Epes AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Epes, Alabama.
1. White Cliffs of Epes
MAJESTIC LIMESTONE FORMATION
The White Cliffs of Epes are stunning chalk formations located on the Tombigbee River in Alabama, part of the Selma Chalk formations deposited around the same time as England's famous White Cliffs of Dover. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of these towering white limestone cliffs that create a dramatic backdrop against the surrounding lush greenery. Though access is currently limited, with most viewing opportunities from atop or underneath the Epes river bridge, the natural beauty makes it a worthwhile destination for nature lovers and photographers.
2. Gaineswood National Historic Landmark
ANTEBELLUM ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
Gaineswood National Historic Landmark is considered one of America's finest Greek Revival mansions, located near Epes in Demopolis. Built by General Nathan Bryan Whitfield over an 18-year period from 1843 to 1861, this historic home features elaborate architectural elements including domed ceilings, columned rooms, and intricate plasterwork. Visitors can tour the beautifully preserved interior that showcases original furnishings and artifacts from the antebellum period.
3. Bluff Hall
HISTORIC RIVER MANSION
Bluff Hall is a historic Federal-style mansion built in 1832 on a limestone bluff overlooking the Tombigbee River. The home was later modified with Greek Revival elements and serves as an excellent example of the transition between architectural styles in the early 19th century. Today, the mansion functions as a museum that displays period furnishings and tells the story of the early settlers of the area, including the French expatriates who founded Demopolis.
4. Lyon Hall
CLASSIC GREEK REVIVAL HOME
Lyon Hall is a magnificent Greek Revival mansion built in 1850 by George Gaines Lyon, a prominent local planter and businessman. The home features classic architectural elements including large columns, wide porches, and high ceilings that exemplify the antebellum period's grandeur. Visitors can tour the property to experience the elegant lifestyle of Alabama's 19th-century elite while learning about the region's rich cultural heritage.
5. Magnolia Grove
FEDERAL-STYLE HISTORIC HOUSE
Magnolia Grove is a stately Federal-style mansion built in 1840 as the home of Isaac and Sarah Croom, located near Epes in Greensboro. The house features characteristic architectural elements including symmetrical design, delicate woodwork, and a grand central hallway that opens to various formal rooms. Now operated as a historic house museum, Magnolia Grove offers visitors insight into antebellum plantation life in Alabama's Black Belt region.
6. Aliceville Museum
WWII POW HISTORY
The Aliceville Museum preserves the history of one of America's largest World War II German prisoner of war camps, which once housed over 6,000 prisoners. The museum's exhibits showcase original artifacts, letters, documents, and photographs that tell the unique story of enemy soldiers on American soil. Visitors can explore this lesser-known aspect of WWII history and learn about the relationships that developed between prisoners and local residents during this tumultuous period.
7. Kathryn Tucker Windham Museum
STORYTELLER'S CULTURAL LEGACY
The Kathryn Tucker Windham Museum celebrates the life and work of one of Alabama's most beloved storytellers, authors, and photographers. Located in Thomasville near Epes, the museum houses a collection of Windham's books, photographs, recordings, and personal mementos that showcase her contributions to Southern literary traditions and folklore. Visitors can experience Windham's famous ghost stories, including her popular 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey series, while learning about her remarkable career as a pioneering female journalist.
8. Demopolis River Walk
SCENIC WATERFRONT TRAIL
The Demopolis River Walk offers visitors a peaceful strolling path along the Tombigbee River with beautiful views of the waterway that once served as a vital transportation route for the region. The well-maintained trail features benches, lighting, and interpretive signage that explains the historical significance of the river to the development of the area. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to observe local wildlife, including various bird species that frequent the riverbank environment.
9. Chickasaw State Park
NATURAL RECREATIONAL HAVEN
Chickasaw State Park is a serene natural retreat spanning 520 acres near Epes that offers visitors numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The park features a 40-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming, alongside hiking trails that wind through scenic woodlands. Visitors can also enjoy camping facilities, picnic areas, and playgrounds that make it an ideal destination for family outings and nature enthusiasts.
10. The Mustard Seed
CHARMING LOCAL EATERY
The Mustard Seed is a beloved local restaurant serving homestyle Southern cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch dishes, this eatery offers classics like fried chicken, catfish, and an array of vegetable sides that showcase the region's agricultural bounty. The restaurant's friendly service and reasonable prices have made it a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors exploring the area near Epes.
11. Marengo County History & Archive Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Marengo County History & Archive Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs that chronicle the rich history of the region surrounding Epes. Exhibits cover various historical periods from Native American settlements through colonization, the Civil War era, and into the 20th century. Visitors can explore the museum's genealogical research materials that provide valuable resources for those tracing family histories connected to the area.
12. Webb Brothers General Store
HISTORIC RURAL MARKETPLACE
Webb Brothers General Store is an authentic old-fashioned country store that has served the rural communities near Epes for generations. The store offers a nostalgic shopping experience with its wooden floors, antique fixtures, and diverse inventory ranging from basic groceries to hardware, clothing, and local crafts. Visitors appreciate the store not just as a shopping destination but as a living museum that preserves the traditional rural mercantile experience of small-town Alabama.
13. Christmas on the River
FESTIVE WATERFRONT CELEBRATION
Christmas on the River is an annual festival held in Demopolis featuring a unique nautical parade with decorated boats floating down the Tombigbee River. The multi-day celebration includes a downtown parade, craft shows, food vendors, musical performances, and culminates with a spectacular fireworks display over the water. For over 50 years, this beloved event has drawn visitors from across the region to experience the holiday magic in this historic river town near Epes.
14. Red Barn Restaurant
RUSTIC COUNTRY DINING
The Red Barn Restaurant offers a quintessential Southern dining experience in a charming converted barn setting near Epes. Famous for its generous portions of country-style meals including hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and homemade desserts, the restaurant has become a destination for comfort food enthusiasts. The rustic decor featuring agricultural implements and local memorabilia adds to the authentic rural atmosphere that celebrates the region's farming heritage.
15. Backbone Creek Hunting Preserve
PREMIER OUTDOOR SPORTING EXPERIENCE
Backbone Creek Hunting Preserve offers outdoor enthusiasts a premium hunting experience on thousands of acres of carefully managed land near Epes. The preserve is known for its abundance of whitetail deer, wild turkey, and quail, with professional guides available to lead hunters to the best locations. Visitors can also enjoy comfortable lodge accommodations, home-cooked meals, and additional activities such as fishing in the preserve's well-stocked ponds, making it a complete outdoor recreation destination.