Background

Town of Spectre: A Whimsical Movie Set Come to Life

Explore the whimsical movie set of Spectre on Jackson Lake Island, where film meets nature in a unique Alabama experience.

4.8

The Town of Spectre, built as a set for Tim Burton's film 'Big Fish,' resides on Jackson Lake Island in Millbrook, Alabama. This quirky destination allows visitors to explore the decaying remains of the movie set and interact with the island's friendly goat population [3, 5].

A brief summary to Town of Spectre

Local tips

  • Bring old shoes to add to the iconic shoe line at the entrance of Spectre [9, 16].
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the island, as the terrain can be uneven [4].
  • Bring cash for the entrance fee and any desired activities like camping or fishing [10].
  • Check the Jackson Lake Island Facebook page for the gate code and any updates on closures or events [5, 7, 10, 11].
  • Be respectful of the property and the goats that roam freely on the island [4, 5, 15].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From Montgomery, Alabama, take I-65 North to Exit 179 for Millbrook [7]. Follow the signs towards Millbrook and then look for signs directing you to Jackson Lake Island. The island is located off Cypress Lane [5]. Be prepared for a short drive on a dirt road leading to the entrance [5]. There is a $2 toll to cross the bridge onto the island, and then a $5 per person entrance fee (or $20 per carload) [10]. Camping is an additional $15 per person [9, 10].

  • Ride-sharing

    From downtown Montgomery, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to Jackson Lake Island are available. The ride is approximately 20 minutes and will cost around $25-$40, depending on demand and time of day. Note that the final approach involves a short distance on a dirt road [5]. Confirm with your driver that they are willing to drive to the island entrance. Remember to factor in the $2 bridge toll and the $5 per person entrance fee upon arrival [10].

Unlock the Best of Town of Spectre

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Town of Spectre

Step into the fantastical world of Tim Burton's 'Big Fish' with a visit to the Town of Spectre, the film's set located on Jackson Lake Island in Millbrook, Alabama [3, 5]. Constructed in 2003, the town was intentionally designed to look idyllic yet surreal, a characteristic that has only been enhanced by the passage of time [3, 16]. Though the buildings are mere shells, built without proper interiors, their facades still evoke the film's whimsical charm [3, 8, 14]. Wander through the town, where you'll find the iconic line of shoes dangling overhead, a tradition started in the movie and continued by countless visitors who leave their footwear as a tribute [5, 10, 16]. Jackson Lake Island itself is a tranquil escape, surrounded by the Alabama River and adorned with Spanish moss-draped trees [5, 6, 13]. The island is also home to a friendly herd of goats that roam freely, adding to the location's unique appeal [3, 5, 15]. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and camping on the island, making it a destination for both movie buffs and nature lovers [4, 5, 13]. Keep in mind that the set was not built to last, and some structures have deteriorated or been removed due to safety concerns [8, 14]. Despite this, the Town of Spectre remains a captivating and surreal experience, offering a glimpse into the world of 'Big Fish' and the beauty of the Alabama landscape [4, 10].

Popular Experiences near Town of Spectre

Popular Hotels near Town of Spectre

Select Currency