Barber Marina – Elberta, Alabama - Atlas Obscura

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Barber Marina

Come for the boats, stay to explore the intriguing assortment of art. 

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George W. Barber apparently likes sculpture, whether kitschy or fine. His marina, on some 800 acres on the peninsula between Wolf Bay and Ingram Bayou, is full of much more than boats.

The entrance road to the marina yields its surprises slowly. First, there’s what looks like a classical Roman goddess surrounded by Corinthian columns next to a large pond, visible through a cut in the pine forest. Then there’s a fiberglass replica of Stonehenge nestled in a small clearing in the pines. Then four dinosaurs in the pines. 

The reveals continue. Barber Parkway ends, and you turn right onto Neptune Boulevard, which leads to a traffic circle surrounding a beautiful, authentic Italian Renaissance fountain surmounted with a statue of Neptune.

As you continue toward the marina, now visible, watch out for knights and replica Chinese terra cotta warriors standing guard, a huge spider, and four bronze Atlantean sea horses. Park and walk to the yacht basin.

Update as of May 2021: The Lady in the Lake statue can no longer be found at the Marina, as it was severely damaged in a storm.

Update as of January 2023. The Lady of the Lake in the marina was damaged by Hurricane Sally. She has been repaired and restored to her location in the marina.

Know Before You Go

Do not board any of the boats docked there without permission of the owner. If you visit by water, there is transient boater's docking available, as well as diesel and marine gasoline for sale. Call on VHF channel 16, or by phone 251-987-2628. 

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