Touted to be the best place in the state to mountain bike, Oak Mountain State Park is where beautiful central Alabama scenery unfolds in all its glory. Sprawled across acres and acres, this rolling state park is a wonderland for recreation, boasting an undulating, picturesque landscape. The park is complete with elongated miles of bike trails, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and camping sites, and rustic cabins, while the presence of serene lakes only accentuates its picture-perfect topography. The park is home to picnicking areas, basketball courts and a golf course, and the jubilant Peavine Falls also lie burrowed in its idyllic recesses. Weaving through dense woods is a boardwalk which witnesses the true grace of nature, while the Alabama Wildlife Center harbors periled and native wildlife. Approximately a 30-minute drive south from the city center, Oak Mountain State Park is a remarkable one among all of Alabama's state parks.
One of the most interesting destinations in the area, this park is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Birmingham. Tannehill was the site of a large Civil War-era blast furnace that was destroyed by Union troops in 1865. Accompanying the restored furnace are a museum and, in the summer, working artisans recreating rural Alabama life circa the 1840s. There are also several hiking trails, as well as cabins for rent and a campground. The park is open daily.
Bethel Baptist Church was first organised in 1907 under the leadership of Reverend P. M. Johnson. A man of vision, he then built the church edifice in 1926. The church became the center for the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights for 5 years in 1956 and was later an active member of the Civil Rights Movement, taking legal action against all kinds of racial discrimination that it witnessed. It also played a crucial role in the 1961 freedom ride. The church was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2005. Today, the church runs an active congregation with various cultural and religious events that cater to its community.
One of the largest cast iron statues in the world, The Vulcan statue is also the city's most important landmark structure. Symbolizing the city’s connection to the iron and steel industry, the statue stands proudly at a height of 56 feet (17.0688 meters) and portrays Vulcan, the Roman God of Fire. Designed by Giuseppe Moretti, an Italian-born sculptor in the year 1904, the statue served as Birmingham’s entry to Louisiana Purchase Exposition, an international exposition held in St. Louis, Missouri. The statue is now part of the Vulcan Park and Museum and is a must-visit during your time in Birmingham.
This Victorian Gothic cathedral is a place of worship for the Catholic populace in Birmingham and surrounding region. Built in 1893, it is one of the oldest churches in the entire state of Alabama. Inside, many of the original architectural details that remain are illustrated in the spires, steeples, arches and columns of the structure. Additionally, the interiors present an opulent domed altar, glass-stained panels and chandeliers. The cathedral was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
This replica of Lady Liberty located in the suburb of Vestavia Hills is one of the largest in the entire world. The bronze statue stands at 36-ft. tall and just like Bartholdi's original, it was also cast in France. In 1958, an insurance company placed it atop its building in downtown Birmingham, but eventually the city moved it to its present location in 1989. The 60-ft. pediment makes the replica stretch into the air where it faithfully resembles the famous one out in New York harbor. Additionally, the park in which it stands is a tranquil spot away from the hustle and noise of the city.
Bethel Baptist Church was first organised in 1907 under the leadership of Reverend P. M. Johnson. A man of vision, he then built the church edifice in 1926. The church became the center for the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights for 5 years in 1956 and was later an active member of the Civil Rights Movement, taking legal action against all kinds of racial discrimination that it witnessed. It also played a crucial role in the 1961 freedom ride. The church was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2005. Today, the church runs an active congregation with various cultural and religious events that cater to its community.
Touted to be the best place in the state to mountain bike, Oak Mountain State Park is where beautiful central Alabama scenery unfolds in all its glory. Sprawled across acres and acres, this rolling state park is a wonderland for recreation, boasting an undulating, picturesque landscape. The park is complete with elongated miles of bike trails, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and camping sites, and rustic cabins, while the presence of serene lakes only accentuates its picture-perfect topography. The park is home to picnicking areas, basketball courts and a golf course, and the jubilant Peavine Falls also lie burrowed in its idyllic recesses. Weaving through dense woods is a boardwalk which witnesses the true grace of nature, while the Alabama Wildlife Center harbors periled and native wildlife. Approximately a 30-minute drive south from the city center, Oak Mountain State Park is a remarkable one among all of Alabama's state parks.
One of the most interesting destinations in the area, this park is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Birmingham. Tannehill was the site of a large Civil War-era blast furnace that was destroyed by Union troops in 1865. Accompanying the restored furnace are a museum and, in the summer, working artisans recreating rural Alabama life circa the 1840s. There are also several hiking trails, as well as cabins for rent and a campground. The park is open daily.
One of the largest cast iron statues in the world, The Vulcan statue is also the city's most important landmark structure. Symbolizing the city’s connection to the iron and steel industry, the statue stands proudly at a height of 56 feet (17.0688 meters) and portrays Vulcan, the Roman God of Fire. Designed by Giuseppe Moretti, an Italian-born sculptor in the year 1904, the statue served as Birmingham’s entry to Louisiana Purchase Exposition, an international exposition held in St. Louis, Missouri. The statue is now part of the Vulcan Park and Museum and is a must-visit during your time in Birmingham.
If you get a thrill by spooky stories and places, then Warehouse 31 is a must visit. This haunted attraction is spread across 39,000 square feet (3623.22 square meters) and features terrifying trails, monsters and scary scenes. Set in the old Marvin’s Home Improvement warehouse, you can opt for the traditional scare, the Rigamortis or for a more realistic feel try the 3D Experience. Check the website for their opening hours and prices.
This Victorian Gothic cathedral is a place of worship for the Catholic populace in Birmingham and surrounding region. Built in 1893, it is one of the oldest churches in the entire state of Alabama. Inside, many of the original architectural details that remain are illustrated in the spires, steeples, arches and columns of the structure. Additionally, the interiors present an opulent domed altar, glass-stained panels and chandeliers. The cathedral was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.