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.
Birmingham's Railroad Park is a 19 acre (7.68 hectare) park that was created in 2010. The park has water features, trails, and lots of grassy areas for playing and picnicking. The park often plays hosts to special events and concerts throughout the year. A welcome slice of green amid the steely concrete of the city, this park is also a serene place for leisurely walks and jogging. Couples who frequent the park often cap off their walks with a nice snack at the Boxcar Cafe located within the park premises.
Regions Field is a state-of-the-art ballpark built in 2013 as the home of the Birmingham Barons AA Minor League team. The stadium features 8500 seats and is conveniently located right in Downtown Birmingham. The ballpark has a host of activities and special features, including a mini-wiffle ball diamond, a batting cage and family fun park. Of course, no baseball game is complete without a hot dog and a beer (or soda), and you can get that, along with all the other classic ballpark snacks at Regions Field, too.
Red Mountain Park consists of 1500 acres (607.02 hectares) full of outdoor fun and excitement. In addition to the 11 hiking trails in the park, there are also zip-lining facilities, historic mines, three tree houses and the Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest and Kaul Adventure Tower. The park is one of Birmingham's favorite destinations for outdoor adventure.
Based on the Greek god Vulcan, the god's statue is the tallest cast iron statue in the world in the center of Birmingham’s Vulcan Park & Museum, which features educational tours and a soaring observation deck overlooking the city. The park also allows special events including marriages and other cultural events.
The very genesis of Birmingham, Sloss Furnaces were one of the pioneers in the process of smelting pig iron. Established in 1882, it is this iron industry that prompted the city of Birmingham to grow around it. Over the years, the machinery has gathered abundant rust and experience, both of which tell stirring tales of the industry's glorious heyday. Proclaimed a National Historic Landmark, this antiquated site is an escape into the ancient industrial processes of the country. The site was restored in 1983, and, in addition to the impressive furnaces, there is an industrial museum, a sculpture garden, and a park which lend deeper insights into the history and legacy of Sloss Furnaces. The furnaces also play host to concerts, festivals, events, and activities.
Temple Emanu-El is a Jewish landmark in Birmingham. This architectural marvel was built in 1889 and features a domed ceiling, and intricate Corinthian columns and a pediment on its exterior facade. The synagogue is a Reform Jewish congregation and organizes worship services, prayer and study programs for the community. Live webcast of their services are available online every Friday and Saturday for a global outreach. The building is home to several spaces like the Abroms Hall, Sanctuary and Hess Chapel ideal for private functions and events.
Located within the Samford University, Boyd E. Christenberry Planetarium is a delightful place to learn more about the stars and planets. It provides tours and shows for adults, children, groups and families which provide a chance to explore the space and universe. The entry is free and the venue is accessible to the differently-abled.
Peavine Falls is a magnificent natural attraction located within Oak Mountain State Park in Alabama. Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Appalachian foothills, this waterfall is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The star of the show, Peavine Falls, is a stunning 65-foot (19.8 meters) waterfall that cascades down a rugged rock face into a serene pool below. The waterfall gets its name from the Peavine Creek, which feeds the falls with its crystal-clear waters. The sight and sound of the rushing water, combined with the lush greenery that surrounds it, create a tranquil and picturesque setting.
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.
An ode to the coal mining history of Aldrich, the Aldrich Coal Mine Museum is a historical museum which takes visitors through its coal mining days. The museum consists of artifacts such as old photographs, displays from the coal mine, church, prison, post office and more. There is also a mine replica that visitors are particularly drawn towards and the museum is one of the major attractions in the city which is listed under the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.