Discover Barbour County

Barbour County combines historic architecture with trails, waterways and wildlife habitats. During your stay, you can focus on architectural history, outdoor activities or wildlife viewing; annual events add their own distinctive touches.

Architecture and History

Fendall Hall is one of the finest examples of Italianate architecture in Alabama. Shorter Mansion 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.; check visiting hours before your visit.

The Octagon House in Clayton, also known as the Petty-Roberts House, was built between 1859 and 1861 by Benjamin Franklin Petty. It is considered possibly the only surviving purely octagonal residence from the pre-Civil War period in the southeastern United States built using the so-called gravel-wall construction method. Its unusual octagonal shape and construction give the house a distinctive architectural character.

Spring Hill and Eufaula also have specific historical milestones: Spring Hill Methodist Church in Spring Hill dates to 1841 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 16, 1996. Woodlane Plantation in Eufaula dates from 1852 to 1952; it was added to the Register on March 29, 2006. The Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District includes more than 700 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Eufaula Pilgrimage is an annual fundraising event benefiting historic homes; its organization and promotion began in 1965. Every May, Clio hosts the Chitlin' Jamboree, featuring a cooking competition and parade. Jones Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church is the site of Barbour County's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Celebration.

Trails, Water and Nature

The paved 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 trail is suitable for hiking, running and cycling. A nature trail also branches off, leading through an old hardwood forest to a waterfall.

Lakepoint State Park offers hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and wildlife and bird watching. It has four hiking trails, most of which are about a mile long. Lakepoint Resort State Park is also a stop on the Alabama Wiregrass Birding Trail. Blue Springs State Park also has hiking trails.

Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge offers a different perspective on the landscape: its habitats provide suitable conditions for nearly 300 bird species and 40 mammal species. The area includes remnants of longleaf pine forests and a mosaic of wetlands, farmland, woodlands, fallow fields, grasslands and open water. This variety of habitats complements the region's trails and waterways.

Boats can access the entire length of Lake Eufaula; public fishing piers are located at Old Creek Town Park and Highland Park. Kayak Eufaula offers guided solo or tandem kayak tours covering three or six miles. Confirm booking details and availability in advance, as both may change.

Near Clayton, off County Road 49, Barbour County Wildlife Management Area offers excellent opportunities to hunt deer, turkeys and wild hogs. Alongside hiking, paddling and wildlife viewing, hunting is another distinct outdoor option.

Discover more destinations: Eufaula, Etowah, Marion County, Escambia County, Tuscaloosa, Talladega, Greene County, Cullman County

For the main travel overview: Alabama.