1. Overview
Explore the charming city of Atmore, Alabama, rich in history and culture, located within close proximity to the stunning Gulf Coast.
2. Attractions
Learn about the city’s key attractions, from natural parks to cultural exhibits.
3. Dining and Entertainment
Discover a variety of dining options and entertainment venues for a delightful experience.
The city of Atmore, Alabama, is situated 54 miles northeast of Mobile, Alabama, and approximately 50 miles north of Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Carney, a local sawmill proprietor, named the city Atmore in honor of his esteemed colleague, C.P. Atmore, a railroad passenger agent who had never visited the location.
Initially, Atmore was recognized for its agriculture, timber production, and light manufacturing. Furthermore, it is home to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, who established a gaming casino just outside the city limits.
This location serves as an ideal base for exploring Alabama’s diverse offerings, including state forests, intriguing museums, vineyards, and wildlife reserves.
Numerous local festivals and events take place here, such as Mayfest, which features arts and crafts, sports activities, and entertainment, along with the annual Poarch Creek Indian Pow-wow, a Thanksgiving celebration where community members gather to share a turkey feast.
1. Little River State Forest
Located 12 miles north of Atmore, this picturesque lakeside park is surrounded by towering pine trees and lush forests.
The park hosts a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, bobcats, and foxes.
It is also an excellent location for birdwatching, home to numerous species, so be sure to bring binoculars.
The 25-acre lake within the state forest provides a refreshing swimming spot during summer or a perfect area for a leisurely afternoon with family and friends.
Visitors can venture out in a canoe or rent a boat for a day of fishing.
The park is favored for memorial photography as many original structures from its inception in 1934 remain intact.
Whether you seek to hike scenic trails, fish, swim, or camp under the stars, this state forest accommodates it all.
2. Poarch Band of Creek Indians Museum
The Poarch Creek Indians have resided in Alabama around the Poarch reservation for approximately 200 years.
This compelling museum, located around 7 miles north of Atmore, narrates their history and offers insights into life within the reservation through educational, interactive exhibits and displays.
If you visit during the Thanksgiving season, make sure to attend the Poarch Creek Indian Pow-wow, where residents and guests come together for a turkey feast and entertainment.
This museum serves as an excellent starting point for individuals interested in the local history and the narratives of native tribes from the area.
3. Wind Creek Casino
For those of age seeking to try their luck at poker, roulette, and blackjack, the Wind Creek Casino is an ideal destination.
This casino, operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, provides a distinctive gaming experience alongside accommodation and various dining options.
The resort features diverse entertainment including live music performances, a golf course, a cinema, and a bowling alley, along with multiple dining establishments offering everything from buffets to grills and steakhouses.
Alternatively, if table games are not your preference, a broad selection of slot machines offers an opportunity to win a jackpot.
4. The Warehouse Market & Bakery
The Amish-style bakery and grocery store in Atmore opened in 2017, offering a wide range of items necessary for a self-catering RV trip or an apartment stay in Alabama, from grocery essentials to health foods and snacks.
A fine deli counter is available for selecting cheeses and cold cuts, and the bakery prepares fresh bread and pastries daily.
Should you be in search of gifts for family and friends, the store also features handicrafts and jewelry from local artisans.
5. Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve
Situated just 11 miles northeast of Atmore, Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve provides recreational activities suitable for all ages.
Visitors can choose from canoeing, kayaking, or tubing along Big Escambia Creek.
The reserve offers hourly bike rentals, enabling exploration of trails, and campers may bring tents for an overnight stay in a woodland clearing.
There is a 7-mile-long horseback riding trail available seasonally, along with a beach and swimming area for a refreshing dip during hot weather.
Moreover, the lake is accessible to anglers, providing an opportunity to catch dinner for the evening!
6. Perdido Vineyards
Located west of Atmore, Perdido Vineyards specializes in crafting wines from sweet Muscadine grapes.
Established in 1972 by the Eddin family, the vineyard today offers wine tours and tastings for both connoisseurs and newcomers.
With a plethora of premium white, rosé, and red wines to sample, visitors will find an abundance of options.
The vineyard also produces a variety of refreshing apple fruit wines, which are well-liked among locals.
Guests can purchase a souvenir bottle of their Alabama visit from the on-site gift shop, featuring selections of Sweet Muscadine wines, Mardi Gras Reds, Rose Cou Rouge, and fruit wines.
7. Atmore Dragway
For drag racing enthusiasts, Atmore Dragway is a must-visit location.
The facility spans 40 acres of land owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Throughout the year, various events are held, featuring top dragsters, bracket racing, junior dragsters, motorcycles, and more.
Since its recent 2-million-dollar renovation, the track boasts a new sports LED lighting system, enhancing the excitement of evening events.
For those looking to practice or showcase their skills on this NHRA-sanctioned world-class facility, be sure to explore their upcoming events for more information.
8. The River Pub
Craft cherished memories during your visit to Alabama at The River Pub located at Cliffs Landing, roughly a half hour’s drive from Atmore.
The views from their barstools during sunset are renowned, and they also offer Happy Hours throughout the week from Monday to Friday.
Guests may arrive by boat to the jetty or drive from Atmore to this delightful waterfront bar.
Therefore, settle in, enjoy a cold beer or cocktail, and experience an unforgettable sunset accompanied by live music in a wonderful atmosphere.
9. Holly Hills Country Club
This impressive golf course is located 27 miles from Atmore, just south of Bay Minette, Alabama.
The primary course caters to players of all skill levels.
It is a par-72 course, enveloped by breathtaking woods of oak, pine, and magnolia.
The course features very few hazards, making it accessible to beginners and less experienced players, ensuring everyone can enjoy a round or two.
Players can engage in a 9-hole, 3,282-yard course alone or with companions, and post-game, a well-stocked clubhouse awaits with a bar and snack facilities.
10. James Houston Jones Historic Park
Approximately 17 miles east of Atmore, in the Florida town of Century lies James Houston Jones Historic Park.
This park is home to three museums: Leach House, which discusses the lives of residents during the early 20th century; a Boxcar Museum containing vintage railcars, maps, and artifacts from the 1800s; and the Post Office Museum filled with memorabilia from historical post offices and other significant sites related to the city’s development.
Guided tours are available for visitors, and historical society members offer books for sale, allowing you to deepen your understanding of local history after your visit.
11. Historic Blakeley State Park
Historic Blakeley State Park is located near Spanish Fort, approximately 37 miles from Atmore.
Its distinct placement along the Mobile-Tensaw Delta makes it a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and bird species, with scenic riverboat cruises allowing visitors to view alligators, black bears, and bald eagles.
This picturesque state park features cabin and camping facilities for overnight stays with friends and family, as well as numerous activities to engage in.
Participants can find horseback riding opportunities, nature trails, and guided tours of the historic Civil War Battlefield and the ghost town of Blakeley.
For those wishing to reconnect with nature and explore the flora and fauna of the Delta, this park is truly an ideal destination.
12. Bartram Canoe Trail
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta encompasses extensive wetlands and swamplands, best explored from the water along the Bartram Canoe Trail near Spanish Fort.
This trail features over 50 endangered plant and animal species, most visible while drifting along the tranquil river.
Canoeing beneath trees adorned with Spanish Moss, you can appreciate the stunning beauty of this unique Alabama ecosystem. Be sure to bring your camera!
13. David’s Catfish House
For those seeking traditional Southern cuisine, David’s Catfish House in Atmore is highly recommended.
This family-owned establishment serves farm-raised catfish from the Deep South, prepared daily using home-made breadcrumbs, batters, and mixes.
If catfish isn’t to your taste, offerings also include crab claws, oysters, and shrimp sourced from Bayou La Batre, Alabama.
This beloved restaurant is an excellent choice for family gatherings, providing ample portions of fish and seafood after a day of discovery.
14. Visit Pensacola
Atmore, Alabama, is ideally positioned near the Florida state line, making it an excellent base for exploring several cities in Florida during your stay.
Pensacola, located one hour to the south, features historical forts, beautiful beaches, top-tier museums, as well as exceptional shopping and dining options.
Visitors can enjoy boat trips to Gulf Island beaches, explore intriguing aviation, military, and maritime museums, or stroll through the shops of Downtown Pensacola, ensuring an abundance of choices.
15. National Naval Aviation Museum
The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola ranks among the city’s foremost attractions.
Spanning 350,000 square feet of exhibit space, it showcases 150 aircraft and over 4,000 artifacts representing various branches of the military.
Visitors can observe the first airplane to land at the South Pole or view historic documents and vintage military uniforms.
Don’t miss the chance to experience flying using one of the museum’s 3D flight simulators, and consider acquiring a unique aviation-themed souvenir from the Flight Deck Store before you leave.
