Lake Martin Kowaliga
A vast, beautiful lake in Alabama, offering recreation, stunning views, and a poignant history of a submerged Black town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Lake Martin Kowaliga
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, beautiful lake in Alabama, offering recreation, stunning views, and a poignant history of a submerged Black town.
"Lake Martin is simply mesmerizing during the sun rise and set and when the moon shines off that girl... Mmmm!!"
🍽️ Dine with a View
Kowaliga Restaurant offers great food and stunning lake vistas.
🪨 Jump at Chimney Rock
Enjoy swimming and cliff jumping at this popular lake spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kowaliga Restaurant
Alexander City
Enjoy southern flavors with stunning lake views. A local favorite for food and unforgettable moments.
Chimney Rock & Goat Island
Lake Martin
Popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and cliff jumping. A must-visit for a refreshing lake experience.
The Lost Town of Kowaliga
Beneath Lake Martin
Explore the poignant history of a once-thriving Black community now submerged.
+8
Wildlife Sightings
Lake Martin
Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including deer and potentially otters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Kowaliga's Hidden History
+8Navigate Lake Martin's Waters Safely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍽️ Dine with a View
Kowaliga Restaurant offers great food and stunning lake vistas.
🪨 Jump at Chimney Rock
Enjoy swimming and cliff jumping at this popular lake spot.
🚤 Boat Safely
Be courteous on the water and aware of other boaters.
🧐 Learn Local History
Discover the story of Kowaliga, a Black town now under the lake.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍽️ Dine with a View
Kowaliga Restaurant offers great food and stunning lake vistas.
🪨 Jump at Chimney Rock
Enjoy swimming and cliff jumping at this popular lake spot.
🚤 Boat Safely
Be courteous on the water and aware of other boaters.
🧐 Learn Local History
Discover the story of Kowaliga, a Black town now under the lake.
🏠 Consider a Lakehouse
Rent a lakehouse for an immersive experience with amenities like docks and beaches.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lake Martin's mesmerizing beauty, clear waters, and excellent recreational opportunities like boating and fishing. The stunning sunrises and sunsets are frequently highlighted as awe-inspiring. While the lake is generally loved, some may find it crowded during peak season.
"We stayed with Ryan at Crowne Point, we had an amazing time.He is a great host, we recommend checking out Oscar’s for dinner and finding a way to check out chimney rock and Goat Island"
Depot Village
"Love, love, love, that place! So clean, and water is beautiful and clear! It's so refreshing and has many places people was gathering to enjoy the beaches and rocks to jump off of. Fun place and a must go to! Big fish they say too!"
Natasha Sangster
"Lake Martin is simply mesmerizing during the sun rise and set and when the moon shines off that girl... Mmmm... Awe inspiring for sure!! Love lake Martin.. grew up on it!!"
Jeffery Tucker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Martin is accessible by car, with major routes leading to Alexander City and surrounding areas. The Kowaliga area is a popular destination within the lake.
Public transportation options are limited directly to the lake. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Lake Martin Kowaliga.
Boating is the primary way to explore Lake Martin. You can rent pontoons, bass boats, or bring your own.
Kowaliga Restaurant area is a popular hub. Chimney Rock and Goat Island are also highly recommended for recreation.
The closest major airport is Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), about an hour's drive away. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is also an option, roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake Martin itself is a public body of water and does not require tickets for general access. However, specific venues like Kowaliga Restaurant will have their own dining policies.
There are no general entry fees for Lake Martin. Access to public boat ramps or parks may have nominal fees.
Operating hours for Kowaliga Restaurant can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity at Lake Martin, especially around areas like Chimney Rock and Goat Island.
Boating regulations are in place for safety. Always follow posted speed limits and be aware of other watercraft.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Boating, swimming, fishing, and enjoying the scenic beauty are top activities. Visiting Chimney Rock and Goat Island for recreation is highly recommended.
Yes, Lake Martin is known for its great fishing opportunities, with catches like spotted bass and largemouth bass.
You might spot deer swimming in the lake or other local wildlife. While rare, some people report seeing otters.
The most significant historical aspect is the submerged town of Kowaliga, a former thriving Black community.
The lake offers beautiful views during sunrise and sunset, with many waterfront locations providing excellent vantage points.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Kowaliga Restaurant is a prime spot for dining with lake views. Oscar's is also recommended for dinner.
Kowaliga Restaurant serves southern flavors, offering a taste of local cuisine.
Yes, there are various restaurants and eateries in nearby towns like Alexander City, catering to different tastes.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas around the lake. Many boaters also bring their own refreshments for a day on the water.
Kowaliga Restaurant itself offers a great atmosphere. Some rental properties also feature boat bars.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunsets over the water, the rustic charm of Kowaliga Restaurant, and the natural beauty of the lake.
Chimney Rock and Goat Island offer dramatic backdrops for photos, especially for swimmers and jumpers.
Yes, keep an eye out for deer or other local fauna. Remember to maintain a safe distance and respect their habitat.
Golden hours, around sunrise and sunset, provide the most beautiful light for capturing the lake's scenery.
While the town is submerged, understanding its history adds a poignant layer to any photos of the lake itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid the largest crowds. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as while there are dining options like Kowaliga Restaurant, having your own provisions is convenient for a full day of fun on the water.
🎣 Anglers and Fishing Enthusiasts
Consider renting a boat or joining a fishing charter to explore the best fishing grounds. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the most productive times. Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses before casting your line.
🏛️ History Buffs
+8 Learning about its founding, its prosperity, and its eventual flooding by the Alabama Power Company provides a deeper understanding of the area's past. While the physical remnants are underwater, the story of Kowaliga is a crucial part of American history, highlighting themes of displacement and cultural heritage. Engaging with local historical resources can offer further insights into this compelling narrative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Poignant History of Kowaliga
+8In the late 1920s, the Alabama Power Company constructed the Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River, intentionally flooding Kowaliga and numerous other communities to create Lake Martin. This act displaced residents and submerged a vital piece of Black history and culture. Today, the story of Kowaliga serves as a powerful reminder of the displacement and erasure that has occurred throughout American history.
+4Visitors can learn more about this history through local historical societies and by understanding the context of the lake's creation. While the physical town is gone, its legacy endures, offering a deeper perspective on the area beyond its recreational appeal.
+8Navigating Lake Martin: Boating and Safety
When out on the water, safety is paramount. It's crucial to be aware of other boaters, especially during busy summer weekends. TikTok videos highlight instances where courtesy on the water is essential, reminding everyone to be mindful of lines and other vessels.
For those looking to rent, various options are available, from pontoons to bass boats. Many lake houses also come equipped with docks, offering convenient access for your boat.
Recreation and Relaxation at Lake Martin
Fishing is another major draw, with anglers reporting success in catching spotted bass and largemouth bass.
Accommodation options range from charming lakehouses with amenities like docks and water slides to more secluded spots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit