Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Atmore, AL

  • Published 2023/03/24

If you’re looking for a charming city to spend your downtime in, you’ll want to put Atmore, Alabama, on your map.

This city of just over 8,391 people is in Alabama’s Escambia County and has a lot to offer visitors.

The best things to do in Atmore, Alabama, are impossible to ignore.

Take a stroll around Atmore for a glimpse into the past.

Visit nearby nature trails for an afternoon of fun.

Enjoy a day at one of the area’s parks.

Grab dinner at one of its outstanding restaurants.

Here are the best things to do in Atmore, AL:

Camp Out in Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve

Pine forest at Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve

Hevolkzz / Shutterstock.com

Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve is not just any outdoor recreational facility.

It’s a great place to reconnect with nature while enjoying the amenities of modern civilization.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Atmore City, Alabama, Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve offers a variety of camping and outdoor recreational activities.

The reserve’s wide variety of activities will delight anyone from children to retirees.

You can go on hikes and birdwatching tours, canoe down the Escambia Creek, or relax by the campfire with a good book.

You can camp out under the stars or pitch your tent in one of the numerous campsites, enjoy a picnic on the scenic grounds, or walk around enjoying nature.

The trails at Magnolia Branch also offer the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature.

Whether you’re interested in fishing or kayaking, there’s no better place than Magnolia Branch.

Learn History at the Poarch Band of Creeks Indians Museum

When you think about the best things to do in Atmore, you wouldn’t necessarily consider a museum.

Typically, you visit museums if you want to spend a day surrounded by art, history, or science.

The Poarch Band of Creeks Indians Museum covers all these subjects and more.

Nestled in the Kerretv en Cuko or the Building of Learning, the museum features exhibits on Native American artifacts, reservation life, and tribal history.

The exhibitions are interactive and allow you to immerse yourself in Creeks’ culture.

The museum has an information center for visitors to learn about the Poarch Band of Creeks Indians, an exhibition space, a meeting room, and a gift shop.

You can also look at the collection of artifacts, including the Petition for Federal Recognition submitted by the tribe in 1980 to the Department of the Interior.

Poarch Band of Creeks Indians Museum is a must-see if you are in Atmore City, Alabama.

It provides an opportunity to learn about the history of the tribe and culture.

Place Your Bets in Wind Creek Casino

Wind Creek Casino is a beautiful place for the entire family, with live entertainment, delicious dining, and exciting gaming.

The casino is on Highway 31.

It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with over a thousand of the most thrilling slots and games.

To begin, satisfy your gaming needs with over a thousand slots games and table games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker.

Wind Creek Casino also offers excellent dining options, and the restaurant serves your favorite American dishes from some of the best chefs.

Try their delicious seafood dishes or enjoy their mouth-watering steaks.

In addition to gambling and good food, there are plenty of fun things to do at Wind Creek Casino.

Watch your favorite film in the cinema, have fun at the bowling alley, or catch some live performances at the amphitheater.

If you’re looking for a fun getaway without driving too far from home, then go to the Wind Creek Casino.

Sip Fine Wine at Perdido Vineyards

The Perdido Vineyards is an ideal place to sip some of your favorite wines made from locally sourced ingredients.

It’s a winery in Atmore City that sells excellent white, red, and rosé table wines made from native Scuppernong and Muscadine grapes.

Established in 1979, Perdido Vineyards has produced and supplied wine to local restaurants and events.

Grab your spouse that bottle of wine they’ve been looking for.

Otherwise, grab a fancy red blend for your family.

In addition to wines, Perdido Vineyards also makes healthy, tasty, and award-winning vinegar for cooking.

They also have a gift store where you can purchase syrups, pickles, salsas, spreads, sauces, and more.

Browse the Warehouse Market & Bakery

The Warehouse Market and Bakery is for anyone seeking delicious baked goods, local products, and an experience like no other.

Since 2007, the Warehouse Market & Bakery has served unique products in the community.

The market’s name makes it sound like a generic grocery store, but it’s much more than that.

It’s also a bakery, bakery supply shop, restaurant, and deli inspired by Amish-style bulk food stores.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, the market has a section with one-of-a-kind crafted products by local artisans.

It sells fresh produce and meats to some of the most delicious baked goods you could hope to find in the South.

Try Delicious Meals in David’s Catfish House

This restaurant is a local favorite, and it’s no wonder why.

It’s got top-notch service, a comfortable atmosphere, and most importantly, superb food.

This seafood restaurant prepares all your favorites: oysters, shrimp, salmon, crab, etc.

If you don’t like seafood, David’s Catfish House also offers black Angus ribeyes, hamburger steaks and hamburgers, and chicken tenders.

Spend a Nice Afternoon at the Heritage Park

Heritage Park is home to many fun recreational facilities where you can enjoy playing around and having fun with your friends and family.

The park features a tennis court, a swimming pool, and hiking trails.

The park is also home to buildings brought there from throughout Escambia County over the years.

The history of these buildings is fascinating and shows what life was like in this part of Alabama not too long ago.

In addition to the park’s exciting activities, Heritage Park also serves as a venue for events such as concerts and festivals.

Shop ‘Til You Drop in the Downtown Shopping Center

The Historic Downtown Atmore Shopping Center is a great place to spend time with family and friends.

It is a great place to shop, dine, or explore.

For those who enjoy shopping, it has an eclectic mix of boutiques, antique stores, and more.

If you prefer window shopping, there are plenty of boutiques with displays that will inspire you.

The best part about Atmore Shopping Center is that no matter where you look, you’ll find something worth seeing.

See the Latest Blockbuster at Wind Creek Cinema

The Wind Creek Cinema features stadium seating, ultra-high-definition digital projection, and others.

Likewise, the staff has maintained that small-town feel, welcoming everyone who walks through the door.

The best thing about Wind Creek Cinema is its movie selection.

Each screen plays a different movie, so there’s always something new to watch.

They also stay updated with new releases and show all major blockbusters.

It’s a great spot to get away from the stresses of everyday life and spend time with friends and family.

See a Show at the Greater Escambia Council of Arts

The Greater Escambia Council of Arts is a performing arts theater and venue for various shows and performances.

GECA is a non-profit organization that presents year-round performances by volunteer actors, dancers, and musicians.

There are plenty of opportunities for patrons to join these activities, whether through membership in the arts council itself or joining the production.

The theater is also family-friendly; there are often shows for kids and adults throughout the week.

It’s the perfect place to catch a show.

The seats are comfortable, the acoustics are excellent, and the staff is always friendly.

Bring Your Kids to the Family Fun Zone

The Family Fun Zone is a laser tag center on Atmore’s Main Street, offering fun for kids 14 years old or younger.

The arcade games are affordable, and they always have some special deals going on every week.

Family Fun Zone also offers skate rentals so kids can also experience the fun of skating.

Go skating during the day or after school and then grab some food from their snack bar before heading off to laser tag.

It also hosts birthday parties for kids, so if you want to throw one of those for your child, there’s no need to find another venue.

The Family Fun Zone will handle everything for you at an affordable price.

Have a Fun Night in the Tavern of Atmore

This little tavern is perfect for some drinks with friends or good music while relaxing with a beer after a hard day’s work.

The tavern has live music, so you can listen to some awesome tunes there.

They also have pool tables, so you can try them if you feel competitive.

Plus, the food is fantastic, so you’ll be sure to leave without an empty stomach.

Even if you don’t want to be social, you can come in and relax, play a game or watch TV.

Catch the Poarch Creek Indian Annual Pow Wow Traditions

Join the festivities and learn about the colorful traditions of the Indian tribes at the Poarch Creek Indian Annual Pow Wow.

Thousands attend this Thanksgiving weekend event for cultural appreciation and to enjoy the family-friendly activities.

The much-awaited two-day festival shows the appreciation of the Poarch Creeks for the preservation of their cultural roots throughout the years and educates the public on the history of their tribe.

The event started in 1971 in celebration of the homecoming of tribe members, and since then, it has become an important event bringing together the citizens of Alabama and the different indigenous tribes.

You’ll enjoy the festival highlights like the dance competitions where 20 tribal nations from all across the country showcase their traditional dances in different categories.

Watch the annual coronation of the Poarch Creek Indian Princesses, which is also another festival highlight; they’re crowned to become the tribe ambassadors for the year’s public events and tribal gatherings.

Browse the vendor booths and shop for unique craft items and goods; likewise, enjoy hefty servings of food like mouthwatering barbecue, fire-roasted corn, and delicious buffalo burgers, and so much more.

Enjoy the Poarch Creek Indian Annual Pow Wow celebrations!

Watch the Speeding Racers at the Atmore Dragway

Catch speeding cars bag for the prize at the Atmore Dragway.

Located on Racetrack Road, you’ll enjoy the adrenaline rush and thrilling drag race events at this venue.

This 40-acre facility features an excellent landscape and world-class racing tracks certified by the NHRA.

Join the crowd and cheer for your best bet as you watch junior racers to professional dragsters zoom the tracks on powerful dirt-road machines.

Book tickets online and check out the race schedules on their website.

Your family will surely enjoy the thrills and excitement at the Atmore Dragway.

Have a Superb Dinner at Gather

For delectable Southern dishes, Gather offers you an array of delightful fares that will surely satisfy your appetite.

Located on West Nashville Avenue, this locally owned restaurant features traditional dinner recipes made from the best local ingredients.

Come and dine in from Tuesday to Saturday and let Chef Chris and Beth serve you their tasty creations.

Stir your appetite with Small Plate starters like Pimiento Cheese and Pickles or Great Balls of Fire, or have gluten-free servings like Chris’ Brussel Sprouts and Steak Fries.

Follow through with hearty House Salad, LA Caesar, or Blackened Steak “wedge” Salads.

Then enjoy entrees on the menu including Grilled Shrimp Risotto, the Daily Fish selection served with sides and garnishes; likewise, try the Blackened Chicken Pasta, and twin-beef fillets like the Tournedos, Shipwreck, The Train Wreck, and much more.

And you’ll never go wrong with their juicy Gather Signature Ribeye steak.

End your meal with indulgingly sweet desserts like their Signature Pecan Pie Cheesecake, Bread Pudding, or Warm Peach Cobbler.

If you want to relax with a drink, you can choose from an extensive Wine Menu by Gather featuring sparkling wines, Whites and Reds, craft cocktails, along with domestic, and craft beers.

Relax and Rejuvenate at the Spa at Wind Creek Atmore

Take time to relax and calm your senses at the Spa at Wind Creek Atmore.

Right at the Casino East Wing on Poarch Road, the spa offers excellent services to help you refresh and rejuvenate after a long day.

Pamper yourself at the flowing whirlpool or relieve your stress at the cedar sauna.

Otherwise, feel revitalized with a refreshing ice bath.

Visit and avail of the spa’s extensive services like massages, facials, Obagi & bath, and waxing, along with nail care, lashes, and brow services.

Spa at Wind Creek Atmore also offers discounts and special packages for customers.

Take a Dip at Atmore’s City Pools

If you’re visiting in the summer, you can take your family for a splash of fun at Atmore’s City Pools.

You can go either to the Tom Byrne Park Pool or the Houston Avery Park City Pool, which are both located in their respective park areas.

Open seasons start from last week of May to the last week of July, just perfect for a dip on a warm sunny day.

The Tom Byrne Park Pool offers swimming and diving lessons for kids and lap swimming for adults.

But if you just want to beat the heat, the pool is open to the public during scheduled hours.

The Houston Avery Park City Pool at Park Drive is also open for public swimming but only offers children’s swimming lessons.

You can check the city website for the schedule of swimming classes and events.

Both Atmore’s City Pool facilities also offer rentals for private parties in case you’re hosting a special event or celebrating an occasion.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Explore the Splinter Hill Bog Preserve

Scenic view of Splinter Hill Bog Preserve

Kevin Barry Photography / Shutterstock.com

Splinter Hill Bog Preserve is in Minette, Alabama, just a 20-minute drive away from Atmore.

This Preserve is a special place: it’s home to rare plants and animals you can’t find anywhere else in the state.

As soon as its beautiful landscape envelops you, you’ll find yourself surrounded by various plants and animals.

Closeup of Splinter Hill Bog Preserve's pitcherplants

Kevin Barry Photography / Shutterstock.com

There are paved nature trails through the area, and you can get up close and personal with the bog.

It’s an excellent place for hiking since trails wind through every corner of the park, many of which overlook scenic swamps and marshes.

Unwind at the Little River State Forest

Sometimes you want to get away from the city.

Little River State Forest is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a quick escape from city life.

It’s 20 minutes away from Atmore.

This 2,100-acre forest was previously known as the Claude D. Kelley State Park.

It’s now a destination for hiking, boating, camping, fishing, picnicking, and horseback riding.

Even if you’re not an outdoorsy person, this forest provides a great place to spend a day with your family or friends.

In addition to its great trails, Little River State Forest has other amenities that make it convenient for tourists.

The forest has camping spots throughout the woods, making it the perfect getaway spot for families who love spending time together while enjoying nature.

There are also picnic sites and even a boat landing where you can take a small boat out onto Little River Lake.

Book Tee Time in Holly Hills Country Club

Holly Hills Country Club is in Minette, Alabama, 33 minutes from Atmore.

It’s a nine-hole, 3,282-yard course with plenty of beautiful trees and hills to look at while you play.

You’ll also see the great fairways and greens included in its design.

The scenery at Holly Hills Country Club is enough to make anyone want to be a member, even if they’ve never picked up a club.

The clubhouse is always set up with a full bar and restaurant.

You’re never far away from good food, great drinks, and all the fun activities that go along with them.

Immerse yourself in the fairways or relax with your friends and family in the clubhouse.

Final Thoughts

You may have never heard of Atmore, Alabama, but it’s a beautiful little city that’s worth the trip.

So if you’re bored with the same old routine of the same old Alabama vacation, make a trip to Atmore.

Start planning your Atmore trip today!

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