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Jackson Lake Island: Where Movie Magic Meets Island Life

Explore the whimsical 'Big Fish' movie set, meet friendly goats, and immerse yourself in nature's beauty on this unique Alabama treasure.

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Discover Jackson Lake Island in Millbrook, Alabama, home to the whimsical 'Town of Spectre' movie set from Tim Burton's film, 'Big Fish'. Explore the unique scenery, interact with friendly goats, and enjoy a tranquil escape into nature and cinematic history.

A brief summary to Jackson Lake Island

Local tips

  • Bring cash for the entrance fee, as the island operates on an honor system with a self-pay station [5].
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the island, as the terrain can be uneven in places [5].
  • Bring your camera to capture the unique scenery, including the 'Town of Spectre' movie set and the friendly goats [5].
  • Consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake, as there are limited food options on the island [5].
  • Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially during the warmer months, and bring insect repellent [5].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Millbrook, head east on Main Street (Highway 14) [5]. Continue for approximately 3 miles, then turn right onto Cypress Lane [5, 6]. Follow Cypress Lane to the end, where you'll find Jackson Lake Island [5]. The entrance fee is $5 per person over the age of 10, payable via cash in an envelope at the gate [4, 5, 6]. Call the number posted to receive the gate code [5, 6]. Parking is available on the island near the entrance [5].

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Discover more about Jackson Lake Island

Jackson Lake Island, nestled on the Alabama River near Millbrook, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cinematic history [6, 10]. This privately-owned island is best known as the location of the fictional town of Spectre, the whimsical setting from Tim Burton's 2003 film, 'Big Fish' [6, 9]. The island has been in the Bright family since 1970 [6, 2]. Originally a tranquil spot, it was transformed by Tim Burton's vision into a destination for movie enthusiasts and nature lovers alike [6]. The 'Town of Spectre' movie set was intentionally designed to look timeworn and slightly eerie and was left standing after filming wrapped [10]. Over the years, the buildings have weathered, adding to the town's ghostly charm [6, 10]. Walking through Spectre feels like stepping back in time, or perhaps into a dream [6, 10]. The moss-draped trees, the still waters of Jackson Lake, and the dilapidated facades create a surreal and captivating experience [10]. Visitors can toss their shoes onto the iconic shoe line, a tradition inspired by a scene in 'Big Fish' [5, 10]. The island also features the remains of Jenny's house, marked by four plaster columns standing near the lake's edge [3, 5]. Adding to the island's unique character is the herd of goats that freely roam the grounds [6, 4]. These friendly creatures have become an integral part of the Jackson Lake Island experience and often interact with visitors, adding a touch of whimsy to the landscape [6, 10]. Beyond the movie set and the goats, Jackson Lake Island offers a variety of outdoor activities [6]. The lake surrounds the island, providing a picturesque setting for various water activities [5]. Anglers can cast their lines for bass, catfish, and crappie, while kayakers and canoeists can explore the calm waters and enjoy the scenic views [5, 9]. Primitive campsites are available for those seeking a longer escape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the island's natural surroundings [5]. The island also features picnic tables, a covered picnic pavilion, and a playground, making it a family-friendly destination [5, 3].

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