adventurous things to do in birmingham, al

Throughout the downtown attraction, youll find areas dedicated to dinosaurs, tech, art, nature, and even a Bubble Room the ideal spot to whisk away a couple of hours on a rainy day. Most visitors call this museum a moving experience and a wonderful way to learn about the civil rights movement and its impact on our nation. Surrounding the hero are multiple exhibits outlining the best of Birminghams timeline, as well as an observation deck that sports an unmatched panoramic view of the downtown skyline and beyond. Stop by some of the off-site education programs to learn more about what they do on a daily basis, and even witness a trained raptor! 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. With the oldest building from the site dating back to 1902, the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark produced iron for almost 80 years, until it was transformed into a museum in 1983. The park features a lake, jogging trails, skate bowls, an outdoor gym, playgrounds and the partially covered 17th Street Plaza, which offers restrooms and the Railroad Park Dining Car. Today, it is home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and bowl games. With these packages, you can ride shotgun drive alongside a professional driver (hold on tight!) As the former largest manufacturer of pig iron in the South, Sloss Furnaces produced over 30 million tons of iron between 1882 and 1971. The park is also home to the Four Spirits statues, which honor the four African American girls killed in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. 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. Then grab a ticket for a riveting performance at the Lyric Theatre! But while it may seem like an ordinary park at first glance, this place has a rich, complex, and dark history thats worth taking the time to reflect on. At the turn of the 20th Century, the city decided to erect several different skyscrapers all in the same area: the intersection of 1st Avenue, North Street, and 20th Street. It can host special events. Most agreed that the museum is interesting, and noted this is a good attraction to visit on Sunday mornings, when most other attractions are closed. Or step into Oasis Bar for the drink and food deals offered almost daily. However, some were disappointed with its petite size (it spans more than 2,200 square feet). However, some reviewers said the exhibits need to be updated more often. The 345-acre park overflows with natural wonders, hiking trails, and climbing opportunities. We did the back in time room which was enjoyable and interesting. Home to the UAB Blazers mens and womens basketball teams as well as the volleyball team, the Bartow Arena is a great and affordable place to catch a game (or two) when in town and check out the countrys up and coming stars. Located just a 50-minute drive from Birmingham in the town of Cullman, and nestled into the landscaped hillside of the St. Bernard Abbey gardens, it makes for a great half-day trip for the big smoke. An absolutely excellent and fascinating guided tour of the factory given by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Exhibits detail some of the most significant events in Birmingham's history, including the tragic loss of life at the 16th Street Baptist Church during a bombing orchestrated by the Ku Klux Klan. The Birmingham Zoo Lorikeets at the Birmingham Zoo. We absolutely loved it! Go wild at Bear Grylls Adventure Birmingham If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, you'll be sure to find it at Bear Grylls' action-packed adventure experience, one of the best indoor activities in Birmingham. Let a trained driver worry about the traffic while you enjoy the Big Apple's best sights. Bring your own clubs or use the ones available; once you have a bay, just take a swing and the technology will do the rest! Most reviewers complimented the excellent service at both courses and noted that one of the benefits of playing on RTJ courses is that the tee boxes vary to accommodate players from novice to expert. Perhaps the most significant site is Kelly Ingram Park, which played host to civil rights rallies, demonstrations and confrontations in the 1960s, including the Children's Crusade. Amzing from Start to Finish Everything you want and expect from a go karting session .. ! A crowd favorite among architecture buffs, this 1840s construction serves as a stark reminder of the Greek Revival style of architecture and the style of mansion that was oh-so-common during the Civil War era. If wine tasting is more your speed, then check out North Georgias incredible vineyards on a wine tour! An integral part of the revitalization of downtown Birmingham, the center is located in the historic Loveman's department store building. Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images/iStockphoto, Once an industrial hub of the South and ground zero for the civil rights movement, Birmingham is now a vibrant and diverse metropolis, known for its. Spanning more than 65 acres, these gorgeous gardens are known for their diverse plant collections. Open in Google Maps. Are you ready for the show of a lifetime in a century-old vaudeville theatre thats been through millions of dollars worth of delicate reconstruction? The room itself was engaging and overall excellent. Catch a bird's-eye view of the city from the iconic Vulcan Tower, go on a stroll through "Birmingham's Living Room" (Railroad Park) or experience an adrenaline rush zip lining through Red Mountain Park. Held by the eponymous NGO since 1999, the beloved festival lasts a week and screens different movies across seven different venues, highlighting all kinds of local filmmakers, independent artists, and international films. Yep, you read that right! Tours of Avondale Brewing Company are held 5 times a week, last about an hour and include a pint of beer and glass. for all ages with either friends or family. Chattanooga offers visitors a beautiful dose of nature at the Tennessee Riverpark or kayaking down the rapids of the Tennessee River. A Mecca for sports fans, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is filled to the brim with stories and over 6,000 pieces of memorabilia from all kinds of Alabama athletes, past and present. Moss Rock Preserve is located 21 minutes south of Birmingham. Both were a blast and the staff was great! Covering over 1000 acres, this urban nature preserve is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, as well as almost 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. The Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham is a beautiful hotel centered in the downtown area of Birmingham. The museum opened its doors in 1951 and has since become an art capital for the people of Birmingham. , friendly helpful staff, Kat, our game leader was brilliant and explained everything very clearly for a non , it was an incredible experience and would highly recommend, Marked as difficult the game really was challenging and we didnt escape but it was. more, Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. Nestled in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Kelly Ingram Park is a 16-acre haven of green space and serenity. Fun fact: finances permitting, you can even rent out the track for your own event! With a savvy guide, this tour will take you to the most important civil rights sites, including Dynamite Hill. There are multiple self-guided scavenger hunts available in Birmingham; most of them dont even require you to do more than download an app! It was interesting, challenging, and great fun! 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. Hands-on displays feature motion, energy, light and sound, and kids young and old will find many exciting things to see and do. After youre exhausted with all the activity, you can head on over to the picnic area, enjoy a nice meal, and, if youre up for it, set up camp for the night! more, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, Bar, Club & Pub Tours Beer Tastings & Tours. , so much to learn, very interactive and fun, volunteers were f ,staff were amazing and our gamesmaster Ellen was fantastic ,really friendly and welcoming, Brilliant experience, lovely room for the Alice in puzzle land - thanks joe for being a, The location is easy to get to and I did captain. Bring a picnic to enjoy, and afterward, take a scenic walk through the various trails that start out in the parking lot. Bankhead National Forest is truly one of the most adventurous attractions in Alabama. However, donations are certainly appreciated. Many recommend combining a visit to the institute with a walking tour of the downtown Civil Rights District. Clearly, the city has a thing for statues, as the 36-foot replica is one of three enormous statues in the area. This fountain was commissioned by a mother grieving over her son's passing. Beyond its collection of memorabilia and personal effects, the theater also presents shows by local jazz artists and comedians. If you're a gearhead, you won't want to miss George Barber's collection of motorcycles the largest in the world, according to Guinness featuring more than 1,400 bikes from 200 different manufacturers. Nowadays, visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the furnaces, as well as the on-site museum, which contains artifacts and information about the furnaces history and its workers. Helped us when needed Amazing game and amazing service, would 100% recommend!! Our host Bradley was enthusiastic, entertaining and a great guide, making the experience even better, definitely will be booking to come back again! Water Parks 4599 Alabama Adventure Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35022 Splash Adventure, formerly Alabama Adventure, is a water park. Located 15 miles north of Birmingham is the quaint Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and Waterfalls, overflowing with natural abundance and beauty. Not sure where to start? Three floors of cells packed with the history of policing, law & order and Birmingham crime, including the real peaky blinders. 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. Once one of the largest producers of pig iron in the world. Check out a local favorite, Johns City Diner for the perfect breakfast or lunch spot while in Birmingham. Lush grounds and impressive architecture aside, the Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens also serves as a museum for some of the best decorative arts pieces from the 19th Century and offers a locally-led tour to learn more about the space, its history, and its rare decorative pieces. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our. of the factory given by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Great time celebrating my lads 18th with a Grand Prix session. Birmingham Pedal Tours 47 Bar, Club & Pub Tours Beer Tastings & Tours Open now By milleap This is such a unique and fun way to experience Birmingham's best hangout spots. This little-known memorial honors those who have donated their bodies to medical training. When youre looking for things to do in Birmingham, dont skip over the botanical gardens. Head north towards Tennessee, and visit its amazing cities and attractions. Date night fun. Birmingham Back to Backs. If your timing is right, on specific days (check the website), the zoo puts on magical Glow Wild nights where animal-shaped lanterns are released into the sky! Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure as well as a custom massage at Poseidon Spa. Was very fun thing to do with the lads and very enjoyable to do first doing it would recommend to anyone, Fun but exhausting trying to make sense of the place. For a more straightforward rooftop experience, check out the Moon Shine Bar at the Elyton Hotel (which boasts sweet views of both downtown and Red Mountain) or the 19th-story Roots & Revelry. In the mood for a nostalgic night out under the stars? Head to The Retreat Day Spa, and enjoy a customized, one-hour treatment package, designed to cater to your specific needs. One of the coolest things in downtown Birmingham, McWane Science Center is worth a spot on your itinerary. It was a fantastic experience! 1. Plus, with a cafe on-site, you can refuel before your next jump. So why not add an element of fear into your travel plans with a tour that will take you through the spookily twisted and haunted side of the Magic City? Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. There are 40 buildings on the site and 2 blast-furnaces. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. In 1911 this intersection was called "the heaviest corner in the South," and outlandish claim that only grew wilder over the years. Little-known to most, but college football (especially here) can draw larger, most rowdy crowds can most NFL matches. But dont be fooled by its classic appearance: this place has all the features of a modern concert hall, including excellent sound quality and an impressive lighting system (which make its occasional dance parties one hell of a good time). For the more low-key events, consider grabbing a table at The Grill, where some incredible food complements the spectacle of musicians on stage. When it was built in 1927, the Alabama Theatre was intended for silent movies. Dont miss this tour during your stay in Birmingham! Well thought out and challenging. From high school players right up to professional sportspeople, theres something here for everyone including the pair of Heisman Trophies won by Pat Sullivan and Bo Jackson (Auburn University athletes). 1. Its free to roam around, 7 days a week, and thanks to the location at the foot of Red Mountain, theres no shortage of nearby outdoorsy activities to follow suit. Start planning your trip today! Splash Adventure, formerly Alabama Adventure, is a water park. Recently cracked opened a positive-sounding fortune cookie? With a variety of easy-to-challenging rooms, solve the mysteries inside The Battleship, or The Laboratory. We also had fun with our guide, Clover . No problem! However, despite its checkered past, Birmingham is now thrusting itself back into the tourism limelight, and donning the wondrous Magic City moniker which once made it famous. In collections from all over the world, the Birmingham Museum of Art has gathered more than 24,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other, some of them dating back to 4,000 years ago. Families, groups of friends and colleagues can all bond over a game at this unique entertainment complex that has more than 200 games spread across 102 bays over 3 floors each with their own massive flat-screen TVs so you wont miss out on any sports action while playing. Throw in at some of the finest motorcycle collections in history, towering statues, and a stack of happening rooftop bars and underground breweries, and youve found yourself a seriously worthy destination. Undeniably one of the finest theatres for live performing arts in Alabama (and, as expected, located in Birminghams Theatre District). The guides were all very friendly and cool. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering pricing data, expert recommendations and consumer reviews. Hint: getting a beer with friends and a retro bar arcade! Fantastic, challenging, and fun! If youre looking for things to do in Birmingham that deliver a much-needed dose of rest and rejuvenation, then visiting the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve should be first on your list. would definitely be fun sharing that trip with others, I thoroughly enjoyed the personalized one-on-one. The volunteers were so very friendly and informative and lovey to talk to. Lounge by the fire pit after a day of sightseeing at the Courtyard by Marriott Birmingham. Featuring classic shows, Broadway musicals, and even childrens theatre productions, this intimate venue offers an up-close and personal experience that is perfect for date night or a fun family outing. 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! Feel any tension slip away when you step inside Escape Day Spa. Moonlight on the Mountain has a small theater where performers perform folk, Americana, roots, country and bluegrass music to intimate settings of 85 to 100 people. Originally created for the Barons, Americas oldest baseball park has now become a site for all baseball enthusiasts, retaining the longstanding charm of an old baseball field despite undergoing a thorough restoration. Museum of Fond Memories at Reed Books. It organizes summer camps for children. Recent visitors enjoyed the local legend surrounding the statue and said the trip up the tower is well worth the ticket. Enjoy the oil and moisturizing treatments designed to leave your skin feeling renewed and smooth. The park also features several activities for kids (and the young at heart), including gem mining, award-winning fudge stalls, regular live entertainment including fire jugglers, and arts and crafts demonstrations. The Ave Maria Grotto, made from concrete and donated stones, showcases no less than 125 detailed reproductions of some of the worlds most renowned religious buildings and structures. 15. The museum also houses an extensive selection of Lotus Cars, if you prefer four wheels to two. Most said the trails not particularly long or challenging are more for walkers than hikers, including families with strollers and small children. or take the wheel yourself. 2. Due to the four major skyscrapers the John Hand Building, Empire Building, Woodward Building, and Marx Building two of which claimed the title of the tallest in Alabama at their peak, it was affectionately dubbed the Heaviest Corner on Earth. Party animals, listen up: its no Miami, but there is no shortage of nightclubs in the city of Birmingham that will have you dancing till the sun comes up. 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. Use the airline's app or make an international call if your flight has been canceled. Tucked away in Bessemer, just 20 minutes from Birmingham, this waterpark is home to a variety of slides and rides for all ages, as well as a lazy river, the Kahuna Wave Park, and plenty of opportunities to dip your toes in the water. And for those looking to stay dry, the park also boasts has several regular rides like the Little Bumpers bumper cars and high-octane Rampage wooden cooler coaster. However, a few noted that the outdoor art installation is somewhat overgrown and neglected. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Featuring a complete menu with everything from deep tissue massages to hydrafacials and more. The instructors looking after our group (Danny and Jordan) were excellent. With its grandiose auditorium and art deco design, the Alabama Theatre was built in 1927 as a luxury cinema for those who could afford itand today, travelers can enjoy that same luxury and a rich history to boot at one of their events or shows! Tony-winning singer and actress from Wicked, Glee, and Disneys Frozen wows audiences with the pipes that made Let It Go a smash hit. Last but not least, the RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley boasts no less than 54 holes, ideal for beginners and experts alike. I could imagine how beautiful the area is in the fall. 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 advice from our instructor Naomi was spot on every time. Phone: (205) 254-2391. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. And, apart from the museum itself, the top-tapping love of music is shared by educating the new generation too from Jazz Master Classes to free introductory programs for school kids, the spirit of jazz runs deep. The 19-acre property of Railroad Park Foundation, affectionately known as Birminghams Living Room, is a natural oasis: its full of walking, has a lake to sit around (perfect for a picnic), and serves up some spectacular sunset views. 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). Scary, exhilarating and sweaty! The art deco Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame is located in the Carver Theatre in the heart of the Civil Rights District. Whatever mix of bars or clubs you end up at, the one thing is for sure: you wont have a shortage of options. Not feeling especially lucky today? Not to be overlooked is The Roof, an aptly-named watering hole on top of the Redmont Hotel on Fifth Ave, as well as the chic and colorful Habitat Feed and Social over in the suburb of Mountain View.

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