If you’re looking for places to visit in Birmingham, Alabama, you’ve come to the right place. From the Observation Tower to ArtVenture, you’ll find plenty of great options. There’s also Railroad Park and the Southern Museum of Flight. If you’re planning a family trip to Birmingham, you’ll find plenty to do for the whole family.
Observation Tower
One of the most iconic landmarks in Birmingham, Alabama, is the Observation Tower. Standing 56 feet tall, this structure is an iconic symbol of the city. Visitors can walk around and see the city from above. The tower has an observation deck and is open to the public all year round. There’s also a museum in the building, and you can learn more about local history.
If you are interested in the history of Birmingham, it’s worth spending some time at the Civil Rights Institute, located in Kelly Ingram Park. You can also explore the city’s industrial heritage at the Vulcan Statue and Museum. The city is also home to Saw’s BBQ and Birmingham Museum of Art.
Another must-see place in Birmingham is the Alabama Theater. This historical building was built in 1927 and is home to over 100,000 people each year. It was recently renovated to reflect its opulence of the 1920s. You can watch musicals, plays, or even attend a special event there.
The Birmingham Zoo is another must-see attraction in Birmingham. It features both native and southern animals and is a great place for a family. If you’re not the adventurous type, you can also visit the Birmingham Botanical Garden and enjoy its gardens. You can also enjoy the zoo’s behind-the-scenes tours and zookeeper chats. The zoo is also home to two eateries.
ArtVenture
If you’re looking for something different to do in Birmingham, Alabama, consider visiting the Birmingham Museum of Art. This museum is home to the largest collection of American art in the Southeastern United States and features more than 24,000 works of art. Its collection of African American art is especially impressive. The museum has many rotating exhibits, making it a must-see for visitors.
The Rainbow Tunnels in downtown Birmingham are popular amongst locals and visitors alike. Not only are the rainbow tunnels aesthetically pleasing, but they are also a great way to get some great Instagrammable photos. The Rainbow Tunnels are the brainchild of Birmingham artist Bill FitzGibbons. He came up with the idea in 2013, when the Birmingham CBD was trying to convert some of its dark, unfriendly spaces into pedestrian-friendly connectors.
The museum is free to enter and has over 24,000 works of art on display. Its three-story, 150,000 square-foot building contains both indoor and outdoor sculpture gardens. The museum maintains a website and a Facebook page, so it’s easy to keep up-to-date with the latest events and exhibitions. As a reminder, certain parts of the museum may be closed for a short period of time, so you may want to check for updates.
Southern Museum of Flight
The Southern Museum of Flight is a civil aviation museum located in Birmingham, Alabama. It features nearly 100 aircraft and other aviation artifacts. Visitors can also view photographs and paintings that depict the history of aviation. The museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the lives of pilots and their aircraft.
During World War II, Birmingham became a center for aviation in the Deep South. Early air shows were held at the Alabama State Fairgrounds. There are also exhibits that detail the experiences of a formation flying squadron of the Alabama National Guard and local World War I flying aces. You can also view the mouthpiece a wing walker used to breathe while hanging from a plane by his teeth.
The museum has plenty of airplanes on display and an excellent children’s play area. There are also flight simulators, playstation flying games, and a nice gift shop. The museum is divided into sections about the history of flying, military planes, and experimental planes.
Railroad Park
Railroad Park is a 19-acre green space in downtown Birmingham. It celebrates Birmingham’s industrial and artistic heritage. The park has plenty of greenery and is perfect for families and children. The park also includes a bio-filtered wetlands area and a lake. You can picnic or take a walk in the park.
Railroad Park is ideal for families and children. The park has two play areas with slides, swings, and a fun play structure. It also has grassy areas where children can play frisbee and tag. The park also hosts pop-up events throughout the year.
Railroad Park is also home to the Virginia Samford Theater, which features a variety of performances and shows. There are children’s shows and adult comedies, and local artists have their work showcased there. It is a popular attraction in Birmingham and a must-see for those who are visiting the area.
Another great place to visit in Birmingham is the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. The museum was founded by a man with a passion for fast cars, and many of the museum’s items have been restored to race condition. It is also home to a working track, which often holds races featuring museum models. Visitors can also enjoy the Vulcan statue, which atop Red Mountain overlooks the city.
Sloss Furnaces
The Sloss Furnaces are a National Historic Landmark, an ironmaking complex that operated from 1882 until the 1970s. The complex is a fascinating look into Birmingham’s industrial history. During the day, the furnaces are open for tours and exhibits. On weekends, you can take a guided tour or opt for a self-guided tour to learn more about the history of the area.
You can also take a tour of the former coal kiln, which was a major source of the city’s economy. Today, it’s a national landmark, but the sounds of its perilous past can still be heard. While the former blast furnace has been repurposed into a museum and is a popular tourist destination, the Sloss Furnaces are still a historic and haunted attraction.
If you’re planning a day trip to Birmingham, make sure to include the Sloss Furnaces on your itinerary. This unique industrial attraction is located near downtown Birmingham. A self-guided tour brochure is available at the Visitors Center. During the tour, you will learn about the process of making iron, the working conditions of the workers, and Birmingham’s industrial history. Before you enter the building, though, be sure to read over the rules and regulations so that you don’t get turned away.
IMAX Dome Theater
You can catch an exciting 3D film here, or catch blockbusters, all in one location. Its huge screen is the perfect setting for the latest blockbusters. If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with the family, the IMAX Dome Theater is a great choice.
In addition to the IMAX Dome Theater, the city of Birmingham is also home to other great attractions. The city has a thriving arts community and plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. The Alabama Theatre is a historic arts venue that hosts concerts and movies.
Another must-see place in Birmingham is the Birmingham Museum of Art. Its collection of over two thousand pieces of art spans different continents and time periods. It also hosts traveling exhibits and special events. It also has an aquarium exhibit that allows visitors to see aquatic creatures up close. The museum also has IMAX movies and shows.
Another fun place to visit in Birmingham, Alabama is the McWane Science Center. It is a museum that is fun for the whole family, and is ideal for families with children and older adults. It is not a stuffy science museum, but has interactive exhibits and a bubble room. You can also watch an IMAX film in the 280-seat IMAX Dome Theater.
Kelly Ingram Park
Located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Kelly Ingram Park is home to many statues from the Civil War and was a key location for the Civil Rights Movement in the 20th century. It is a compact urban park that features many different statues and is free to visit. It is located at 500 17th Street North. During the summer, it is home to the annual Kelly Ingram Music Festival, and it’s a great place for families to visit for a picnic.
The park contains many statues and sculptures from the Civil Rights Movement, including those of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The statues are a powerful representation of the struggle for freedom and the victories won by demonstrators. There is also a trail that winds up Ruffner Mountain, which offers hiking trails through the park’s wetlands. The park also features historical caves, quarries, and mines.
The largest state park in Alabama offers many recreational opportunities for visitors. Visitors can bike or hike more than 50 miles of trails and explore nature through nature programs. The park is also home to an 18-hole golf course and several lakes for fishing. However, during the World Games, parts of the park will be closed to visitors. Visitors can still watch the competitions, however.