Birmingham, Alabama, which was formerly regarded as the center of the Civil Rights Movement, has a fascinating past that may be fully experienced at the city's numerous historical sites, museums, and memorials. Birmingham, often known as the City of a Thousand Trades, has a wealth of attractions beyond historical buildings. This magnificent metropolis will undoubtedly keep tourists entertained and interested during their forthcoming stay with its vibrant arts and music scene, delicious restaurants, eclectic shopping, miles of museums, and so much more. Here are 10 awesome things you can do in Birmingham, Alabama.
10 Explore The Unique Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
After retiring from racing in the 1960s and after 63 victories, George Barber decided to channel some of his enthusiasm into creating a museum for other fans of fast cars. However, he began assembling motorbikes in addition to automobiles. His stunning, race-ready motorcycles were featured in the Guggenheim The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition when he opened the museum in 1995. With more than 1,400 motorcycles housed in the museum, of which 650 are always on display, this is the largest vintage motorcycle collection in the entire world, according to Guinness World Records, and is one of the top things to do in Alabama.
- Entrance fee: $15 per visitor
9 Tour Birmingham Civil Rights District
The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan on Sunday, September 15, 1963. Four girls lost their lives as a result of the bombing. This deed united the country and was a major factor in the 1964 Civil Rights Act's success. With the assistance of donations from all across the world, the church was repaired and also reopened in 1964. Due to Birmingham's tremendous civil rights history, it is a significant tourism destination today. Tourists can book guided tours.
8 Visit McWane Science Center
The McWane Science Center in Birmingham is a popular family destination for both locals and visitors because it offers guests the chance to explore the globe through scientific experiences and interactive exhibits. There are numerous topics covered, ranging from dinosaurs to space travel. Children of all ages will find a variety of fun things to see and do in hands-on displays that feature motion, energy, light, and sound.
- Entrance fee: $16 per child and $21 per adult for a combo ticket.
7 Pass By The Birmingham Museum Of Art
More than 20,000 pieces, dating from antiquity to the present and coming from all corners of the world, can be found at the Birmingham Museum of Art. European decorative arts make up the majority of the museum's collections, nearly half of its entire inventory. The collections are made of American masterpieces, African art galleries, contemporary art, and a variety of European works by well-known artists like van Rijn, Dali, and Pissarro.
- Entrance fee: Free.
6 Let’s Have A Beer At Avondale Brewing Company
Birmingham's Avondale Brewing Company is a locally run and owned brewery that can be found on 41st Street S. It is nestled in a historic building that has served many functions throughout the years, including a firehouse, a bank, a post office, a pharmacy, and a saloon named the Long Branch Saloon. Brewery tours are available, and there is a taproom for an ultimate joyful time.
5 Wander Through Birmingham’s Railroad Park
The Railroad Park, a haven of greenery and water features in the heart of Birmingham, serves as a respite from the heat and bustle of the city. It is spread out across 19 acres (7.28 hectares) and has a lot of lawn area, trees for shade, marvelously scented flowers, and several streams and ponds. The park has a small lake, various walking as well as running paths, and Rail Trail, which provides spectacular city views.
4 Discover Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
The Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark was a blast furnace that produced iron. It is the sole remaining blast furnace in the United States, and it was rebuilt after it shut down. The area is currently utilized as a museum to educate the public about the iron industry and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Additionally, it serves as a concert and festival venue and conducts a metal arts program. The historic landmark is annually transformed into a spooky house for the Halloween celebration. The event is known as Sloss Fright Furnace.
- Entrance fee: Free of charge unless visitors decide to take a guided tour, which costs $10.
3 Breeze Fresh Air In Red Mountain Park
Red Mountain Park is a former iron ore mine that has been transformed into a park. It features a network of 16 miles (25.74 km) of trails as well as various old mining sites. The mountain and park's names are derived from the shade of iron ore that may be discovered beneath the mountain's surface. With several treks leading to a stunning panorama of the city below, this is a great location to go hiking in Birmingham.
2 Check The World’s Largest Cast Iron Statue At Vulcan Park
The 56-foot-tall (17-meter-tall) statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, was initially created in Birmingham for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair Palace of Mines and Metallurgy display. It is the biggest cast iron statue in the world and weighs 100,000 pounds (45.35 tons) of iron. Today, it is watching over Birmingham from the summit of Red Mountain, serving as a constant reminder of the city's early industrial history.
1 Watch A Live Show At Alabama Theater
In Birmingham, there are many great places to see live performances, but the Alabama Theater on Third Avenue North is one of the greatest. It was constructed in 1927 as a cinema theater and has played host to a number of notable occasions, such as the Mickey Mouse Club and the Miss Alabama Pageant. It is the home stage for the Performing Arts and currently offers a variety of programs, including vintage movies, theatrical and dance productions, and live music. It was recently restored to its previous splendor. The structure is recognized as a historic place on the National Register.