Things to Do in Montgomery, AL – Downtown
Downtown Montgomery is a great place to start your exploration of the city. Stroll down Dexter Avenue to see the Alabama State Capitol, the First White House of the Confederacy, and the Civil Rights Memorial. What are some things to do in Montgomery, AL for history buffs?
- Visit the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. It’s the oldest art museum in Alabama and has a wide variety of exhibitions and educational programs.
- Tour the Rosa Parks Library and Museum. This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Visitors can learn about the Montgomery Bus Boycott, see artifacts from the Civil Rights Movement, and watch a short film about Parks’ life.
- Tour the Legacy Museum. This museum tells the story of slavery in America from its beginnings to the present day. Visitors can see exhibits on the transatlantic slave trade, life on plantations, and the Underground Railroad.
- Visit the Alabama Department of Archives & History. This state museum has exhibits on Alabama’s history, culture, and natural resources. Visitors can also view original documents, photographs, and artifacts from the state’s past.
- Walk through the Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum. It’s dedicated to the lives and works of F. Scott Fitzgerald, his wife Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, and their time spent in Montgomery.
- Take a scenic drive down Mulberry Street. This historic street is lined with beautiful old homes and is a great way to see some of Montgomery’s architecture.
- Pop into Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. This church played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, as it was the site of many protests and marches. It was led by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1954-1960.
- Visit the Dexter Parsonage Museum. This museum is the former home of Dr. King, and it was also a stop on the Underground Railroad and a meeting place for civil rights leaders.
- If you’re a country fan, enjoy the Hank Williams Museum. It’s dedicated to the life and career of legendary singer Hank Williams. The museum features artifacts from Williams’ life, including his stage costumes and musical instruments.
For a taste of the local culture, catch a performance at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival or enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants. You could also pay a visit to Montgomery Performing Arts Center if there’s a good show on during your stay.
Old Alabama Town
Old Alabama Town is another great downtown attraction. This living history museum is made up of more than 50 historic buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse, a church, and a general store. Visitors can tour the homes and learn about what life was like for early Alabamians.
The National Memorial for Peace and Justice
The National Memorial for Peace and Justice is a powerful experience. It’s a monument to the victims of lynching in the United States, with over 800 monuments representing each county where a lynching took place.
What You Should Know about Montgomery’s History Before Visiting
Before you visit Montgomery, you can learn a bit about its complex history. The city was a major center of the slave trade, and it was also the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. The city has a long history of racial tension and violence, which is reflected in some of its attractions.
However, Montgomery is also a city that has made great strides in civil rights. For example, it was the first city in the United States to elect an African American mayor. It’s called “the birthplace of the civil rights movement” because of its role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Selma to Montgomery marches.
When you visit Montgomery, you’ll be able to learn about all aspects of its history, both good and bad. The city has a lot to offer visitors, from its rich cultural heritage to its beautiful scenery.
Outdoor Activities in Montgomery, AL
Montgomery is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. Take a hike or bike ride through Riverfront Park, go fishing on the Alabama River, or play a round of golf at one of the city’s many courses.
Have Some Family Fun at Montgomery Zoo
Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum is a great place to take the kids. The zoo is home to about 750 animals of 140 species, including lions, tigers, and Komodo dragons. The Mann Museum offers educational programs about the animal kingdom. Tickets (entry to both the Zoo and the Museum) are $18 for adults and $14 for children.
Watch Baseball at Riverwalk Stadium
Montgomery is home to the Montgomery Biscuits, a Southern League baseball team. Catch a game at Riverwalk Stadium and enjoy America’s favorite pastime. It’s located near the Alabama River, which inspires more ideas for things to do in Montgomery, AL.
Book a Cruise with Harriott II Riverboat
If you’re looking for things to do in Montgomery, AL that are a little more unique, try a riverboat cruise with Harriott II. The boat offers daytime and evening cruises, as well as private charters. Some cruises serve meals, so you won’t have to plan your around dinner elsewhere.
Other Things to Do in Montgomery, AL
If you’re looking for something to do with science, W.A. Gayle Planetarium is a good start. It’s operated by Troy University and features a 159-seat dome theater, offering various planetarium shows throughout the year.
For a leisurely walk, go to Gateway Park. It’s a beautiful park with flowers, fountains, sculptures, and a playground.
You can also pay your respects at the Confederate Memorial Monument. The monument is located in Oakwood Cemetery and honors more than 12,000 Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War.
Places to Visit Near Montgomery
As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Montgomery, AL. The city isn’t too big, so if you want to add some other stops to your trip, we recommend other historical sites in the area related to the civil rights movement. What else is worth visiting?
Tuskegee
Just a short drive from Montgomery is Tuskegee, home of Tuskegee University. The university was founded in 1881 and is a historically black college. It’s also the site of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, which commemorates the African-American pilots who served during World War II.
There’s also the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, which includes the home of Booker T. Washington. The site tells the story of Washington’s life and work as an educator and civil rights leader.
Selma
Selma is another city with a lot of history. It was the site of several important civil rights events, including Bloody Sunday, when civil rights protesters were attacked by state troopers as they attempted to march from Selma to Montgomery.
The National Voting Rights Museum & Institute is located in Selma and tells the story of the civil rights movement. You can also visit the Edmund Pettus Bridge, which was the site of Bloody Sunday.
Planning to Visit Montgomery?
It’s a great place to visit for its rich history and culture. There are plenty of things to do in Montgomery, AL, from outdoor activities to visiting museums. There are also places worth visiting nearby, like Tuskegee and Selma. Start planning your visit today!
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