Toomer's Oaks

Toomer's Oaks are not just trees, but a living symbol and the heart of the campus in Auburn, located in the USA. Situated at the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue, these majestic oaks mark the boundary between the university grounds and the city area, serving as a magnet for thousands of people.

The main highlight of this location is the unique tradition of "rolling Toomer’s Corner." After every significant victory by the university football team, fans gather here to toss rolls of toilet paper over the tree branches. At such moments, the oaks are transformed into fantastic "snowy" sculptures, creating a unique visual effect that has become a trademark of the region.

Today, the third generation of trees, planted in 2017, grows on this historic corner. The modern landscape design around Toomer’s Oaks includes comfortable seating areas and pedestrian paths, making this spot ideal for leisurely walks and immersing oneself in the atmosphere of a classic American college town.

For those who wish to clarify visit details for the city of Auburn or check on the current state of the trees, official Auburn University resources are available.

The most exciting thing to do at Toomer’s Oaks is to witness or participate in the "rolling" tradition. If you are lucky enough to be in town after a winning match by the Auburn Tigers, prepare to see hundreds of rolls of paper fly into the air, turning the trees into massive white clouds. This mass celebration, complete with songs and shouts of "War Eagle!", offers unforgettable emotions.

Be sure to stop by the historic Toomer’s Drugs pharmacy, located directly across the street. You must try their legendary fresh-squeezed lemonade, which has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best in the country, and enjoy classic sandwiches or ice cream. It is also a great place to pick up authentic souvenirs with university branding.

For those who prefer a quieter pastime, a walk through the adjacent Samford Park is ideal. There you can see "descendants" of the original oaks, grown from their acorns. In the evening, the area is beautifully illuminated, providing perfect conditions for photoshoots at the main campus gates or against the backdrop of the famous trees themselves, whose root system is now protected by a special sand bed to ensure longevity.

The famous trees are located in the heart of Auburn, at the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue. If you are traveling through the USA by car, the most convenient route is from Birmingham via I-85 S—the trip takes about two hours (approximately 160 km). The nearest regional airport, Auburn-Opelika (AUO), is just a 10-minute drive away.

Getting around the city is very easy: the center is compact enough for walking or cycling. For students and visitors, the Auburn Transit bus system operates with stops located in the immediate vicinity of College Street. If you are staying at one of the downtown hotels, the walk to Toomer’s Corner will take no more than 5–10 minutes.

On football match days, traffic in the center is heavily restricted, so it is recommended to park on the outskirts and use a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft). Keep in mind that during major celebrations, the crowd can completely fill the surrounding streets, creating a unique atmosphere of unity.

The history of this site is inextricably linked with Toomer’s Drugs, opened in 1896 by university alumnus Sheldon Toomer. The Toomer’s Oaks themselves were planted on the corner of the university campus in Auburn in the late 1930s. Few know that the tradition of throwing paper over them grew out of practical necessity: the pharmacy housed the only telegraph in town, and employees would hang telegraph tapes on the wires to notify residents of away-game victories.

In the 1960s, the tapes were replaced with more accessible toilet paper. The tradition reached its peak in the legendary year of 1972, when after the "Punt, Bama, Punt" game, fans literally hid the trees under a layer of snow-white paper. Since then, the ritual has become a symbol of resilience and community for everyone involved in university life.

Unfortunately, the original trees suffered from vandalism and were removed in 2013. However, the community did not let the tradition die: new mature oaks were planted in 2015 and 2017. The modern generation of trees represents the third set of oaks, which are carefully protected so that future generations of fans can continue the glorious tradition of "rolling Toomer’s Corner."

For a standard visit to this landmark in the city of Auburn, it is enough to set aside 30 to 60 minutes. This provides plenty of time to take commemorative photos by the trees, walk to the historic university gates, and visit the legendary pharmacy across the street.

However, if your visit coincides with a football game day, your stay may increase to 2-3 hours. Lines for the famous lemonade become longer, and the festive atmosphere encourages you to linger, especially if you decide to participate in the "rolling" ritual along with thousands of other fans.

Since Toomer’s Oaks is an outdoor landmark, access is open around the clock and free of charge. You can view them at any convenient time; however, please note that Toomer’s Drugs operates on a schedule: Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It is recommended to check current hours on the official university website before your visit.

Exploring the area around Toomer’s Corner can significantly enrich your experience, as the city of Auburn offers many interesting spots just steps away from the famous oaks. Here, the historic architecture of the campus neighbors cozy establishments where you can feel the true spirit of Alabama.