15 Best Things to Do in Atmore (AL)

The city of Atmore, Alabama is located 54 miles northeast of Mobile, Alabama and around 50 miles north of Pensacola, Florida.

The city was named by Mr. Carney, a sawmill owner in the town.

He named it Atmore after his close friend C.P. Atmore, passenger agent for the railroad who had never visited the city.

In its early establishment, Atmore was known for its farming, timber and light industry, plus it is home to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians who opened a gaming casino just outside the city limits.

It’s perfectly placed to explore all that Alabama offers with state forests, fascinating museums, vineyards and wildlife reserves.

There are also several local festivals and events held here, including Mayfest, with arts, crafts, sporting events and entertainment and the Poarch Creek Indian Pow-wow, an annual Thanksgiving celebration where citizens all sit down to enjoy turkey together.

1. Little River State Forest

Situated 12 miles north of Atmore, the picturesque lakeside park is flanked by towering pine trees and verdant forests.

The park is home to myriad wildlife ranging from deer and rabbits to bobcats and foxes.

It’s also a great place for bird watching and home to many species, so don’t forget your binoculars.

The state forest’s 25-acre lake is a great place to take a cooling dip on a summer’s day or enjoy an afternoon splash with family and friends.

You can take a canoe out on the water or rent a boat and enjoy a day’s fishing.

It’s a popular place for celebratory photography too, as many of the original buildings from its opening in 1934 still survive to this day.

Whether you wish to venture to the state forest to hike the pretty trails, fish, swim or camp underneath the stars with friends, you can do it all here.

2. Poarch Band of Creek Indians Museum

The Poarch Creek Indians have lived together in Alabama around the reservation of Poarch for around 200 years.

This fascinating museum located around 7 miles north of Alabama tells their story and gives you a glimpse into life in the reservation through informative, interactive exhibits and displays.

Should you visit around the Thanksgiving holiday, be sure to stop off at the Poarch Creek Indian pow wow where locals and visitors sit down to enjoy turkey and entertainment together.

If you are interested in local history and wish to learn more about native tribes from the region, this museum is a good place to start.

3. Wind Creek Casino

If you are of age and fancy chancing your luck on the poker, roulette and blackjack tables during your stay in Atmore, head for Wind Creek Casino.

The casino is owned and run by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, offering a unique gaming experience, places to stay and dining opportunities.

The resort offers entertainment ranging from live music performances, bars, golf course, cinema and a bowling alley, plus several restaurants ranging from buffets to grills and steakhouses.

If you don’t wish to play the tables with the high rollers, there are a wide selection of slot machines where you can spin for a lucky jackpot.

4. The Warehouse Market & Bakery

The Amish-style bakery and grocery store in Atmore opened in 2017. It sells everything you need for a self-catering RV trip or an apartment stay in Alabama, ranging from traditional grocery items to health foods and snacks.

There’s a fine deli counter where you can pick up cheese and cold cuts, and a bakery which prepares fresh bread and pastries each day.

If you’re seeking a gift for family and friends, you can also browse handicrafts and jewellery from local artisans.

5. Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve

Located just 11 miles northeast of Atmore, Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve offers leisure pursuits and activities for all ages.

Whether you wish to canoe, kayak or glide along Big Escambia Creek on a tube, you can do it all here.

The reserve offers hourly bike rentals, so you can explore trails, and you can also bring your tent if you wish to stay overnight in a woodland clearing.

There is a 7-mile-long horseback riding trail open seasonally and a beach and swimming area where you can take a cooling dip when the weather is hot.

The lake also caters to anglers, so feel free to bring your fishing gear and try to hook your dinner for the evening!

6. Perdido Vineyards

Perdido Vineyards west of Atmore specialise in producing wines made from plump, sweet Muscadine grapes.

The vineyards were established in 1972 by the Eddin family, and today they offer wine tours and tastings for connoisseurs and enthusiasts.

With a selection of premium white, rose and red wines to sample, you will be spoiled for choice.

The vineyards also produce a range of apple fruit wines which are refreshing and popular with locals.

You can pick up a souvenir bottle of your Alabama stay from the on-site gift shop choosing from a selection of Sweet Muscadine wines, Mardi Gras Reds, Rose Cou Rouge and fruit wines.

7. Atmore Dragway

If you enjoy participating or watching drag racing, you need to head to Atmore Dragway.

The tracks and spectator areas are spread over 40-acres of land owned by the Poarch Band Creek Indians.

Events are held throughout the year which include top dragsters, bracket racing, junior dragsters, motorcycles and more.

Since its 2-million-dollar revamp, the track has a new sports LED lighting system adding more excitement to evening events.

So if you want to practise or showcase your skills on this NHRA sanctioned world-class facility, check out upcoming events on their website.

8. The River Pub

Create some of the best memories of your Alabama stay at The River Pub at Cliffs Landing around half an hour’s drive from Atmore.

The sunsets from their barstools are legendary, plus they have Happy Hours during the week from Monday to Friday.

You can sail your boat to the jetty and stay a while or drive from Atmore to this charming waterside bar.

So, pull up a stool, sip a cold beer or cocktail and watch the sun go down while listening to live music among great company.

9. Holly Hills Country Club

This stunning golf course sits 27 miles from Atmore, and 7 miles south of Bay Minette, Alabama.

The main course is great for all levels of expertise.

It’s a par-72, surrounded by scenic forests and woodland with oak, pine and magnolia trees.

The course has very few hazards for beginners or inexperienced players, so everyone can enjoy a round or two.

You can enjoy the 9-hole, 3,282-yard course alone or with friends, and after your game, there’s a Clubhouse waiting for you with a well-stocked bar and snack areas.

10. James Houston Jones Historic Park

Boxcar Museum - James Houston Jones Historic Park — Boxcar Museum – James Houston Jones Historic Park

Around 17 miles east of Atmore, in the Florida town of Century sits James Houston Jones Historic Park.

The park is home to three museums, Leach House which explores the lives of citizens in the town at the turn of the 20th century, there’s also a Boxcar Museum with vintage railcars, maps and artifacts dating back to the 1800s.

Finally, the Post Office Museum is jam-packed full of memorabilia from previous post offices, the old mill and other sites which were integral in the city’s development.

Tours are available for visitors, and books written by historical society members are available to purchase so you can continue your history lesson when you leave the historic park.

11. Historic Blakeley State Park

Historic Blakeley State Park is located close to Spanish Fort around 37 miles from Atmore.

Its unique location on the shores of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta means it’s a haven for wildlife and birdlife, and visitors can take a scenic river boat cruise to see alligators, black bears and bald eagles.

The picturesque state park offers cabin and camping facilities, so you can stay overnight with friends and family, and there are abundant activities to enjoy too.

There are horseback riding experiences, nature trails and guided tours to the historic Civil War Battlefield and the ghost town of Blakeley.

If you wish to reconnect with nature and explore flora and fauna of the Delta, this is the perfect place to do it.

12. Bartram Canoe Trail

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta comprises vast wetlands and swamplands, and the best way to view these is from the water along the Bartram Canoe Trail near Spanish Fort.

The trail has more than 50 endangered plant and animal species, most of which can be viewed as you drift along the tranquil river.

As you canoe beneath trees draped with Spanish Moss, marvel at the beauty of this unique Alabama ecosystem, and don’t forget your camera!

13. David’s Catfish House

If you’re looking for traditional Southern fare, head for David’s Catfish House in Atmore.

This family company serves farm raised catfish from the Deep South, and their breadcrumbs, batters and mixes are home-prepared each day.

If catfish isn’t your thing, they also serve crab claws, oysters and shrimp from Bayou La Batre, Alabama.

This popular restaurant is perfect for family dinners and a place to enjoy generous portions of fish and seafood following a day of sightseeing.

14. Visit Pensacola

Pensacola, Florida — Pensacola Beach, Florida

Atmore, Alabama sits close to the Florida state line making it the perfect base from which to explore some Florida cities on your stay.

Pensacola, an hour south is home to ancient forts, beautiful beaches, world-class museums and superb shopping and dining.

Whether you wish to take a boat trip to Gulf Island beaches, exploring fascinating aviation, military and maritime museums or browsing the shops of Downtown Pensacola, you are sure to be spoiled for choice.

15. National Naval Aviation Museum

National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola — National Naval Aviation Museum

The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Here among 350,000 square feet of exhibit space, you can discover 150 aircraft and over 4,000 artifacts representing all areas of the military.

Whether you wish to view the first airplane to land at the South Pole, or view historic documents and vintage military uniforms, you can do it all here.

Don’t leave without taking to the skies to experience guiding your own flight in one of the museums 3D flight simulators and pick up a unique aviation-themed souvenir of your visit from the Flight Deck Store.