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Jackson Lake Island: Where 'Big Fish' Comes to Life

Explore the whimsical 'Big Fish' movie set, meet friendly goats, and enjoy the natural beauty of this unique Alabama island getaway.

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Jackson Lake Island, near Millbrook, Alabama, is a unique destination blending cinematic history and natural beauty. It's home to the 'Town of Spectre' movie set from Tim Burton's film 'Big Fish' and inhabited by friendly goats. Visitors can explore the set, enjoy the lake, and experience a tranquil escape.

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 [3].
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the island, as the terrain can be uneven in places [3].
  • Bring your camera to capture the unique scenery, including the 'Town of Spectre' movie set and the friendly goats [3].
  • Consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake, as there are limited food options on the island [3].
  • Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially during the warmer months, and bring insect repellent [3].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Millbrook, head east on Main Street (Highway 14). Continue for approximately 3 miles, then turn right onto Cypress Lane. Follow Cypress Lane to the end, where you'll find Jackson Lake Island [3]. Be prepared to pay a small entrance fee upon arrival; the current fee is $5 per person over the age of 10 [3, 7]. Remember to bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted [3]. The island uses an honor system; deposit your payment in the provided envelope and call the posted number for the gate code [3, 5, 6]. Parking is available on the island near the entrance [3].

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Discover more about Jackson Lake Island

Jackson Lake Island, nestled on the Alabama River near Millbrook, offers a captivating blend of cinematic history and natural beauty [3]. Best known as the home of the 'Town of Spectre' movie set, created for Tim Burton's acclaimed 2003 film, 'Big Fish', the island provides a tranquil escape with opportunities for outdoor recreation and encounters with its charming animal residents [3, 11]. Originally purchased in 1970, the island's transformation began when Tim Burton chose it as the filming location for Spectre [3, 4]. The movie set, intentionally designed to look abandoned and slightly eerie, was left standing after filming wrapped, creating a surreal and captivating landscape for visitors to explore [3]. Over time, the structures have weathered, adding to their ethereal charm [3]. While some buildings have been lost to storms and fire, the remaining facades offer a glimpse into the imaginative world of 'Big Fish' [3, 11]. Adding to the island's unique character is a herd of goats that roam freely throughout the grounds [3, 7]. Originally brought to control vegetation, these friendly creatures have become a beloved part of the Jackson Lake Island experience [3, 16]. Visitors often encounter them wandering through the 'Town of Spectre,' adding a touch of whimsy to the already surreal setting [3]. The goats are accustomed to human interaction and are generally happy to be petted and photographed [3]. Jackson Lake itself is an oxbow lake, formed when the Alabama River changed course [3]. The lake surrounds the island, providing a picturesque setting for various water activities [3, 20]. Anglers can cast their lines for bass, catfish, and crappie, while kayakers and canoeists can explore the calm waters and enjoy the scenic views [3, 11, 20]. A boat ramp on the north side of the island provides easy access to the lake [3, 5]. Primitive campsites are available, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the island's natural surroundings [3]. The island also features picnic tables, a covered picnic pavilion, and a playground, making it a family-friendly destination [3, 5]. While exploring the 'Town of Spectre,' visitors can pay homage to the film by tossing their shoes onto the iconic shoe line, a tradition inspired by a scene in 'Big Fish' [3]. The island also features remnants of Jenny's house, marked by four columns standing near the lake's edge [3, 5].

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