The county seat of Baldwin is a quiet city away from the tourist trail, with treats for film fans and visitors in search of an authentic American experience.
Bay Minette’s authentic, small-town-American atmosphere has attracted filmmakers over the years. The railroad running through the city made it an important destination during the state's industrial heyday. Look for landmarks from that time throughout the city. Live, eat and drink with locals for a taste of the true Alabama lifestyle.
Explore the regional seat of power at Baldwin County Courthouse. One of the earliest counties in Alabama moved its judicial headquarters to Bay Minette in 1900 and dedicated the courthouse shortly thereafter. Find a monument honouring local veterans outside the historic building. Walk a block from the courthouse to see the Compton Clock, which marks the centre of downtown Bay Minette.
Relive the extraterrestrial experiences of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which was filmed by Steven Spielberg at the L & N Railroad Station. Take a tour of the station and get photos of the old-fashioned wooden façade. The eerie swamp at nearby Byrnes Landing also put Bay Minette on the cinematic map after it featured in Friday the 13th Part VII.
Go fishing or birdwatching in the winding rivers and swampland stretching west of the city. Start at Cliff's Landing or Live Oak Landing where you can find restaurants and facilities for visitors.
Join local residents at one of the many Bay Minette events that take place throughout the year. On the first Friday of every month in spring, the community comes together to socialize, with food trucks, open-air movie screenings and child-oriented activities taking over the city centre. Summer begins with the Annual Crawfish Bash, a big festival of food with a uniquely Alabaman atmosphere.
For access to Bay Minette, fly into Mobile Regional Airport, which is about 50 minutes away by car. The airport is served by several major American airlines. Summer is a particularly good time to visit this city, with the Crawfish Bash, monthly market days and other seasonal events taking place.
