Visit Website. Since 1880, 16th Street Baptist Church has been active on this site ever since, and On September 15, 1963, a bomb exploded at the church killing four young girls and escalating the race wars. We attended Redpoint for my daughters 7th birthday party with a small group of her friends. However, a few noted that the outdoor art installation is somewhat overgrown and neglected. Scary, exhilarating and sweaty! The room itself was engaging and overall excellent. Named after George Barber himself, who was a visionary who loved the speed and thrill of a great car, notching up 63 Porsche wins under his built. And to better understand the history that shaped present-day Birmingham, plan a visit to the Civil Rights Institute followed by a walk through the Civil Rights District. We also had fun with our guide, Clover . Many visitors loved the zip line and ropes courses, but bemoaned the poorly marked and confusing trail signs and the lack of proper restrooms (the park does offer portable toilets). Undeniably one of the finest theatres for live performing arts in Alabama (and, as expected, located in Birminghams Theatre District). No trip to Birmingham is complete without a stop by the Vulcan Park and Museum, home of the worlds largest cast-iron statue: the Vulcan Statue. The instructors looking after our group (Danny and Jordan) were excellent. At DeSoto Caverns Park, a stunning slice of Mother Nature is tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, visitors can explore a labyrinth of caves with names like the Onyx Column Room and Cathedral Room.. The 1,500-acre park features more than 15 miles of trails, two scenic overlooks, three treehouses, an off-leash dog park and adventures from zip lining and climbing to a ropes course. Here, at the infamous Talladega Speedway (which is less than an hour from Birmingham), you can whiz around the race track at speeds as fast as 165 mph and feel what its like to be a real-life Nascar champion. Today, it is home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and bowl games. Some reviewers do caution, though, that the open grated floor on the observation deck may be a problem for those with a fear of heights. Beyond its collection of memorabilia and personal effects, the theater also presents shows by local jazz artists and comedians. From Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie to Miles Davis and beyond, the history of jazz is on proud display at this unique Birmingham attraction. Social Media. And, as the name suggests, its also home to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. It has a Zoo Train and a Carousel, and also organizes special events, such as the Nocturnal Adventure. 17 Best Things to Do in Birmingham, AL (for 2023) 15. Crack the codes inside The Big Escape Rooms, where each room has a select few numbers of clues that you have to use to solve the mysteries. Jr and the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, the institute is a must for visitors and locals alike who want to gain a better understanding of how far weve come as well as how far we still have to go. Not to mention, its the largest replica around and therefore definitely worth taking a look at, if only for a few minutes as a quick stop exploring the eastern suburbs. With eye-opening exhibits on areas like Black History Month and Juneteenth, to Martin Luther King. You can take insightful classes, join an expert-led walking tour, explore the on-site Art Gallery, enjoy events such as Earth Day, and plenty more! Whatever mix of bars or clubs you end up at, the one thing is for sure: you wont have a shortage of options. HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR COOL AND INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN THE Birmingham AREA? and autumn was such an amazing help in setting up my account and answering a experience surrounded by great, helpful employees who are awesome & so much. On those sizzling summer days, if youre craving a little cooling-off, look no further than Alabama Adventure! into social history brought alive by Ross, a brilliant guide who made the tour very relatable. Youll come out feeling refreshed in both mind and body. Enjoy the oil and moisturizing treatments designed to leave your skin feeling renewed and smooth. 3. Even if you dont walk the entire trail, a selfie in front of the 46-foot-tall sign is quintessential. Led by local historians, youll learn all about the evangelistic perspective of the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham, pass by eye-opening sculptures, and develop a newfound understanding of the struggle for freedom. Affectionately known as the Old Gray Lady, the stadium can seat up to 71,000 people and when its filled, the roar and the energy are palpable. Built in 1976, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex can host sports events, conventions, and many other public events. Located in the Civil Rights District, the 16th Street Baptist Church is more than just a church its the first colored Baptist Church to exist in the city and the site of one of the most tragic bombings during the civil rights movement. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Located on the northern side of downtown Birmingham, it also makes for an ideal location for networking with friends or clients while taking a break from all the action. The Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham is a beautiful hotel centered in the downtown area of Birmingham. 10 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Birmingham, Alabama Updated February 28, 2022 Share Tweet Email Attractions Map Leaderboards Stories Hotel Deals Unusual Attractions in Birmingham Once you arrive at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, the best way to get to your hotel or downtown is to book an airport transfer. Helped us when needed Amazing game and amazing service, would 100% recommend!! Game master (the owner) was brilliant!!!! As the former largest manufacturer of pig iron in the South, Sloss Furnaces produced over 30 million tons of iron between 1882 and 1971. For those looking to burn some energy a journey to Oak Mountain State Park will see to that, at 9,940 acres it is the largest state park in Alabama and very close to Birmingham. Thank you Redpoint for a brilliant day. However, some reviewers said the exhibits need to be updated more often. Either way, youre in for a wild ride. Then head on over to the open-air drive-in for an evening of classic cinema. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Birmingham - Tripadvisor University of Alabama-Birmingham - If you're a fan of modern-day architecture and design, add this attraction to your must-see list. With more than 5 escape room themes, you have a few to choose from. Covering 19 acres, Birmingham's Railroad Park has playgrounds, skate parks, an outdoor gym, a history wall, picnic areas, and a ranger's house. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. more, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, Bar, Club & Pub Tours Beer Tastings & Tours. To learn more about Birmingham's role in the civil rights movement, plan a visit to the . Every city has a dark side, one that only comes out among the shadows of the night. Great experience and driver. Good People Brewery, right next to the Railroad Park, offers a great outdoor space to enjoy your beer and some live music while also offering behind-the-scenes tours; while the Back Forty Beer Co. serves up a killer view of the Sloss Furnaces to complement its craft range. Visitors can ascend the Vulcan tower for spectacular, open-air city views or explore the ground-level museum to learn more about Birmingham's history. Top Things to Do in Birmingham, Alabama: See Tripadvisor's 89,221 traveller reviews and photos of Birmingham tourist attractions. Out the front, dont miss the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument while a little shocking, its a reminder of a reality that isnt too far in the distance. 2. You can also view an amazing collection of motorcycles at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum or take the kids to the McWane Science Center for some educational play. From Birmingham Museum of Art to McWane Science Center, Birmingham offers a variety of rainy day activities and other fun things to do indoors including 27 indoor attractions with ratings over 90%. The park has multiple sculptures that depict the violence and loss of the civil rights movement, including the iconic Bull Connor statue that highlights the former police commissioners use of attack dogs on protestors. Just check out their attractions: Animal encounters Train + carousel rides Park + playground areas Splash pad And more! With a wonderful collection that includes everything from WWII-era aircraft and helicopters, to rocket ships and even flying saucers (okay, maybe not that last one). Both were a blast and the staff was great! The volunteers were so very friendly and informative and lovey to talk to. There are more than enough activities to occupy you and your loved ones for hours on end: while mountain biking and hiking are the crowd favorites, thrill-seeking visitors tend to lean toward options like the BMX course, cable skiing, boat rides, or horseback riding! Tours of Avondale Brewing Company are held 5 times a week, last about an hour and include a pint of beer and glass. A quirky little spot that is bound to put a smile on your face, this Instagram-famous landmark is just what it sounds like: a tunnel made up of LED lights and multi-colored paint panels. And if its reputation youre after, as one of the 33 best bars in America (according to Thrillist), J. Clyde is all about craft beers and smooth ciders. Red Ore Zip Tour 14 Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks By G9958CPdanielw The guides were all very friendly and cool. Menu includes pulled pork, shrimp, rip tips, smoked chicken, cheeseburgers, pecan pie, barbecue baked beans, and potato salad. Whats even better? Definitely We took the kids to rush earlier today the staff were so pleasant and genuine, all the equipment was cleaned every so Back open Friday and Saturday again at the Hall Street Brewhouse. 34 Indoor Activities in Birmingham, AL | TripBuzz So make sure to join in on the tailgating nation, cheer on the home team, and get into the local sporting spirit! This is one place to visit near Birmingham, and it's something you definitely don't want to miss! Step inside the Alabama Wildlife Center, which is a space that has been dedicated for the last 45 years to help care for injured and orphaned birds. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 1,300 History Museums Open now By sydsel Great museum with a prime location in Birmingham, right next to Kelly Ingram Park and the 16th Street Baptist Church. Kickstart the night at Daves Pub before moving on to something more upbeat Nana Funks, which is all about beats you can boogie to! If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. For the more low-key events, consider grabbing a table at The Grill, where some incredible food complements the spectacle of musicians on stage. Oak Mountain State Park. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and Waterfalls. This market has something for everyone: from fresh produce and artisanal foods to vintage clothing and baked goods, the selection of locally-grown and made treats is second to none. The center features go-kart racing, arcade, laser tag, kid zone, miniature golf, miniature bowling and a full service snack bar. 2022 The sleek and modern hotel features a swimming pool, pet-friendly rooms, and a 24-hour front desk. Featuring everything from Shakespearean classics to holiday shows and beloved stories like The Little Engine That Could (to name but a few), the list of entertaining performances is diverse and impressive just check the website to see whats on! Breakout Games Birmingham is the number 1 escape room in the area, which includes games for families and friends to do together. A must for the petrolheads, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is home to a truly astonishing array of motorbikes: more than 1,400 motorcycles, spanning over a century of production are found here, next to the Barber Motorsports Park racetrack. Birmingham has acres of green spaces waiting to be explored. Clearly, the city has a thing for statues, as the 36-foot replica is one of three enormous statues in the area. Lots of interesting information and facts delivered in a fun way. We played the zombie game. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Moss Rock Preserve is located 21 minutes south of Birmingham. No matter what time of year, if youre in Birmingham and looking for fun things to do or even just a day trip make sure you check out Legion Field Stadium. Nestled in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Kelly Ingram Park is a 16-acre haven of green space and serenity. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering pricing data, expert recommendations and consumer reviews. Because I want to help make your dream vacation a reality, here is a handpicked list of some of the best things to do in Alabama. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Parking is available in its 3 parking lots. With a variety of easy-to-challenging rooms, solve the mysteries inside The Battleship, or The Laboratory. Once a vacant railroad track that was gathering dust, the RotaryClub has since transformed the eyesore into a marvelous greenspace trail for the locals and tourists to bike, walk, or run! Visitors can tour the church. Great fun. It has a 17,654 seats Arena, a 3,000 seats Concert Hall, a 1,000 seats Theater, and several other amenities and facilities. Extraordinary. Ask any local and theyll agree: Rickwood Field is a Birmingham treasure. From used doll parts to prosthetic legs, taxidermy, and strangely spectacular local artwork, theres nothing you cant find at the quirky little downtown store of Birmingham Oddities.