Did you know there's a place in Alabama where dinosaurs are hiding in the woods, a giant woman appears to float in a lake, and a full-size replica of Stonehenge stands among the pine trees?
And the best part? You can explore these unusual roadside attractions for free!
Welcome to Bamahenge and the Dinosaurs in the Woods, one of Alabama's most unexpected collections of outdoor sculptures.
Located near Barber Marina in Elberta, Alabama, this fascinating area features giant prehistoric creatures, mysterious monuments, and surprising works of art scattered throughout the wooded landscape.
Whether you're visiting Gulf Shores, vacationing in Orange Beach, or simply looking for an unusual Alabama road trip, this is a destination you won't soon forget.
What Is Bamahenge?
Bamahenge is a full-size replica of England's famous Stonehenge monument.
But instead of standing on the Salisbury Plain in England, this unusual creation is tucked into a clearing surrounded by towering pine trees along Alabama's Gulf Coast.
At first glance, the monument looks like a collection of enormous ancient stones.
The towering structures resemble the prehistoric stone circle that has fascinated historians and visitors for generations.
But there's a surprising secret.
Bamahenge isn't made from stone at all!
The entire monument is constructed from fiberglass.
Despite its unusual materials, the replica was designed to closely match the size and arrangement of the original Stonehenge.
Standing approximately 21 feet tall and measuring about 104 feet across, Bamahenge creates an impressive sight in the middle of the Alabama woods.
Visitors can walk around the monument, explore the clearing, and take photographs of this extraordinary roadside attraction.
The Surprising History Behind Bamahenge
Bamahenge was created by Virginia artist Mark Cline, who is known for his oversized fiberglass sculptures and imaginative roadside attractions.
The project was commissioned by businessman George W. Barber, whose interests include art, automobiles, and unusual outdoor displays.
Barber is also associated with the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum near Birmingham.
The story of Bamahenge actually began with dinosaurs.
In the early 1990s, Barber commissioned Cline to create several large dinosaur sculptures for one of his properties.
Years later, while Cline was working on repairs to the dinosaurs, Barber proposed another unusual idea.
He wanted his own version of Stonehenge.
The project was originally considered for the Birmingham area, but the plans eventually changed.
Instead, Cline installed Bamahenge on the Barber Marina property in 2012.
The result is one of the most unusual landmarks along Alabama's Gulf Coast.
Bamahenge Was Designed to Align With the Summer Solstice
One of the most fascinating details about Bamahenge is that it wasn't simply arranged to resemble Stonehenge.
Artist Mark Cline also considered the monument's orientation to the sun.
Like the original Stonehenge, Bamahenge was positioned to align with the sunrise during the summer solstice.
The summer solstice occurs in June and marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
At Stonehenge in England, the movement of the sun is an important part of the monument's ancient design.
Bamahenge recreates that relationship through its placement and orientation.
It's a surprising amount of attention to detail for a roadside attraction made entirely from fiberglass.
How Was Bamahenge Built?
Although Bamahenge looks like an ancient stone monument, its construction involved modern materials and engineering.
The fiberglass pieces were created at Mark Cline's studio in Virginia.
Rather than producing every structure as a completely unique shape, Cline used several basic forms and arranged them in different ways.
The pieces were designed so that smaller sections could fit inside larger ones during transportation.
Moving the enormous sculptures to Alabama required multiple flatbed truckloads.
Because Bamahenge sits relatively close to the Gulf of Mexico, its construction also needed to account for severe coastal weather.
The fiberglass structures were secured with internal supports and concrete foundations.
This helped stabilize the monument against strong winds.
Today, the finished sculpture stands in a wooded clearing, creating an unexpectedly dramatic sight for visitors.
Dinosaurs in the Woods: A Prehistoric Surprise
If finding Stonehenge in Alabama isn't unusual enough, continue along Barber Parkway and you'll discover another surprise.
Giant dinosaurs are hiding among the trees!
Known as the Dinosaurs in the Woods, these enormous sculptures are also creations of artist Mark Cline.
Four dinosaurs were relocated to the Barber Marina area, where they stand among the wooded surroundings.
The collection includes:
Tyrannosaurus Rex
One of the most recognizable prehistoric predators, the T. Rex is an exciting sight for dinosaur lovers.
Brontosaurus
This enormous long-necked dinosaur creates a striking contrast against the surrounding pine trees.
Triceratops
Known for its three horns and distinctive head frill, the Triceratops is another favorite among visitors.
Stegosaurus
With its recognizable back plates and spiked tail, the Stegosaurus adds to the prehistoric collection.
Unlike a traditional dinosaur park, these sculptures aren't arranged along a clearly marked walking trail with ticket booths and interpretive displays.
Instead, they're scattered along the entrance road among the trees.
That makes finding them feel like a little scavenger hunt.
Some are easier to spot than others, so keep an eye on the wooded areas as you drive slowly along Barber Parkway.
The Lady in the Lake: A Giant Woman Floating in the Water
Another unusual sculpture associated with the Barber Marina property is the Lady in the Lake.
This enormous fiberglass artwork depicts a woman who appears to be floating in the water.
The sculpture measures approximately 50 feet long and is another creation by Mark Cline.
Its realistic proportions and unusual placement create a striking visual illusion.
From certain viewpoints, the giant figure seems to emerge from the surface of the lake.
The Lady in the Lake has become one of the most recognizable pieces in the collection.
However, its visibility and placement have varied over time.
If seeing this particular sculpture is important to your visit, check with Barber Marina before traveling to confirm whether it is currently on display and visible from public access areas.
Discover More Unusual Sculptures Around Barber Marina
Bamahenge and the dinosaurs are only part of the story.
The Barber Marina property is also known for other oversized and unexpected works of art.
As you travel through the area, you may encounter sculptures inspired by mythology, ancient civilizations, and classical architecture.
The collection has included:
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Giant Knight Sculptures
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Chinese Terracotta Warrior Replicas
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Classical Columns
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A Neptune Fountain
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Oversized Spider Artwork
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Decorative Mythological Figures
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Bronze Seahorse Sculptures
Some of these displays are located closer to the marina itself.
Access and visibility can vary, particularly around working marina facilities and private property.
The artwork gives the area the feeling of an unconventional outdoor sculpture gallery.
Instead of following a traditional museum route, visitors discover surprises along the road.
Is Bamahenge Free to Visit?
Yes!
Bamahenge and the Dinosaurs in the Woods have been made available as free roadside attractions.
There is no traditional admission booth or ticket counter for these outdoor sculptures.
Visitors generally park near the designated roadside access area and walk a short distance to Bamahenge.
The dinosaurs can be spotted farther along the marina entrance road.
Because the sculptures are located on privately owned property, visitors should respect posted signs, parking restrictions, and any changes to public access.
Admission to the roadside sculptures should not be confused with services or activities offered by Barber Marina itself.
How to Find Bamahenge and the Dinosaurs
Bamahenge is located along Barber Parkway near Barber Marina in Elberta, Alabama.
Although the attraction is associated with Elberta, it is situated closer to the Josephine community in Baldwin County.
Directions from Highway 98:
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Travel along U.S. Highway 98 toward Elberta.
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Turn south onto County Road 95.
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Continue approximately five miles.
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Turn right onto Fish Trap Road.
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Travel approximately half a mile.
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Turn left onto Barber Parkway at the Barber Marina sign.
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Continue approximately one mile toward the Bamahenge access area.
Bamahenge is set back among the pine trees on the right side of the road.
Look for the small parking area and path leading into the clearing.
The monument is approximately 200 yards from the entrance road.
Continue roughly another quarter mile along Barber Parkway to look for the dinosaur sculptures among the trees.
Because the attractions are somewhat hidden and signage can be limited, it's helpful to enter Bamahenge into your navigation app before leaving.
What to Expect When Visiting
Bamahenge is not a traditional tourist attraction with a visitor center, souvenir shop, or scheduled tours.
It's a roadside art installation in a wooded setting.
That simplicity is part of its appeal.
Visitors can explore at their own pace, enjoy the unusual scenery, and take photographs.
However, there are a few things worth knowing before you go.
Natural Walking Surfaces
The path to Bamahenge may be uneven, sandy, or affected by weather.
Limited Signage
Some sculptures aren't clearly marked, so allow time to locate them.
Outdoor Conditions
Expect heat, humidity, and insects during warmer months.
Private Property
Remain in publicly accessible areas and follow posted instructions.
Working Marina
Remember that Barber Marina is an active boating facility, so keep roadways and business access areas clear.
Weather
Avoid visiting during thunderstorms, severe weather, or when access conditions are unsafe.
Is Bamahenge Worth Visiting With Kids?
For families who enjoy dinosaurs and unusual attractions, Bamahenge can be a fun addition to an Alabama Gulf Coast trip.
Children may especially enjoy spotting the giant dinosaur sculptures hidden among the trees.
The Stonehenge replica also creates an opportunity to introduce them to one of the world's most famous prehistoric monuments.
Because there is no traditional museum admission or lengthy scheduled program, families can make the stop as short or as long as they like.
The experience is primarily outdoors, so bring water, appropriate footwear, and insect repellent.
Parents should supervise children near the road, parking areas, and sculptures.
Add Bamahenge to an Alabama Gulf Coast Road Trip
One of the best things about Bamahenge is its location.
The attraction is in Baldwin County, within driving distance of popular Alabama Gulf Coast destinations.
Visitors staying in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, or Elberta can consider adding it to their itinerary.
It's especially appealing for travelers who enjoy unusual roadside attractions and places that don't require a large admission budget.
You can spend part of your day exploring the sculptures before continuing to other coastal attractions, restaurants, or beaches.
For families looking for an inexpensive activity, the free admission is another advantage.
The Best Time to Visit Bamahenge
Because Bamahenge and the dinosaurs are outdoor sculptures, weather and daylight are important considerations.
Spring
Milder temperatures make exploring the wooded area more comfortable.
Summer
Long daylight hours provide plenty of opportunities for photography, although heat and humidity can be intense.
Fall
Cooler temperatures can make walking and sightseeing more pleasant.
Winter
The attraction can still be enjoyable on a mild, dry day.
Morning and late afternoon often provide attractive lighting for photographs.
Daylight visits are recommended because the sculptures are located along a wooded road without the facilities or lighting of a traditional tourist attraction.
Plan Your Visit to Bamahenge and the Dinosaurs
Attraction: Bamahenge and Dinosaurs in the Woods
Location: Elberta, Alabama, near Barber Marina and Josephine
Address: Barber Parkway, Elberta, AL 36530
Area: Baldwin County, Alabama
Admission: Free for the roadside sculptures
Hours: No independently confirmed formal public visiting schedule. Plan to visit during daylight and follow posted access restrictions.
Main Attractions:
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Bamahenge Stonehenge Replica
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Tyrannosaurus Rex Sculpture
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Brontosaurus Sculpture
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Triceratops Sculpture
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Stegosaurus Sculpture
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Lady in the Lake, when visible
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Additional Marina-Area Sculptures, where publicly accessible
Bamahenge Dimensions: Approximately 21 feet tall and 104 feet across
Materials: Fiberglass with internal supports and anchored foundations
Artist: Mark Cline
Year Installed: 2012
Parking: A small roadside parking area is located near the Bamahenge path. Follow any current parking signs and avoid blocking traffic.
Walking: Approximately 200 yards from the entrance road to Bamahenge, with additional driving or walking needed to locate other sculptures.
Restrooms: No dedicated visitor center or restrooms are confirmed at the roadside sculpture area.
Accessibility: Natural paths and uneven surfaces may make access difficult for visitors with limited mobility. Contact Barber Marina for current access information.
Recommended Visit Length: Allow approximately 30–60 minutes for Bamahenge and the dinosaurs, or longer if you plan to look for additional sculptures.
Best For: Families, dinosaur lovers, unusual roadside attractions, photography, budget-friendly outings, and Alabama Gulf Coast road trips.
Helpful Visitor Tips:
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Visit during daylight hours
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Use navigation to locate Bamahenge along Barber Parkway
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Look for the small roadside parking area
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Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes
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Bring insect repellent during warmer months
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Carry drinking water, especially in summer
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Allow extra time to spot the dinosaurs among the trees
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Watch for traffic while looking for roadside sculptures
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Respect private property and posted restrictions
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Don't assume every sculpture is accessible or currently on display
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Contact Barber Marina if you specifically want to see the Lady in the Lake
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Avoid visiting during severe weather
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Bring a camera for the unusual photo opportunities
Why Bamahenge Belongs on Your Alabama Bucket List
Alabama is filled with beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, charming towns, and scenic outdoor destinations.
But few places are quite as unexpected as Bamahenge.
Where else can you discover a full-size Stonehenge replica, search for giant dinosaurs among the pine trees, and encounter unusual sculptures inspired by ancient civilizations?
The attraction combines creativity, humor, and an element of surprise.
And because the roadside sculptures are free to visit, it's an affordable addition to a Gulf Coast vacation or weekend road trip.
Whether you're traveling with kids, exploring Baldwin County, or simply looking for something different, Bamahenge and the Dinosaurs in the Woods are worth adding to your Alabama adventures.
Discover More Amazing Places in Alabama!
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"The Ultimate Alabama Bucket List" helps you discover memorable places to eat, shop, stay, and explore throughout Alabama.
Planning adventures with children?
"The Ultimate Alabama Bucket List: Kids' Edition" is filled with family-friendly inspiration for discovering exciting destinations and making memories together.
From quirky attractions and beautiful parks to historic landmarks and hidden treasures, these books can help you plan your next Alabama adventure.