Top 15 Attractions in Auburn, Alabama

Auburn is a city in Alabama renowned for its football culture. This passion for the Auburn Tigers has unified the community over the years.

Often referred to as “The Loveliest Village on The Plains,” Auburn lives up to its name with an abundance of outdoor activities that allow visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of parks, golf courses, and preserves.

Having grown up in Alabama and frequently exploring the state, I have visited Auburn multiple times and discovered a wealth of attractions. I trust you will find something of interest in this list of premier activities in Auburn:

1. Hang Out At Chewacla State Park

Spanning 696 acres, Chewacla State Park offers a variety of experiences for guests. Key features include a 26-acre lake, swimming areas, campgrounds, playgrounds, picnic areas equipped with grills and shelters, as well as mountain bike trails and hiking paths.

For those inclined to extend their visit overnight, the park provides six stone cottages for year-round rental, alongside numerous campsites. Anglers will find the lake abundant with bream, bass, and crappie, or may opt to fish in one of the park’s two creeks. This park truly has something for every family member to enjoy.

2. Visit The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art in Alabama is widely regarded as one of the finest museums in the region. It boasts a substantial collection of artwork spanning from traditional to contemporary. Established in 1948 by Frank Applebee, who acquired 36 paintings at a government auction, the museum has evolved to showcase over 2,000 pieces of art.

A visit to the museum is sure to provide a rewarding experience and reignite your passion for the arts.

3. Watch The Auburn Tigers In Action

Jordan-Hare Stadium serves as the home ground for the Auburn Tigers football team. On game days, the stadium resonates with the cheers of over 80,000 enthusiastic fans. The team enjoys immense support in Auburn, evidenced by the sale of over 75,000 season tickets each year for the past 18 seasons.

Tickets for these games tend to sell out rapidly, particularly given the high volume of season ticket holders. Therefore, it is advisable to secure your tickets as soon as you have your travel dates confirmed.

4. Watch Basketball At The Neville Arena

If basketball is your preferred sport over football, consider visiting Neville Arena, where you can watch both the men’s and women’s basketball teams of the Auburn Tigers. This arena, located on the campus of Auburn University, was completed in 2010.

The atmosphere during games is notably more intimate compared to the football stadium, with a seating capacity of just under 10,000. However, the enthusiasm from fans remains palpable as both teams take to the court. Additionally, for those with an interest in athletics, the Lovelace Athletic Museum is conveniently located within the same building as the courts.

5. Take A Wander Around Pebble Hill

Pebble Hill, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and also known as the Scott-Yarbrough House, currently functions as the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for Arts & Humanities. For architecture enthusiasts, this building is a significant highlight.

Constructed in 1847 by Colonel Nathaniel J. Scott, the structure exemplifies Greek Revival style. During the Civil War, the property was looted, yet many valuable items remained hidden near a spring on the grounds.

6. Get Ready For A Round At Indian Pines Golf Course

The Indian Pines Golf Course in Auburn is an excellent destination for avid golfers regardless of their busy schedules. Measuring 6,310 yards and designed as a par-70 course, it is sure to impress golf enthusiasts. In 2005, Golf Digest recognized Auburn as the “best golf city in America,” a testament to the quality of such courses.

This course was originally constructed as a nine-hole layout in 1946, with the additional nine holes completed five years later. Following the destruction of the old clubhouse by fire in 1999, the course was redesigned and is now operated as a municipal facility.

7. Make A Stop At Toomer’s Corner

For over a century, Toomer’s Corner has been home to a historic drugstore serving freshly squeezed lemonade. Founded by Sheldon Toomer and his father-in-law, this establishment continues to be supported by the Auburn football team, with their renowned lemonade available at the stadium.

The shop’s exterior may appear typical, yet stepping inside reveals its allure. One sip of the lemonade illustrates why this spot deserves a place on your itinerary.

8. The Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center

This nature preserve, encompassing 120 acres of woodlands, was donated to Auburn University in 1993 by Dr. Louise Kreher Turner and Frank Allen Turner. It features a nature playground designed for young children, complete with a beaver lodge and an eagle’s nest for educational enjoyment.

For those who enjoy walking, the preserve offers several accessible trails that are primarily flat, making it easy for families of all ages to explore the outdoors.

9. Take Your Dog To Kiesel Park

For those visiting the city with a dog, Kiesel Park is an excellent destination for outdoor exercise. The park features a spacious, enclosed dog area allowing pets to run freely without risk.

Additionally, the park offers extensive trails, open fields, and creeks to explore, providing ample opportunities for both dogs and their owners to stay active.

10. Watch The Birds Of Prey At The Southeastern Raptor Center

On Fridays preceding both home and away games for the Auburn Tigers, the Southeastern Raptor Center organizes a captivating show featuring various birds of prey. This event lasts about an hour, showcasing falcons, hawks, eagles, and more as they fly from the towers.

Visitors can observe these magnificent raptors up close. All birds featured in the presentation are residents of the center and cannot be released back into the wild due to previous injuries or human imprinting. The center responsibly cares for and rehabilitates many birds each year, releasing them back to their natural habitats when possible.

11. Go For A Meal At The Hound

For those in pursuit of quintessential American cuisine, this family-owned restaurant and bar offers an extensive menu featuring a variety of dishes, 28 different craft beers on tap, and an impressive selection of bourbon.

The interior ambiance of The Hound evokes nostalgia, reflecting a carefree past characterized by fishing, hunting, storytelling, and the creation of memories. Regular promotions and happy hours vary throughout the week; additionally, the bar is a favorite among football fans, often bustling during home games.

12. Attend Auburn’s Version Of Oktoberfest

Auburn has celebrated its own rendition of Oktoberfest for six consecutive years, evolving from a modest gathering of approximately 150 participants to a larger festival that features numerous local breweries showcasing diverse beer selections. Notably, some breweries create special brews exclusively for this festival.

The event, held in October, continues to gain popularity each year. Therefore, if you find yourself in Auburn during this time, it is highly recommended to partake in the festivities.

13. Play Golf On The Best Course Ever?

Renowned designer Robert Trent Jones acclaimed the Grand National golf complex as the finest he had encountered, with 32 of the 54 holes beautifully situated along the banks of Lake Saugahatchee.

The courses have garnered numerous accolades, including titles such as “World’s Prettiest Hole” and “World’s Best Public Course.” In addition to championship and links courses, a short 18-hole course is available for those pressed for time.

14. Stop Off For Some Chili Dogs and Milkshakes

For more than sixty years, Mrs. Story’s famous chili dogs have been crafted using a secret recipe, delivering remarkable flavors. The establishment remains at its original location on Pepperell Parkway, and given its success, it is likely to remain a fixture for generations to come.

The current owners are the third generation of this family-operated venture, continuing the tradition of providing delectable chili dogs and milkshakes to Auburn’s residents.

15. Spend The Day At Auburn CityFest

Since its inception in 2000, Auburn CityFest has been an annual event held in Kiesel Park, attracting over 40,000 attendees. Conceived by employees of the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department during a lunchtime discussion, the festival has become a significant community celebration.

Scheduled for the last Saturday in April, the festival features talented artists, scrumptious food, entertaining activities for all ages, live music, and much more. Given the festival’s continual growth and enhancement, be sure to participate next April.