Escambia County: Forests, History and Culture

Escambia County’s character is reflected in its forests and waterways as well as its historic sites, museums and regional events. When planning your stay, you can consider nature, culture and event dates as separate areas of focus. A particularly clear comparison is between Conecuh National Forest and Little River State Forest.

Forests, creeks and fishing waters

Conecuh National Forest lies in southern Alabama along the Florida border, in Covington and Escambia Counties. Little River State Forest differs in size and forest type: it encompasses about 2,100 acres of longleaf pine forest between Monroe County and Escambia County. The two areas therefore offer different options for a nature-focused stay: Conecuh National Forest, with its location on the state border, and Little River State Forest, with its longleaf pine forest.

The history of Little River State Forest dates back to 1934. At that time, the Civilian Conservation Corps established a public park in the Atmore area, which later became the state forest. This historical connection adds a specific point of reference to the description of the natural area.

Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve is located on Big Escambia Creek. Activities available to the public include camping, hiking, cycling, fishing, birdwatching and horseback riding. The reserve also offers tubing trips on Big Escambia Creek and has a 7-mile riding trail. Check activities and operating status before your visit; conditions and operations may affect water excursions. It is also advisable to check access to and the condition of the riding trail in advance.

Another fishing destination is Escambia County State Public Fishing Lake, also called Leon Brooks Hines Lake. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, catfish and crappie. Together with the activities on Big Escambia Creek, this gives you a specific selection of different nature and water-related experiences to consider when planning your trip.

History, museums and events

Brewton Historic Commercial District encompasses Brewton’s early business district. Most of its buildings date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Those interested in the development of historic business districts will find a different focus here than in the forest and creek experiences.

Brewton is also home to the Thomas McMillan Museum and Alabama Room: a local history museum and genealogy center in the Fine Arts Center on the Coastal Alabama Community College campus. Its combination of local history and genealogy makes it a distinctive cultural attraction in the county.

The Poarch Creek Indians Museum features traditional Creek art. Exhibits include baskets, pottery, textiles, shell ornaments, copperwork and quilts. The range of materials offers a concrete insight into the variety of art forms presented by the museum.

The Alabama Blueberry Festival is held annually at Jennings Park in Brewton. Blueberries and products such as blueberry bushes, blueberry ice cream, blueberry crunch and cobbler are at the heart of the festival. Specific food offerings may vary from year to year, so check event dates as you plan your trip.

Atmore Dragway hosts events featuring bracket racing, dragsters and motorcycles. If motorsports are among your interests, check the event calendar before your visit. This will help you match Escambia County’s different attractions—forests and waterways, historic sites, museums or events—to your travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Atmore, Huxford, Brewton, Fayette County, Lee, Barbour County, Tallapoosa County and Marshall County.

For the broader travel overview: Alabama.