4.5FORT MORGAN HISTORIC SITE(1.024 reviews)from $37.00 - Fun for history buffs!!! Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Battlefields
Located on Mobile Point, at the end of Scenic Fort Morgan Peninsula, the site has a diverse number of activities to make your vacation a memorable one. Preceded by another fort, Fort Bowyer during the War of 1812, Fort Morgan is a Third System masonry fort built between 1819 and 1833. Standing guard where the bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, the fort played a significant role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864. Used intermittently through the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II, the site showcases the evolution of seacoast fortifications and adaptations made by the U.S. Army for the defense of the country.See more..
Martin Luther King's residence from September 1954 to February 1960.See more..
5.0National Memorial for Peace and Justice(536 reviews) - Hits like a punch in your stomach Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues
I visited many important sites from the civil rights movement during this recent trip through Atlanta, Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery. None had as much an impact as my visit to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. The layout is very simple, but so powerful. As you enter you pass through the 816 columns (each representing a county where a racial lynching was recorded). 816 counties in 32 states as I was told while here. The first columns are at ground level, just like tombstones. As you move through the museum, the columns are gradually raised, until the end where they are high off the ground, as lynched bodies would appear. Outside there is a second set of columns, which I believe are laid out to represent coffins. I spent about 2 hours here and the $5 admission (yes, only $5) includes entry into to the nearby Legacy Museum, which was almost as important. I will definitely visit again the next time I am here.See more..
4.5Fort Gaines(533 reviews) - Very interesting, well preserved and managed. An important part of the Civil War I did not know much about. Historic Sites
A restored fort that dates back to the colonial era.See more..
4.5Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark(511 reviews) - Great place to walk around & learn some Birmingham history Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
5.0Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church(482 reviews) - Must see, important part of history Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., used the pulpit of this unassuming red brick church to lead the 1955-56 Montgomery bus boycott, which ignited the civil rights movement. Steeped in history, this church, where Dr. King served as pastor from 1954 to 1960, was also the site of many civil rights meetings during that era.See more..
4.5Civil Rights Memorial Center(424 reviews)from $23.00 - Why not use as an adjunct to the EJI museum & memorial? Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
The Civil Rights Memorial Center is sponsored by the Southern Poverty Law Center in downtown Montgomery. It includes a great deal of educational information about the Civil Rights Movement, an original 20 minute film about the Movement, and the Civil Rights Memorial. $2.00 admission charged for adults, under 18 FREE.See more..
4.5Frank Lloyd Wright's Rosenbaum House(394 reviews) - Worth the huge budget to restore this FLW house Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
The Rosenbaums ended up spending twice their budget to build this home, but that's nothing compared to what it cost to restore it after Mrs. Rosenbaum donated it to the city of Florence. That cost TEN times their budget. We who really enjoy touring FLW homes, though, appreciate the time and money spent. This is typical FLW. One thing we didn't know was that Wright coined the term "carport" for the cantilever roof that juts out from the home - perfect to park a car under. The guides were great; they gave us a history at the beginning and then mostly let us wander and ask questions. By the way, the home is located in a great neighborhood, and while we went to Florence just to see this home, while you're in the area we also recommend Trowbridge's 1918 ice cream shop!See more..
4.5Edmund Pettus Bridge(331 reviews)from $23.00 - Definitely worth stopping here Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
Site of "Bloody Sunday" where more than 600 civil rights marchers on March 7, 1965 were attacked by state and local lawmen.See more..
4.0The Fort of Colonial Mobile(296 reviews) - History on Display Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Historic Sites
Colonial Mobile sits on the site of a historic fort built in the early 1700's and celebrates our French, Spanish, British, and American heritage. While visiting the Fort be sure to visit the Trading Post, Colonial Photo Booth, Breakout Room, and shooting gallery. You will also have a chance to tour the interactive exhibits that highlight the history of the Fort. Don’t miss the live action characters representing real people who lived in Colonial Mobile. Visit our website to see all of the fun and exciting items available on the day of your visit. Open seven days a week 9am-5pm.See more..
4.5The F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum(280 reviews)from $23.00 - Worth a stop if you’re in town. Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
This historic house honors novelist F. Scott, best known for "The Great Gatsby," and his wife, Zelda, artist and author. The museum operates out of the last surviving home they lived in during their lives together. The structure was saved from demolition in 1986. It is the location where Scott worked on "Tender is the Night", and Zelda on "Save Me the Waltz". You can now stay in the house in either Scott or Zelda Suite. Please see the museum website for Airbnb details and availability.See more..
4.5Ivy Green(259 reviews) - An educational and inspirational tour of Helen Keller’s lifetime. Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
The birthplace of Helen Keller, this site provides tours and information and includes the historic pump that provided the "miracle" breakthrough.See more..
4.5Burritt on the Mountain(199 reviews) - What a location! Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
We found this by accident when googling what was around locally, and wow it was amazing! The mansion is stunning but what makes this place are the volunteers. We came across 3 of them dressed up in one of the old houses today and they were amazing full of info. The view over Huntsville is incredibleSee more..
Site where African-American pilots trained to become the renowned Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.See more..
4.0Old Alabama Town(163 reviews) - A return to the past. Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
Step back in time to Old Alabama Town in Downtown Montgomery. Visit a one-room schoolhouse, grist mill, cotton gin, log cabin, and the oldest building in Montgomery - Lucas Tavern! Explore how early Alabamians lived and worked in Old Alabama Town. Schedule a group tour or do a self-guided tour on your own.See more..
5.0Richards DAR House Museum(156 reviews) - Many Volunteers, so we can enjoy this site Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
A beautiful 1860s Italianate townhouse located in the De Tonti Square Historical District in the heart of downtown Mobile, Alabama. This 10,000 square foot dream home, filled with a large family, was built by Captain Charles Richards and his wife Carolyn. Surrounded by formal gardens and old brick courtyard, the House Museum is furnished with period antiques, original chandeliers, interior and exterior architectural appointments including carved Carrera Marble fireplaces with cathedral arches, cantilever staircase, and the four seasons lace ironwork lining the front gallery and sidewalk. Operated and furnished by the Mobile chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution since 1973, they invite you to join them for a tour of this beautiful home and take complimentary tea and cookies afterward.See more..
4.5Mobile Bay(149 reviews) - Every day life Marinas • Historic Sites • Bodies of Water
I moved to the Mobile area 12 years ago. Oblivious to what Mobile Bay really was. I'm an outdoorsman and have been my whole life. I saw the muddy waters and didn't see the magnificent eco- system that exists here. This huge Area of Watershed: 44,582 square miles creates a tremendous estuary system supporting numerous species. 11 rivers lend water to Mobile Bay. This is a huge estuary system. One of the largest in the US. Species such as the Manatee, Bald Eagle, & Gulf Sturgeon are just a few species that use this area. Not to mention the seafood nurseries for Shrimp, oysters & fin-fish that exists because of this estuary. Muddy Water is not always what it appears to be. Come enjoy this area. It's worth your time and effort to dig into it a little bit. See more..
4.5Historic Oakleigh House(142 reviews) - Awesome Artifacts You've Never Seen Before Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Built by Virginia businessman, James W. Roper in 1833, Oakleigh is a remarkable example of historic preservation, as it has been adapted and preserved by the four families who lived here. As one of the first major residences to be built outside of the city limits, historians cite Oakleigh as one of the rarest examples of Greek revival architecture in the United States. And our tour is just as distinct- come experience it today. Walk-in tours are available Tuesday-Saturday from 10-4. Tours start on the hour.See more..
America's oldest baseball park and former home of the Birmingham Barons is a place where visitors can relive the magic of baseball's glory years.See more..
4.5Fame Recording Studios(112 reviews) - Great tour, very interesting, and a lot of music history here Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites
FAME Music was established in 1959 and has gone on to be the heartbeat of the Muscle Shoals Sound with entities including FAME Publishing, FAME Recording Studios, FAME Records and Muscle Shoals Records. FAME moved to Muscle Shoals in 1961. FAME has worked in the studio with some of the Greatest artists in Rock music history. Artists such as Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Otis Redding, the Osmonds, Jerry Reed, Alabama, Mac Davis, the Gatlin Brothers, Bobbie Gentry and many others. More recently FAME has recorded projects for The Gregg Allman Band, Third Day, Michael McDonald, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Aloe Blacc, Chord Overstreet, Keb Mo, John Paul White, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Matisyahu, Band of Horses, Drive by Truckers, Bettye Lavette, Cyril Neville, the Civil Wars, Anderson East and Jamey Johnson to name a few.See more..
4.5Shorter Mansion(88 reviews) - Great little community tour Historic Sites
We were looking for something to do and decided to check out shorter mansion. It was closed to visitors this day because they were setting up for a bridal shower. However the attendant let us take a quick peak around and then gave us a commentary out on the porch. It was a lovely day and she told us about some history with the home. I would recommend checking this place out if your in the neighborhood.See more..
4.0Alabama Constitution Village(77 reviews) - A place that you should visit! Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
A village where people in historic dress take you on a journey through the state's past.See more..
4.5Old Cahawba Archaeological Park(66 reviews) - We loved this place. Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
Cahawba was once Alabama's state capital (1819-1826) and a thriving antebellum river town. It became a ghost town shortly after the Civil War. Today it is an important archaeological site and a place of picturesque ruins. Nature has reclaimed much of Old Cahawba, but historians and archaeologists from the Alabama Historical Commission are working hard to uncover Cahawba's historic past and to create a full time interpretive park. Admission: Adults $2, Children $1See more..
Where Rosa Parks was arrested on December 1, 1955.See more..
5.0Swift- Coles Historic Home(51 reviews) - Beautiful Baldwin Co historical home Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
Swift-Coles Historic Home welcomes visitors to enjoy a bit of Baldwin County history. Self-guided historic tours are available very Friday from 1pm to 5 pm. Adults $10 Children (3-12) $5 Children under 3 Free The grounds and home also serve as a wedding and private event venue. Please be sure to contact us for more information.See more..
4.5The Old State Bank(50 reviews) - Interesting Piece of History Historic Sites
Learning the History of the Bank and Decatur. The gentleman also ran the Rail depot in the afternoon. He gave us interesting pieces of history including the fact that Northern Alabama did not vote to secede the union. Only three structures remained intact and that the trail of tear processions came along this part of the street to the train depot. Also reason for closing the bank and other tidbits.See more..
4.5Fendall Hall(47 reviews) - Beautiful Historic Home in Eufaula AL. Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites
Please note: due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required for all visitors per Alabama's mask ordinance. We are currently only accepting card payments.See more..
4.0Hank Williams Boyhood Home and Museum(45 reviews) - Interesting stop in Alabama Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
We saw this on trip advisor, and decided to stop in. It is a house with about 6 rooms on first floor, in a residential neighborhood. It does have free parking. There are items, hanging on walls and on shelves throughout. The lady at the front desk was full of information, maybe even more than the museum itself. We did have trouble understanding her at times . We could, though, see she was very passionate about this place. Hopefully Hank Jr will visit it someday. See more..
5.0Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial(43 reviews) - One of the most mesmerizing veterans tributes I've seen Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites • Fountains
The Huntsville Veterans Memorial, dedicated on Veterans Day, 11.11.11, honors and pays tribute to all veterans for their "Courage", "Sacrifice", and "Duty". The Memorial has become a hallowed place that inspires visitors to reflect, remember and honor veterans. It provides an educational venue to teach visitors about our military past, the cost of war, and sacrifices made to ensure our freedom.See more..
4.5Magnolia Cemetery(43 reviews) - Truly demonstrates the Confederates' Incredible sacrifice and loss Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Cemeteries • Mysterious Sites • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites
Have never been so touched by any cemetery such as this, due to the incredible amount of time it must have taken to list so many thousand names of Confederates lost to battle. Also, some of the most elaborately carved statues and crypts I've ever seen. Peak holes allow visitors to see historic family memorbilia left inside the crypts...fascinating look into the past. Well worth the time to visit.See more..
I hiked Fort Toulouse early in the morning and was not disappointed. If you looked up tranquil in the dictionary I think they would put this site's picture there. First off, it is only $2 to have access to the site. There are several historic buildings here, including the fort. There are quite a few hiking trails that run parallel to the two rivers in the area. They are not difficult hikes and really scenic and calming. I went a day after a big rain storm so one of the trails was washed out but that did not diminish the experience. You can hike here, see history, camp, bring your RV. You can easily spend the whole day exploring. One of my favorite sites in the state.See more..
If you are a Civil War history buff, or just enjoy the mid to late 19th Century then you need to make a stop here. There is free parking and the admission is reasonably cheap. They have a small gift shop with some nice items at the end of the tour. The docent was simply amazing! She kept the tour interesting as well as educational. No photography allowed inside.See more..
15-room home where Booker T. Washington lived.See more..
4.0Gorham's Bluff(26 reviews) - Piece of paradise Historic Sites
Gorham’s Bluff and the lodge are a secluded little piece of paradise on a bluff overlooking this incredible view below. The houses in the neighborhood are very charming and there’s a nice pool. Anyone looking for a nice romantic getaway would enjoy a long weekend here.See more..
4.5Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion(23 reviews) - Tour of Jemison Mansion Saturday: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
Free Tours Offered Tuesday-Saturday at 3:30pm. The Jemison- Van de Graaff Mansion (constructed 1852-1862) was one of the last and most elaborate great houses to be built in Alabama before the devastation of the American Civil War. The mansion has had many families call it home over the past century and a half, including senators, lawyers, and physicists. It was even home to the Tuscaloosa Public Library for a time. The home was purchased by the Jemison- Van de Graaff Mansion Foundation in the late 1990's and restored fully to its 1862 original glory. It is now a pristine historical museum open to the public for tours and available for rent for events.See more..
4.0Belle Mont Mansion(22 reviews) - Loved seeing the restoration in progress! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
Beautiful old historic home in the process of being restored. The setting on top of the hill is worth seeing and the interior features are beautiful. Self guided tour with very small entrance fee.See more..
We stopped on our way from Huntsville to Muscle Shoals. An idyllic village where there is not much to do except soak in serenity and simpler timers. When I go again, I will time it to take a tour or at least make sure the post office is open (currentLy 8-10 am). I’d love to learn more. Worth a short detour.See more..
There's something so appealing about strolling through such graceful antebellum homes irregardless of the socioeconomic factors that made them possible. They just seem to embody the part that gives connectedness to their residents, little reminders that they were their irrespective of the frailties & faults. This beautiful home situated on the banks of the Tombigbee River is truly an epic site and well worth a tour if you visit this part of the country.See more..
4.5Easley Covered Bridge(11 reviews) - REAL HISTORY IN BLOUNT COUNTY ALABAMA Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
Go back in time and relive an era when life was not as fast and travel was simple. Blount County, AL is blessed to have several historic covered bridges from years ago. Take time and walk across the bridge to take in the appreciate the history.See more..
4.5The Bessemer Hall of History Museum(11 reviews) - Replica of Bessemer Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
We had a great time discovering Bessemer. The replica of Bessemer's downtown is very detailed. You could tell that much time was dedicated to it.See more..
5.0Middle Bay Lighthouse(8 reviews) - Unique site, must visit by boat. Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
We took a ride with Captain Tommy Rachel of Gulf Boat Tours to be able to visit this unique lighthouse which sits in the middle of Mobile Bay. The sturdy lighthouse has survived the years of weather with the exception of the light housing on top. The hexagon shaped lighthouse sits approximately 25' above the water on a metal frame with a dock at water level. The walls, door, dormer windows & catwalk, as well as the base of the light housing remain. History is that at one time lightkeepers wife had a child & a cow was brought to stay on the lighthouse when they needed milk for that child. Captain Rachel said the lightkeepers family were relatives of his family.See more..
4.0Pickens County Courthouse(5 reviews) - Cool story & visual! Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Mysterious Sites
The book, "13 Ghosts of Alabama" speaks about a permanent face in the upper window of the Pickens County Courthouse. The story is interesting & the ability to see the face is awesome. Keep in mind the window has been replaced many times & the face continues to reappear. (Cue Twilight Zone music). Not much else to do in Carrollton, Alabama, but do stop in at The Pizza Doctor for some of the best pizza on the planet. It's behind the courthouse on the circle. It may not look like much, but it's TOTALLY worth a stop in for fantastic pizza, cheese sticks (to die for), huge chef salad, and many more items. See more..
Lovely collection of local artifacts in this small museum. It is in the building that was the original county courthouse and now shares the space with the Shelby County Historical Society. We had a great time visiting with the staff members and volunteers who helped us locate documents about our ancestors who once lived near there. See more..
While personally I am not a fan of the south and their maintenance of confederate sites, I'm sure native Americans feel the same way about little big horn and Mt Rushmore. It's interesting to see this huge armory, slowly deteriorating but obviously a formidable building and strength point for the south during the civil war.See more..
5.0Battle-Friedman House(4 reviews) - Ollie Tour Saturday: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Built in 1835, this historic home has been a fixture of Tuscaloosa for close to 200 years. Drop by to learn more about the families that lived in this home, their accomplishments, and their influences on the city of Tuscaloosa and its history. The home is open to the public for tours five days a week. Entry for tours is free of charge, however donations to the Preservation Society are much appreciated. Tours start at 2:30pm on Tuesdays-Saturdays. Group Tours (10 or more) are also available through appointment. The Battle-Friedman House and its sprawling lawn and formal gardens are also the perfect setting for your next wedding, party, meeting, or family get-together. Inside the home, a foyer, two parlors, and a dining room are available for event use. Outside the home, there are several garden lawns as well as the front porch portico for perfect for events and photo shoots.See more..
4.5Larimore Home(4 reviews) - Simpler time Historic Sites Wonderful old home in original condition, heart pine floors, matching fireplaces, full of antiques both from the home originally or donated. Dining in the cellar, but very nice and airy. It's especially nice and cozy at Christmas. Staffed by volunteers from the school, the Associated Women's Organization. They have some great cooks too and can accommodate fairly large groups. I can't give a "when" because we often have holiday get-togethers there.See more..
4.0Thornhill Plantation(2 reviews) - Closed to the public Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings The only reviews we could find were from 2017 or older. My husband was persistent that we visit. So, we drove 2 hours to this plantation only to find out it’s closed to the public. I thought I would just leave this review for anyone else who thought about visiting.See more..
4.5Alabama Water Tower(2 reviews) - Lineville water tower located in the area near First Baptist Church Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers
Such an interesting, 100 year old water tower. This water tower is still in operation. It is a landmark in this small town. See more..
This park has the Original 1902 One Room Semmes Schoolhouse which is Alabama's Oldest Continuous-IN-Us School. There is also a replica of the Malone Chapel which houses a museum and can be rented for meetings or receptions. This is a very nice look back into the history of Semmes, AL.See more..
