigs.
Barbour County can be explored through a range of interests: from homes with distinctive architectural histories to trails and water activities, bird watching, and recurring events.
Explore more destinations: Eufaula, Etowah, Lee, Escambia County, Tuscaloosa, Baldwin, Clay County, Pickens County.
See the full travel guide: Alabama.
