The fictional town of Spectre, created for Tim Burton’s 2003 film Big Fish, still stands on Jackson Lake Island over 20 years later—and you can visit what remains today, along with the island’s many goats! The structures, never intended to last, are gradually succumbing to the passage of time, southern humidity, and termites. One house was even leveled by lightning last year. So, don’t sleep on seeing Spectre in all its lovely, faded glory!
I first watched Big Fish in theaters with my mom and grandma back in Buffalo, New York. It’s a cherished memory, and I have something of a rekindled love for the movie now that I live in the South (which despite its faults, has endless weirdness and charm). Based on the novel by Alabamian Daniel Wallace, the story follows Edward Bloom through spooky, swampy woods into the idyllic, somewhat surreal town of Spectre. Years later, Edward returns to find a sadder, rundown version of the town. The filmmakers aesthetically dilapidated the set for those scenes, so Spectre looked the part before real decay set in.
Location
Cypress Lane, Millbrook, AL, United States, 36054
Jackson Lake Island is about a 20 minute drive from Montgomery. It’s privately owned and if the gate is closed, you’ll need a code to get in: 334-430-7963, JacksonLakeIsland@gmail.com.
Cost: Bring cash! If memory serves, it’s $2 toll to cross the bridge, then $5 per person or $20 per carload the enter the island. For an extra $15, you can primitive camp. No reservations are needed for primitive camping. There are a few RV sites with hookups that are first come, first serve.
History
Back in 2003, Spectre was custom-built in about six months, complete with a church, general store, several homes, and the spooky swamp/forest. Today, two styrofoam trees remain from the forest, their brown paint patchy. The iconic entrance line of dangling shoes still hangs, now heavier than ever with the shoes of countless visitors. The storefronts and some houses, including Jenny’s, are long gone, but what remains still exudes that unmistakable Tim Burton charm. The area itself is naturally beautiful, with Spanish moss throughout and cypress trees lining one side of the island.
Jackson Lake Island is also known as Goat Heaven, and in my book, nothing adds more charm to a place than GOATS. A herd of goats originally occupied the island to help control overgrown vegetation before filming began, and they’ve roamed freely ever since. These guys are adorable, funny, and not shy about coming right up to your car. The island is also home to many birds, including osprey.
Other Activities
Besides wandering the ruins of Spectre and hanging out with the goats, the island is a great spot for kayaking and fishing. Jackson Lake, fed by the Alabama River, averages a depth of about 20 feet and is home to crappie, catfish, and bass.
Visitors to Spectre—aka Jackson Lake Island, aka Goat Heaven—are a mix of local fishers, kayakers, campers, movie fans, and photographers. This small, secluded island is a treasure.
For more information, check out the island’s Facebook Page.
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