25 Best Things to Do in Birmingham Alabama

Hello Dear Friend, As you are planning to visit the largest city in Alabama which is called Birmingham. You must be planning to create a list before you start wandering in this beautiful and historic city.

Here we have listed:

25 Best Things to Do in Birmingham Alabama

Birmingham is the largest city in the state of Alabama and one that played a huge part in the civil rights movements that shook America in the 1960s, a beautiful city with an interesting history and a host of things to do.

Originally a town that was famous for its steel industry, Birmingham is now a multicultural city that is home to a world-class university and some up and coming sports teams.

With so many things to see and do here, let’s get on with the top 25 things to do in Birmingham:

1. Meet The Animals At Birmingham Zoo

With over half a million visitors every year Birmingham Zoo is one of the cities star attractions, the zoo spans some 122 acres and is home to 230 different species of animal. The zoo has become a leader in animal conservation and home to endangered species from six different continents. A new section called Trails of Africa has recently opened and focuses on protecting the African elephants. There are various activities that happen at the zoo including feeding the giraffes and the Sea Lion Splash Show. The zoo caters to all age groups and ensures that everyone has a memorable day at the zoo.

2. Prepare For A Fright At Sloss Furnaces

Well known as one of Americas most haunted attractions are the Sloss Furnaces. Previously a blast furnace between 1882 and 1971, when it was closed it became the only blast furnace in the U.S. to be opened to the public. On special nights brave visitors can now enter the site where they will go on a guided tour and learn about the incredible history and long list of deaths in this building. The tour features the story of a Mr James ‘Slag’ Wormwood, a foreman on the graveyard shift, and the man responsible for the most deaths in the history of the furnace. The furnace is open to the public for several months of each year and tickets can be purchased on the door.

3. View The Collections At Birmingham Museum of Art

More than 26,000 paintings, drawings, prints and decorative arts can be found in the Birmingham Museum of Art. The artworks date from ancient to modern and show off a wide spectrum of cultures. The museum opened in 1951 and is free to enter with the exception of the occasional special exhibition that may be put on. The museum has artwork from all continents including the largest collection of Asian art in the Southeast.

4. Learn About Science At The McWane Science Center

The McWane Science Center has one very clear mission statement, “Change lives through science and wonder.”  A centre is an excellent place for children to explore and learn new things about science without even realizing they are learning. There are four levels to explore including a touch pool where you can touch the sharks and stingrays, on another floor, there is a whole section devoted to dinosaurs which kids of all ages will love. When you have finished looking around there is an IMAX cinema to watch the latest movies or a Café to stop for some lunch in.

5. Watch Some Racing At Barber Motorsports Park

Set within 740 acres of land is the Barber Motorsports Park. Built by George W. Barber. The IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Alabama has been held here since 2010 and people from the across the country make their way here to view the annual spectacle.  Another part of the Park is the Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum, there are over 1450 vintage and modern racing cars and motorcycles housed here which is the largest collection of motorcycles in the world. For Lotus race car fans you can also see a huge collection of them as well.

6. Chill Out At Railroad Park

If you are looking for somewhere to relax in Birmingham then a trip to Railroad Park should be on your list, there are 19 acres of space that make up the park with half of it being left as an open lawn. There are approximately 600 trees planted here as well as many different types of flower. A beautiful lake covers 30% of the park and there are little streams to be seen all over the park. If you fancy a run there is a loop around the perimeter that you can jog around, at one point you will find yourself at the top of a hill where you can look down at the city and take in the fantastic views.

7. Get Active At Oak Mountain State Park

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. The most popular activities here are hiking and mountain biking, with over fifty miles of trails you can see why one of the trails has even made it onto the International Mountain Biking Association’s list of EPIC rides. For those not wanting to hike or cycle you can rent a boat, play basketball, use the golf course and driving range and so much more.

8. Go Back In Time At The Southern Museum of Flight

The Southern Museum of Flight is a 75,000 square foot museum and one of the largest of its kind in Southeast America. The museum was set up to preserve military, civilian and experimental aircraft, right from the early day of flight until modern day. There are over ninety aircraft at the museum as well as photographs, engines, paintings and artefacts. Whilst at the museum you should take a look at the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame that has over 65 plaques that show off the greatest of Alabama’s pilots.

9. Watch A Show At The Alabama Theatre

Right in the heart of downtown Birmingham is The Alabama Theatre, ever since 1927 people have been entertained by the various shows, movies and concerts that have been performed here. When in town it is worth checking online to see what shows you can and see if nothing tickles your fancy at the time a walk down 3rd Avenue North to see the theatre is still worth your time.

10. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

Sitting on the slopes of Red Mountain is Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, originally this land was an iron-ore mine and producer of limestone until it was shut down. Today it is a 1000 acre nature preserve that you can explore whilst examine the native plants and animals. The park has over 12 miles of trails that lead over the mountain, these are open to the public and can be used for hiking, running and general enjoyment of nature around.