Regardless of the story, its still an amazing statue (it stands at 9 feet tall) and is a pretty quirky reminder that fathers arent always right. Insanity Complex Madison, AL. As the only maritime museum dedicated to its subject on the planet, its paramount of the list of where to go for education about this gulf at the end of Alabama. The displays and exhibits are outstanding, and the new INTUITIVE Planetarium offers daily programming. It originally opened as the Alabama International Motor Speedway in 1969 and it earned a reputation for being cursed due to its location atop burial grounds of ancient communities. 1:00pm-4:00pm Admission: Free. Get ready to be amazed, excited, and inspired! The Neversink Pit is a magnificent geological marvel. Address: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223, United States.

Spectre was built along the Alabama River, on a private island. Address: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094, United States. Its equal parts fun, intimidating, and breathtaking. The GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico is one of the best ways to get a true look into the Gulf of Mexico. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler. Pro Tip: A short drive from Cook Museum is Decaturs culinary crown jewel, Big Bob Gibsons Bar-B-Q on 6th Avenue. It is a must-visit for all ages, and if you have children or grandchildren in tow, all the better. You can at Tuscumbias Rattlesnake Saloon, where every second is an adventure. You can also just go hiking to all the different scenic spots with gorgeous views, following loved paths like the Chinnabee Silent Trail, the Pinhoti Trail, and the Odum Scout Trail. The stalagmite has a 3-inch diameter, a 243-foot circumference, and a height of 45 feet. Cathedral Caverns is a beautiful display of formations Mother Nature has created over time. This story is sponsored byVisit North Alabama. Gulf Shores is a beautiful destination to head to this weekend as one of the best beach locations in Alabama. Alabama MusicHall of Fame Tuscumbia, AL. The Natural Bridge is one of the must see points of interest in Alabama. Visitors to Priceville enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is worth a stop. As one of the most fun things to do in Alabama, it showcases all the unique and fascinating parts of Mardi Gras and Carnival evolution over the decades. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside. Starting August 10 the museum will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 4. Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. Despite being harrowing in nature, it is one of the best places to visit to feel the symbolic gravity of the movement for civil rights. Or eat lunch in a jail cell? 15. Just dont forget your dancing shoes! Horses are also welcome on the northern trails. Only a year later, a mental breakdown would see his wife, Zelda, admitted to a clinic in Baltimore. 166 Boyett Drive, Hamilton. You wont find another place that is more quintessential to the concept of Alabama colleges. He arrived and began carving into them, a mix of whimsical and comedic that add to Orr Parks beauty. As you pass through the exhibits, youll follow the journey of the movement and end on a positive note, as the institute hopes to light a spark of hope for the future through its message. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is situated on 740 acres of ground in Birmingham. Go in to browse and get a history lesson. The state park is named after a stunning cavern within it that is known as one of the best tourist attractions in the area. Tom Hendrix spent more than 30 years of his life constructing a stone wall in memory of his great, great grandmother who was a member of the Yuchi tribe carried away during the Trail of Tears and forced to walk to Oklahoma. For those with more artsy interests, check out Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment. It is also often used as a venue for concerts and festivals, and theres no entry fee, so its one of the few free things to do in the state. At the Cook Museum of Natural Science, you will experience nature close-up through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Ave Maria Grotto The farm has animalsincluding Babydoll Southdown sheep, a Nubian goat, cats, hens, a pot-bellied pig, mini pigs, and two Great Pyrenees guardian dogs. You can find the work of Hamilton native and folk artist Jerry Brown who passed away in 2016 all over the world, including the Smithsonian Institute. Connie and her husband Steve recently celebrated their 50th anniversary and have three married children and 15 grandchildren. For shopping, dining, and entertainment, check out Mid-City District on University Drive, Stovehouse on Governors Drive, or Bridge Street Town Centre. Address: 155 S Water St, Mobile, AL 36602, United States. It opened in 1955 with only a handful of animals in a firehouse and has since grown to accommodate over 800 individual animals from 200 different species. Both are filled with memorabilia of historical significance, one about musicians connected to Alabama, and the other about a remarkable woman who was blind and deaf and her dedicated teacher Annie Sullivan. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is both a Marshall Space Flight Center for NASA and a Smithsonian Affiliate, and its also considered one of the largest space museums on the planet. Check out our top {17 fun activities in North Alabama fun activities in North Alabama}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Its facades were left to stand there when filming was over, along with all the other dressings of the set. Harmony Park Safari Huntsville, AL. Attend a sporting event while you're in the area, or simply enjoy its seafood restaurants. You can avail of infield RV tent camping, RV camping, and outdoor camping as well. Belle Chevre Tours Elkmont, AL. It is the perfect habitat for over 300 species of birds, some of which live there year-round while others pass through during annual migrations. Fort Gaines is considered one of Americas most endangered historic locations, which makes it a rare find in Alabama but also one of the most melancholy. Native Americans have lived here for centuries, and it became a national park in 1954. 1818 Farms and Moorseville Guided Tours Mooresville, AL. Williams enjoyed a short career in music, but it was nothing if not memorable. Address: 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, United States. Now, more than 150 people across the country have buried their coondogs there, and it remains the only coon dog cemetery in the country and a beautiful testament to our love for our pets. The Town of Spectre is a fictional town that you may recognize from Big Fish, a film from 2003. When a storm swept the area in 1993, many of the older trees wound up being destroyed. In other words, this is one of the most well-outfitted Alabama attractions for visitors who want a lot of options! The grounds cover 900 beautiful acres with the Gardens being the main attraction in this large space in Theodore. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is where youll find the USS Alabama, a ship that began construction on the 1st of February in 1940. Ruling religious and political figures were the head of their complex civilizations, and these elites were responsible for the supervision of the construction of the mounds you see now. Tropical plants, roses, and hydrangeas bloom in the summer. Sure, the fine dining restaurant has delicious steaks, salads and more, and a romantic ambience that will impress your significant other. It opened its doors in 1998 and has been thrilling children with informational but entertaining science ever since. Cathedral Caverns State Park can be found in Marshall County, just southeast of Alabamas Woodville. It rests along the Gulf of Mexicos coastline and spans 32 miles. This is a miniature world created by Father Joseph, a Benedictine monk, who made his buildings out of found objects. The museum includes hands-on activities like a giant keyboard, digging for dinosaur bones, and maneuvering a steamboat down the river. The Mobile Carnival Museum tells its tales through photographs, costumes, floats, gowns, jewels, and posters, all dating as far back as 1886 and as current as the modern day. Visit a serene place where people pay respects to coonhounds. Address: 634 Mound State Parkway, Moundville, AL 35474, United States. It reaches the ceiling, 25 feet above, at an angle that makes room for it. It is likely best known for its upside-down banana splits. Fairhope is a lovely, picturesque location that has a small-town vibe, which makes it one of many more laid-back vacation ideas in Alabama. It spans the area of a cave and measures 148 feet in length and 50 feet in height. I claim as my own personal stomping grounds the portion of Alabama from north of Birmingham to the Tennessee state line and from the eastern edge of Mississippi to the western edge of Georgia. It is 30 minutes long and tells the tale of the Fitzgeralds and their home. 1998 - 2022 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Address: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States, Diegoandrade, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. The Neversink Pit is one of Alabamas more unique tourist attractions. This fun-filled complex offers a skate park, mini golf,arcade games, a rock climbing wall, a yogurt shop, laser tag and much more. He was born in Bavaria but arrived here in 1892. Plus, it is an educational tool for raising awareness of the needs and habits of these animals. Take a self-guided tour through the stunning land and feast your eyes on the flora! Address: 251 Montgomery Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States. Its the centerpiece of the state park and a masterwork of nature! Hours Include: Tuesday-Friday 9:00am-2:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-4:00pm Admission: $12 per person. When you arrive in the parking lot, a shuttle will take you down some pretty steep hills to get to the cave, which is decorated like a Western saloon. Local attractions cover things like museums, shopping, art, and golf. Its one of the best places to spend time in for all the park activities you can think of: sightseeing, hiking, camping, water sports you name it! Theres a reason over a million people come to check this place out annually its just cool! Check out the 1850 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, wander the beaches for some relaxation, or check out the carnival. There are also many other gardens for people of all ages, such as the biblical garden, fern glade, daylily garden, and herb garden, and theres also a cool nature trail to check out. Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in North Alabama? The Birmingham Museum of Art is one of the must do Alabama attractions for art aficionados. The Guntersville Museum Guntersville, AL. It was designed by Vietnam Veterans Memorial designer Maya Lin and was dedicated in the year 1989. There are plenty of fun spots throughout Auburn worth visiting. Barber was more than just a collector, though. For more information call (256) 351-4505. This way, you can plan your getaway for the maximum amount of attractions (and fun). Perfect for exploring the shores and cliffs of Mobile Bay this weekend through the delightful, whimsical locations it has to offer. Its no surprise that this location is one of the most rewarding spots for history buffs, and its certainly among the states top 10 attractions! Located at 24889 Lauderdale Street, Mooresville AL 35649. Want good news about Alabama delivered straight to your inbox? The store purchases all the luggage (and its contents) that airline passengers dont claim within 90 days, and you never know what you will find in there. Address: 2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36603, United States. Aside from the usual park amenities, the Cheaha State Park also has a restaurant and general store. The memorial is always watched by a guard in order to prevent vandalism. You can rent a boat, bask in the sun, go for a cruise, partake in fishing, or even look for dolphins! Among the most exhibits at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center are memorabilia and items from Army rocketry and aircraft, the Apollo program, the International Space Station, and the Space Shuttle program. Multiple cultures are well-represented at the Birmingham Museum of Art through decorative works, paintings, and sculptures. Dismalites, officially called the North American Orfelia fultoni, can only survive in specific habitats when they are still larvae, so they can only be found in very few locations. Its also an interesting way of looking at the architectural history of the general area. Ever wanted to eat in a cave?

If you're spending some time in Quigley, Big Spring Park and Von Braun Center are top sights worth seeing. Address: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, United States. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. The small cottage is full of history about Helen Kellers life. The Ave Maria Grotto was built by Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Brother of the Order who resided in St. Bernard Abbey. The Shoals area is known worldwide for its rich musical heritage, with everyone from the Rolling Stones to Aretha Franklin have come to the area to record over the years. Many mammals, reptiles, and fish also make the refuge their home. The Dismals Canyon is also home to one of the worlds biggest Canadian Hemlock trees, known also as Tsuga canadensis. It is now the last house ever lived in by either Fitzgerald or his wife that remains standing now in Montgomery. Exhibitsinclude shell and stone carvings, pottery, projectile points, among others interpret the mastery of the earliest people of our area. Be sure to check the website before you visit because the hours change according to the seasons. More than 470,000 visitors head here on a yearly basis, and there are lots of activities held throughout the year that make it worth a trip while youre in Alabama. Attalla can be reached easiest by taking Interstate 59 North coming out of Birmingham. The largest one at the Moundville Archaeological Park measures 60 feet in height. Admission: $9.00 per person Call (877)-726-4625 for more information. Catch an event at Von Braun Center during your trip to Huntsville. That April, Fitzgerald would vacate the home with his child. Admission is $5 per person ages 3 years and older. This includes precious minerals, Native American artifacts, and fossils, like an 80-foot whale fossil that is the official state fossil. If you will be traveling Interstate 65 North with a few days (or a few hours) to spend exploring, here are some of my top suggestions starting outside of Birmingham and moving north. The design of the memorial is water-themed and is meant to appear healing and relaxing. From an immersive cave experience to a 15,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, your entire family will be engaged. 11:00am-10:00pm, Fri.-Sat. Address: 509 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768, United States. The organization now maintains watch over the pits ecology and overseas guest activity. The kids are out of school, and in this summer heat it seems like the only option for entertainment is heading to the pool. Then, Key Underwood Memorial Graveyard was born. You can also enter the home, which measures 10,500 square feet and dates back to 1935. There is also a museum and gift shop on the premises, and guided tours are conducted by staff in period costumes who take you through the many interesting tunnels. This summer WHNT News 19 is Taking Action to show you all the hidden gems in the Tennessee Valley. At the Cheaha State Park, you can head to the camp sites, outfitted with modern amenities, or go to the Cheaha Lodge that boasts a swimming pool and 30 hotel rooms.

A free excursion worth your time is a visit to the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat, an impressive, climate-controlled facility housing Leo III, the universitys mascot. The Fitzgeralds came to live in the house in 1931, at the same time that the writer was working on screenwriting Red-Headed Woman and authoring the novel Tender Is The Night. Hays Nature Preserve Huntsville, AL.

Travel to Hamilton and youll find them hard at work at the only operating mule-powered mill in the U.S., and snag a face jug while youre there. Until 1999. From Hank Williams To Nat King Cole: 9 Amazing Stops For Music Lovers In Alabama, 10 Costa Rica Vacation Rentals For Your Next Tropical Trip, My 10 Favorite Restaurants To Experience in Beautiful Orange Beach, Alabama, 8 Best Experiences On One Of Americas Most Unique Golf Trails, Beach Cruiser, eBike, Or Mountain Bike: The Best Way To See Alabamas Gulf State Park, 8 Reasons This Southern State Should Be On Your Summer Travel List, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our. What can you do in North Alabama for free? Cook Museum of Natural Science is a new, state-of-the-art crown jewel in downtown Decatur. They also set up the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Association and the house was officially opened as a museum the following year. Wander around the gardens or experience the area's live music. Theyve become so famous that the Montevallo City Hall has a book that details all of them! Florence is one of the most famous Alabama vacation spots, home to a wide range of scenic, educational, and fun attractions. Eventually, donations and volunteer work allowed for the creation of the raptor barn, followed by a housing area. One of the murals depicts Athens native Brittany Howard, who headlined the group Alabama Shakes and has won numerous Grammy awards. 4945 Coondog Cemetery Road, Cherokee. If youre a die-hard sports fan, youll also probably want to catch the Iron Bowl, which takes place here in even-numbered years! Alligator Alley was set up in 2004 in Alabama as a farm with a natural environment for these many-toothed reptiles. Pro Tip: An Athens icon is the Kreme Delite on West Washington Street, a walk-up, take-out-only caf with soft-serve ice cream, burgers, and hot dogs. The F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum is situated in Montgomery, and as the sole museum exclusive to its subject, is one of the top points of interest for renowned author F. Scott Fitzgerald in the world. The mound rises from history to 43 feet high, the largest trove of ancient tools, pottery, jewelry, and pipes in Alabama. In 1962, the ship was ordered to be scrapped, and it remained unused for the most part until the Battleship Memorial Park was set up in 1977. Each furnace is 60 feet in height and 18 feet in width, and they are surrounded by the items, machines, and tools used in the pig-iron production process. Dismals Canyons beauty is hard to put into words. EarlyWorks was designed for children to touch, climb, pull, and explore the souths largest hands-on history museum. 3869 County Road 275, Fort Payne. The Bellingrath Gardens and Home are truly historic and worth the trip for sightseeing purposes alone. Full speed ahead! order from Admiral Farragut. Some popular features of Sherwood Park include its shopping and restaurants. Theres no denying that the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is one of the states things to see that shouldnt be missed for motorcycle enthusiasts! So it makes sense to commemorate this heritage with a giant rock star an 18-foot-tall rock star, to be exact. In the movie, the main character visits Spectre multiple times, going as a child to find it beautiful and bright, and arriving later to find it dilapidated. Hours Include Monday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm Admission $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children. Explore the campus of University of Alabama-Huntsville, a top college in Huntsville. In 1992, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute opened its doors for the first time, welcoming 25,000 guests in its first week alone. Artist Audwin McGee created the statue, and its been hovering over downtown Sheffield since 2012. Their English toffee is a winner! Termed as one of the most popular vacation spots, the Huntsville Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Alabama and also one of its top attractions, welcoming about 308,000 visitors on an annual basis. He had 63 first-place wins from racing Porches and was advised by his friend, Dave Hooper, to focus on motorcycles due to the common collections of cars already existing. The magnificent Cathedral Caverns were once simply known as the Bat Cave, but it completely naturally looks like a cathedral, earning in its current title. Hike or drive through this canyon in the Southern Appalachians, admire striking geological formations, visit waterfalls and enjoy adventure sports. Next door is a store that reflects the history of Cullman called A Touch of German. It is the home of the worlds most comprehensive and fine collections of vintage automobiles and motorcycles. 626 Bloodworth Road, Boaz. The civilization of Mississippians was made up of chiefdoms that lived in a long rush of land from the coast of the Atlantic to the western Plains. Captain George B. Wilson became its commander that year on the 16th of August, and about a year later, it would have its first military engagement. Hours Include: Tuesday- Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm For more information call (256) 760-6427. Address: 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222, United States. Each one is full of interactive activities that make for a fantastic learning experience.