You may have heard of Troy, Alabama, on your way to the beach. But it’s more than just a pass-through. This small Alabama town is standing up and demanding attention not only from the people who call it home but also from visitors. Check out seven experiences you can only get in this charming town.
About Troy, Alabama
Troy, Alabama, is a bustling community with a small-town vibe. Located about an hour’s drive south of Montgomery, this quaint Alabama town was officially incorporated in 1843 and has about 19,000 residents.
Troy quickly became the social center of Pike County. But in 1901, a fire devastated the entire town. The rebuilding effort included factories, railroads, and the start of Troy College, resulting in consistent growth, giving Troy its current small-town vintage square with a vibrant young town feel.
How Far Is Troy from the Beach?
Troy, Alabama, sits nestled among pine forests with the Conecuh River to its north and Pike County Lake to its south. Add in the several popular beach spots, such as Destin, Miramar Beach, and Gulf Islands National Seashore, less than three hours away, and you’ll have access to the best of both worlds here.
What Is Troy, Alabama, Known For?
Troy, Alabama, home to Troy University, may be best known for its college-town atmosphere, but you’ll find more than that here. Tourists and locals alike love this little Alabama town for its downtown square alive with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues for all ages.
So, yes, you’ll find many college-aged students here. But you’ll also find history, pine forests, and a down-home feel.
7 Unique Experiences in Troy, Alabama
Troy, Alabama, may just surprise you. From museums to art galleries to laser tag adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do.
1. Visit the Pioneer Museum of Alabama
The Pioneer Museum of Alabama offers a glimpse into early 20th-century living. Visit the replica main street where you can walk back in time to experience early 1900s pioneer life. There’s a fully stocked general store, blacksmith shop, cabin and tenant house, pioneer kitchen, carriages, and more. You can even experience living history through reenactments of the Creek War of 1836, where Creek tribes and settlers came into conflict.
Tickets are $10 for adults. Seniors and children can get discounts. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.
2. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Butter and Egg Adventures
Butter and Egg Adventures is outdoor fun at its finest. This retreat and outdoor recreational facility has 23 zip lines and three unique aerial courses, including climbing walls and tree challenge courses. You’ll also find laser tag, several outdoor sports fields, volleyball and horseshoe pits, and a golf target area and putting green. Love the water? They’ve even got a water slide, fishing, and boating.
Pricing and operating hours vary depending on individual activities, birthday parties, and youth and adult retreat options. Stay overnight, build a team, or stay for a day and build confidence while having a blast.
3. Visit the Troy Arboretum
The Troy Arboretum is located on Troy University’s campus but has a beauty all its own. Its mission is to acquire flora from southeast Alabama and research them. The Troy Arboretum offers a wealth of information on local flora, with a focus on rare and uncommon types.
With 75 acres of land on campus, along with its 18-acre Pocosin Nature Preserve six miles east, this living lab offers studies on ecology, zoology, entomology, and more. Enjoy a picnic among the beauty here while bird watching. It’s open to the public from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, free of charge.
4. View Local Art at Johnson Center for the Arts
Located in one of Troy’s most historic buildings from 1910, the Johnson Center for the Arts is the only cultural arts center in Pike County. Home to seven galleries, this art center focuses on bringing art education to the community.
Visit often because there are many rotating art exhibits and a variety of art and educational workshops. You can also rent it out for private events. The Johnson Center for the Arts is where the community celebrates art, culture, and community.
Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it’s free of charge.
5. Play Laser Tag at The Battlefield
The Battlefield is located within the Butter and Egg Adventure Complex. It’s one adventure you won’t want to miss while visiting Troy, Alabama. Hide in foxholes, bunkers, and towers. You can choose from scenarios such as a downed pilot rescue mission or go all out in an every man for himself session.
Pricing starts at $15 per player for a 90-minute session. Pricing includes everything you need to start playing. You must be at least six years old and have a minimum of 10 players to participate.
6. Visit the Conecuh River Depot Military Museum
You’ll find the quaint wooden museum in the parking lot of the Pioneer Museum of Alabama. You’ll feel as though you’ve walked back in time to the early 1900s. Thanks to its private ownership, the Conecuh River Depot Military Museum offers an extensive private collection of military memorabilia and antique collectibles.
7. Stroll the Campus of Troy University
Started as the Troy State Normal School in 1887, the university was lucky to survive its first tumultuous years. Today, however, Troy University is the fourth-largest university in Alabama. Ranked as one of the Southeast’s best universities by “The Princeton Review” and “Forbes Magazine,” Troy is proud of building relationships alongside education.
Troy’s campus sits on 650 acres and has several historical structures. Experience what it’s like to be a student here or enjoy the community. You’ll find NCAA sporting events, the Claudia Crosby Community Theater, and the Alabama Bandmaster’s Hall of Fame. Become a Troy Trojan just for a day.
The Vibrant Town of Troy, Alabama, Will Get Your Attention
The beaches in Alabama and nearby Florida may grab your attention first. However, Troy, Alabama, won’t be far behind. Plan your day at the beach, but when you find yourself in need of a vacation from your vacation, Troy, Alabama, will be waiting for you with both leisure and liveliness. What’s your favorite thing about Troy?
