This Alabama State Park Has a Charming Town Right Next Door — and Nobody Talks About It

Alabamians, especially anyone living in the heart of the state, know exactly what it means when we talk about going to “the Lake,” aka Lake Martin. On the shores of this sprawling recreational playground sits Wind Creek State Park, a “beach” destination for roadtrippers, campers, and water enthusiasts. And when they visit, many either camp at the park or stay in Alexander City. That said, drive 15 minutes, and you’ll find Dadeville, a small town near Wind Creek State Park, which residents describe as a peaceful, family-friendly community. We think its walkable square, southern charm, and easy access to outdoor recreation are more than enough reasons to add this town to your next trip to east-central Alabama.

Why This Town is the Perfect Base for Wind Creek State Park

When you’re vacationing on Lake Martin, you can fill your day with plenty of water fun, including boating, swimming, paddling, and fishing. Almost half a million people come to Wind Creek State Park, making it one of the best state parks in Alabama to visit. Naturally, the lake can get pretty hectic, especially when the summer season kicks in. For anyone looking to get away from the crowds, Dadeville might just be the town for you. This charming destination near Wind Creek State Park is located on the quieter side of “the Lake,” but still has plenty to do. Mornings can begin with a stroll in a nearby park, leading to a walk through the square, then a late afternoon hike near “the Lake” to watch the sun set at the end of the day. Then, a quick 14-mile drive and you’ll be back in Dadeville to rest for the evening. 

What to Do in Dadeville

Like with many small towns in Alabama, you can find a quaint, walkable downtown with a museum, courthouse, specialty boutiques, coffee shops, and friendly folks. Dadeville checks all those boxes. The town square, lined with colorful storefronts, isn’t big by any means, yet there are a few places to browse along Broadnax, Columbus, Cusseta, and Tallassee streets. A good spot to start is the Tallapoosee Historical Museum, to get to know the town. It’s only open on Saturdays until 4 p.m., so keep that in mind when you visit. 

For retail therapy, Ellaby Boutique LLC has some really cute summer dresses and accessories to go with them, and there is always something trendy in the new arrivals. You can find items for the entire family at Porch & Pine, and they have stuff for your home, too. The wrap-around porch and swings make this charming shop feel like it belongs in a magazine. If you get hungry, start your morning with a cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast at Camellia Cafe. For lunch or dinner, bring cash to enjoy the specialty pepper jelly burger at Mama T's Place. The best part? All your meals come with a free side of southern hospitality.   

When you need to burn off those calories, take a stroll on the scenic paths at Keebler Park, located about five minutes (walking) from the square. Or to get your heart racing, take a drive to Jackson’s Gap, a neighboring town, to hike the Smith Mountain Fire Tower Trail. Here, you can climb the tower for expansive views of Lake Martin. Of course, visiting Wind Creek State Park requires its own day, to hike the trails or hang out on the water. After a day at the park, you can easily drive back to Dadeville to spend the night.

Where to Stay Nearby

I love that there are plenty of options for places to stay near Dadeville. Wind Creek boasts one of the largest campgrounds in Alabama, with over 550 RV and tent sites with hookups. The bonus of staying at the park? Having full access to marinas, ziplining, and lake activities for a fraction of the cost of major hotels. Plus, there are also waterfront glamping cottages for anyone desiring more comfort. In town, the rustic Creekside Lodge boasts amenities that everyone can enjoy. Aside from its location on Lake Martin, there is a swimming pool, a hot tub, a boat dock, and the rooms have full kitchens and patios, some with lake views. Oh, and you can’t beat a complimentary breakfast every morning. There are also cool waterfront vacation rentals, if that’s more your speed. 

What to Know Before You Go

It should go without saying, but summer is peak season at “the Lake.” As the crowds grow at Wind Creek State Park, it will pour over into Dadeville and the surrounding towns. This just means you might see more people strolling along the square, but don’t worry, the town remains a peaceful destination for visitors. If you come during the off-season, Wind Creek’s campground will be quieter, and you might even score additional deals, too. There is a small fee of $5 to enter, $5 parking for campers, and a $5 boating fee. Discounts are available for qualified visitors. Check out the Wind Creek State Park to learn more.

The next time you’re trying to figure out where to stay near Lake Martin, the 3,000 residents in Dadeville will be there to welcome you. Staying here is a great way to experience the more relaxed side of the lake, while getting to know the charming community that you might have missed over the years. Plus, Dadeville is a quick 25 miles from the walkable city of Auburn, making it a fun detour for roadtrippers in the area.