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Get Your Fun On: The Ultimate List of Best & Wackiest Things To Do + Places To Visit In Auburn, Alabama

Check the football calendar before you book anything at all, because a home game changes the whole town. Jordan-Hare fills with more than 80,000 people and the hotels go with it. If you are coming for the game, wear orange and blue and learn the chant before you arrive. If you are not, come on a quiet weekend instead and the campus, the parks and the museum are all yours. Chewacla and the trails cost nothing either way.

Welcome to Auburn, Alabama, where Southern charm meets college-town energy. Visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, there are plenty of fun things to do and places to visit in Auburn. From working through the outdoors to eating and drinking well, this city covers both.

As the home of Auburn University, this city is full of landmarks that are worth a visit. But Auburn carries much more than its university. With its wide parks, its wildlife, its art and culture, and its historic sites, you will never run out of things to do in this charming Southern city. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to work through everything Auburn, Alabama runs.

Key Takeaways

• Auburn, Alabama is a charming Southern city with plenty of fun things to do and places to visit.
• From exploring the great outdoors to indulging in delicious food and drink, there’s something for everyone in Auburn.
• With its beautiful parks, wildlife, art and culture, and historic sites, you’ll never run out of things to do in this college town.

Auburn University and Its Landmarks

As a visitor to Auburn, you cannot miss out on the chance to work through Auburn University and its iconic landmarks. Here is your guide to the strongest spots on campus.

Auburn Tigers Football Team

Let us start with the obvious, which is the Auburn Tigers Football Team. If you are lucky enough to be in town during football season, you have to catch a game at the Jordan-Hare Stadium. The energy in the stadium is electric, and you will feel like part of the Auburn family as you cheer on the Tigers. Do not forget to wear your orange and blue and join in on the War Eagle chant.

Auburn Arena: Home of Basketball and Concerts

If you are more of a basketball fan, head over to Auburn Arena to catch a game. The arena is also home to concerts through the year, so keep an eye out for upcoming events.

But even if you do not follow sport, Auburn University runs plenty of other landmarks worth checking out. Take a stroll down College Street and Magnolia Avenue to get at the heart of Auburn’s campus. You will see fine architecture, lush greenery and plenty of friendly faces.

And of course, no trip to Auburn is complete without a visit to Toomer’s Corner. This historic spot is where fans gather to celebrate victories by rolling the trees with toilet paper. It is a quirky tradition, but it is one that you will not forget anytime soon.

So in town for an Auburn football game or just working through the campus, Auburn University covers both.

The Great Outdoors of Auburn

If you follow nature, Auburn carries plenty. From parks to hiking trails, the range covers most tastes. Here are the strongest outdoor spots in Auburn.

Chewacla State Park: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Chewacla State Park belongs on the list for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. This 696-acre park has a 26-acre lake that suits swimming, fishing and canoeing. You can also work through two creeks that are home to bream, bass and crappie. If you want a place to sit still, there are plenty of picnic areas with tables and grills. And if you are feeling adventurous, there are hiking trails that wind through the park’s forests and hills.

Hiking Trails in Auburn

If you want a strong way to get some exercise and be outdoors, Auburn runs plenty of hiking trails to choose from. Kiesel Park and Hickory Dickory Park both have trails that suit a leisurely walk. For a harder hike, head to the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve. This nature preserve runs miles of trails that wind through oak trees and along creeks.

Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve

The Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve is a quiet find in Auburn. This nature preserve holds over 120 acres of forest and wetland habitats that are home to a spread of plant and animal species. There are several trails that wind through the preserve, including a nature playground for kids. The preserve also runs stone cottages that can be rented for events, as well as an amphitheater, fire pit and educational pavilion.

A place to sit still or a spot to get some exercise, Auburn’s outdoors covers both. So grab your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and head outside to work through everything this city runs.

Auburn’s Wildlife

If you love animals, then Auburn, Alabama is where to be. From eagles to little turtles, Auburn is home to a spread of wildlife. Here are the places where you can get right up against Auburn’s wildlife:

Southeastern Raptor Center: Home of Birds of Prey

The Southeastern Raptor Center is one of the more interesting attractions in Auburn. Here, you can learn all about birds of prey and even see them up close. The center is home to eagles, hawks, owls and other birds of prey that have been injured and are unable to survive in the wild.

At the Southeastern Raptor Center, you can take a tour and learn all about these birds. You can even watch them fly and see them working. It is an experience you will not want to miss.

Wildlife in Auburn’s Parks

Auburn is home to several parks that are teeming with wildlife. Chewacla State Park, for example, is a strong place to go if you want to see turtles and other aquatic creatures. The park has a 26-acre lake that suits swimming, fishing and canoeing.

Another strong park to visit is the Donald E. Davis Arboretum. Here, you can take a stroll through the gardens and see a spread of birds and other wildlife. It is a strong place to eat a picnic or just sit still with the surroundings.

Overall, Auburn is a strong place to visit if you follow wildlife. Birds of prey or little turtles, the town covers both. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start working through it.

Art and Culture in Auburn

If you want a dose of art and culture in Auburn, you will not be disappointed. From the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art to galleries and outdoor sculptures, the city runs a deep offering of artistic experiences. Here are the spots worth your day:

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is a real find in Auburn. With over 2,500 works of art, the museum runs a varied range of art from around the world. You will find everything from contemporary art to traditional paintings, sculptures and more. The museum also hosts a spread of events through the year, so be sure to check the calendar before you visit.

Galleries and Outdoor Sculptures

In addition to the Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn runs a number of galleries and outdoor sculptures to work through. The city is home to an active arts community, and you will find a range of styles and mediums on display. Take a stroll through downtown to turn up some of the city’s quieter artistic corners.

Performing Arts Center

If you want a night out on the town, the Performing Arts Center answers that. From Broadway shows to concerts, the center hosts a spread of performances through the year. One of the strengths is the Fall Sundown Concert Series, which brings together local and national musicians for an evening of music that stays with you.

So lover of art, lover of company, or somebody just after a fun night out, Auburn covers all three. Do not miss out on the city’s deep artistic offering.

Toomer’s Drugs has been sitting on that corner since 1896 and the lemonade has been on the counter since the 1950s. The Nunn-Winston House went up in 1850 and serves as a museum now. Pebble Hill dates from 1847 and holds the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center inside it. Auburn City Hall arrived in 1939 in full Art Deco. The tree-rolling at Toomer’s Corner came later, and nobody planned any of it. That is the tradition people actually turn up for.

Food and Drink in Auburn

When it comes to food and drink, Auburn carries a lot. From refreshing lemonade to historic drugstores, the range covers most tastes. Here are the highlights:

Auburn’s Famous Lemonade

If you want a refreshing drink on a hot day, you cannot go wrong with Auburn’s famous lemonade. This sweet and tangy beverage is a local favorite, and for good reason. It is a strong way to cool down and quench your thirst. You can find it at a number of places around town, including Toomer’s Drugs, and more on that later.

Breweries in Auburn

Auburn is home to a number of breweries, each with its own selection of beers. Light lager or hoppy IPA, you are sure to find something you like. Some of the busier breweries in town include Red Clay Brewing Company, Resting Pulse Brewing Company and Auburn Brewing Company. So grab a pint and raise a glass to good times.

Toomer’s Drugs: A Taste of History

No visit to Auburn is complete without a trip to Toomer’s Drugs. This historic drugstore has been a local institution since 1896, and it is easy to see why. From the old-fashioned soda fountain to the ice cream, Toomer’s is a step back in time. And of course, you cannot leave without trying their famous lemonade. It has been a staple of the store since the 1950s, and it holds up just as well today.

So a cold drink, a strong brew, or a step back in time, Auburn covers all three. Cheers to good food and good times.

Events and Festivities in Auburn

Looking for some fun events to attend in Auburn? The town answers that. Auburn runs a spread of events and festivities that will keep you occupied all year round. Here are the events that you will not want to miss.

Auburn CityFest: A Celebration of Community

Auburn CityFest is a celebration of community that takes place every year in April. This festival is a strong chance to sit with live music, food and family-friendly activities. You can also check out the arts and crafts vendors, and take part in the Easter egg hunt. This event suits families, so bring your kids along for a day of fun.

Football Games: A Local Passion

If you follow football, you will like the passion that Auburn has for the sport. Attending a football game in Auburn is an experience like no other. The city is home to the Auburn Tigers football team, and when there is a game being played, the stadium fills up with the roar of more than 80,000 fans screaming their team’s name. The team is well-loved by the people of Auburn, with over 75,000 season tickets being sold every season for the past 18 years. So, grab your orange and blue gear and head to the stadium for a day of it.

Concerts in Auburn

Auburn is also home to a spread of concerts through the year. From country to rock to pop, the range covers most tastes. The Auburn Arena and the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center are two popular venues for concerts. So, grab your friends and get ready to dance the night away.

Family-friendly event, football game or concert, Auburn covers all three. So, mark your calendars and get ready for a good time.

Historic Auburn

If you read history, you will be pleased to know that Auburn is a city steeped in it. From downtown Auburn to Pebble Hill, there are plenty of landmarks and points of interest that you will not want to miss.

Downtown Auburn: A Historic Walk

Downtown Auburn is a picturesque area that suits a leisurely stroll. The architecture is a mix of old and new, with historic buildings sitting among modern shops and restaurants. Take a walk down College Street and you will see the Nunn-Winston House, which was built in 1850 and is now a museum. You can also visit the Auburn City Hall, which was built in 1939 and is a strong example of Art Deco architecture.

Landmarks in Auburn

There are plenty of landmarks in Auburn that will carry you back in time. The one everybody names is Toomer’s Corner, which is the site of the iconic Toomer’s Drugs. This drugstore has been a fixture of downtown Auburn since 1896, and it is still a busy spot for students and locals alike. Another landmark is the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, which is located on the Auburn University campus. The museum features a serious collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

Pebble Hill: A Peek into History

If you want to take a deeper dive into Auburn’s history, you should visit Pebble Hill. This estate was built in 1847 and is now home to the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities. You can take a tour of the house and learn about the history of the area, or you can simply stroll around the grounds and take in the scenery.

History reader or somebody just after some fun things to do in Auburn, you will not want to miss these landmarks and points of interest. From downtown Auburn to Pebble Hill, this charming college town covers a lot of ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to spend a day in Auburn without breaking the bank?

Well, you are in luck. Auburn runs plenty of free activities to keep you occupied all day. Take a stroll through the campus of Auburn University, visit the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, or hike the trails at Chewacla State Park. And if you are feeling thirsty, do not forget to stop by Toomer’s Corner for a sip of their famous lemonade.

What makes Auburn stand out from other small towns in Alabama?

Auburn is more than a small town, because it is a community. The people here are friendly, welcoming and always up for a good time. Plus, with the university located right in the heart of town, there is always something going on. Game day or a regular day, Auburn runs an energy that you will not find anywhere else.

Are there any hidden gems in downtown Auburn worth checking out?

Absolutely. If you want a different kind of shopping, check out the Auburn Artisan Market. And if you follow craft beer, you will not want to miss the Red Clay Brewing Company. And for anyone who eats seriously, be sure to try the tacos at Tacorita or the barbecue at Mike and Ed’s.

What’s the most unique activity to do in Auburn?

If you want something genuinely different, head over to the Auburn Escape Zones. You and your friends will have 60 minutes to solve puzzles and escape the room before time runs out. It is a fun and demanding experience that you will not forget anytime soon.

Can you recommend any fun events happening in Auburn soon?

Absolutely. If you follow live music, check out the Sundown Sessions at Standard Deluxe. And if you want something a little more active, sign up for the Auburn Adventure Film Festival. And of course, you cannot forget about the Auburn Football games, because those are always a blast.

What’s the craziest thing to do in Auburn that only locals know about?

Well, we cannot spill all of our secrets, but we will say this. If you are feeling adventurous, head over to Lake Martin and try your hand at cliff jumping. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is an experience you will not forget.

Frequently asked questions about Auburn, Alabama

Which park in Auburn should you head for, and what is actually there when you arrive?

Chewacla State Park. It covers 696 acres and holds a 26-acre lake for swimming, fishing and canoeing, with two creeks running bream, bass and crappie through them. Picnic tables and grills are laid on for you. Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve is the harder walk, with trails threading through more than 120 acres of forest and wetland. Kiesel Park is the gentle one.

Which museum in Auburn is worth the visit, and how long should you give it?

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, sitting on the Auburn University campus and holding over 2,500 works of art. Give it a decent stretch and check the events calendar first, because the schedule shifts through the year. The Nunn-Winston House on College Street is the smaller historical option, built back in 1850. Pebble Hill is the deeper dive. Entry to Jule Collins Smith costs nothing.

Which brewery in Auburn should you start at, and where do you finish the night?

Red Clay Brewing Company. It is the one locals name first and it holds up on a game night without any trouble. Resting Pulse Brewing Company and Auburn Brewing Company are the other two, each pouring their own range from light lagers through to hoppy IPAs. Finish at Toomer’s Drugs with the lemonade instead of another pint. Mike and Ed’s handles the barbecue in between.

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