More than 170 bird species have been recorded at Wood Duck Nature Park. Over two miles of wooded trails lead to two observation shelters overlooking the lagoon. Bird enthusiasts will find a direct connection here between species diversity, trail distance and observation points.
Observe Nature and Experience the Landscape
Chewacla State Park brings together trail and water experiences: It covers 696 scenic acres, and its trails are open to hikers and mountain bikers. Lake Chewacla offers opportunities for fishing and swimming in the beach area.
The natural areas also differ in scale and focus. Kreher Preserve and Nature Center covers 120 acres with seven natural habitats. The smaller Donald E. Davis Arboretum spans 16 acres and is designated as a botanical garden, outdoor classroom and contribution to conservation. It is dedicated to the native plants and natural communities of Alabama and the southeastern United States. Its nationally accredited collections include oaks and native azaleas. While Kreher Preserve encompasses a diversity of natural habitats, the arboretum focuses on plants and collections.
Buildings and Regional History
The 350-acre Spring Villa Park includes an antebellum house and nature trails. Spring Villa was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 3, 1978. The Old Trade Center is the oldest commercial building in Lee County.
The Museum of East Alabama opened in August 1989 at the original site of the former Clement Hotel. It displays more than 5,000 artifacts related to the history of Opelika, East Alabama and Alabama. Located in historic downtown Opelika, it is next to Lee County Courthouse Square. The historic sites offer different perspectives: Spring Villa and the Old Trade Center represent specific buildings, while the museum takes a broader approach, covering topics from Opelika to Alabama.
Regional Cuisine and Travel Planning
The Pimento Cheese Trail in the Auburn-Opelika area leads to several local stops offering different variations of pimento cheese. Since participating businesses may change, check in advance which stops are currently taking part.
For the wider Auburn-Opelika area, it is also worth considering how to get there: The drive from Montgomery Regional Airport takes about an hour. Groome Transportation offers a shuttle service between Atlanta Airport and several destinations in the Auburn-Opelika area. If you plan to use this service, check current routes before your trip.
If you are looking for a hotel in Lee, first decide whether nature observation, trails and water activities, botany or regional history will shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Auburn, Opelika, Valley, Cullman County, Tallapoosa County, Escambia County, Pike and Dekalb County.
View the main travel overview: Alabama.
