Introduction
Montgomery is a city with a long and rich history that’s home to many interesting attractions. Whether you’re looking for historical sites or modern entertainment, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Montgomery. Here are 14 great activities that families, couples, and solo travelers alike can enjoy:
Rosa Parks Museum
“The Rosa Parks Museum is dedicated to the legacy of Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, this museum was opened in 2005 and is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Old Alabama Town
Old Alabama Town is a re-creation of a 19th-century Alabama town, located in a former slave market. The museum has different exhibits that you can explore, including the history of Montgomery, slavery in Alabama, and the Civil War. When you’re done exploring, visit their gift shop or enjoy lunch at their cafe!
Dexter Parsonage Museum
The Dexter Parsonage Museum is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Montgomery’s history. It’s located at 101 East Court Square, and it’s open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Sunday hours from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
The museum features original furnishings and belongings owned by Dr. Edward Porter Dexter and his family, who lived there in the 1830s when they were pastors of the First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery (now First United Methodist Church).
The museum is staffed by friendly volunteers who’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have on your visit!
The Civil Rights Memorial Center
The Civil Rights Memorial Center is a memorial to the victims of lynchings, located on the grounds of the National Park Service’s Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. The center was built in response to a 1955 lynching in nearby Tallapoosa County when 14-year-old Emmett Till was brutally murdered after allegedly whistling at a white woman.
A memorial wall at the center displays photographs and names of 40 people who were lynched between 1877 and 1950—a fraction of those who were killed during this period. The center also has exhibits about other forms of racial violence against African Americans throughout American history.
Hank Williams Museum
If you’re a fan of country music, then you need to visit the Hank Williams Museum. The museum is located in Montgomery, Alabama and it is dedicated to the life and times of one of America’s most iconic musicians, Hank Williams.
The museum was founded by Mr. Colin Escott and Mr. George Merritt in 1999. From its humble beginnings as a small display at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame building (now known as L&N Railroad Depot), this museum has expanded over time with new exhibits added every year! Several touch screens allow visitors to learn more about their favorite artists without having to read anything from paper or listen through a headset like at other museums!
This museum features many artifacts from Hank’s life including his awards such as Grammys for Best Male Country Vocal Performance (1949-1950), Gold Record plaques for “Your Cheatin’ Heart” (1952), “Cold Cold Heart” (1953), etc., awards are given by fans such as photos sent by admirers posthumously after his death on New Year’s Day 1953 — there were hundreds submitted by fans all over America who wanted someone who could play like him someday — letters written while he served with Uncle Sam during World War II from men overseas…etcetera…etcetera…
The Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice
The Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice is a living museum that tells the story of the Jim Crow era. It is located on the site of the former Montgomery County Jail, which was an important site in civil rights history. The museum’s name comes from its two main exhibits:
- The Legacy Museum explores racial injustice through art, artifacts, and interactive experiences;
- The National Memorial for Peace and Justice includes 800 steel monuments to represent every county where people were lynched between 1877–1950.
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
The museum is located in a historic building, which was built in 1878. It has collections of paintings, sculptures, and prints that are representative of the American Renaissance period. The museum also offers free admission to its outdoor sculpture garden. There are over 2,000 works on display as well as rotating exhibits that showcase various artists’ work. If you love art then visiting this museum should be at the top of your list!
Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park
The Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park is a beautiful venue located in downtown Montgomery and hosts some of the most important events in the city. The Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park has been named one of the top outdoor concert venues in Alabama and it’s easy to see why: its location on Riverfront Terrace is breathtaking, especially at night when all of the lights are turned on!
The best way to get there is by car or taxi (though Uber is available too), but there are also bike rental shops nearby if you want to pedal your way over!
Montgomery Zoo
The Montgomery Zoo is located on the north side of Montgomery, Alabama. This zoo is home to over 250 animals of 50 different species. It features a wide variety of habitats and exhibit areas that create a natural environment for the animals. The zoo is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily during the summer months but closes at 4:00 pm December through February due to lower temperatures in this region.
Capitol Building
The capitol building is one of the oldest in the country. Built-in 1851, it was designed by William Nichols and has undergone numerous renovations over time. The capitol building is home to both houses of Alabama’s legislature, as well as a museum with artifacts from throughout the state’s history. It also contains a green space where you can sit and enjoy your surroundings while taking in some beautiful architecture and design.
The capitol building is open to tourists year-round (except for Thanksgiving Day), so feel free to stop by anytime!
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is the state’s largest professional theatre and has been operating since 1980. They produce a season of plays from February through November, with each play running for three weeks. The majority of their performances are held at the 1,000-seat Sidney Lanier High School Auditorium in Montgomery and offer a large audience experience by providing seating on two levels and an orchestra pit. The venue itself is located within an idyllic setting nestled into the hills near Montgomery, where you can take in a scenic view as you watch your favorite production unfold before your eyes.
Garrett Coliseum
The arena was built in 1980 and has a capacity of 6,000 people. It has hosted many events including concerts, rodeos, and ice shows.
The arena is home to the Montgomery Biscuits, a minor league baseball team who plays in the Southern League.
Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium
In the heart of downtown Montgomery, Alabama is a baseball stadium that’s home to the Montgomery Biscuits. If you’re a sports fan, this is your place to be!
Built-in 2004, it has a capacity of 7,000 people and features a natural grass field with an artificial turf infield. This stadium also offers special events like fireworks nights and concerts during the summer months.
Takeaway:
So, armed with your newfound knowledge, you should now be able to plan the perfect trip. You’ll be able to check off most of your bucket list items in one spot (like a certain historic home), and maybe even discover some new ones along the way.
Of course, there’s no harm in leaving room for spontaneity either. You might end up discovering something unexpected—a hidden gem or special treat that will make your trip one you’ll remember forever!
Conclusion
Montgomery is a beautiful city with lots to offer. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, or just a relaxing getaway, you have plenty of options here! We hope this list helped get you started on your next trip to Montgomery.
