If you’re looking for places to go in Gadsden, Alabama, you’ve come to the right place. There are many fun and exciting things to do here, including the James D. Martin Wildlife Park, Downtown Gadsden, and Imagination Place. Read on to find out more.
James D. Martin Wildlife Park
Visitors can experience nature up close at James D. Martin Wildlife Park in Gadsden, Alabama. The location features boardwalks and waterside trails. It is also popular for wildlife and bird watching. The park is open year-round and is a must-visit attraction in the Gadsden area.
The park is located off Hwy 411 behind Gadsden Mall. It features views of a heron rookery and several miles of hiking trails that the city of Gadsden maintains. It opened on October 15, 1991, and is part of the Alabama Birding Trails. It is named after former Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources commissioner James D. Martin.
The park has paved walking/biking paths and elevated boardwalks for scenic viewing. It also features a large wooded island where visitors can spot a variety of birds. In the spring, visitors can see hundreds of nesting herons.
Downtown Gadsden
A vibrant downtown in Gadsden, Alabama has a lot to offer. First of all, it is home to several public art pieces, including two sculptures flanking Regions Bank and a mural that spans the 500 block of Main Street. Another attraction is the Gadsden Museum of Art, which is free and regularly changes exhibits. The museum also has a children’s gallery.
In addition to historic buildings, the city also offers shopping, entertainment, and arts and crafts. The Downtown Gadsden Historic District includes 126 buildings. Of these, 76 buildings contributed to the area’s designation. The historic district encompasses 14 city blocks. Gadsden’s downtown was also the home to the first J.C. Penney department store east of the Mississippi River.
Throughout the city, there are a number of religious institutions. A Reform synagogue was built in the city in 1908. The synagogue was bombed in 1960 and two members were shot by a Nazi sympathizer. Later, the synagogue closed. The city’s school system includes fourteen public schools. It has eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. In addition, it has two specialty schools.
For those interested in biking, downtown Gadsden has several bicycle rentals. Bike shops also sell and tune bikes. However, riders are reminded to wear protective gear and wear a helmet before attempting to ride a bicycle.
Imagination Place
Imagination Place is a fun place for the whole family to visit. This museum is designed for children aged two to 10 years, and it features many interactive exhibits that encourage creativity and imagination. Visitors can explore a number of scaled-down versions of real-life things, including a medical clinic, grocery store, and construction pit. Imagination Place also offers rides and games, including the Imagination Express.
Children will also love Imagination Place’s gardens, which feature a pull-up bar, a mural of sea life, and a pirate ship. The museum also includes a large play area with colorful balls and soft climb structures. There are also games for older children, such as Scrabble and Connect Four.
The grounds of Imagination Place are divided into two levels, with the lower level featuring a ride-on trolley, little shop fronts, a construction zone, and a tree house. The second level features a train area, aquarium, farm/gardening bed, and a cafe.
Neely Henry Lake
If you’re in the mood for some outdoor recreation, you’ll love the scenic beauty of Gadsden, AL. There are numerous attractions and places to go in Gadsden, from the Neely Henry Lake to the Ten Islands Historic Park. You can even take a mountain bike tour to explore the surrounding areas. If you’re in the mood for a drink, try Back Forty Brewery, which is also located in Gadsden.
If you’re looking for a place to swim or relax, Neely Henry Lake is a wonderful choice for you. The lake offers great fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. The lake is also great for boating and swimming.
Located in northeast Alabama, Gadsden was a bustling shipping center in the 19th century, and today, it is known for scenic trails and greenways that offer plenty of opportunities for water activities. There are several parks, greenways, and hiking and biking trails that allow visitors to enjoy the outdoors in all seasons. A few of the most popular attractions in Gadsden are the Noccalula Falls Park and the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, which features a children’s museum, music, and art exhibitions.
In addition to the Coosa River, Gadsden is also home to some of the best fishing in the South. Anglers will enjoy fishing on the lake, which has three public access sites. It is also a popular destination for fly fishing and kayaking.
Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts
Located on Broad Street in Gadsden, AL, the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts is a nonprofit organization that supports the arts and research in the area. The Center is funded through ticket sales, membership, fundraisers, donations, and other methods.
The Hardin Center offers many things to do for all ages, including a gallery of nationally traveling fine art exhibitions and a 72-foot model railroad of Gadsden, Alabama, in the 1940s. In addition, the Imagination Place children’s museum is an incredible place for kids to spend the day. Special events and exhibits are held throughout the year.
The Hardin Center is a nonprofit arts facility located in historic downtown Gadsden, Alabama. The Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation manages the facility and has a board of fifteen volunteers. The building is triangular in shape and features a large cylindrical form over the entrance. The Center’s operations are funded through donations and grants, and the Center rents out its space for a variety of events.
Black Creek Trails
A multi-use trail system in Gadsden, Alabama, the Black Creek Trails features 2.9 miles of terrain and a waterfall. The trail is moderately difficult, and has a variety of activity options. It’s an ideal place for families to get active, and the trails are marked every tenth mile.
The trail was once a coal mine road and runs parallel to Black Creek. It climbs to Lookout Mountain and crosses a cascade behind campsites. The trails were originally built for coal mining, which took place in the area between 1880 and 1930. The first entry was made near the bottom of Black Creek Gorge, and in 1902, the Noccalula Coal Company was established. The opening vein was 17 inches to 35 inches thick, and was expected to increase to seven feet in thickness.
Black Creek Trails were created in Gadsden, Alabama, by the Gadsden Parks and Recreation Department. The trails connect to one another and can be used by mountain bikers. The trails are credited to Ed Whatley, who is credited with developing the trails. His creation of the trail system has made him many friends. Although he was wary of mountain bikers at first, he was converted to their way of life.
James D. Martin Museum of Art
There are several things to do in Gadsden, Alabama, including visiting the James D. Martin Museum of Art. This local art museum offers exhibits by local artists and other art lovers. It’s the perfect place for families to enjoy art together. The museum is also home to a park and picnic pavilion where you can spend some quality time with your family.
The town of Gadsden has a rich history. Its economy is based on its port, and it prospered as one of Alabama’s largest industrial centers. In the early 20th century, companies such as Gulf States Steel and Goodyear Tire and Rubber established factories in the area. A native of Gadsden, William Patrick Lay, built a hydroelectric dam in the city in 1903. He also founded the Alabama Power Company in 1906.
The Gadsden Museum of Art is located on Broad Street. Founded in 1963, the museum moved several times before settling into its current location. The museum contains three galleries. The first gallery is used for special exhibits and shows, while the second, called the Grand Gallery, features objects from the permanent collection. The third floor is used to house local history.