The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a unique museum that should be among any space-lovers list of where to visit in the state of Alabama. 9:00am-3:00pm Admission: Free. Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend! Its home to the famous football team, the Auburn Tigers, and the school pride is evident virtually in all the places to visit youll encounter. It was completed two years later and showed off in an elaborate ceremony. The Museum offers visitors a chance to explore everything from Native American artifacts to interesting local personalities. Hours Include: Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm-3:00pm Admission: $5.00 for adults, $3 for students, 7. A guided adventure takes you through Alligator Alley, beginning at the impressive viewing platform elevated above the ground. Collections Center, the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, Alabama Dinosaurs, Itty Bitty Magic City, Sea Monsters, the Fox 6 Weather Lab, Science on a Sphere, NatureScope, and High Cycle. Though just over the border in Tennessee, you will be able to see the Tennessee Valley from a unique perspective.
Its one of the states cool things to do, packed with fun, excitement, and plenty of activities. Among the most exhibits at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center are memorabilia and items from Army rocketry and aircraft, the Apollo program, the International Space Station, and the Space Shuttle program. Theres no denying that the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is one of the states things to see that shouldnt be missed for motorcycle enthusiasts! Located in Huntsville, this museum showcases the history of the space program of the United States through information and artifacts. Some of the buildings have begun to collapse over time, and one of them led to a fire when debris collapsed and the owners attempted to save it. Because inside the store, youll find expertly-made glasswork made by co-owner Cal Breed and his apprentices. You can find the work of Hamilton native and folk artist Jerry Brown who passed away in 2016 all over the world, including the Smithsonian Institute. Among them are Jason Isbell, Alicia Keys, and Aretha Franklin. Pro Tip: A wonderful place for dinner Wednesday through Saturday and lunch on Saturday is Bootsies at 411 4th Street NW. Come explore thehardwood forest, walk thefields, and discover thewetlands. 3414 Governors Drive S.W., Huntsville. The stalagmite has a 3-inch diameter, a 243-foot circumference, and a height of 45 feet. Admission: $9.00 per person Call (877)-726-4625 for more information. It is now the last house ever lived in by either Fitzgerald or his wife that remains standing now in Montgomery. Unclaimed Baggage is a shoppers paradise. Or eat lunch in a jail cell? The rarest items can be viewed in the museum on site. The civilization of Mississippians was made up of chiefdoms that lived in a long rush of land from the coast of the Atlantic to the western Plains. Its packed with lots of options for what to see, no matter what youre interested in, so there is a lot to add to your vacation ideas. Naturally, there are also plenty of water activities to enjoy, like parasailing, boating, kayaking, jet-skiing, fishing, paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, and cruises. Its a majestic sight to behold, which is probably why its not just a hotspot for climbers, but for photographers as well.
The park then expanded, accommodating new boilers, and they soon grew to be one of the worlds biggest industry players. It is built inside the container ship of the SS McLean as a symbol of the 1950s concept of containerization. They first opened as a part-time business in 1970 before a full expansion in 1995 that led to it reaching the size of a city block! It opened its doors in 1998 and has been thrilling children with informational but entertaining science ever since. Barber listened and began gathering what is now the biggest collection of motorcycles in the world. Housed in the former Empire Theatre building, it is split into six different areas that each tell a unique part of Rosa Parks story. If not, book a tour of the stadium in advance in order to go on one of the daily tours, which caps at 25 people. You cannot walk over the bridge now due to safety, but its amazing enough to walk through and take photos. Address: 2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36603, United States. The Hays Nature Preserve featuresover 10 miles of trails that wind through bottomlands, swamps, and sloughs, that are suitable for hiking or mountain biking. The courthouse square has many shops for browsing and a variety of eateries, such as Village Pizza, Lucias Cocina Mexicana, Sweetest Things Tea Room, Wildwood Deli, and Terranovas. Over the years, the Bryant Denny Stadium has become one of the countrys main venues for college football. From an immersive cave experience to a 15,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, your entire family will be engaged. In her earlier years, she was a public school music educator and then a missionary in Ecuador.
They also set up the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Association and the house was officially opened as a museum the following year. If you love sports as entertainment, youll likely be able to watch a game if you catch tickets on time. Measuring 2.66 miles, it is the fastest and longest of NASCARs tracks. Youll find the Rosa Parks Library and Museum in Montgomery, where its doors are open five days a week. The park is openSaturday and Sundayand all holidays from dawn till dusk. It is located in Montgomery, Alabama in the Oakwood Cemetery Annex. In 1948, more sleeping room was added as well as a Japanese garden, and Wright was extremely happy with this it was a sign of practicality that the building could be so easily changed and extended. Address: 509 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768, United States. History buffs should definitely have this museum on their list of what to do in Alabama. As the only district theater in the state still operating, its certainly one of the best things to do in Alabama. In Mobile, youll have your fill of art museums, performance art, and coastal wonder. The orange rolls are legendary. Hours include: Mon.-Thurs. This includes precious minerals, Native American artifacts, and fossils, like an 80-foot whale fossil that is the official state fossil. Sci-Quest Huntsville, AL. We gotta admit it it looks a little strange when you first see the Noccalula statue at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden. Created in 1977, its also the oldest, beginning as a small volunteer organization. The things to see within the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute are explorable independently through self-guided walks. With a bike, youll be able to more easily visit the many unique spots on the island, including historic parks, lovely parks, and tropical delights. They are happy to show you their craft, and you will certainly discover an original piece to purchase and take home with you. Across the bridge over the Wheeler Lake portion of the Tennessee River and only a 7-mile drive from Cook Museum, you will find the tiny town of Mooresville. The store purchases all the luggage (and its contents) that airline passengers dont claim within 90 days, and you never know what you will find in there. Its one of the last places in Alabama thats truly hidden, and during the day, youll find gorgeous waterfalls and hiking trails and a temperature thats cooler than the rest of Alabama. Insanity Complex Madison, AL.
He built this company on land spanning 50 acres, which was donated for the purposes of industrial growth. Mills Road, Tuscumbia. One of the most loved spots within the Huntsville Botanical Garden is the Nature Center and Childrens Garden, which is the home of the biggest seasonal butterfly house in America. Youll get to watch the art of smithing and even see a cannon fire! Save Huntsville Botanical Garden to your lists, Save Little River Canyon National Preserve to your lists, Save Jacksonville State University to your lists, Save University of Alabama-Huntsville to your lists, Save Bridge Street Town Centre to your lists, Save US Space and Rocket Center to your lists, Save Lake Guntersville State Park to your lists, Hotels near popular North Alabama Attractions, Things do in popular destinations worldwide, University of Alabama-Huntsville Vacations, Little River Canyon National Preserve Vacations, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Vacations, Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center Vacations, Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House Vacations, Hotels near Jacksonville State University, Hotels near University of Alabama-Huntsville, Hotels near Little River Canyon National Preserve, Hotels near Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Hotels near Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort, Vacation rentals in United States of America, Vacation packages in United States of America, Cancel your hotel or vacation rental booking.
Address: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094, United States. 11,000 feet have been traversed, but 2,700 feet more of the Caverns are still closed as they have not yet been surveyed. This place was abandoned around 1500 CE and it wasnt excavated properly until the 20th century as part of New Deal job creation. But the best things to see at Orr Park arent these facilities, but the carvings made in many of its trees. This is especially important because of the endangered plants growing in the Neversink Pit and the vulnerable community of bats that calls this cave home. Incline Railway, Rock City, and Ruby Falls combo tickets are available. The state park is named after a stunning cavern within it that is known as one of the best tourist attractions in the area.
The kids are out of school, and in this summer heat it seems like the only option for entertainment is heading to the pool. The giant trophies from barbecue competitions line the entrance, and bottles of their famous sauces clamor for attention. See the worlds most important landmarks without leaving Alabama. In 1927, the Alabama Theater was opened in Birmingham to be a premier movie theater for Americas southeast. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is where youll find the USS Alabama, a ship that began construction on the 1st of February in 1940. The years were chosen because the former is when the Supreme Court of the United States ruled against racial segregation in schools and the latter is when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It towers at 138 feet in height and nearly 9 inches around. The Civil Rights Memorial of Alabama is located across the Southern Poverty Law Center. The memorial is always watched by a guard in order to prevent vandalism. If you prefer, you can also just drive along the edge of the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway to get a 23-mile gorgeous view around the rim of the canyon. Address: 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, United States. Yes, I know everyone says that, but in this case, its true. Its one of the most beautiful buildings that the great Frank Llyod Wright created in America and the only one by him at all in the state. Living trees are left untouched, but dead ones are game for whatever carvings he wants to add! You could store your credit card in the hotel safe for the day, because these terrific attractions will cost you nothing: Expedia, Inc. is not responsible for content on external Web sites. Dont let anyone tell you that you cant explore the world in Cullman, Alabama. The lines separating the four towns of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield often become blurred, because one touches the next without a discernible break.
You wont want to cut this vacation short. This is because Mobile was the location of the very first Mardi Gras (or Carnival) in the New World of French Louisiana in 1703. TENNESSEE VALLEY, Ala. (WHNT)- Summers in the South are no cup of iced tea. If you're spending some time in Quigley, Big Spring Park and Von Braun Center are top sights worth seeing. Address: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, United States. Aside from the usual park amenities, the Cheaha State Park also has a restaurant and general store. The Alabama State Fair Authority then received them as a donation and preservationists made sure the site was saved instead of demolished. Located at 24889 Lauderdale Street, Mooresville AL 35649. A few blocks away on North Court Street, you will find some great restaurants, such as Odette, Ricatonis Italian Grill, Big Bad Breakfast, and Trowbridges Ice Cream and Sandwich Bar. There are also rarer and more unique items occasionally; some that have been reported over the years are a parachute, a suit of armor, a fighter jet system, gemstones, and a whole live rattlesnake! At the Cheaha State Park, you can head to the camp sites, outfitted with modern amenities, or go to the Cheaha Lodge that boasts a swimming pool and 30 hotel rooms. Alabamas places to visit are fun, exciting, and unique. Sci-Quests new location,1435 Paramount Drive in Huntsville, even features new exhibits. Address: 19950 Co Rd 71, Summerdale, AL 36580, United States. In the spring, ribbons of water fall after the rain. Members get extra discounts on thousands of experiences and hotels. Address: Dirt road near, Cypress Ln, Millbrook, AL 36054, United States. Dismalites are a kind of gnat larvae, commonly called glowworms, which doesnt sound very appealing, but theyre a must see if youre in Alabama thanks to their rarity alone. The Talladega Superspeedway is unique because it offers a fascinating way to spend weekends when races are scheduled: with the option for free camping on the grounds. It rests along the Gulf of Mexicos coastline and spans 32 miles. Visit a serene place where people pay respects to coonhounds. It is in Scottsboro and is one of the many places that unclaimed baggage may end up in order to find new homes somewhere. Rattlesnake Saloon Address: 155 S Water St, Mobile, AL 36602, United States. They need hanging surfaces to build webs on, humidity to keep them moist, darkness so its lights can show, and still air in order to keep web lines steady. 19.
Cathedral Caverns State Park can be found in Marshall County, just southeast of Alabamas Woodville.
The Guntersville Museum Guntersville, AL.
The Cheaha State Park is the oldest state park in Alabama, opened in 1933 and boasting about 2,800 acres of land in Northern Clay and Cleburne. If you will be traveling Interstate 65 North with a few days (or a few hours) to spend exploring, here are some of my top suggestions starting outside of Birmingham and moving north. Full speed ahead! order from Admiral Farragut. The house was set up to be knocked down in 1986, but two people rallied to save it: Julian and Leslie McPhillips. Captain George B. Wilson became its commander that year on the 16th of August, and about a year later, it would have its first military engagement. Florence Indian Mound Florence, AL. You'll find loads of fun things to do with the kids in and near North Alabama. It is filled with colorful murals and seating for the times you want to pause, relax, and enjoy. Exhibitsinclude shell and stone carvings, pottery, projectile points, among others interpret the mastery of the earliest people of our area. But you can visit a lot of them. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. The alligators here have come from all sorts of bad situations, rescued from dangerous environments, and brought here to live a healthier life in a better home. Why in the world is there a bronze statue of a woman jumping in water, after all? Get ready to be amazed, excited, and inspired! Earlyworks Huntsville, AL. Seasonal events are often held during the year, such as the Scarecrow Trail, Huntsville Blooms, Galaxy of Lights, and Beaks and Barks. Explore the campus of University of Alabama-Huntsville, a top college in Huntsville. It was created by George Barber, who has a private collection of vintage motorcycles thanks to his interest in them. Brother Joseph worked on the replicas for more than 40 years, and the hard work shows: Each structure has lots of detail, all made from items shipped in from around the world. In the winter, ice sheets make things extra chilly. In the beginning, the theater could only play silent films with the aid of a Mighty Wurlitzer organ. The barbecue is wonderful, but the pies might be equally famous. 1292 Mt. More than 100 species of wild birds are cared for here annually over 2,000 individual animals! From Huntsville, head west on Highway 72 to Athens, the county seat of Limestone County. The 4-acre site is a place for reflection and appreciation. The Ave Maria Grotto in Benedictine Abbey is an impressive work of art that makes it one of the best places to visit of religious and general artistic significance. 2022 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. Alabama MusicHall of Fame Tuscumbia, AL. No trip to Alabama is complete without a stop at Alligator Alley. There is also a museum and gift shop on the premises, and guided tours are conducted by staff in period costumes who take you through the many interesting tunnels.
11:00am-10:00pm, Fri.-Sat. When a storm swept the area in 1993, many of the older trees wound up being destroyed. This is Alabamas top paid attraction and definitely worth your time. Eventually, donations and volunteer work allowed for the creation of the raptor barn, followed by a housing area. Plus, it is an educational tool for raising awareness of the needs and habits of these animals.
For the most part, the wildlife center focuses on being a rehabilitation clinic for native wild birds, providing a wildlife helpline, and offering fun educational programs. Measuring over 9,000 square feet in total, it is packed with interactive exhibits, a Challenger Learning Center, and an IMAX Dome theater. Her newest book, 100 Things to Do in Huntsville and North Alabama Before You Die will be published by Reedy Press in 2022. The Sloss Furnaces is an incredibly national historic landmark and one of the most unique things to do in Birmingham, Alabama. The Town of Spectre is a fictional town that you may recognize from Big Fish, a film from 2003. Sure, the fine dining restaurant has delicious steaks, salads and more, and a romantic ambience that will impress your significant other.
Just dont forget your dancing shoes! Explore the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies.
It can tell you all about the Space Race and the evolution of space exploration. 11. Check out the 1850 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, wander the beaches for some relaxation, or check out the carnival. Once the tour is done, youll get to head to the gator station, where youll be able to hold an adorable baby alligator. Her fried green tomatoes will leave a great taste in your mouth.
As the name implies, several large former warehouses have been transformed into upscale shops, boutiques, and eateries. The Dismals Canyon comes alive when night falls. The museum also has amazing Renaissance, Wedgwood, and Baroque art collections, and the Vietnamese ceramics collection is to die for! Regardless of the story, its still an amazing statue (it stands at 9 feet tall) and is a pretty quirky reminder that fathers arent always right. It is 30 minutes long and tells the tale of the Fitzgeralds and their home. Wander around the gardens or experience the area's live music. Both are outstanding reasons to take the exit and stay awhile. Its packed with different options for what to do, no matter what kind of trip youre seeking. Tom Hendrix spent more than 30 years of his life constructing a stone wall in memory of his great, great grandmother who was a member of the Yuchi tribe carried away during the Trail of Tears and forced to walk to Oklahoma. In the tours visitors willlearn the ins and outs of how Americas best goat cheese is made. Address: 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, United States. If youre looking for places to vacation by the sea, or just want a place with a lot of historical activities, youll do well with Mobile, a port city with a rich past. A meal at Big Bobs is a must for first-time and frequent visitors. Eat and maybe listen to some music in a cave. Attalla can be reached easiest by taking Interstate 59 North coming out of Birmingham. 1. 5. Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard He ended up burying the pup on a campground near Cherokee in Colbert County, and later on, Keys brother ended up burying his coonhound there as well. There are plenty of fun spots throughout Auburn worth visiting.
The Dismals Canyon is also home to one of the worlds biggest Canadian Hemlock trees, known also as Tsuga canadensis. This summer WHNT News 19 is Taking Action to show you all the hidden gems in the Tennessee Valley. Mama Misitano Cafe Before your shopping begins, head to Duchess Bakery on 1st Avenue SE for one of their famous glazed doughnuts. You can also enter the home, which measures 10,500 square feet and dates back to 1935. cover the grounds in winter. Blount County is pretty lucky: Its the Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama and is home to not one, but three beautifully restored covered bridges. The farm has animalsincluding Babydoll Southdown sheep, a Nubian goat, cats, hens, a pot-bellied pig, mini pigs, and two Great Pyrenees guardian dogs. Address: Park Dr, Montevallo, AL 35115, United States. It was among the very first buildings to boast air-conditioning and, in the 1930s, was home to the activities of the Mickey Mouse Club. The size of the Saturn V rocket displayed inside the Davidson Center will amaze you. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute should be on the bucket list of any American history buff. Its open all throughout the year, no matter the season, so its a great, reliable option.
Fairhope is a lovely, picturesque location that has a small-town vibe, which makes it one of many more laid-back vacation ideas in Alabama. Recently completed for public enjoyment is Merchants Alley beside Terranova. In downtown Madison, jail food is tasty. Now, the Alabama Theater is a nonprofit that still offers frequent entertainment. You dont have to worry about your kids around the animals at the Rock Zoo, because, well, the animals are made of limestone. She and Steve have traveled to many parts of the world doing missionary work, but the pair are now making bucket list trips and exploring their beloved South in depth. Dismalites, officially called the North American Orfelia fultoni, can only survive in specific habitats when they are still larvae, so they can only be found in very few locations. Hours Include: Mon.-Sat. Address: 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, United States. Where else can you explore a store filled with lost airline luggage? Address: 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, United States. The F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum is situated in Montgomery, and as the sole museum exclusive to its subject, is one of the top points of interest for renowned author F. Scott Fitzgerald in the world. In 1937, Key Underwood wanted a special place to bury his coonhound, Troop. The Little River Canyon is a national reserve that can be found close to Fort Payne, on Alabamas Lookout Mountain. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is situated on 740 acres of ground in Birmingham. The ones at the Moundville Archaeological Park were built between 1000 and 1450 CE and had more than one thousand residents. The rest of the museum is backed with personal items, photos, letters, and books relating to the author and his family. All rights reserved.
Remain in your car on a two-mile route to see zebras, zebus, antelope, buffalo, a camel, ostriches, pythons & crocodiles. Popular exhibits here include a replica of the bus where the inciting incident occurred, a station wagon restored from 1955, and some original documents relating to this historic event. Youre likely familiar with the inspiring but harrowing story of Rosa Parks, an African-American woman who, in 1955, refused to give her seat to a white man on the bus.
The mound rises from history to 43 feet high, the largest trove of ancient tools, pottery, jewelry, and pipes in Alabama. Tropical plants, roses, and hydrangeas bloom in the summer. There are also many other gardens for people of all ages, such as the biblical garden, fern glade, daylily garden, and herb garden, and theres also a cool nature trail to check out. Explore the great outdoors at Lake Guntersville State Park, a lovely green space in Gadsden. Marvel at the colorful diversity of nature at these award-winning gardens, which feature thousands of plant species, tranquil ponds and elegant pavilions. Theres a reason over a million people come to check this place out annually its just cool! Orange Beach has golf courses, fishing events, nature preserves, and plenty of white sand to enjoy. And on Sunday, the restaurant serves three different kinds of pasta to choose from. Keep the gang entertained with our family friendly experiences.
Address: 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222, United States. Since 1954 Helen Kellers birthplace has been a permanent shrine to the miracle that occurred in a blind and deaf 7-year old girls life.
2. Though Providence might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Westside Center and MidCity Huntsville. The grounds cover 900 beautiful acres with the Gardens being the main attraction in this large space in Theodore. This includes artifacts from Egypt, Hoggle from Labyrinth by Jim Hensen, and even a 1700s violin. See some unique pottery and maybe a mule. EarlyWorks was designed for children to touch, climb, pull, and explore the souths largest hands-on history museum. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter. 1818 Farms and Moorseville Guided Tours Mooresville, AL. What can you do in North Alabama for free? It is worth a short detour to see the historic buildings and homes, read the markers, and mail a letter at Alabamas oldest operational post office. The museumcontains one of the countrys largest private collections of Civil War-era relics. He used recycled materials and the Grotto soon grew into a famous feature of the Abbey. Address: 3366 Speedway Blvd, Lincoln, AL 35096, United States. The magnificent Cathedral Caverns were once simply known as the Bat Cave, but it completely naturally looks like a cathedral, earning in its current title.
360 Grille is much more than just a great place for date night. The Mobile Carnival Museum is the best way to get a glimpse into Mardi Gras history in Alabama. With names like What a Girl Wants, Whoopsy Daisy, White Tulip, Handbags & Gladrags, The Sweetheart Tree, and Littleville Blue, you are likely to find appealing gift choices, clothes for special occasions, or dcor items for your home. Civil rights activists were highly active in Alabama in the 1950s and 1960s, and as such, it makes sense that Birmingham in the state is the site of one of the best places to learn about this powerful movement. Alongside Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachian Mountains, Dismals Canyon is one of the places to see that has this habitat! The Bryant Denny Stadium rests on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. In 1971, the Sloss Furnaces site was shut down, and it was then preserved as one of the things to see for the public. This is a miniature world created by Father Joseph, a Benedictine monk, who made his buildings out of found objects. He arrived and began carving into them, a mix of whimsical and comedic that add to Orr Parks beauty. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. It was designed by Vietnam Veterans Memorial designer Maya Lin and was dedicated in the year 1989. Its equal parts fun, intimidating, and breathtaking.