Coolest Things To Do In Montgomery, Alabama

Commemorating a historic event, the Rosa Parks Museum in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, houses artifacts related to Rosa Parks, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the Civil Rights Movement. Educational programs cater to all ages, allowing visitors to witness Parks' arrest, explore 1950s Montgomery, and experience the era of Jim Crow segregation in the Children's Wing.

Free admission is granted on Rosa Parks Day (December 1st), with various events held, including the annual Juneteenth celebration.

Discover the Alabama State Capitol, one of the best places to visit in Montgomery is a 150-year-old National Historic Landmark showcasing the state's history and politics. This Greek Revival building set atop a hill, played a significant role in Confederate history and the Selma to Montgomery March for voting rights.

The restored Senate Chamber reflects its 1861 appearance, while the Rotunda boasts eight murals by Roderick MacKenzie. Guided tours can be scheduled, and the grounds feature monuments, statues, and gardens.

Travel back to the 19th and early 20th centuries with a visit to Old Alabama Town. Discover preserved homes and buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse, grist mill, cotton gin, and log cabin. Located downtown, this historic site offers insights into early Alabama life and is conveniently located.

Additionally, you can take a self-guided tour or opt for a guided tour of the Ordeman Complex on select days. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts keen on exploring central Alabama's rich heritage.

Immerse yourself in the world of Hank Williams at this popular tourist attraction. The museum showcases an extensive collection of memorabilia belonging to the legendary musician. Operating hours vary from Sunday to Saturday.

Visitors can explore Williams' records, guitars, and photos, and learn about his life and legacy. The knowledgeable and friendly staff makes visiting this place one of the ideal things to do in Alabama Montgomery for both country music fans and history enthusiasts.

Founded in 1930, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is Alabama's oldest fine arts museum and one of the major attractions in Montgomery Alabama. Nestled in the Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park alongside the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, it boasts a modern 80,000-square-foot facility.

The museum showcases paintings and sculptures by artists from Alabama and beyond, including renowned figures like John Singer Sargent and Georgia O'Keeffe. Visitors can wander through the sculpture garden and enjoy the serene lake.

A significant memorial in Montgomery, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice pays tribute to lynching victims in the United States. Opened in 2018, it's the first of its kind and is connected to the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration.

The memorial features 800 six-foot corten steel monuments, representing counties where documented lynchings occurred. It challenges America's history of racial terror and encourages reflection and change. Visitors can also explore exhibits at the Legacy Museum, which delve into the ongoing impact of racial injustice.

With a significant legacy, the Court Square Fountain marks the former site of the city's slave market. Erected in 1886, it serves as a reminder of this pivotal aspect of the area's history, making it one of the major Montgomery Alabama tourist attractions.

The fountain is situated within the Court Square Historic District, housing numerous buildings of enduring historical significance. This location offers a poignant space for contemplating the city's past, especially its connections to slavery and the civil rights movement.

Enjoy the beauty of Riverfront Park in Montgomery, Alabama. With its 54 acres along the Alabama River, the park offers stunning views of the river and city skyline. Perfect for jogging, cycling, or picnics, it also features a splash pad for kids to cool off in summer.

Additionally, you can take a cruise on the Harriott II Riverboat or catch live music at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Best of all, entry is free, making it a budget-friendly vacation spot for relaxation and recreation in Montgomery.

A significant landmark in the American Civil Rights Movement, the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church holds a historical importance. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once served as pastor here, making it a symbol of the struggle for equality and justice.

Visitors can tour the church, which features a museum highlighting its role in the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King's life. Located downtown, it's close to other historical sites, making this place one of the major attractions in Montgomery AL.

Embark on a journey through Downtown Montgomery's rich history and vibrant culture with Blake's Segway Tours. Effortlessly navigate the city's landmarks, including significant Civil Rights sites, and immerse yourself in its downtown entertainment scene. Opt for tours lasting between 45 to 90 minutes, such as the Civil Rights Tour or a general exploration of downtown.

Moreover, no prior Segway experience is needed, as training is provided. Explore the city streets in a fun and unique way, embracing the Segway's nimble handling.

Experience an exciting stargazing adventure at the Montgomery City Planetarium, also known as the W.A. Gayle Planetarium. Explore the cosmos through immersive shows, films, and live presentations in its multimedia theater, and learn about the wonders of the universe.

Enjoy public stargazing nights with telescope views of celestial bodies. Conveniently located downtown, stargazing is fun stuff to do in Montgomery and is a must-visit for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the night sky.

Explore a unique glimpse into Confederate history at the First White House of the Confederacy in Montgomery. Built in 1835, this Italianate-style home served as President Jefferson Davis's residence from February to May 1861.

Furnished with original period pieces from the 1850s and 1860s, the house is open to the public, offering insight into the life of the Confederate president and his family. Visitors can delve into its rich history, including its relocation in 1919, and learn about the formative years of the Confederacy.

Explore nature at Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park, a beautiful 175-acre park where visitors can relax and enjoy nature. It's home to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and the Hannah Daye Ridling Bark Park for dog owners.

Additionally, you can enjoy ponds, walking trails, and a natural amphitheater. With free admission and events like concerts and festivals, it's a fantastic destination for nature lovers in Montgomery.

Providing an array of attractions, the zoo located in Montgomery, invites guests every day. Special events and interactive encounters, such as keeper talks and giraffe interactions, offer both education and entertainment, making the visit here one of the best things to do in Alabama.

Zoo Weekend, an annual spring fundraiser, presents extra activities and rides. Guests can also engage in exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences to foster a deeper connection with the animals and gain valuable wildlife insights.

Enjoy a traditional Southern meal at Lucille's or other local spots in Montgomery showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage. From classic barbecue at Dreamland to unique dishes like Dr. Pepper braised pork osso buco at Central, Montgomery offers a variety of Southern favorites.

Influenced by African, European, and Native American traditions, the city's cuisine emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. Whether you prefer casual or fine dining, Montgomery's Southern fare is sure to satisfy.

Explore the Montgomery Botanical Gardens, featuring a diverse collection of tropical plants, especially palms and cycads. The gardens aim to inspire and educate through conservation and research. Spanning 120 acres, the property includes four areas: Coconut Grove Palmetum, South Palmetum, Lowland Palmetum, and Research.

It's open by appointment to scientists, educators, students, historians, botanical groups, and the public, fostering learning and appreciation of botany.

Explore the profound history of the Civil Rights Movement as you leisurely walk through the prestigious Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery. Immerse yourself in exhibits and displays that commemorate the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for equality and justice.

Engage with interactive exhibits, poignant artifacts, and informative displays that provide insight into this pivotal era of American history. Gain a deeper understanding of the individuals and events that shaped the Civil Rights Movement while reflecting on their enduring legacy.

Experience adventure and outdoor fun at Montgomery Whitewater. The complex offers an Olympic-standard whitewater course suitable for all ages and skill levels, alongside dry-side activities like climbing, zip lines, and hiking and biking trails.

Visitors can also enjoy live music, festivals, and dining at the onsite restaurant and bar with views of the whitewater channels. This project aims to enhance the River Region's quality of life, drive economic development, boost tourism, support the military, and attract and retain talent.

Near Montgomery in Prattville, Wilderness Park and Bamboo Forest is a special natural area. Once a Vietnam War training ground, this 26-acre park now boasts a loop trail meandering through a beautiful bamboo forest and by a tranquil pond.

With towering bamboo trees, some reaching 60 feet tall with trunks six inches thick, it's a peaceful spot for a short hike or family trip. Visitors can appreciate the forest's beauty while discovering its historical importance in the region.