Birmingham Info Network

This Southeastern state of inland waterways, gentle plains, and rolling hills has a lot to offer the curious tourist. From its natural wonders to its historic edifices, Alabama displays a proud heritage and a long and deeply rooted history. Begin by driving the Selma to Montgomery Trail – which highlights Civil Rights sites in cities along the way – and become familiar with Alabama’s gentle hills and warm people. Whether in the city or the country, you will have a distinctly Alabamian experience.

1. The Alabama Theatre – Birmingham

If you are looking for fun things to do in Alabama head to Alabama’s largest city to witness the beauty of the Alabama Theatre constructed in 1927 by Paramount Studios. Take in this movie palace while viewing the Nutcracker or an opera at Birmingham’s most prized destination. For more information go to: www.AlabamaTheatre.com.

2. Rickwood Caverns State Park – Warrior

There is an underground world waiting to be discovered only 30 miles outside of Birmingham! These geological formations date back 260-million years and were said to be carved by a long-ago ocean. Hiking, camping, and other activities are permitted within the grounds and an Olympic-size swimming pool entices visitors. Don’t miss the Blind Cave Fish! For more about the oldest of Alabama attractions go to: www.AlaPark.com.

3. Civil Rights Institute – Birmingham

Birmingham’s Civil Rights past is no secret. As a center for major socio-political change in the 1960s, Birmingham preserves its heritage and promotes civil rights through its institute. Learn more about the role Birmingham played in the Civil Rights Movement. For example, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail” here. And in 1963, Public Safety Commissioner “Bull” Connor turned fire hoses and police dogs on nonviolent African American protestors right outside the institute’s doors. To learn more about Birmingham civil rights go to: www.BCRI.org.

4. U.S.S. Alabama – Mobile

If you are looking for things to do in Alabama view the historic U.S.S. Alabama docked in Mobile Bay. This 680-foot long warship tells a story. Gathered with other military war vessels, the U.S.S. Alabama stands proud as a link to our past. View a real-life Vietnam River Patrol Boat and a WWII Sub and hear the history that brings all of these elements of destruction to life. For Battleship Memorial Park go to: www.USSAlabama.com.

5. Gulf Shores



Alabama’s premiere vacation retreat town consists of long stretches of white sand, pristine beaches, and trails. Its Gulf Coast location makes it a semi-tropical destination. If you are in the area, cruise down to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge – a great place for bird watching. Additionally, Fort Morgan played a key role in the Revolutionary War and is a stones-throw away from the little beach town of Gulf Shores. For more about these Alabama attractions go to: www.GulfShores.com.

6. McWane Science Center – Birmingham

This interactive museum is great for kids and curious parents. Offering four floors of cool exhibits, the McWane Science Center is a veritable institution in Birmingham. Complete with state-of-the-art aquarium with new Shark & Ray Touch Tank, this museum and learning center is sure to entertain! Check out the new IMAX Dome Theater! To learn more about this Alabama attraction go to: www.McWane.org.

7. Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

Alabama has been known as a center for civil rights activity since the assault on civil rights demonstrators, the 16^th Street Baptist Church bombing, and the jailing of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Birmingham in 1963. Follow the Civil Rights History Trail route and relive Alabama’s important history. Stop by a number of sites important to African American history in Alabama including: the Rosa Parks Museum, Slavery & Civil War Museum, the Civil Rights Monument and more. For more information about these Alabama attractions go to: www.NPS.gov.

8. Montgomery

If you are looking for fun things to do in Alabama, you can’t miss a stop at its prominent capital! Lying alongside the Alabama River, this urban cityscape stretches over rolling hills. Visit the Civil Rights Memorial. Hike the Montgomery Riverwalk. Take a tour of the Capitol Building. Celebrate country music by popping into the Hank Williams Museum. All these and more await you in Alabama’s second largest city! For more about Montgomery area attractions go to: www.MontgomeryAL.gov.

9. Talladega Superspeedway and Barber Motorsports Park – Birmingham

Alabama is the premiere spot for racing enthusiasts and NASCAR fans. Not only will you find the country’s most competitive racetrack – Talladega Superspeedway – here, the largest collection of motorcycles in the world is housed at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Watch NASCAR and INDY races or participate in an amateur race of your own! For Talladega Superspeedway go to: www.TalladegaSuperSpeedway.com. For Barber Motorsports Park – which includes another racetrack – visit: www.BarberMotorsports.com.

10. U.S. Space and Rocket Center – Huntsville

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a museum and day camp designed to display authentic space artifacts and educate the public about space exploration. Be sure to check out the new Davidson Center for Space Exploration where the Saturn V rocket is displayed. In addition, you will find an Apollo 16 command module, a G-Force Accelerator Simulator, and the original Saturn I Rocket. To learn more about these Alabama attractions go to: www.SpaceCamp.com.