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Attractions

Calhoun County’s attractions have a unique blend of history, culture, tradition, adventure and the arts. Outdoor adventures await you with our beautiful waters and landscapes. Introduce yourself to the educational and entertaining options our attractions offer.

Indoors

Anniston Museum of Natural History

A BIG Museum in a SMALL town in Alabama. That is a great way to describe what we have with the Anniston Museum of Natural History and Berman Museum. This Museum was designed for its visitors to explore natural history subjects. Their collections have grown to include, thousands of minerals from all over the world, amazing fossils, an herbarium collection consisting of over 22,000 specimens, and an extensive, award-winning, marine collection. Boasting seven permanent exhibits – Dynamic Earth, Alabama Sand to Cedars, Attack and Defense, Birds of the America, Ancient Egypt, Environments of Africa, and a changing Temporary exhibit which offers a variety of alternating options.

Click here for current exhibits.

Berman Museum

A BIG Museum in a SMALL town in Alabama. That is a great way to describe what we have with the Berman Museum and Museum of Natural History in Anniston. This Museum was designed as a trip around the world for its visitors. With more than 8,000 artifacts to display and four permanent exhibits – American West, Deadly Beauty, Arts of Asia, and World War I & II. A few “Crown Jewels” pardon the Pun of these displays, just to name a few: A life size Farm Wagon loaded with time period items and a Western Saloon, Medieval Armor, Personal Belongings of Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolf Hitler’s silver tea set, and a Persian Scimitar of Abbas I, encrusted with 1295 diamonds, 50- carats of rubies, a 10-carat emerald in its hilt and 3 pounds of gold. The Berman Museum is constantly changing Exhibit Galleries featuring works of art and historical exhibitions that are designed to educate and inspire. Berman Museum also presents programs and hosts events throughout the year focusing on local, regional and world history. We hope you enjoy your trip around the world! 

Big Time Entertainment

Big Time Entertainment is a family entertainment center consisting of over 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor attractions!
 
Big Time Entertainment opened to the public on Aug. 30, 2021. Learn more about the venue in this video by wvtm13.
 

Read our article

The Terrortorium Haunted House and Amusements

Started in 2005 by Jeremy Cruse, The Terrortorium Haunted House & Amusements is located in downtown Oxford. It employs over 20 spooky creatures waiting to surprise you at every turn as well as many different rides including a ferris wheel the Haunted Castle ride.

In addition to Halloween, the amusement ride is used for the Christmas season as well. The day after Halloween, all of the spooky decor is removed and replaced it with Christmas lights and other holiday decorations. The Christmas ride opens the day after Thanksgiving.

Read more about it here.

Outdoors

Camp McClellan Horse Trails

Who is up for Trail Riding? Located in Anniston, AL on the former Fort McClellan Base at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains – on Mud Hold Rd. just off Iron Mountain Road off HWY 431 – Exit 188 from 1-20. The Camp McClellan Horse Trails offer 901 acres of beautiful forest to roam and over 24 miles of marked trails and roads that can offer a phenomenal experience for the novice beginners to the advanced trail enthusiasts. Soak in nature’s beauty with breathtaking views, hills, ridges, creeks, wildlife, pine and hardwood forests, and a diversity of plant life.

  • $5 Day Ride Fee for Non BCHA McClellan Chapter Members

  • $10 Primitive Camping Available per night for non-members

  • Free Parking for your horse trailers with easy access.

  • Restrooms available at the parking area.

  • Plans in the future for Camping with your horses. Power and water are in the works and hope to be in place first quarter 2022.


Calhoun County owned and maintained by the BCHA. Let us give you a little INSIGHT on how this experience is possible. That would be due to the efforts of the BCHA. Who is the BCHA you may ask? Back Country Horsemen of America; a nation-wide organization that is committed to protecting the access of equestrians to public lands. Consisting of dedicated equestrians who are passionate about exploring and riding new trails. Their efforts of trail maintenance and projects are the driving force behind these horse trails. They welcome riders of all ages, skills and interests into their chapters.

The camp was even featured on “Best of America by Horseback Television Show”, watch the episode.

Connect with the BCHA McClellan on their facebook page.

City of Chaos at Combat Park

Located inside the compound of Combat Park 6755 Curry Station Road Eastaboga, AL the City of Chaos is a Haunted experience featuring 4 different attractions. The first is an old west style city called the City of Chaos. It has eight buildings groups pass through, each having its own scare.  One side of the city leads you under the ground which is called Tunnel 109 where you travel under a graveyard and come up into the other side of the city’s buildings. It is a unique and neat layout and all-around experience.  The other attractions are paintball experiences. One is a haunted shooting gallery. It has a great look with the lighting, fog and spooky targets. This is great for kids and adults alike. The next attraction is called the Chaos Convoy. Groups get to mount up on various military vehicles, armed with paintball guns and ammo. The convoy travels through a spooky course where the groups battle Sergeant Chaos’ army of the dead. The last attraction is basically a Super-Sized version of the Chaos Convoy called the Cataclysmic Convoy. The one BIG difference with this attraction is the military vehicle you are participating on is an actual TANK. 

city of chaos haunted city

Combat Park

Combat Park located at 6755 Curry Station Road in Eastaboga Alabama is an epic site to behold. First off, it is 86,000 plus sq feet of pure cool factor. Boasting 3 themed professional paint ball fields, with the best equipment you can find in the sport and a lot of different options to choose from. It is one of the best places for paintball not only in our area but the country. If you get hungry or thirsty during your visit, no need to worry, there is a fully-stocked concession stand just in front of a massive repelling tower.

The Tanks! Yes, you can drive real tanks at Combat Park. Beyond tanks, there are a lot of big boy toys you can operate as well. It might be best to just list some of the park’s activities and put things in perspective for you:

  • Chieftain Tank
  • Abbot fv433 w / 105 self-propelled Howitzer
  • Spartan Fv103
  • Abbot Fv 432
  • Multiple hummers
  • 6×6 Military trucks
  • Deuce and a half
  • Unimog 
  • Snowcat
  • Minitanks
  • Mud runners (tracked amphibious vehicles)
  • Multiple props for mounting on all vehicles which simulates actual firing
  • And more!!!

You can call and book parties, tank rides, corporate events and more. Just ask for Bill, great friend to INSIGHT, and let him know we sent you.

 

Floating Fun

Sun is out, the water is warm, the sky is blue…Perfect time to have some Floating Fun. Owner/Operator and friend to INSIGHT James “Man about Town” O’Rear has the perfect outing for Family, Friends or Groups looking to spend a few hours floating peacefully alongside the beautiful banks of the Choccolocco Creek. The current is perfect and gentle with just enough rocky shoals to add a touch of excitement. Tubes are provided at the drop in spot and two Exit Trips are available for you to choose from. We all need a break from the day-to-day monotony life hands us; so, go enjoy the unspoiled beauty of floating our Creek with Floating Fun! 

Frog Town Disc Golf

Frog Town Disc Golf is a 9-hole course that loops around the Frog Town Soccer Complex located at the Jacksonville Community Center on 501A Alexandria Rd SW Jacksonville, Alabama. This is a nice quaint course that is perfect if you are just starting out playing disc golf. It is also great for those seasoned veterans to have easy access and polish up their shots or practice for those aces. Another convenient feature of this disc golf course is; if you do not have any Discs and are looking to try the sport out, all you need is an ID and you can get them from inside the Community Center and return them for your license once you are finished. Be sure to pick up a scorecard and a Map while inside. The first hole starts directly behind the Jacksonville Senior Center. So next time it is a nice day outside be sure to go have some fun playing Disc Golf.

Longleaf Botanical Gardens

The Longleaf Botanical Gardens (LBG) is committed to cultivating the connection between people and nature. In 2010, they planted the seed of Longleaf Botanical Gardens and with the support of the City of Anniston, the former community center transformed into an educational and rental venue with recreational gardens, adding yet another branch to expand our mission and grounds.

The Longleaf Botanical Gardens is in the “budding” stage.  With the community’s support, we will fulfill our master plan for future garden growth. Phase one of our master plan includes establishing rental and venue spaces on our grounds. Our educational initiatives, including workshops, monthly Third Thursday programs, Spring Garden Symposium, and plant sales are a great success.

The Longleaf Botanical Gardens is open to the public on the third Thursday of each month and for special events. LBG not only offers a beautiful place to learn about the outside world, but also a natural setting for weddings and private or corporate events.

Sunnyside Daycation, LLC

Sunnyside Daycation offers kayak rentals and private events. It is located in the Kelly Springs area in Talladega County on the banks of Cheaha Creek.

Take a daycation!

Terrapin Creek

Imagine with me if you will, a hot summer day in Northeast Alabama. The sun is shining and you’re craving an adventurous outing that you can enjoy at a leisure pace. The water is calling your name.

Terrapin Creek is calling your name. Located in Piedmont, Alabama Terrapin creek is an 8 mile run of spring fed, mild, rapids in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This creek is known for it’s beautiful clear water, as it empties the cleanest waters among any other waterway into the Coosa River. Divided by two sections – Upper: Frank Stewart Bridge to Terrapin Outdoor Center. Lower: Terrapin Outdoor Center to the Ellisville Bridge. – Both sections are a fun and easy run, when with enough water, keeps things interesting. Kayaking is ideal in the Spring and Summer when water is up from rainfall. 

Terrapin Creek is twisty and quick with plenty of rock and whitewater but is mild enough for beginners. There are several outfitters along the creek that can equip you with a day float in kayak or canoe. Rentals include the boat, paddle, lifejacket, and shuttle to and from access points. There are two float options. The short float takes 3-4 hours to complete, while the day float is wrapped up in 5-6 hours. With many places to stop and swim, I suggest packing a cooler with lunch and stopping for a spell at one of the sandy shoal areas. Have a sandwich, take a swim, and when you’re ready load back up for the rest of the float.

In addition to floating the creek, Terrapin is home to a wide array of fish that the avid outdoorsman would enjoy leisurely fishing for. Spotted bass, largemouth bass, blue gill, and redbreast sunfish are just a few on the list. 

Is 3-6 hours on Terrapin Creek not enough for you? Stay awhile! There are primitive camping options, tent camping with water and power, and RV camping with hookups to water, power, and sewer. There are a few cabins and treehouse cabins available for rental on Terrapin Creek as well and a large pavilion for corporate or private events.

Terrapin Creek is Alabama’s #1 kayaking destination and it’s calling your name.

Golf

Cane Creek Golf Course

Cane Creek is one of two, city ran, golf courses, the other being The Hill. It is located at Ft. McClellan Army Post in Saks (Anniston) and was built back in 1969. It was designed by George W. Cobb and it is an 18-Hole course with a nice club house you can get your adult beverages and some lunch on the turn. It plays 7,064 yards from the long tees and is a Par 72 course. The course rating is 73.0 with a slope rating of 123 and is played on Bermuda grass. The longest hole and the #1 handicap on the course is the Par-5 573 yard hole #8. The easiest whole in our opinion is #13 a 423-yard par-4. Cane Creek is a great place to play golf; so grab your sticks call your friends and enjoy a round.

Cider Ridge Golf Club

Cider Ridge is an amazing Golf Course. I always feel like I should be paying more because it has a professional golf course feel. It also has a very unique layout. It is located at the base of Cheaha Mountain, Alabama’s tallest mountain, bordering the Talladega National Forrest. It is an award winning golf course with a par of 72, designed by Bill Bergin, it plays 6,976 yards from the long tees, has a slope of 136 and course rating of 73.8.

Remember us mentioning the unique layout? The front nine is gorgeous and plays a little more traditional with old oak trees and streams, including the Choccolocco Creek. The back nine is where you get the real “Cider Ridge experience”. The terrain has rolling hills and features dramatic elevation drops. It has a roller coaster feel to it and is paired with Mountain Vistas and water features. One such water feature is the signature hole #12 that has a natural waterfall from Little Hillabee Creek. Cider Ridge is one of those courses you just must see for yourself, reading about it does not do it justice.

In 2010 the course had a one-million-dollar restoration, vastly improving an already nice course. In 2021, our friend and owner of Pine Hill Country Club Cory Etter, took the reins of Cider Ridge. This is great news for everyone as we know Cory will do an amazing job now and into the future. This also opens Joint Memberships to Cider Ridge and Pine Hill Country Club.

Pine Hill Country Club

Pine Hill is a local favorite. It’s open to the public with very active, friendly golfers, often in “dog fights” playing alongside fair to middlin’ golfers (like myself). It is a genuinely nice atmosphere. The course itself was built in 1962 and was designed by Bill Scarborough. It features Bermuda grass, is 6,191 yards from the long tees, has a slope rating of 127 and par is 72. The course rating is 69.8 and Owner Cory Etter, a friend of INSIGHT, has done a phenomenal job since taking ownership. The course is constantly improving under his leadership. Cory has just acquired another Course in Calhoun County – Cider Ridge – which opened the opportunity for joint memberships. The Pine Hill Country Club also has a very nice pool for their members. So, bring the whole family for a fun day by the pool or swing the sticks on this awesome course. Call for membership details or tee times for the public.  

The Hill (Anniston Municipal Golf Course)

The Hill is one of two, city run, golf courses, the other being Cane Creek. Aptly named, It is nestled high up in the Hills of Anniston. The 9-hole “Hill” course features all the hallmarks of Alabama golf. Designed by L.T. Smith, the Hill golf course opened in 1934. Technically a nine-hole course, it is a par 70 and 18 can be played with a few cross-over tee box holes. The Hill is a fun, outside the box, course extremely popular with locals. Its terrain is entertaining and challenging at the same time. Come enjoy this nice hidden gem. 

Hiking

Chief Ladiga Trail Head

The Chief Ladiga Trail Head is a gorgeous trail to hike. It starts right on the Alabama and Georgia state line. Parts of the trail are running along side an old Southern Railway with restored and some new railroad trestles. There are several scenic bridges to travel over and along with the nature filled forests it has several streams and views of the Talladega Mountains. The trail flows through Calhoun County by way of Piedmont to Jacksonville (going through Jacksonville State University) into Weaver into Anniston where it ends at Michael Tucker Park.

Pinhoti Trail

The Pinhoti Trail is not only revered as one of the best hiking trails in Calhoun County it is considered one of the very best in the whole state of Alabama. With the trail head start located at Cheaha State Park most hikers refer to this as a perfect day hike. The trail is vast, going through around 175 miles through the state and around the same number of miles through neighboring Georgia. This is where it links up to the Appalachian Trail. The Talladega National Forest portion of the trail is beautiful in the spring and fall. As we all know the weather can get a bit much in the Al summer heat; so INSIGHT recommends taking the trail in those seasons. The nature and mountain views are spectacular and there are several access points. 

Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge

Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge is located at the old Fort McClellan. It is just over nine thousand acres of wildlife refuge. Once Fort McClellan was closed, they began the clean up process and formed the wildlife refuge and trail you can enjoy. Bird watching is a must as Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge protects the largest stand of Longleaf Pines north of the state’s coastal plain. As more of the refuge is being cleaned up more and more of the refuge trails are being opened to the public.