A really fantastic park that is becoming one of my favorites in Auburn. Well-maintained (clean…read morebathrooms!) and on the newer side, with a nice walking trail, a parking lot, a playground, bench swings, a pavilion, and even a silo because why not? Don't miss the Historic Tree Trail across the street for some simultaneous botany and history!

Before I had kids I always saw parents at parks and wondered how bored they must be. Obviously…read morethings have changed. I go to parks all the time. They bring great joy to my babies. Most times I have mom friends who make it less boring. But this park the greatest ever. I get excited to go and bring my kids.

5 giant inflatables, aka bouncy castles, foam tile floors, a birthday room, free wifi. This is the…read moreplace to go when your youngling has too much energy and it's too hot or cold or wet outside for the playground.

The Salem Shotwell Covered Bridge is one of those small, satisfying surprises where the history is…read morereal, the setting is peaceful, and the experience feels a little more special than you expect. The original bridge was built in 1900 to carry traffic over Wacoochee Creek, and even though the structure you walk across today is a careful reconstruction, it keeps the proportions, timberwork, and quiet charm of the old one. Being able to walk the full span is genuinely cool, especially since it's obviously not open to vehicles, and the boards have that soft, weathered sound underfoot that makes a covered bridge feel alive. The park that now surrounds it was created after the bridge was relocated and rebuilt in 2007, giving the structure a new home that feels both respectful and welcoming. There's easy parking right by the entrance, and the short nature walk that loops around the creek adds a nice rhythm to the visit, especially if you like to linger and take in the details. The bridge sits low over the water, framed by trees, and the whole place has that quiet, tucked‑away atmosphere that makes you slow down without thinking about it. It's the kind of stop that doesn't take long but stays with you, a simple wooden span that carries more history and charm than its size suggests. [Review 288 of 2026 - 271 in Alabama - 25477 overall]

This is a cute neighborhood park. I enjoyed the history of the covered bridge and the picture…read morebackdrop it provided. There seemed to be quite a bit of green space in that area as a large soccer field was across the street. This park is dog friendly, and there is a little creek that runs through it. The wildflower trail was not very flowery as much as it was bushes that sometime flower. Check it out.

This is a beautiful place to visit. The restrooms were clean, and there's a small lake with a dock…read morewhere you can jump in and swim. The ladder could use replacing, but people still manage just fine. There are also a couple of beautiful waterfalls to enjoy, along with mountain biking trails and nice walking paths. The staff here were very friendly and informative. We truly enjoyed our visit and hope you do too!

This state park has an amazing mountain bike trail system. The trail builders have built awesome…read moretrails that caters to early beginners to Advanced Riders. There's even a Pro line that makes your butt pucker just by looking at it. Way above my pay grade as they say. "Chewacla State Park's 696 scenic acres offer plenty of rest, relaxation and recreation, just a short drive from the Auburn-Opelika area. Facilities include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, cabins, hiking and mountain biking trails."

Sam Harris is a modest, city-run park located at 850 Foster Street, near Drake Middle School…read more Amenities include a paved walking loop (6 laps = 1 mile), horseshoe pits, an ADA-compliant playground, a basketball hoop (which unfortunately and strangely is set up in the parking lot), picnic tables, and a pavilion. Sam Harris Park was renovated last year and feels new. There's a woodsy babbling creek you can stroll alongside. The park land stretches out to almost Shug Jordan. It's not the most exciting park, but it's not bad. There are restrooms but they happened to be closed for "winterization." Park was clean and seemed safe (a cop was hanging out in the parking lot). The ice cream man even made an appearance!

If you're an Auburn student you know how valuable the Donald E. Davis Arboretum is to the…read moreuniversity and community. Although the primary objective is a living breathing outdoor museum, it is also a university classroom. I will focus on what the Davis Arboretum is best known for, The Founders Oak. I was fascinated by my visit. The native Southern trees and plants is the real gem of the arboretum. The crown jewel would be the "Founders Oak". The tree symbolizes the strong foundation and a deeply rooted history. The tree measures 88 feet tall by 47 inches wide. It's expected to see the start of the next century. The Oak serves as a symbol of the City of Auburn in history and spirit. There is much, more to the 13.6 acre arboretum that you will love to explore. They also rent out their space on the cheap for weddings. I encourage a visit.

Not that Auburn is a concrete jungle or anything, but the Davis Arboretum is a perfect escape into…read morenature, all while being on Auburn's campus and close to downtown and major roads. There's a parking lot off Garden Drive and some street parking on Lem Morrison Drive. The arboretum is free to all, not just those with university affiliations, and is open from dawn to dusk. If you like trees, especially southern ones, you're in luck. The place has undergone some cosmetic improvements over the years and seems to have expanded. I'm partial to the pond, and the pitcher plant area is super cool, especially when you can hear frogs rumbling. Spanning 13+ acres and home to 300 native plant species, the arboretum is sure to have something for you, whether you just like to wander amidst the trees, need to squeeze in a run, have to study for class, or want to explore with your kiddos.

I love parks, but this one is not quite up to par as a full fledged park in my book…read more Salmon Park is a neighborhood park located by a beautiful cemetery. There is no parking lot for your car. All parking is across the street from the park. I would imagine most coming to this place would be on foot. The area that is considered park is beautiful, but miniscule There are no restroom facilities on the grounds. Also no play equipment for kids. What they do have are a few picnic tables and one grill. The tables are moldy and mildewed and in need of replacement. There is a single water fountain in the middle of the park. An unsightly garbage container sets in the middle of park, but hey at least they have one. I could see throwing out a blanket and having a picnic with the kids running around in with ample space to play tag, or throw a ball around. But if your looking for the amenities that most families have come accustomed to in a park this will not cut the mustard.