Alabama's Quaint Lake Island Offers A Serene Day Trip With Cute Roaming Goats

For film fans who have dreamed of stepping into the whimsical and fantastical world of Tim Burton, a visit to Jackson Lake Island is well worth adding to your next Alabama road trip. Not only can you walk through the long-abandoned fictional town of Spectre on this hidden gem island, as featured in the film Big Fish (2003), but you'll also be accompanied by rather unusual tour guides in the form of cute baby goats. Your day out is about to take a surreal twist as you walk through the eerie town remains while being followed by the island's resident goat gang. It makes for an interesting and somewhat surreal sight to see the amusing little goats peeking out at you from behind the former film set.

You'll find Jackson Lake Island in an inlet of the Alabama River, just eight miles north of the state capital, Montgomery, and just four miles south of the nearest town of Millbrook. It's easily accessible, with a causeway leading onto the island, and although privately owned, visitors are welcome.

There's a day fee of $5, and when you arrive, you put the money in an envelope, call the number, and are provided with an access code. If you plan on staying longer, camping spots are available, but no reservations are required, as it's on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're wondering where the goats came from, many have been rescued and given to the owners, becoming an unexpected part of the island's charm.

If you're not familiar with Big Fish, based on the book by Daniel Wallace, much of the action takes place in the fictional town of Spectre. The story is centered on a son who wants to understand more about his dying father's unbelievable stories from his past, which he happily retells in all their magical glory.

The desolate look of the town as it is today was part of the original storyline, and the island's owners asked the film production unit to leave the set exactly as it was when they left. Fast-forward around 20 years, and apart from a fire that destroyed several buildings and the usual decay that happens when nature takes over, Spectre still stands, with the town signpost, church, and, of course, the discarded shoes on the line.

When you manage to pull yourself away from the enchanting little goats, there are other activities to enjoy. The Town of Spectre Loop trail circles the 60-acre island. You can gently stroll around the 1.2-mile trail and admire the calming lake views where the trees rise out of serene waters, amidst the rest of the magical landscape that inspired Burton. For keen birdwatchers, it's the ideal place to spot bluejays, summer tanagers, great blue herons, and yellow-billed cuckoos, adding a splash of color and providing endless photo opportunities. With its prime lakeside location, it's also a great place to enjoy fishing, canoeing, or swimming.

It's possible to camp on this charming little island, with sites costing from $15 for a basic campsite to $35 for a full electric RV hookup. If the scenery of Jackson Lake Island gives you a taste for seeing more of the area's nature and wildlife, the Alabama Nature Center in nearby Millbrook, run by the Alabama Wildlife Federation, is the largest non-profit in Alabama.

Helping to conserve the area's beautiful landscape and historic landmarks, there are miles of scenic trails, a discovery hall with interactive activities, and a 350-acre outdoor classroom that's perfect if you have kids in tow. They organize day camps, weekend breaks, field days, and team-building events, so it's worth checking out what's on before arriving.

The trails include the 1.2-mile Hilltop Pass and Treetop Loop, a well-maintained trail along forest paths that's ideal for a sunny day when you need lots of shade. The slightly longer 5.2-mile Turkey Ridge, Hilltop, and Still Creek Run Loop takes you through pretty tree-lined paths and boardwalks with information boards to guide you. Both of these trails are part of the nature reserve and cost $5 to access. When you're ready for something to eat, head into town to the popular Epicure and Jack's Tavern to sample some of the "best food in the south". Friendly and lively with an extensive menu offering classic southern staples like catfish and gumbo. If you're there on a weekend, they also have live music most Friday and Saturday nights. If you're up for more fun and games, head north to the underrated town of Wetumpka for some thrilling water adventures.