Eufaula – Historic Homes, Trails and Lake Eufaula

Explore Eufaula through two distinct themes: the history of its historic homes and the landscape around Lake Eufaula. When choosing a hotel in Eufaula, it may help to consider in advance whether you want to focus your trip primarily on the homes and their history, a hike or the lake. The following places and activities offer specific starting points.

Historic Homes and Eufaula’s History

Shorter Mansion was built in 1884, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, and is located in Eufaula’s Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District. The Eufaula Historical Museum, with artifacts and exhibits about the city’s history, is housed in the mansion. The house and museum thus pair a historic building with insights into Eufaula’s past. Shorter Mansion is open for tours Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check the hours before you arrive.

Fendall Hall is one of Alabama’s most outstanding examples of Italianate architecture. During its restoration, the house was designed to reflect the period from 1880 to 1916. Hand-painted murals adorn the walls and ceilings of the entrance hall, parlor and dining room. The architecture and design of these three rooms offer different points of interest for visitors drawn to historic homes.

Another option for history enthusiasts is the Eufaula Pilgrimage, an annual tour of historic homes. If this tour is of interest for your trip, check the dates as you plan. This lets you align your travel dates with the event without assuming a specific date.

Trails and Nature at Lake Eufaula

Lakepoint State Park sits on the shore of Lake Eufaula, which covers 45,000 acres. The park has four hiking trails, most of them about one mile long. This distance applies to most, but not necessarily all, of the trails. Lakepoint Resort State Park is also a stop on Alabama’s Wiregrass Birding Trail. Hiking and birdwatching therefore offer different ways to enjoy the outdoors during a stay.

The Yoholo Micco Trail is a hiking trail that follows 3.2 miles of an abandoned railway line. It starts in historic downtown Eufaula and ends in Old Creek Town. Its length and two endpoints give you a specific reference point when choosing between this trail and the shorter, approximately one-mile trails in Lakepoint State Park. When planning, it makes sense to consider the actual distance along with the trail’s start and end points.

There is also a 205-acre public park directly on Lake Eufaula. Together with Lakepoint State Park and the various trails, it adds to the range of lake-related activities. When deciding on your trip, you can weigh historic architecture, museum exhibits, a tour of historic homes and trails of different lengths. Choose a hotel for your stay in Eufaula that suits your interests, and include tour hours or event dates in your plans if needed.

For a broader travel overview: Barbour County.