Newbern AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Newbern, Alabama.
1. Rural Studio
INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION
Rural Studio is a part of Auburn University's School of Architecture established in 1993 by architects Samuel 'Sambo' Mockbee and D. K. Ruth. The program aims to give architecture students a hands-on educational experience while assisting an underserved population in West Alabama's Black Belt region. Rural Studio has become internationally known for its ethos of recycling, reusing, and remaking.
2. The Subrosa Pantheon
MEMORIAL TO SAMBO MOCKBEE
The Subrosa Pantheon at Newbern is a memorial to Samuel 'Sambo' Mockbee, co-founder of Rural Studio. The memorial honors Mockbee's significant contributions to architecture and community development in Alabama's Black Belt region. The structure stands as a testament to Mockbee's innovative approach to sustainable design and social responsibility.
3. Newbern Fire Station
STUDENT-BUILT COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Newbern Fire Station was designed and constructed by four fifth-year architecture students at Auburn University's Rural Studio. This 4,000 square foot facility serves as a crucial community resource while showcasing innovative architectural approaches. The building stands as an example of Rural Studio's mission to create practical, beautiful structures that serve community needs.
4. White-Morrisette House
VICTORIAN RURAL STUDIO HEADQUARTERS
The White-Morrisette House is a beautiful two-story Victorian-style home completed in 1890 by Robert Allen White, a prominent merchant and banker in Newbern. The house features Victorian details and currently serves as the headquarters for Auburn University's Rural Studio. This historic building bridges Newbern's past with its present role in architectural education and community development.
5. The Rural Studio Red Barn
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL HUB
The Rural Studio Red Barn in Newbern was established in 1993 as part of Auburn University's innovative architectural program. The barn serves as a workshop, classroom, and gathering space for students and faculty engaged in Rural Studio projects. This iconic structure symbolizes the program's commitment to rural development and hands-on architectural education.
6. Newbern Presbyterian Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
Newbern Presbyterian Church, built in 1848, is the oldest church in Newbern and one of the oldest Presbyterian Churches in this part of Alabama. The historic structure features architectural elements typical of mid-19th century religious buildings in the rural South. The church stands as a testament to the early religious life and architectural heritage of Newbern.
7. Newbern Baptist Church
TWO-STORY HISTORIC CONGREGATION
The Newbern Baptist Church was organized in 1848, with the congregation building this two-story church the following year. The upper floor features a large meeting space that has served the community for over 170 years. This historic religious building represents an important part of Newbern's cultural and architectural heritage.
8. Hobson Bethel Methodist Church
LATE 19TH CENTURY SANCTUARY
The Newbern Methodist congregation completed Hobson Bethel Methodist Church in the fall of 1884. Prior to this permanent structure, the congregation held services in various locations around the community. The church building represents over a century of religious and community history in Newbern.
9. Safe House Black History Museum
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORICAL SITE
The Safe House Black History Museum preserves an important piece of civil rights history near Newbern. The museum is housed in the location where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once sought refuge during the civil rights movement. Visitors can explore exhibits that document the struggle for equality in Alabama's Black Belt region.
10. Moore-Webb-Holmes Plantation
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL ESTATE
The Moore-Webb-Holmes Plantation offers visitors a glimpse into the agricultural history of Alabama's Black Belt region. The well-preserved plantation complex includes original buildings and artifacts dating back to the antebellum period. Tours provide insights into the complex social and economic history of the region, including perspectives on plantation life for both enslavers and the enslaved.
11. Perry Lakes Park
NATURAL RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Perry Lakes Park offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Alabama's Black Belt region along the Cahaba River. The park features hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and distinctive wooden towers designed by Rural Studio that provide elevated views of the surrounding landscape. This natural area showcases the region's biodiversity and provides recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
12. Demopolis Public Library
HISTORIC COMMUNITY RESOURCE
The Demopolis Public Library serves as both a modern community resource and a historic landmark near Newbern. The library offers a wide range of services, including book lending, digital resources, and community programs. The building itself contributes to the architectural heritage of the region while providing educational opportunities for residents of all ages.
13. Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER PARK
Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure is a popular attraction featuring water slides, wave pools, and other aquatic experiences not far from Newbern. The park offers a variety of rides and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages, making it a perfect family destination. During hot Alabama summers, this water park provides a refreshing escape and entertainment option for residents of Newbern and surrounding areas.
14. The Pie Lab
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE BAKERY
The Pie Lab is a unique social enterprise bakery located near Newbern that combines delicious homemade pies with community development. The establishment serves as both a gathering place for locals and a training facility that provides culinary and business skills to area residents. Visitors can enjoy sweet and savory pies while supporting an organization that reinvests in the local community.
15. Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center
REGIONAL ART SHOWCASE
Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center showcases the rich artistic traditions of Alabama's Black Belt region not far from Newbern. The center features works from over 450 artists, including paintings, pottery, quilts, woodwork, and other handcrafted items representative of the area's cultural heritage. Visitors can purchase unique art pieces while learning about the diverse creative expressions that emerge from the region's communities.