Deep in the heart of Alabama sits a small island with plenty of treasures. Jackson Lake Island is filled with tranquillity, serenity, beautiful landscapes and a special treat you will find nowhere else. There are plenty of reasons to make Jackson Lake Island a stop on your RV travel.
I found Jackson Lake Island quite by accident while on my way south in 2021. A small island just northwest of Montgomery. Its southern charm and unique landscape had me in the first five minutes I pulled onto the island. I was yet to experience it all.
This time, I was delighted to be able to sit with Lynn Bright, who, along with her husband Bobby, own this beautiful piece of paradise.
The History of Jackson Lake Island
The island, which was not quite an island yet, was purchased by Lynn’s father in 1970. The water around the island would grow due to a dam in the area that was under construction. In 1971, Lynn’s father built the causeway. Soon after, the dam finished, and Jackson Lake became an island.
Jackson Lake Island has been the place for weddings, family gatherings, camping, a romantic picnic and a great place to take a stroll for many years.
Today, Lynn and her husband own and run this beautiful park. Its remarkable beauty is all around you, and you can not help but notice a small town built on the island. This unique village that no one actually lived in, except the unexpected delightful inhabitants of today, is the abandoned movie set of the town of Spectre, created from the immense imagination of Tim Burton in the filming of Big Fish.
The unexpected inhabitants… the little herd of goats that live and roam on the island.
Come along as we tour Jackson Lake Island.
The Fictional Town of Spectre
The Fictional Town of Spectre from Tim Burton certainly has a certain mystical aura when you walk through. Built in 2003 for the movie Big Fish, its remnants add a touch of magic to this already magical place.
The movie itself about a father and son relationship has a magic that only Tim Burton can create.
In my chat with Lynn, I learned that as soon as Tim Burton came on the island, he knew this was the place for his whimsical, touching story. This private island paradise with the moss hanging from the trees and the water surrounding it created the perfect scene.
When the crew finished filming, the agreement was to leave everything as they found it. Fortunately for all of us, Lynn’s family asked that they leave the fantasy world of Big Fish.
The Mystical Magic of Spectre
People come from all over the world to walk the street of Spectre. They can walk through the trees of the dark forest and enter the world of Tim Burton. As you enter, you can see the line of houses and shops that were in the town. Feel free to take your shoes off and throw them on the line like Jenny did with Edward’s shoes.
Lynn and her husband Bobby have done some restoration work on the buildings, but this abandoned fictional town has its own will to live, it seems. The storms they get here can get massive winds. Trees have fallen. Even a tornado came through, and still, this little town stands. Last year, one of the buildings was sadly lost to fire.
As you walk through town, you can envision the people dancing in the street, which was all covered in grass for the dance scene in the movie. You can stroll towards the church at the end of the street and visit the mayor’s house where Edward went for tea.
There is a special magic when you walk through the town of Spectre. A Tim Burton’s mystical magic that just has to be experienced.
The Beauty and Serenity of Jackson Lake Island
The town of Spectre may bring you here, but it is the beauty and serenity of this little island that will keep you here. It is hard to describe the feeling of sitting on one of the many swing seats that are beside the river and just taking in the sounds and vibrations this piece of paradise gives.
As you sit and swing, you can watch the cormorants glide over the water as they seem to float on the air. The sounds of them chatting and the other 114 species of birds that have been found here. This is a bird watchers paradise with a few of those species being a rare variety.
Two times, a little bird flew into my open doors and windows. A small sparrow the first time. Flew in, said a few cheers of welcome and flew out. I am not sure what kind of bird the second one was. He also stayed for a moment and watched me watch him. With a cheep, he was gone. What a beautiful experience.
A trail that you can walk or drive takes you all around the island. Picnic tables and swings line the shore for you to enjoy a nice picnic by the river. There is also a pavilion and restrooms, with an awesome shower, I may add. The mystery and the magic flow over the island like a soft blanket. Comforting, serene, and a tranquility that just keeps you wanting more.
The Unusual Inhabitants
As you stroll the island, do not be surprised by the bleating of the little goats that reside on the island. These cute little animals love a scritch behind the ear and are adorable to have around. Sit and sip your coffee and have a friendly visitor come to visit.
I asked Lynn how the goats came to be on the island? I was told most were given to them, and they also work with a goat rescue near them. A few goats and nature happens and you have more goats. How wonderful for a goat with no home be living a life in paradise with some very good friends and a few kids of their own.
I am pretty sure this little one and I bonded. Always came over for a pet. So very cute.
Visiting Jackson Lake Island
Visiting Jackson Lake Island can be done in a few ways. Just visiting for the day? There is a small fee to pay before crossing the causeway. You can dry or tent camp on the island for $15.00/night as I did. They also have a few RV hook-ups on the island. Please remember to leave it as you found it so the beauty and the magic can be enjoyed by everyone.
I have just left the island when writing this and already can not wait to go back. To experience once again the mystery, the magic, and the tranquility of Jackson Lake Island. I want to thank Lynn and Bobby for being such wonderful hosts and sharing their piece of paradise with all of us.
Make sure to put Jackson Lake Island on your RV travel destination itinerary. You will be glad you did!
Thanks for coming along on my Chipmunk Adventure.
See you next time!
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Love this blog! I can always use a coffee! 👇 Thanks for your support.
How cool is that sounds for sure like something from a movie….thanks for sharing this
It is such a mystical, beautiful place! Thanks for coming on tour with me.