Birmingham is a big city in Alabama that has lots of interesting museums and historic places to visit. It used to be known for its steel industry, but it also played an important role in the civil rights movement, which is why there are many monuments and sites related to that period.
Besides that, there are also great museums about different topics like art, aircraft, science, and motorsports. Even though there are still some old industrial areas, Birmingham has many beautiful parks and green spaces to enjoy.
Additionally, there are vibrant arts and culture scenes, along with many fantastic restaurants and nightclubs to check out.
17. Regions Field
If you’re looking for exciting sports events, then Regions Field in Southside is the place to go. It’s a small stadium where you can watch the Birmingham Barons, the city’s Minor League Baseball team. The stadium was built in 2013 and fits in well with the industrial buildings nearby.
It has a charming old-fashioned appearance with downtown’s tall buildings in the background. The seats are comfortable and offer great views of the field, and the atmosphere is truly captivating. You can also enjoy delicious food and drinks, and there are play areas where you can play catch before the game starts.
16. 16th Street Baptist Church
The 16th Street Baptist Church is located in a corner of a well-known park. It was the first African-American church established in Birmingham and played a significant role in the civil rights movement in the city. Unfortunately, because of the protests and marches held there, both the church and the protestors became targets of police brutality.
Tragically, on September 15, 1963, members of the Ku Klux Klan planted a bomb at the church, causing the death of four young girls who were attending Sunday school. Despite this devastating event, both the church members and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continued to fight for civil rights, and the church was repaired the following year.
You can explore the fascinating history of this church at the National Historic Landmark, appreciate its beautiful architecture, and see a stained-glass window that depicts a black Jesus.
15. Southern Museum of Flight
The Southern Museum of Flight is located next to the city’s international airport. Inside the huge hangars, visitors can find almost a hundred different aircraft, along with various exhibits, engines, and equipment. The museum, which opened to the public in 1966, is now one of the largest of its kind in the southeastern United States.
In addition to exploring the large models and memorabilia, visitors can also visit the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame. The main attraction, however, is the collection of shiny jets and large bombers on display. Alongside the civilian and military planes, there is also a replica of a Wright Flyer.
The museum also features impressive paintings, photos, and videos that complement the vintage aircraft.
14. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a must-visit, even if you’re not a fan of motorbikes, because it has an incredible collection. Located on the outskirts of town, the museum has a sparkling complex where you can see over 1,600 motorcycles and modern racing cars.
It’s the largest museum of its kind in the world and was established in 1994 by George Barber, a former race car driver and collector. The museum’s five floors are filled with motorcycles from more than 200 manufacturers, like Honda, Kawazaki, Suzuki, and Zimmerman, displayed in a cool and creative way.
Outside, there’s a racecourse where you can enjoy watching cars and motorbikes zoom around the track. If you’re really passionate about motorsports, you also have the opportunity to ride a bike around the course.
13. The Summit
The Summit is an outdoor lifestyle center located on the southeastern outskirts of town. It has a wide range of stores and restaurants for people to enjoy. You can spend the whole day shopping at the mall, which has a lot of high-end shops and trendy restaurants available.
There is also a modern cinema on the site, where you can watch the latest movies. The Summit has been around since 1997 and has expanded greatly over the years. Some of the popular stores include Apple, Levi’s, Banana Republic, Lush, and Urban Outfitters.
In addition to shopping, visitors can also dine at sushi bars or steakhouses available at the center. The outdoor site of The Summit is also used for hosting cultural events and festivals.
12. Railroad Park
Railroad Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of Birmingham. It’s often called the city’s living room because it’s a popular gathering spot. This park is not just a place for outdoor activities, but it also hosts many concerts, cultural events, and festivals.
The name of the park comes from the two rail lines close by, and it covers several blocks in the downtown area. The park is well-maintained and designed with lovely features like flowerbeds, lawns, and wetlands with flowing streams.
You can enjoy walking, jogging, or biking, but if you prefer a laid-back experience, you can relax on the grass or use the outdoor gym. For those seeking a bit more excitement, there are skate bowls to try out. From certain areas of the park, you can even catch a glimpse of downtown and the passing trains. Plus, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby to grab a bite to eat.
11. Vulcan Park and Museum
The Vulcan statue is the largest cast iron statue in the world and is located on top of Red Mountain. It is a significant symbol for Birmingham and represents the importance of the iron and steel industry to the city’s development. The statue was originally placed in St.
Louis, Missouri for the 1904 World’s Fair, but now it sits on a beautiful piece of land just ten minutes south of the city center. Vulcan is depicted in the statue, standing 56 feet tall, and is shown in a powerful and impressive position.
Besides taking pictures of the statue, visitors can also go up to the observation tower and enjoy breathtaking views of downtown. The park surrounding the statue has lovely paths to stroll on, and there is an interactive museum that explores the history of the statue, city, and state.
10. Alabama Theatre
The Alabama Theatre is a beautifully decorated venue in downtown. It used to be a movie theater but now holds concerts, comedy nights, and classic films. The auditorium is very fancy and was built to be the best theater in the southeast. It has lots of extravagant decorations and a beautiful design.
The theater is in a Moorish style and has a fancy lobby and a theater covered in gold. It also still has the original Wurlitzer organ. While watching a ballet, opera, or Broadway show, you can admire the elegant architecture. The theater hosts about 250 events each year, so there is always something new and interesting happening.
9. Birmingham Zoo
Birmingham Zoo is located just a ten-minute drive south of the center and is home to a wide variety of exotic and endangered animals. This spacious zoo has enclosures that house over 550 animals from around the world, including fierce lions, enormous elephants, remarkable rhinos, fierce tigers, and even Komodo dragons.
Families have been enjoying this zoo since it first opened in 1955. Visitors can explore attractions like Alligator Swamp and Flamingo Lagoon, as well as aviaries, reptile houses, and other themed areas.
Additionally, guests can interact with farmyard animals by stroking and feeding them, take leisurely camel rides, and witness amazing sea lion shows. The zoo also offers playgrounds, splash pads, and picnic areas for guests to relax and enjoy. And to make the experience even more enjoyable, there is a little train available for rides throughout the zoo.
8. Ruffner Mountain
Ruffner Mountain, located in the northeast of Birmingham, is a nature reserve with breathtaking scenery. It used to be a place where iron ore mines and stone quarries operated, but in 1977, it became a park. Nowadays, both locals and tourists visit this forest-covered mountain to enjoy its picturesque trails.
When hiking along its fifteen miles of trails, you can witness panoramic views of the city and even encounter some local wildlife. The visitor center provides an opportunity for guests to learn about the native plants and get an up-close look at raptors, snakes, and turtles.
7. Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Just next to it, you’ll find another amazing spot in the city: the stunning Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Filled with colorful flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs, it’s a peaceful place to take a leisurely stroll.
Established in 1963, the gardens have expanded over the years and now offer thirty different themed areas to explore. Some areas feature beautiful roses and irises, while others have a more natural feel with bogs, woods, and desert sections nestled beside tranquil lakes. You’ll also discover rock formations, water features, and a Torii gate in the enchanting Japanese garden.
In total, there are over thirty breathtaking outdoor sculptures scattered along the winding nature trails. Additionally, the garden center and library host exhibits on local flora, along with regular talks and workshops.
6. McWane Science Center
The McWane Science Center is a fascinating and enjoyable place to visit. It is located in the city center and offers a variety of interactive exhibits spread across four floors. Visitors can engage in numerous activities, experiments, and even watch movies on the massive IMAX screen.
The center’s historical building holds a vast collection of artifacts and specimens to explore. Some areas focus on fossils and dinosaurs, while others examine the environment and local Native American cultures.
One of the highlights is the aquarium, which includes a captivating touch tank where visitors can interact with small sharks and stingrays. Additionally, there are play areas and climbing frames for young children, as well as spots for guests to create things and conduct experiments. Guests can also enjoy thrilling science shows and grab a coffee at the on-site café.
5. Sloss Furnaces
If you take a short walk northeast of downtown, you’ll find the Sloss Furnaces. It’s a place that used to produce a lot of pig iron from 1882 to 1971. Now it’s a National Historic Landmark. You can visit it and take tours to see the old machinery and smokestacks.
The machines are rusty and have unique shapes that look great in photos against the blue sky. During the tours, you’ll learn about the history of the factory and the workers, including the slaves who produced the pig iron. In addition to the tours, there are also art and cultural exhibits, metal arts workshops, concerts, and community events at the educational center.
4. Birmingham Museum of Art
The Birmingham Museum of Art is located in the Southeastern United States and is known for its impressive collection of African, Asian, and Native American artworks. The museum was established in 1951 and is now housed in a modern building.
Inside, there are bright and spacious galleries where you can find various types of art, such as paintings, photos, drawings, decorative arts, and sculptures. Additionally, the museum offers a chance to explore ceramics, textiles, masks, ritual objects, and furniture.
Don’t forget to visit the beautiful sculpture garden outside and enjoy a cup of coffee at the cozy cafe. You can also purchase souvenirs at the gift shop.
3. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is one of the must-see museums in the city. It is located in downtown Birmingham, right next to Kelly Ingram Park. At the museum, you can see exhibits that tell the story of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. This informative museum opened its doors in 1992.
It is not just a museum, but also a cultural research center that focuses on the past, present, and future of the fight for civil rights. The exhibits use different forms of media to cover important topics such as segregation, the Freedom Riders, and even the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church that happened nearby.
They have historic photos, videos, and interviews with people who were part of the movement to help visitors understand these difficult subjects. Before leaving, visitors can also learn about modern human rights issues and explore other important historic sites in the area.
2. Pepper Place Market
The Pepper Place Market is a vibrant and busy event that takes place every Saturday from April to December. In the winter, there are only a few vendors, but during the summer, more than a hundred farmers come to downtown to sell their products.
It has now become one of the largest markets in Alabama, although it started with only a few producers in 2000. The market is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables and has many stalls to explore, along with coffee stands and food trucks. There are also people selling handmade jewelry, artwork, and clothes that are not only from the state. To make the experience even more enjoyable, there are street performers and fun activities for kids.
1. Kelly Ingram Park
Kelly Ingram Park is located in the center of the Birmingham Civil Rights District. Many rallies and protests took place here during the civil rights movement in the sixties because it is right next to the 16th Street Baptist Church.
The park has become significant because of its involvement, and it now has various sculptures and monuments that represent the movement. One notable sculpture is the Four Spirits statue, which serves as a memorial for the four young girls who died in the bombing of the baptist church.
The park is also known as ‘A Place of Revolution and Reconciliation’ and features sculptures honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other movement heroes. Apart from the church and art installations, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is also found along the park’s border.
