Opelika, Alabama is a city located in Lee County and is home to over 30,000 people. It’s part of the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Area which has an estimated population of 153,000. Opelika was founded in 1854 by Abraham Markle and named after his hometown of Opelika, Germany. The
downtown area of Opelika has maintained its small town charm with many buildings from the late 19th century still standing today.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Located in the city of Opelika, this golf course is one of Alabama’s premier championship courses and a must-play for anyone visiting the area. Featuring 54 holes on three 18-hole courses (Lake Course, Links Course, Short Course), this award-winning facility offers something for every level of golfer.
Chewacla State Park
This 696-acre park features lake swimming, fishing, camping sites and over 25 miles of trails perfect for biking or hiking. The park also includes picnic areas with grills and playgrounds as well as an amphitheater where visitors can enjoy special events throughout the year such as concerts and movies under the stars!
Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
Located on Auburn University’s campus in Opelika, JCSM offers free admission to its permanent collection featuring American art from colonial times to present day along with rotating exhibitions that showcase regional artists throughout each season. Visitors can take guided tours or explore independently through interactive media displays located within each gallery space!
4. Shop Downtown Opelika: This charming downtown district has it all – boutique shops selling local goods like handmade jewelry & pottery as well as restaurants serving up everything from Southern comfort food to Italian cuisine! With its quaint atmosphere & friendly locals, there’s no better place to spend an afternoon than strolling around downtown Opelika!
The Bama Theater
Built in 1936 by Paramount Pictures Inc., this historic theatre hosts live music shows from local bands & national recording artists throughout each month – making it a great spot for catching some tunes while you’re in town!
Why Visit Opelika, Alabama
The streets are lined with historic architecture that includes Victorian houses and quaint churches. There’s also plenty to do for those looking for entertainment such as live music venues, restaurants and bars along with museums like the Museum of East Alabama or the Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatic Center where visitors can go swimming or play sports like basketball or volleyball.
When it comes to education, there are several options available including public schools run by Lee County Public Schools as well as private institutions like Oakwood Christian Academy and Faith Baptist Church School which offer K-12 instruction in religion based curriculum’s while other schools specialize in specific academic areas such as math or science. There are also postsecondary opportunities at Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) which offers associate degrees that can be transferred to four year universities should students want to continue their education further down the line.
Outside of school you have access to a variety of outdoor activities ranging from parks & trails for hiking/biking/running enthusiasts all within easy reach from downtown Opelika; if water activities are more your thing then nearby Lake Harding provides ample opportunity for fishing & boating adventures while Chewacla State Park offers camping sites so you can enjoy nature up close!
And when it comes time for shopping needs there’s Tiger Town Shopping Center & numerous local businesses throughout town offering everything from clothing boutiques & furniture stores too specialty shops selling antiques plus much more!
Overall living in Opelika is great because it has something special no matter what your interests may be – whether it’s exploring history through its beautiful architecture or taking advantage of outdoor recreation spots this city will certainly keep you busy! Plus with convenient access points into surrounding cities like Auburn University just minutes away, there’s always something new happening.