montgomery alabama places to visit

27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Montgomery (Alabama)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: June 18, 2022  - Last updated: May 6, 2024

If you’re looking for fun and unique things to do in Montgomery, AL you’ve landed in the right place.

Not only is Montgomery the capital of The Cotton State, but it is fraught with history concerning the civil rights movement, home to Dr. Martin Luther King, and so much more.

Furthermore, Montgomery is rife with an incredible arts scene, scenic outdoor sites, fabulous shopping, and amazing eateries.

Known for its inviting downtown area, astounding landmarks, and insightful attractions, the city is a perfect travel destination for families, couples, or friend groups.

With so many excellent places to go in one colorful city, it’s no wonder travelers come from far and wide to see Monty, as the city is colloquially known.

Besides the super attractions, the city has a welcoming vibe, inviting accommodations, and so much to see and do.

So if you’re on the fence about planning a vacation to Montgomery, take a look at all the wonderful things to do.

Table of Contents

1. Montgomery Zoo

Montgomery Zoo

The Montgomery Zoo is a 40-acre gem that is one of the best things to do in Montgomery, Alabama.

The zoo is home to nearly 800 animals and is a great place to spend the day with loved ones.

What’s more, the nearly 140 species of animals that call the zoo home hail from parts of South America, the savannas of Africa, and the mountain peaks of Asia.

Besides the amazing wildlife you’ll encounter during your visit to the zoo, the well-manicured landscaping makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

Furthermore, some of the eclectic wildlife you’ll come to know at the Montgomery Zoo includes African birds, reptiles, komodo dragons, North American bald eagles, an Eastern bongo calf, and so much more.

Besides simply observing the spectacular animals in their recreated habitats, some of the experiences are even interactive.

Some of the zoo’s animal encounters include a koi fish feeding pond, freshwater fish encounters, a meet-and-greet with a giraffe, and a petting zoo to name a few.

Address: 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36110, United States

2. Hank Williams Museum

Hank Williams Museum

If you’re looking for things to do in Alabama with the country music lover in your life, be sure to visit Hank Williams Museum .

One of the best attractions around the Montgomery, Alabama area, the museum houses the most complete collection of artifacts and memorabilia concerning famed country star and actor, Hank Williams.

Open seven days a week, today, this weekend, or anytime is a good time to visit the museum.

Nestled in downtown Montgomery, the Hank Williams Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts that retell the story of Hank Williams’s life.

Some of the unique items you’ll encounter during a tour of the museum include nearly 40 showcases of personal items, Williams’s 1952 Cadillac, clothing and costumes, beautifully maintained musical instruments, and even Williams’s high school yearbook.

Whether you’re a country music fan or just interested in stepping into this icon’s shoes for a few hours, the Hank Williams Museum is a must-see.

Address: 118 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

3. Rosa Parks Library and Museum

Rosa Parks Library and Museum

Housed in Alabama’s Troy University, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum is one of the most poignant Montgomery attractions.

For starters, tours of the museum are self-guided and are one of the few free things to do for children under three years old.

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of Rosa Parks, a beacon of the civil rights movement, the museum is situated in downtown Montgomery at the very site of Parks’s famed arrest.

The only museum of its kind, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum is a must see when in AL.

Notably, the museum is a hub for artifacts relevant to Ms. Parks’s life as well as lessons from her social activism.

The driving force behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Rosa Parks was inspirational and influential.

During your visit to the museum, you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about the segregated South, the plight of African Americans, and the role of women in the civil rights movement.

One of the best historical places to visit in all of Montgomery, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Address: 252 Montgomery St, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

4. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

This popular Montgomery museum is one of the top tourist attractions in all of AL.

If you’re looking for free things to do when you’re in town, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is the place; there are no admission or parking fees.

The museum houses an expansive collection of art from the 19th and 20th centuries including paintings, sculptures, master prints, and decorative arts.

Some of the museum’s galleries recount religious, social, and Southern art.

Furthermore, a beautiful sculpture garden is a lovely space to meander on a sunny day.

Other noteworthy facets of the museum include the Verde Cafe, perfect for a tasty lunch, and an incredible gift shop from whence archival prints are available for purchase.

Moreover, the museum hosts periodic special events such as children’s art courses, non-fiction historical readings, and art concerning activism workshops.

One of many wonderful places to see with family, be sure to leave room on your itinerary for the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

Address: 1 Museum Dr, Montgomery, AL 36117, United States

5. Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park

One of the best outdoor attractions in Montgomery, Alabama, Riverfront Park is a hub for scenic tours, enjoyable dining, boating, and even concerts.

Of note, the park is home to an amphitheater where you can catch epic concerts and shows all year long as well as a beautiful riverwalk to meander all day long.

The park is also the site of Riverwalk Stadium where you can catch a baseball game when in season.

The historical Union Station Train Shed, also situated at the park, is fun to tour too.

Additionally, Riverfront Park has fun ways to spend time with family.

A children’s splash pad is a great way for little ones to beat the heat during the hot summer months while the Rotary Dog Park is the best spot for your four-legged friends to blow off some steam.

Riverfront Park is jam-packed with convenient amenities such as park benches, public restrooms, shelter rentals, nearby food trucks, and more.

Address: 355 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

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6. The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

If you’re a history or literary buff, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum .

This preserved historical abode was once home to F. Scott Fitzgerald, famed novelist, and wife Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald.

These icons of the Jazz Era are memorialized in this museum which is the only one in the world paying homage to them.

One of a few must do sights for fans of “The Great Gatsby” and other famed Fitzgerald works, The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum is set in the historical home that was built in 1910.

Meticulously preserved to encapsulate the lives of the Fitzgeralds, the museum houses hundreds of photos, documents, written correspondence, and even relevant 1930s newspaper clippings.

What’s more, the museum is maintained in its original 1920s styling and decor.

When visiting the museum, you truly feel like you’re stepping into the history books.

One of the coolest points of interest in Montgomery, AL, be sure to check out The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum.

Address: 919 Felder Ave, Montgomery, AL 36106, United States

7. Alabama Shakespeare Festival

Alabama Shakespeare Festival ( savoryexposure / flickr )

One of the top 10 theater companies in the world, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is one of the best Montgomery troupes.

The troupe is hosted by the Carolyn Blount Theater where up to three Shakespearean productions per year are produced.

Founded in 1972, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is a leader in performing arts in AL.

What’s more, this theater company is a prominent force in educational programming for children and adults.

If you’d like to pay a visit to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, there are a few things that might interest you.

For starters, the company offers workshops in playwriting, performing, theater etiquette, and even summer camps.

If you’d prefer to simply enjoy a show produced by the famed Alabama Shakespeare Festival, they put on up to six shows each year; so simply check the events calendar and secure your tickets before arriving in Montgomery.

If you’re wondering what to see in the way of performing arts, be sure to plan a visit to Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Address: 1 Festival Dr, Montgomery, AL 36117, United States

8. Haunted Montgomery Tours

Haunted Montgomery Tours

Haunted Montgomery Tours is a colorful and unique way to get to know the city of Montgomery.

This fun and interesting tour recounts spooky historic tales while strolling through the city with a guide.

These chilling tours commence at nightfall when the ghosts come out to play.

Notably, reservations are required, weather-permitting, and it’s recommended that you wear sensible shoes as the majority of the tour is on foot.

One of the most quirky aspects of the tour is that parts take place in a hearse so be sure to buckle up.

Whether spookily enjoying the hearse ride or meandering about the city, you’ll be treated to stories and historical recountings by knowledgeable guides who will keep your interest piqued for the duration of the tour.

The tours are full of mystique and personality; as such, they’re a top thing to do today or this weekend.

Address: Montgomery, AL, United States

9. Blount Cultural Park

Blount Cultural Park

Blount Cultural Park is a gleaming city park in Montgomery, Alabama with beautiful things to see and fun activities to do.

This beautiful park spreads across more than 75 acres of verdant landscape that provides the backdrop for an excellent time spent outdoors.

Of note, the park features miles worth of walking and biking trails, green open spaces, and lovely ponds.

Another big draw to the park is the incredible statuaries positioned at intervals throughout the park; they’re truly a sight to behold.

Moreover, the park is home to a theater, a dog park known as the Bark Park, and even a fine arts museum.

A wonderful place to have a picnic, throw around a ball, and read a book, Blount Cultural Park is one of the most picturesque places to go in Montgomery.

Another fun pastime in the park is photography; there are a variety of beautiful, natural settings that serve as the perfect backdrop for photo shoots.

Lastly, Blount Cultural Park is one of the top places to go to get outside in Montgomery.

10. Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall

Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall

One of the most unique shopping experiences in all of Montgomery, Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall is an Alabama institution.

This 60,000-square-foot space is loaded with more than 300 vendors peddling all sorts of goods.

If you’re hoping to stumble upon exciting finds, this is the place; you never know what you might come across at the Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall.

From antique furniture and fixtures to unique glassware and decor, the ever-changing stockpile of antiquities is worth a look.

Open seven days a week, today, tomorrow, or this weekend is a good time to visit the flea market.

Rare collectibles, vintage clothing and accessories, old books and records, and so much more are waiting for you at Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall.

Locals and visitors alike rave about the awesome finds you’ll encounter at this mall.

So if you’re looking for a colorful shopping experience when you’re visiting Montgomery, be sure to visit Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall.

Address: 425 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36109, United States

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11. Wilderness Park & Bamboo Forest

Wilderness Park & Bamboo Forest

Situated in Prattville, Alabama, near Montgomery, the Wilderness Park & Bamboo Forest is a great way to spend some time outdoors.

Though the park is small, the beautiful setting makes it worth visiting.

Notably, the park is fraught with gorgeous, 60-foot bamboo stalks that create a magical canopy over Wilderness Park & Bamboo Forest.

This forest of bamboo is exciting to explore or use as a backdrop for photography.

Woven within the fabric of this bamboo wonderland are unique trees and shrubs including the state’s second-largest Beech tree.

One of the coolest Montgomery attractions, Wilderness Park & Bamboo Forest is also home to lovely walking trails which happen to be dog-friendly.

Additionally, the park is home to a quaint frog pond that provides a serene setting for picnic lunches or reading a book.

A perfect way to spend a few hours in the morning or at twilight, this unique forest and park setting are worth checking out.

Address: 800 Upper Kingston Rd, Prattville, AL 36067, United States

12. Old Alabama Town

Old Alabama Town

If you’re wondering what to do within the city limits of Montgomery, be sure to check out Old Alabama Town .

This historical AL landmark is a preserved neighborhood of 19th- and 20th-century abodes.

Reflective on the life and times of those Americans who were integral in the development of central Alabama, Old Alabama Town is like stepping into the pages of your history books.

Open weekends for self-guided tours, Old Alabama Town is an interesting historical site to tour.

Old Alabama Town is a walking tour through multiple structures, each of which gives new insight into the lives of Alabama’s forefathers.

The set comprises four city blocks worth of buildings and sights, which is far too much to see during one tour.

As such, tours of each street are given on a rotating weekly basis (a different city block each week).

That said, Old Alabama Town is the kind of attraction you can come to week after week for an all-new experience.

Address: 301 Columbus St, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

13. Harriott II Riverboat

Harriott II Riverboat

The Harriott II Riverboat , an iconic Montgomery attraction, provides visitors with views of some of the most scenic places in the USA .

A perfect activity for couples seeking date night attractions, Harriott II Riverboat is a 19th-century boat docked near the popular Riverfront Park.

Providing scenic cruises along the Alabama River, the riverboat is serene, picturesque, and romantic.

Best of all, cruise tickets, which must be purchased in advance of your cruise, include great food, refreshing drinks, and live music.

If you’ll be celebrating a special event during your time aboard the Harriott II Riverboat, they have some great curated packages you may consider.

An anniversary package includes roses, balloons, and champagne, while birthday packages include balloons, cake, and party favors.

So whether you’re looking for a great date night attraction or the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, the Harriott II Riverboat is worth considering.

Address: 200 Coosa St, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

14. Alley Entertainment District

Alley Entertainment District

If you’re looking for things to do in Montgomery strictly for adults, be sure to spend some time in the Alley Entertainment District.

The Alley, which is likened to a New Orleans -style hub for entertainment, dining, and shopping, is a must-see.

Whether visiting during the day or at night, it’s one of the most popular hangs around Montgomery.

With restaurants aplenty, a bustling nightlife, unique shopping, and exhilarating entertainment, Alley Entertainment District is a must-do.

Notably, Alley Entertainment District is home to a bevy of diverse restaurants, many of them serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Moreover, the charming atmosphere makes The Alley an inviting place to stroll after a delectable meal.

Situated in the heart of the city’s downtown area, The Alley is near to so many wonderful hotspots, all within walking distance of one another.

For instance, The Alley Bar is a destination playground for adults looking to kick back with great drinks or dance the night away.

With so much to do in one central locale, it’s no wonder that locals and visitors alike swarm to Alley Entertainment District.

Address: 133 Tallapoosa St, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

15. MOOseum

If you’re wondering what to do when visiting the city of Montgomery in the way of unique attractions and activities, you’ve just to go check out MOOseum .

This quirky museum celebrates, you guessed it, the livestock and cattle of AL.

It’s a place that showcases the lives, artifacts, and lifestyles of cowboys and cattle as well as the area’s colorful farming heritage.

Established in 1995, MOOseum is perfect for children and adults as it’s both educational and playful.

Of note, MOOseum is a hands-on museum with informative exhibits such as “From Pasture to Plate,” you’ll learn about the life cycle and food chain as it pertains to cattle.

Furthermore, you’ll learn all about beef byproducts and Alabama’s rich beef heritage.

There are dress-up stations for children that allow them to roleplay as a cowboy.

Finally, be sure to cap your tour off with a visit to the MOOseum General Store to pick up a charming souvenir.

Address: 201 S Bainbridge St, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

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16. First White House of the Confederacy

First White House of the Confederacy

This historical landmark served as the home to President Jefferson Davis during his time as leader of the Confederacy.

Once the capital of the Confederation, Alabama was a governmental hub during the mid-to-late-1800s.

The White House itself is furnished with period pieces and perfectly preserved to reflect the times.

Visiting the First White House of the Confederacy is much like stepping back in time.

Located in downtown Montgomery, this museum is open on weekdays for self-guided tours.

On the first floor of the home, you’ll see the President’s bedroom with a gorgeous 1830s quilt, Mrs. Davis’s room, and more.

On the home’s second floor, you’ll come face to face with guest bedrooms, a nursery, 1800s clothing and textiles, photos, and other unique artifacts.

Finally, following your interior tour, you can meander the grounds of this beautiful 1835 estate.

Rich in history, picturesque architecture and landscaping, as well as historical tidbits aplenty all make a visit to the First White House of the Confederacy worth considering.

Address: 644 Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL 36130, United States

17. Coosa River Adventures

Coosa River Adventures

Situated just outside of Montgomery, Coosa River Adventures is one of the coolest tourist attractions for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you or your travel group are fans of watersports, you won’t want to miss out on Coosa River Adventures.

This local establishment opened in 1995 and has the largest collection of water toys in Monty; they’re all available for rental or purchase.

With kayaks, canoes, standup paddle boards, and pedal-driven kayaks, there are so many fun options to choose from.

With your water toy rental, Coosa River Adventures provides transportation to your Coosa River launch site as well as life jackets.

What’s more, these water adventures are a great way to spend a day on the river; tours last from three to four hours, and reservations are required.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, they even offer overnight tours on the Tallapoosa River; this tour is a whopping 51-mile adventure that will surely make incredible memories.

Address: 415 Company St, Wetumpka, AL 36092, United States

18. 1048 Jazz & Blues

1048 Jazz & Blues

If you’re thinking of what to do at night in Montgomery, be sure to check out 1048 Jazz & Blues .

One of the coolest places to visit for live music and great spirits, you won’t be disappointed.

Notably, 1048 Jazz & Blues hosts nightly musical acts that run the gamut from jazz to blues, rock to soul, and everything in between.

Best of all, the establishment has both indoor and outdoor seating so if you’re looking for an al fresco experience, this is your spot.

In addition to great live music, 1048 Jazz & Blues serves great mixed drinks and ice-cold beers.

Astoundingly, the bar hosts live acts seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Their website always has their entertainment calendar posted well in advance so you can scout out your favorite music genre before visiting.

Finally, 1048 Jazz & Blues boasts a super easygoing environment, an unassuming locale, and chill vibes that make the perfect setting for a nightcap.

Address: 1104 E Fairview Ave, Montgomery, AL 36106, United States

19. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium

Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium

Home to the Montgomery Biscuits, the city’s best-loved minor league baseball team, a visit to Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium is one of the most fun things to do in Montgomery.

Riverwalk Stadium is a beautiful, open-air stadium that makes for a great day or night out with friends and family.

Best of all, the Biscuits have a full schedule beginning in early April and ending in October; as such, there are many times throughout the year that you can hope to catch a ball game.

Besides enjoying the excitement of a game, the stadium is a pretty fun place to hang out.

For starters, a Club Bar and other beer-garden-style stands serve ice cold brewskies.

There are also multiple food kiosks where you can purchase some of your favorite baseball items: think hot dogs and Cracker Jacks and then some.

Furthermore, the Biscuit Basket gift shop is a great place to pick up souvenirs and apparel.

There’s nothing like a day or night out at the ball game, so be sure to visit Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium when you’re in town.

20. The Legacy Museum

The Legacy Museum

One of the most insightful travel destinations in all of Montgomery, The Legacy Museum shares the forlorn history of slavery and racism in the US.

Situated amid some of the most atrocious historical sites in Alabama, the museum shares the stories of the Black Americans who were forced into slavery, made to work in bondage, mass incarcerated, auctioned like cattle, and well beyond.

Some of the museum’s exhibits showcase documents and artifacts from the Transatlantic Slave Trade while others provided detailed narratives from those with first-hand experience.

Stories of lynchings, segregation, unwarranted imprisonments, and many other atrocities of the Slave Era are all revealed in the museum.

A humbling though important segment of shared history, visiting the Legacy Museum is remarkable.

Situated adjacent to the museum is The National Memorial for Peace and Justice which is also an incredible sight to see.

Memorializing the African Americans who were brutally killed and lynched, the memorial is another humbling experience.

If you’ll be in AL, anytime soon, be sure to visit this noteworthy site.

Address: 400 N Court St, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

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21. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Factory Tour

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Factory Tour

If you’re scouring the web for ideas on what to do in Montgomery with car enthusiasts, look no further.

This automotive plant, situated in the heart of Monty, provides visitors with the unique opportunity to tour the plant and production lines.

The Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Factory is the place where the Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe, Tucson, and Santa Cruz are all assembled.

A tour of the factory gives you a birdseye view of the assembly process, the interesting work that the factory workers do, and the mega equipment that’s used to do it all.

Unlike any other automotive tour in the country, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Factory Tour places you in a golf cart that zooms throughout the factory to learn about the different facets of assembling cars.

Reservations are required to book a tour and each tour is expertly guided by a Hyundai intellectual.

You’ll be whisked around to see a showroom of display cars, tour the plant, learn about the steps that are involved in assembling a car, and actually see a car being expertly assembled by giant robots.

Address: 700 Hyundai Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36105, United States

22. Montgomery Ballet

Montgomery Ballet

A professional ballet company established in 1987, the Montgomery Ballet is one of the most beautiful things to see in AL.

Of note, the company is composed of professional local dancers that were plucked directly from the surrounding community.

Ballet productions take place throughout the year, so be sure to check out the event calendar to buy tickets before traveling to AL.

Truly, there’s nothing more magical than experiencing a live ballet performance.

If you’re more interested in dancing than spectating, the company hosts dance classes for children and adults alike.

Single class passes and class packages are available so you can take as few or as many classes as you’d like during your stay in Monty.

Furthermore, summer camps, led by company dancers, are also a fun thing to consider.

The ballet is surely a special thing to see, so consider a visit to this attraction when you’re in town.

Address: 1062 Woodley Rd, Montgomery, AL 36106, United States

23. Majestic Caverns

Majestic Caverns

One of the coolest places to visit in the South, Majestic Caverns is about an hour’s drive from Monty, however, it’s well worth the commute.

Open seven days a week, this attraction is a family fun spot with many attractions in one place.

Of note, Majestic Caverns is home to historic caverns wherein you can enjoy guided tours of an onyx room, a healing room, a natural waterfall, and a laser light show.

Boasting the most expansive site of naturally occurring onyx in the US, the caverns are an astounding sight to behold.

Furthermore, Majestic Caverns is also the site of unique live entertainment such as a magic show, forge demonstrations, a giant-bubble show, and fire juggling among other acts.

Other attractions at Majestic Caverns include a train ride, a maze trail, gemstone panning, rock wall climbing, mini-golf, an archery course, a splash pad, and many others.

With so many fun activities to do in one place, it’s no wonder travelers love to visit Majestic Caverns.

Address: 5181 Desoto Caverns Pkwy, Childersburg, AL 35044, United States

24. Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

Named a National Historic Landmark in 1874, the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church is one of the most important historical things to see when visiting AL.

A beacon during the civil rights movement, the church was the site of activism, strife, historical moments, and so much more.

One of the church’s most notable attributes is that the famed Dr. Martin Luther King served as its pastor from 1954 to 1960.

Significantly, the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church is one of the coolest things to do in Montgomery.

The church welcomes visitors to enjoy guided tours as a way to step back in time.

If you’re inclined to worship at this place of God, you’re also welcome to do that during Sunday worship.

Furthermore, weekly Bible studies are another way to experience the vivacity of this historical place of worship.

A slice of AL history, the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church is a wonderful place to visit when you’re in town.

Address: 454 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

25. Alabama Safari Park

Alabama Safari Park is one of the most exciting Montgomery attractions.

Of all the activities to consider when in town, this is the most thrilling adventure that you never have to leave your car for.

Alabama Safari Park is an astounding 350-acre park that you tour from the comfort of your very own vehicle.

During a drive-thru safari, you can safely interact with and even feed some of the area’s most amazing animals.

Speaking of animals, the park is home to giraffes, lemurs, llamas, watusi, and zebras to name a few.

Though much of the tour is taken from your car, there are also opportunities to get out and stretch your legs.

Namely, the Village Walk allows you to stroll among animal pens and come face to face with friendly beasts.

A sloth exhibit and anteater exhibit are other cool things to see at the park.

One of many unique things to do in Montgomery, you should definitely save space on your itinerary for Alabama Safari Park.

Address: 1664 Venable Rd, Hope Hull, AL 36043, United States

Going on a road trip around Alabama? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Orange Beach ?

26. Freedom Rides Museum

Freedom Rides Museum

Once the site of the Greyhound Bus Depot, the Freedom Rides Museum is one of many interesting things to do in Montgomery.

More importantly, however, the museum is also the site of the infamous 1961 Freedom Rides Movement of the 1960s.

During this show of peaceful activism, African Americans defiantly and rightfully took their seats in the “whites only,” segregated sections of buses.

What’s more, the Freedom Rides Museum is now denoted as a stop on the US Civil Rights Trail.

To begin, beautiful memorials within the museum list all the brave Freedom Riders.

Sadly, many of the named riders were savagely attacked by a mob at the Greyhound Bus Depot as a result of their peaceful attempts to combat racial segregation.

Speaking of the bus depot, one of the coolest things to view at the museum is a preserved 1960s Greyhound bus.

Packed full of history about the civil rights movement, the Freedom Rides Museum is a must-see.

Address: 210 S Court St, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

27. Eastdale Mall Ice Palace

Eastdale Mall Ice Palace

This year-round ice rink is literally and figuratively one of the coolest tourist attractions in town.

The perfect place for all your ice activities, Eastdale Mall Ice Palace offers an ice skating school, broom hockey, and bumper cars.

Whether looking for a place to cool off during the hot AL summers or seeking the perfect winter activity, this is the place for it all.

What’s even cooler than the ice rink and frozen activities is that the rink is surrounded by an epic shopping mall.

So when you’ve worn yourself out on the ice, the adjacent mall is a great place for light shopping or a bite to eat.

With so many wonderful things to do in Montgomery, narrowing down a game plan may seem daunting.

Be sure to make time for Eastdale Mall Ice Palace though.

Address: 1000 Eastdale Cir, Montgomery, AL 36117, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Montgomery

With so many wonderful things to experience in Montgomery, it’s no wonder you’re considering this city as your upcoming travel destination.

Montgomery attractions run the gamut from historical and cultural to relaxing and scenic.

If you’re looking for the most epic stuff to do in the quaint city of Montgomery, look no further.

Jot down a couple of spots from this expansive list and hit the road for the time of your life.

Happy travels.

15 Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Montgomery, AL

Written by Lura Seavey and Lana Law Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Montgomery, capital of Alabama, lies in the center of the state on the east bank of the Alabama River. There are a wide range of things to see, including family attractions like the Montgomery Zoo and the unique cow-themed MOOseum. Montgomery's history is one of its most remarkable features, however, and should not be missed whether you are looking for things to do this weekend or planning a vacation itinerary in Montgomery.

Considered by many as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, Montgomery's historic attractions can be found throughout the city. From 1954 through 1960, a young Martin Luther King, Jr. served as pastor for a Baptist Church on Dexter Avenue, a building which became the gathering place for early civil rights activists.

In 1955, Rosa Parks started a nationwide movement when she sat in the whites-only section of a segregated Montgomery public bus, and in 1961, the Freedom Riders made history at the city's Greyhound bus station. In addition to having several landmarks on the Civil Rights Trail,

Montgomery is home to multiple memorials and museums that examine the area's own past, as well as the Civil Rights Movement on a national scale. Learn more about the city's history and find the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions in Montgomery.

See also: Where to Stay in Montgomery

1. Visit the Civil Rights Memorial

2. walk in dr. king's footsteps at the dexter avenue king memorial baptist church and the dexter parsonage museum, 3. montgomery museum of fine arts, 4. rosa parks library and museum, 5. hank williams museum, 6. visit the montgomery zoo, 7. explore old alabama town, 8. the mooseum, 9. freedom rides museum, 10. tour the alabama state capitol, 11. alabama state archives and history museum, 12. visit the national memorial for peace and justice, 13. the legacy museum, 14. relax at riverfront park, 15. alabama safari park, where to stay in montgomery for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in montgomery, al, montgomery, al - climate chart.

The Civil Rights Memorial sits across the street from the Southern Poverty Law Center offices, commemorating those who died during the Civil Rights Movement. The memorial is surrounded by a curving black granite wall with the words "until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream" scrolled across.

Below the wall is a black granite disc with water flowing over the surface, which is engraved with the names of those who lost their lives in the fight for civil rights. The memorial is located in an open area next to the Civil Rights Memorial Center .

Here, tourists will find a variety of exhibits and educational displays, as well as the Wall of Tolerance, which displays the names of visitors who have pledged to work toward tolerance and justice. Visitors may add their own names to the list, which is displayed digitally on the wall of the memorial center.

Address: 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: www.splcenter.org/civil-rights-memorial

The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church was founded in 1877 on the site of a slave trader's pen. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr served as pastor here from 1954 through 1960, and a mural inside the church features Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's journey from Montgomery to Memphis.

King and his family lived in the church's nine-room parsonage during his tenure, and it now houses the Dexter Parsonage Museum. The home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been restored to what it was like during the Kings' residence, including a significant amount of the original furnishings.

The museum also houses an interpretive center with photographs, exhibits, and timelines, which discuss the civil rights movement in Montgomery and the involvement of the church ministers and members. Behind the museum sits the King-Johns Garden for Reflection , a space set aside for meditation and reflection.

Address: 454 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: www.dexterkingmemorial.org/tours/parsonage-museum

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts has a permanent collection of more than 4,000 works, the majority of which are examples of American art from the 1700s through the present. Among these, there is an extensive collection of fragile paper-based artwork including drawings, watercolors, etchings, woodcuts, and engravings by prominent American artists like Winslow Homer and John Marin.

Also within the American art collection is an exhibit of regional art, focusing on folk artists and self-taught artists, incuding paintings, drawings, and crafts, with a large quilt collection. In addition to the American art, the museum houses various examples of European art, as well as a collection of African art, which includes sculpture, furniture, textiles, and masks.

Another highlight of the museum is its decorative arts gallery, with several examples of domestic and imported porcelain, and the Weil Atrium Gallery, which houses glassworks from various celebrated glassblowers including Dale Chihuly and Tiffany Studios. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions and educational programs.

Address: One Museum Drive, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: http://mmfa.org/

The Rosa Parks Library and Museum is located in downtown Montgomery near the site of her arrest after her legendary stand against segregation. Among the historic artifacts on display are a 1955 Montgomery city bus and one of the station wagons used by the boycotters during their movement to end segregation on public transportation.

Other exhibits include photographs, court documents, and even Rosa's original fingerprint record from her arrest. Visitors will learn about the social and political climate of 1950s Montgomery and will be moved as they hear the personal stories of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and other important moments in Civil Rights history. The museum also hosts special events, educational programs, and traveling exhibits throughout the year.

Address: 252 Montgomery Street, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: www.troy.edu/rosaparks

The Hank Williams Museum in downtown Montgomery commemorates one of country music's most famous stars. Visitors can view the museum's extensive collection of Hank's personal belongings, including his powder-blue 1952 Cadillac; a Steinway piano; two Gibson guitars; and a large collection of his clothing, from his first childhood cowboy boots to his stage attire.

Other personal items include artwork from his home, musical instruments, and everyday items like his shaving kit and shoe-shine kit. Memorabilia includes a variety of awards, including Platinum Records, as well as sheet music, autographed vinyl records, and photographs.

Also in Montgomery, the Hank Williams Memorial at Oakwood Annex Cemetery is the singer's final resting place, along with his wife and other family members. The grave site is located on Commerce Street and is a popular tourist destination for country music fans.

Address: 118 Commerce Street, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: http://thehankwilliamsmuseum.net/

Montgomery Zoo is a particularly popular Montgomery attraction for families, full of a wide variety of animals from all over the world. The Australian habitat is home to some of the continent's most famous residents, including kangaroos and wallabies. Visitors will find several African animals as well, including cheetahs, elephants, hippos, and giraffes, while Asian residents include the endangered Sumatran tiger and Indian rhino.

The South American exhibit includes the emerald tree boa, Chilean flamingo, a wide variety of frogs, and the endangered golden lion tamarin. There is also a North American area with bald eagles, bison, and black bear, as well as a petting zoo where kids can feed the African pygmy goats.

There are several opportunities to get up close to the animals, the most popular being the giraffe exhibit, where you can get face-to-face with these graceful giants and hand feed them. Visitors can also watch zookeepers conduct a lion training session, get to know the zoo's three African elephants at the elephant keeper talk, and walk among birds in Parakeet Cove and the South American Flight Aviary.

Those who don't mind taxidermy will also be interested in the Mann Wildlife and Learning Museum , which has lifelike displays depicting a variety of animals in their natural habitats.

Address: 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: www.montgomeryzoo.com

Old Alabama Town is a series of more than 50 historic homes and buildings in historic downtown Montgomery, which have been restored to their original state and are open to the public for touring. Each property has been authentically furnished and outfitted to represent life in 19th- and early 20th-century Alabama, and interpreters are available throughout the neighborhood to answer questions.

The centerpiece of the buildings is the Ordeman House , and admission includes a guided tour of this home, as well as a map and guide to the remaining properties. Among other remarkable buildings are the 1895 Adams Chapel School; the 1892 Corner Grocery Store; and the stunning Ware-Farley-Hood House, which was built around 1850.

Address: 301 Columbus Street, Montgomery, Alabama

A visit to the MOOseum is one of the more unique things to do in Montgomery, especially popular with younger children. Here, visitors will learn all about Alabama's cattle industry, from its start in 1495 to the present-day, through timelines, history exhibits, and video presentations.

You can learn all about cows, from their breeds and complex digestive system to the food and products they produce. Kids can dress up as cowboys and cowgirls in the play arena and learn about beef and food safety in Slim's Kitchen. Another highlight is the "Beef Wagon," a popular place for family photo-ops.

Address: 201 South Bainbridge Street, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: www.bamabeef.org/p/about/273

The Freedom Rides Museum is located at the former Montgomery Greyhound station, where history was made as the Freedom Riders got off their bus on May 20th, 1961. The station has been restored to appear as it was in 1961 and houses a modest collection of exhibits about the movement that eventually succeeded in ending segregation on public transportation.

Exhibits include photographs, documents, and biographies of each of the brave young men and women who were part of the momentous statement. The museum is an official stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

Address: 210 South Court Street, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: ahc.alabama.gov/properties/freedomrides/freedomrides.aspx

The State Capitol building in Montgomery was rebuilt in Greek Revival style after the original was destroyed by a fire in 1850. This historic building served as both the state Capitol and the Capitol of the Confederacy during the Civil War and was later the backdrop for one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s most famous speeches, delivered at the end of the Selma to Montgomery March for voting rights.

Both a National Historic Landmark and a U.S. Civil Rights Trail destination, the capitol building is now a working museum. Visitors can tour the Senate and Old Supreme Court Chambers, the House of Representatives, and the Rotunda. Highlights include historic murals in the Rotunda and trompe l'oeil paintings on the ceiling of the Senate Chamber, as well as the gardens and statues that adorn the five-acre grounds.

Address: 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: https://ahc.alabama.gov/alabama-state-capitol.aspx

The State Archives and History Museum explores the history of Alabama through artifacts and historic documents. Artifacts include Native American and pioneer artifacts, as well as a selection of Civil War items, including regimental flags and portrait galleries. In addition, multimedia presentations expand on various moments in Alabama history and explore broader topics like the cotton industry and civil rights.

The State Archives in Montgomery was founded in 1901 as the first state archival agency in the nation. This turn-of-the-century building features marble walls and staircases of Tennessee gray marble and Alabama white marble. The second floor of the archives is a room dedicated to former Vice President William Rufus King. The room displays King's personal furniture, silver, china, and some of this clothing. Documents on display allow visitors a glimpse of this fascinating man and the period in which he lived.

Address: 624 Washington Ave, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: http://archives.state.al.us/

About a 15-minute walk from the Legacy Museum is the newly unveiled National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the first memorial in the nation to be made in memory of the African Americans who were affected by slavery, lynchings, and racial injustice. This memorial, covering a total of six acres, includes sculptures, monuments, and artwork, which honor major figures in the Civil Rights movement.

Perhaps the most impactful statement is the field of 800 monuments, each representing a county where lynchings occurred, and each engraved with the names of the known victims. These monuments are waiting to be claimed by their respective counties in hopes that acknowledgement of a dark past will lead to a brighter future.

Address: 417 Caroline Street, Montgomery, Alabama

The Legacy Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of racial injustice and bringing its many aspects into the public awareness. The museum is located on the spot where thousands of slaves were once warehoused while awaiting their unknown fates, within walking distance of the city's former slave auction site and the rail station that supported the slave trade.

The museum utilizes a variety of media to discuss how slavery, segregation, lynching, and modern issues of racial profiling and mass incarceration have shaped the nation's history and present. Among its most compelling exhibits are the personal narratives of African Americans who have been subjected to injustice, and the hundreds of sculptures depicting their struggles. There are also major exhibits dedicated to specific issues, including the economics of slavery, life in the Jim Crow south, voting rights, and other topics.

The museum is fully accessible to those with mobility issues.

Address: 400 North Court Street, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: museumandmemorial.eji.org

Montgomery's Riverfront Park is an excellent place to find entertainment and activities for the entire family. One of the most popular activities here is a ride on the Harriott II Riverboat , a 19 th -century passenger boat that provides scenic cruises, as well as dinner cruises featuring live music and dancing.

The riverboat is docked next to the Riverfront Amphitheater , a lovely open-air venue that overlooks the water and hosts a variety of free entertainment, including musical and theatrical performances. Next to the amphitheater is a good-sized Splashpad where kids (and anyone else) can cool off on a hot Alabama day.

Also part of the park is Riverwalk Stadium , a baseball park that is home to the Montgomery Biscuits of the Southern League. Parts of the structure incorporate buildings from the former historic train station, and there is also a children's playground on-site.

Address: 355 Commerce Street, Montgomery, Alabama

Official site: www.funinmontgomery.com

Located about 20 minutes from the city, this 350-acre park provides a unique experience for all ages. Visitors can explore the park from the comfort of their own vehicle, traveling over three miles of road to see wildlife roaming free in their own environment. Guests are permitted to feed the animals using the park's special dietary grains.

Among the park's residents are a variety of large mammals and birds from around the world, including many native to Africa. Exotic residents include zebras, camels, gazelles, water buffalo, Watusi cattle, and emus. The park is also home to deer, llamas, and other domestic wildlife.

A highlight of the park is the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes lettuce leaves, getting up-close to the animals. Guests can also hand-feed the birds in the park's free flight aviary, a unique opportunity to interact with hundreds of friendly budgies. There is also a petting area where kids can feed and pet goats and pigs.

Admission fees are used not only for the park but to help expand public education, fund habitat preservation, and assist captive breeding programs that help sustain populations of rare and endangered animals.

Address: 1664 Venable Road, Hope Hull, Alabama

Official site: www.alabamasafaripark.com

We recommend these convenient hotels in Montgomery with easy access to the city's most popular museums and memorials:

• The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center offers mid-range pricing, river views, and a rooftop pool; it's located in Montgomery's entertainment district.
• Near many shops and restaurants, the Homewood Suites by Hilton Montgomery EastChase is a 3-star hotel with complimentary evening reception and laundry services, as well as recreational facilities, including an outdoor pool and multi-sports court.
• The Hampton Inn & Suites Montgomery-Downtown has affordable rates in a great location in the heart of downtown, offering free hot breakfast, bicycle rental, and private on-site parking.
• An excellent budget choice is Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Montgomery located within a short drive of downtown. This pet-friendly hotel offers free breakfast and amenities including self-serve laundry, baggage storage, and free Wi-Fi.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring Alabama: Montgomery is home to some of Alabama's top tourist attractions , but there is plenty more to see in this southern state. Just an hour-and-a-half drive to the north, Birmingham has a variety of popular attractions , from important civil rights landmarks like the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church to family favorites like the McWane Science Center. Tourists will also find plenty to see and do in Mobile , Alabama's largest coastal city. Mobile is known for its maritime history and lively cultural scene, home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the nation.

Civil Rights Landmarks and Attractions: Alabama is home to several stops on the Civil Rights Trail, as are its neighboring states. Tourists can take an easy day trip from Montgomery to see the sites of Atlanta including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home and National Historic Park, the King Center, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

A longer drive from Montgomery but a straight shot on the highway, Jackson, Mississippi offers the chance to see several more historic civil rights sites. Among Jackson's many popular attractions, tourists will find the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Medgar Evers Home Museum, and the Mississippi Freedom Trail.

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The Best Things To Do In Montgomery, Alabama

• What To Eat
• Where To Stay

After Washington D.C., Montgomery makes a strong case as the city that has most influenced our nation’s growth. The birthplace of the civil rights movement, Alabama’s third largest city remains committed to honoring that legacy, while expanding its horizons to attract visitors hoping to reflect, relax, and revel in new adventures. Visit the city’s many civil rights landmarks, then continue your journey of learning at the Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace & Justice . Enjoy classic Southern cuisine, upscale Italian, or Korean barbecue. Then, sip on a cocktail and peer out over the city from the rooftop of downtown’s newest jewel the Trilogy Hotel. Here are the best things to do in Montgomery.

What To Do In Montgomery, Alabama

The Equal Justice Initiative’s long-awaited projects The Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice , alone, justify a trip to Montgomery. Housed in a former slave warehouse, the Legacy Museum tells the story of slavery and racial inequality in America, from the time of the Transatlantic Slave Trade to today’s endemic of mass incarceration. After you’ve toured the museum, head outside to the adjoining National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the nation’s first memorial dedicated to honoring victims of racial lynching. On the six-acre site, more than 800 six-foot columns symbolize every county in the U.S. where racial lynchings took place. The names of victims are carved into the monuments. The organization's newest development is the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park , a 17-acre site on the Alabama River that opened to the public on Juneteenth 2024. The park tells the story of the more than 10 million Black people who were enslaved in the United States through contemporary sculpture and art pieces, first-person narratives, and historical artifacts.

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Montgomery was the site for some of the most influential moments and events in our country’s struggle for civil rights. Take a tour of all the major landmarks, including the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church , where Martin Luther King Jr. preached; the Dexter Parsonage Museum, where Dr. King and his family once lived; the Civil Rights Memorial and Center ; the Rosa Parks Museum ; and the Freedom Rides Museum . Want additional insight into what you’re seeing? Book a tour with historian and storyteller Wanda Battle or activist and artist Michelle Browder , who leads a trolley tour centered around civil rights and her Mothers of Gynecology monument .

If you need some time to decompress after a day of reckoning, head to the city’s lovely Riverwalk, where you can stroll by the famous Harriott II Riverboat, see Riverwalk Stadium (home to the Montgomery Biscuits minor league team), and maybe even catch the faint melody of a concert at the Riverwalk Amphitheater.

Experience Montgomery

In addition to legendary civil rights champions, Montgomery also served as home to some of the country's most famous literary and music icons. Learn more about the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald at the couple’s former home in the historic Cloverdale neighborhood. The museum even allows guests to stay in two period-decorated suites dedicated to the writers. While you’re in the area, check out the collection of locally-owned cafés, boutiques, and shops in this quaint neighborhood.

Head back downtown to find an all-encompassing tribute to country music pioneer Hank Williams at the Hank Williams Museum . Inside you’ll find the most complete collection of Williams memorabilia including his instruments, clothing, and personal items.

One of Montgomery’s latest development, an outdoor recreation complex anchored by the world's most advanced man-made whitewater course, brings the great outdoors to the doorstep of downtown. Situated on 120 acres just of I-65 and on the Alabama River, Montgomery Whitewater offers its namesake whitewater rafting trip, as well as mountain biking and jogging trails, kayaking, zip lines, ropes courses, climbing walls, a full-service restaurant, and a beer garden.

What To Eat In Montgomery, Alabama

Birmingham may be Alabama’s culinary capital, but Montgomery certainly isn’t lacking in the department of delicious food. Vacations are cause for celebration, and there’s no better place to toast to your adventure than at one of the city’s fine-dining restaurants. Feast on internationally influenced Southern dishes made with local ingredients at Central . Escape to the Amalfi Coast with simple but elegant Italian fare at Ravello . Vintage Year , a wine shop turned fine dining restaurant, wows with its decadent steak and excellent wine list.

Lunch plans may begin and end at Martin’s Restaurant , a longstanding meat ‘n’ three known for perfectly crisped fried chicken. Vegetarians should try vegan café Plant Bae , and those looking for a break from the familiar should visit D’Road Café for Venezuelan breakfast and lunch.

To truly be transported outside the city, follow locals to hidden gem Capitol Oyster Bar . Overlooking the Alabama River, this classic seafood shack has all the makings of a favorite beachfront restaurant—just minus the ocean. Order a dozen oysters on the half shell or a pound of Cajun-seasoned Royal Red shrimp, and enjoy in the view (and frequent live music) from the expansive back deck.

Don't leave the city without exploring Korean cuisine thanks to the city's of large Korean-American population. Treat yourself to Korean Barbecue at locally-owned restaurants like So Gong Dong Tofu & BBQ or Kalim Korean BBQ .

When you need an afternoon pick-me-up or something to get you going in the morning, head to local roaster Prevail Union for a great cup of joe in a contemporary space. Hilltop Public House , on a hill overlooking downtown in the charming Hilltop neighborhood, caters to daytime drinkers with locally roasted coffee blends and pastries. Once the sun goes down, it transforms into a hip hangout with craft beer and cocktails. A few blocks away, Baristas and Barristers operates under the same dual business model. Attorney Monica Whiting transformed a historic Victorian house in downtown Montgomery into a comfortable third space for the entire community. During the day, folks meet over coffee in cozy dining rooms. From 5 p.m. on, the house's bar is open for craft cocktails, cigars, and plenty of chatter. Other spirited beverages can be found at Common Bond Brewers and Goat Haus Biergarten , a hilltop Victorian home where folks gather for evening drinks and weekend brunch.  

Where To Stay In Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery is spotted with cozy Airbnbs and has its fair share of nationally recognized hotel chains, but the newly opened Trilogy Autograph Hotel offers the best of both worlds. The city’s first boutique hotel, Trilogy honors downtown's history by transforming three historic buildings (two warehouses and a Greek Revival mansion) into one stunning community gathering space. Order the Duck Trilogy at on-site restaurant Kinsmith, then take an elevator to the impossibly cool rooftop bar Waterworks. There you’ll find lush plant walls, sky pods overlooking downtown, and a generous menu of beer, wine, and craft cocktails.

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10 Best Things to Do in Montgomery, Alabama

Located along the banks of the Alabama River, Montgomery is the capital of Alabama. The second-largest city in the state, Montgomery is the birthplace of notable Americans like singers Nat King Cole and Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton, actress Octavia Spencer, and writer Zelda Fitzgerald. The city also played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement, from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the Selma to Montgomery March to Dexter Avenue King Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. served as pastor and community organizer from 1954 to 1960. Montgomery is also a modern cultural and educational hub and home to several museums, performing arts venues, and universities.

Just a short drive from Birmingham, Atlanta , Nashville , and other Southeast points, the city is easy to explore on a day trip or a quick weekend getaway. From touring the Rosa Parks Museum and Library to staying in the home where literary duo F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald once resided and viewing works of art from American greats like Winslow Homer at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, these are the top 10 things to do in Montgomery.

View Great Works at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

Located on the grounds of Blount Cultural Park, this museum has a substantial American collection, including paintings, drawings, and watercolors by Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, and John Singer Sargent, as well as works like quilts and crafts from regional and self-taught artists. The 4,000-work permanent collection also includes an extensive gallery of European art, African art, a decorative arts gallery, a sculpture garden, and an atrium with dedicated glassworks from Dale Chihuly and Tiffany Studios. Traveling with little ones? Visit ARTWORKS, Alabama's first interactive fine arts gallery for children, a special wing with interactive exhibits for kids. And allow ample time to explore the scenic 175-acre park, which includes miles of walking trails, a dog park, and an amphitheater that hosts the Alabama Shakespeare Company.

Experience History at the Rosa Parks Library and Museum

Located on the campus of Troy University downtown, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum sits on the site where Mrs. Parks was arrested in 1955, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and leading to the integration of the city's public transportation. The interactive, family-friendly museum chronicles the activist's journey with exhibits that include video and photo installations, a Montgomery city bus from the 1950s, original works of art like quilts, and a restored 1955 station wagon—the "rolling church" used to transport protestors instrumental in the bus boycott and larger Civil Rights Movement.

Experience the Jazz Age at the F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

Courtesy of F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

The famed literary couple F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald—the latter, a Montgomery local—called an apartment in this craftsman house on Felder Avenue home between 1931 and 1932. This is where they wrote their respective works "Tender is the Night" and "Save Me the Waltz," and the downstairs museum offers tours and includes literary and Jazz Age artifacts like manuscripts, handwritten letters, period furniture, memorabilia from "The Great Gatsby" movies, and Zelda's drawings and self-portraits. Superfans can spend the night in one of the home's two upstairs apartments , aptly named the Zelda and the Scott, available for rental from Airbnb.

Visit the Civil Rights Memorial Center

Sponsored by the Southern Poverty Law Center and created by Maya Lin, who designed the similar Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., this outdoor, contemplative black granite and water installation honors the martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement. The stone is engraved with 40 names, honoring those killed between 1954 (the year school segregation was outlawed by the Supreme Court) and 1968 (the year of Dr. King's assassination), along with the words, "We will not be satisfied...until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream," a quote from Dr. King's 1963 "I Have A Dream" speech. The memorial is directly adjacent to the Civil Rights Memorial Center, which includes exhibits and a theatre that shows a short film outlining the city's role in the pivotal movement in American history.

Reflect at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Legacy Museum

Opened in 2018, this memorial is the only one in the country dedicated to chronically racial violence against Black Americans, from slavery and the Jim Crow era to present-day police brutality and mass incarceration. The somber, six-acre site incorporates sculpture, art, and text from Toni Morrison and Dr. King, with a centerpiece memorial comprised of 800 six-foot steel monuments representing lynching victims in 800 counties across the country. The adjacent, 11,000-square foot Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration includes first-person accounts, sculptures, videography, and other exhibits detailing the experiences of Black Americans.

Get Up Close with Animals at the Montgomery Zoo

This 40-acre zoo on the north side of the city houses over 700 animals from five continents, from African elephants and giraffes to Australian kangaroos and wallabies to Chilean flamingos and North American bald eagles and black bears. Other highlights include a petting zoo, a South American bird aviary, a parakeet cove, a stingray tank, and a reptile house with several species of frogs, turtles, and snakes. The zoo offers several animal encounters, including a can't-miss giraffe feeding, which gets you up close and personal with the majestic, 18-foot creatures.

Tour Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

Now a National Historic Landmark, this downtown church is where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., first preached as a young minister, ultimately leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott and other Civil Rights movements. The church offers both self-led and guided tours, including the sanctuary and notable parts of the building, such as a basement mural dedicated to his work and legacy. The Dexter Parsonage Museum, where Dr. King and his wife Coretta Scott King lived, is also open to the public for tours and still holds some of the couple's original furnishings. Note these two distinct landmarks are not within walking distance of each other, so plan to drive.

Stroll Through Riverfront Park

Stretching from the banks of the Alabama River to the city's central business district, the park offers wide paths for walking and cycling, a splash pad for cooling off on hot days, and an amphitheater that hosts picnics, concerts, movies, plays, and other special events throughout the year. You can also catch a riverboat ride nearby or attend a minor league baseball game in Riverwalk Stadium.

Experience a Musical Legend at the Hank Williams Museum

Country music fans won't want to miss this museum dedicated to the famous singer-songwriter who died tragically in a car accident in 1953. The car he was driving—a baby-blue 1952 Cadillac—as well as vinyl records, costumes, guitars, and costumes are on display, and visitors can also play one of the singer's signature tunes like "Hey Good Lookin'" and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," on an antique jukebox. Williams is buried in the city's Oakwood Cemetery Annex, and a bronze statue of him is on display downtown on the Riverwalk.

Catch a Show at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre

Courtesy of the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre

This 1,800-seat theater downtown hosts various local and touring events, from comedians to ballet to live music. Enjoy the sounds of the Montgomery Symphony, see popular musicians like Jason Isbell and Lyle Lovett perform live, or watch a classic film like "Wizard of Oz" or "The Godfather" on the big screen.

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25 Fantastic Things To Do In Montgomery (Alabama)

By: Author Travel Around

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2023

You’ve come to the appropriate spot if you’re looking for exciting and unusual things to do in Montgomery.

Montgomery, which is on seven hills and offers great views of the Alabama River, is extremely significant in American history.

The Cotton State’s capital, Montgomery, which also has a turbulent civil rights movement past, was the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

With the well-known Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, and the Performing Arts Center, Montgomery boasts a vibrant art scene.

Undoubtedly, the city is a great vacation spot because of its charming downtown area, amazing landmarks, and intriguing attractions.

With so many great attractions to visit in one vibrant city, it is understandable that tourists fly from far and wide to see Monty.

In addition to the fantastic sights, the city boasts a friendly atmosphere, attractive lodgings, and a ton of things to see and do.

So, if you’re debating whether to book a trip to Montgomery, have a look at all the fantastic things to do.

Things To Do In Montgomery, Alabama

1. haunted montgomery tours.

Haunted Montgomery Tours

Have you ever wondered what you could see if you go on a spooky tour?

Besides, what could be more spooky than visiting the Haunted Montgomery Tours , a local haunt with ghosts and goblins?

A visit to Montgomery Ghost is the spookiest way to spend an abbreviated Autumn Day.

Stroll past several Montgomery homes, cemeteries, and cursed villages.

There are even rare sightings of ghosts and a lot of mystery revolving around the afterlife.

However, these are just imaginary but they give off a good scare.

Think you have what it takes to confound this spooky tour?

Find out with a session tour at Haunted Montgomery Tours.

Guides will relate the history of these haunted houses as you move through.

Be sure not to jump out of your skin in trepidation.

Going on a Montgomery Ghost Tour of a real haunt is where you should go if you want a real scare.

Address: Montgomery, Alabama, United States

2. Montgomery Zoo

Kendrick Shackleford / Flickr

One of the nicest things to do in Montgomery, Alabama, is the 40-acre Montgomery Zoo .

Anyone looking for a perfect opportunity and experience with wildlife should make a stop at the Montgomery Zoo.

The Montgomery Zoo is an interactive 40-acre zoo on the north side of Montgomery.

Home to approximately 750 animals and over 140 species of animals.

On a tour, visitors can wander and look through animal spaces, photographing and feeding animals.

Besides, the fact that this breathtaking museum showcases barrier-free exhibits of over 400 animals from five continents will blow your mind.

First, you can start off to see the Australian Realm.

Visible from a boardwalk, the Australian Realm is a significant part of the zoo displaying Australian animals.

If you want to see Australian wildlife, be sure to drop by the Australian Realm.

After that, proceed to the large Asian Hoofstock yard.

Originally, this part became open to the public in 1991 and offers rare sightings of top Asian wildlife.

Here you’ll find tigers and even Indian peafowl roaming through the zoo grounds.

Next is the African Realm, the largest exhibit complex you’ll find in this beautiful Montgomery zoo.

To make it more glamorous, there are even waterfalls, a vast pool, and a barn with a flexible design.

While touring the animals in their different compartments is something you can do, there are several options you can also try.

Stop over and eat out at the Overlook Cafe.

Then, wait behind and take a train ride around the park.

There’s even the Zoofari Skylift, the Giraffe Encounter, a Petting Zoo, and a Parakeet Cove you can explore as well.

Address: 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, Alabama 36110, United States .

3. Riverfront Park, Montgomery

Kaydeesquared | Flickr

Riverfront Park is one of Montgomery, top outdoor attractions.

Anyone who enjoys outdoor fun would want to bask in the moment with a visit to the Riverfront Park.

The Riverfront Park is one of Montgomery’s few outdoor fun locations.

Anchored by the Amphitheatre, Riverfront Park is a fun entertainment destination, just on the banks of the Alabama River.

Though there isn’t much that makes this park so trendy, they offer amazing riverboat rides and one of the most fun performances in Montgomery.

In fact, this park is a must-see in spring, when there are a teeming number of concerts and shows on the display.

Since most of the flora on this park grounds are beautiful and safe, picnicking is one other top activity to try here.

You can either opt to sit on the grass over a mat and a picnic basket or just hang out on one of its picnic tables.

There’s even a splash pad for kids in case they get rusty with the weather.

It’s entirely safe and water hygienic.

If what you want is something more showy, you can drop by the amphitheater and see concerts and performances put up on stage.

In addition to this park’s many enticing features, visitors will enjoy the incredible view of the river and its surroundings.

Take a stroll down the Riverwalk and wait till the sunset comes out and gaze at its beauty.

Address: 355 Commerce St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, United States

4. Hank Williams Museum

Hank Williams Museum

Music lovers and enthusiasts cannot afford to leave Montgomery without a full tour of the Hank Williams Museum.

This museum honors and pays respect to Hank Williams Sr., a legend in the field of country music.

A tour through this museum will grab you on a discovery of the legacy of the first country music icon.

Here, you’ll learn how Hank Williams changed the genre and planted the seeds for American music, the blues, rockabilly, and even rock & roll.

Visitors who tour this museum have the opportunity of seeing the largest collection of Hank Williams memorabilia fully intact.

Most of Hank Williams’s memorabilia is housed in this museum spanning 6,000 square foot museum.

It showcases Williams’ 1952 baby-blue Cadillac, which is how he passed away in 1953 while traveling from Montgomery to Canton.

You’ll also be able to explore Hank’s 1952 Baby Blue Cadillac and about 17 of Hank Williams’ suits made by Nudie’s of Hollywood, Kenilworth, Royal Award, and Hart Schaffner & Marx, all from Joseph Frank & Sons in Nashville.

Apart from these, you’ll also find suits, boots, hats, ties, awards, furnishings, a horse’s saddle, pictures, records, and even albums.

In all, a trip to the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery will allow you to experience what a journey into the past life and times of Hank Williams looks like.

Address: 118 Commerce St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, United States

5. Alabama Shakespeare Festival

Alabama Shakespeare Festival

If you’re touring Montgomery, then ensure to stop by and see one of their top festivals.

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is one of the prime ten Shakespeare festivals in the world.

Not only is it one of the tourism driving forces in the city, but it is also one of the distinct activities you’ll enjoy in Montgomery.

Yearly, this festival takes place in Montgomery, at Alabama’s Carolyn Blount Theatre, the festival’s permanent home.

Each year, the festival does more than 400 acts, drawing more than 300,000 spectators from all across the United States and 60 other countries.

At first, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival got its start in Anniston as a summer-stock theatrical initiative in 1972.

Since then, it has become a forerunner in the performing arts in the state, region, and nation overalls.

During every festival, three plays by William Shakespeare are normally among the six to nine shows that the Alabama Shakespeare Festival performs.

However, these are not the only plays you get to enjoy in the course of a tour.

They also offer musicals, classic plays, theater for young audiences, and intriguing new works.

From all indications, this top performing arts center is a must-see in Montgomery.

Be sure to explore its environs on a visit.

A stroll through the gardens can be quite satisfying.

Address: 1 Festival Dr, Montgomery, Alabama 36117, United States

6. The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum/ Pinterest

Check out The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum , one of Montgomery’s most interesting attractions.

Book lovers and general readers will find this immensely knowledgeable museum in Montgomery interesting.

The Fitzgerald Museum is a nonprofit organization in Montgomery, honoring the lives and creative output of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.

It is the lone place the renowned couple called home in Montgomery after it was spared from demolition in 1986.

From 1931 until 1932, F. Scott, Zelda, and their daughter Scottie lived in this House.

On a tour of this preserved Jazz Age family home, you’ll find a collection of artwork and several books.

You’ll find several knowledgeable books and even rare exhibits on display.

Take a walk through the rooms, wander amidst exhibits and take pictures.

In addition to the vast collection of exhibits you can explore, the museum now holds readings, galas, silent auctions, and other literary occasions.

Visitors and travelers can take part in these daily literary activities and even make their own input.

If what you want to explore is a vast literary world, make a stop at this museum.

Truly, it’s one of the great places you should keep an eye out for when touring Montgomery.

Address: 919 Felder Ave, Montgomery, Alabama 36106, United States

7. Rosa Parks Library and Museum

Ann Alto / Flickr

One of the most poignant Montgomery attractions is the Rosa Parks Library and Museum.

If you have heard of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, you’ll know that it was a really trying period in the city.

A lot of memories accumulated from that one-time experience and its tales and aftermath are still quite visible.

Want to explore a little of Montgomery’s dark history, visit the Rosa Parks Library and Museum.

The Rosa Parks Museum at Troy University serves as an active tribute to the life of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks and the lessons learned from the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Basically, the Montgomery Bus Boycott was the turning point for racial integration in transportation and brought civil rights to the scrutiny of the world.

It is the only museum in the country devoted to Rosa Parks at the location of her arrest in downtown Montgomery.

Visitors going on a tour can check out the museum’s collection, including a number of historically significant artifacts, such as Mrs. Parks’ original fingerprint arrest record.

There’s also a Montgomery city bus from the 1950s, original works of art like statues and quilts, court records, and police reports, on display.

Also, you’ll find the restored 1955 station wagon that was used to transport protesters and was known as a “rolling church”.

You’ll be able to look into the eyes and hear the brave men and women who bravely and successfully fought for freedom.

And if you’re fortuitous, you can get a glimpse of the divided South, and the injustices experienced by African Americans through our exhibitions.

Explore whenever in Montgomery, you’ll never leave unsatisfied.

Address: 252 Montgomery St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, United States

8. Wilderness Park & Bamboo Forest

Ann Alto | Flickr

If you’re looking for some other huge things to do just close to Montgomery, there are a few.

Of all, try a visit to the Wilderness Park & Bamboo Forest.

Anyone who wants to explore the natural setting of a bamboo forest should make a trip to this scenic location.

Wilderness Park & Bamboo Forest is a small dog-friendly park featuring a trail running through bamboo trees and a frog pond in a serene setting.

Hidden away in Wilderness Park, in downtown Prattville, is this beautiful bamboo forest that was formerly used by the U.S. martial during the notable Vietnam era.

And during the 1982 period, it became the first park of its kind developed inside city limits in the United States.

On a tour of this park, you’ll discover that many areas have bamboo stalks as tall as 60 feet and a trunk diameter of 6 inches.

Besides bamboo, there are several other varieties of plants that you can explore within the forest.

Moreover, right in this park, you’ll find Alabama’s second-largest beech tree.

Visitors can take a hike through the cleared trail or even consider photography.

Since it has a gorgeous backdrop, it makes the perfect spot for beautiful pictures.

It’s open every day from sunrise until dusk and it’s free to get in.

Address: 800 Upper Kingston Rd, Prattville, Alabama 36067, United States

9. Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall

Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall

Shopping and exploring Montgomery’s market is one great way to spend time in the city.

One of the popular markets and malls in this beautiful Alabama city is Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall.

At this market, you’ll find over 300 vendors selling a wide variety of items on 60,000 square feet.

This market is one of the biggest and one of the top attraction sites in Montgomery.

Each year, this market receives a teeming amount of visitors since they offer some of the rarest objects.

For more than 26 years, they’ve been in operation and you’ll enjoy checking out their three floors of unique and vintage goods.

Not just that, there are a teeming amount of collectibles, antiques, furniture, comics, albums, glassware, oil paintings, and old tools.

Even the rarest of them, like pop culture memorabilia, vintage clothing, Coke memorabilia, militaria, and handcrafted furniture, are on display.

Here, you’re sure to find even the missing piece of your grandmother’s china, as well as furniture and glassware.

In fact, you’ll find everything you’re searching for at Eastbrook, whether it be new or vintage.

Check out this beautiful market and mall whenever in Montgomery. It promises to be exciting.

In all, you’ll find it amazingly beautiful.

Address: 425 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery, Alabama 36109, United States

10. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

North American Reciprocal Museum

One of the most notable traveler destinations in all of Alabama is this well-known Montgomery museum.

Anyone interested in fine arts should check out the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts .

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is a museum with a number of art collections in Montgomery.

It was established in 1930.

Most of its collections and exhibits on display include American paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Not just that, Southern regional art, Old Master prints, and decorative arts are all part of its permanent collection.

Its current structure was developed in 1988 and inaugurated by the Montgomery architectural company of Barganier, Davis, and Sims.

To this feat, this museum is considered the oldest fine arts museum in Alabama and the first ever museum in Alabama to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in June 1978.

Notable about most of its galleries is the kind of art and portraits you’ll find on display.

Visitors who decide to tour or check out the museum can view the works of Hudson and Krenshaw in the galleries.

There’s also a collection from famed artist Jacques Amans, a portrait of J.A. Rozier, Adolph Weinman, and Rising Day Adolph Weinman, and Descending Night.

Then you can move on to the Blount Collection to see the works of John Singer Sargent, Mrs. Louis E. Raphael, John Singleton Copley, Joseph Henshaw, and John Sloan.

Other serene and beautiful artworks and exhibits you can explore include Deborah Butterfield, Jamey Grimes, and Teraxacum (2019).

Literally, the kind of art you’ll find within these walls is exceptional and if you’re a big art buff, this is quite a catch.

A great place to see and view art at its peak.

Address: 1 Museum Dr, Montgomery, Alabama 36117, United States

11. Civil Rights Memorial Center

Even amidst looking through and exploring all the beauty and history of Montgomery, take a break and pause at some time.

Yes, pause and pay respect to some of the valiant individuals who lost their lives to make the city great.

The Civil Rights Memorial Center is a granite fountain bearing the names of 41 individuals who died as martyrs for the civil rights fight.

Maya Lin built this Civil Rights American monument, in Montgomery.

Its original sponsor was the Southern Poverty Law Center, and in 1989, the Civil Rights Memorial was officially open to the public.

This memorial embodies the names of all the people who died between 1955 and 1968.

These dates were however chosen because Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968 and, secondly, the United States Supreme Court conceded that racial segregation in schools was illegal in 1956.

Since The Civil Rights Memorial Center offers one-hour-long group tours, visitors can take part in these tours.

You can make reservations or schedule a tour from Monday through Saturday.

Slowly walk down memory lane and pay respect to 41 of these individuals.

If you get bored at any moment and want to do more than just pay respects, there are several great significant spots close to the memorial.

Head on to The Alabama State Capitol or even the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Address: 400 Washington Ave, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, United States

12. Visit the Blount Cultural Park

Kendrick Shacklefordn / Flickr

Blount Cultural Park is a shining city park with lovely sights to view and enjoyable things to do in Montgomery.

The Blount Cultural Park is a large municipal park in Montgomery’s beautiful setting.

This scenic park offers a strolling path, a dog park, duck ponds, and a statuary.

It is one of the most elegant places in the city where you can explore nature’s lush greenery.

One of the activities you can enjoy in this park is strolling.

Not only are the strolling paths in good condition at the sides of these paths, but you’ll also find beautiful flowers blooming.

A good opportunity to look at flowers and soak in the essence.

While looking at the flowers and lush greenery, you can pick a spot and camp out picnicking.

If you get hot while exploring, there are ponds and a splash pad where you can dive in and cool off.

Soak in the pond and then sit on the sand or try sunbathing.

There’s also an amphitheater where you can catch a few performances and shows before you leave.

After you’ve had your pile of fun, you can visit other interesting attraction sites also in the park.

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Hannah Daye Ridling Bark Park, and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts are all in this 175-acre park.

Blount Cultural Park is accessible every day of the week and has ponds, miles of walking trails, a natural amphitheater, and a beautiful landscape.

Check it out if you have doubts.

13. Explore MOOseum, Montgomery

Arthur Taussig / MOOseum

Wondering what to do that is both educational and interactive, but overall animal related.

If so, there’s just one place in Montgomery that’ll appeal to you.

MOOseum is an educational museum in Montgomery celebrating Alabama’s cattle farming and cowboy heritage.

Since unfolding its doors in 1995, the MOOseum has been the exclusive outlet for children and adults alike to discover more about Alabama’s beef cattle industry.

It’s so detailed and ushers you into the world of beef.

Whether you’re a history fanatic looking to explore the timeline of the past or to learn in a hands-on environment, then visit MOOseum.

You can start your tour from The View from pasture to Plate exhibit and experience the distinct lifecycle of a beef animal from the pasture all the way to the center of your plate.

However, the story doesn’t stop here.

Learn about all the rare byproducts that come from beef cattle with their fun and interaction byproducts case.

While here, Adam Bainbridge, an on-staff cowboy, and virtual tour guide, will walk you through a movie and tell you a tale about this cattle industry in Alabama.

After that, head over and check out the “Hoofprints Through Alabama” gallery, which features a floor-to-ceiling timeline starting in 1494.

You can also explore The Feeding Trough to learn about beef and dress like a tough cowboy in the Rodeo Arena.

Be sure to leave with memories.

The MOOseum has a General Store where you can get your photo taken with our Texas Longhorn, “Dusty.”

Tour Montgomery differently for a start.

Address: 201 S Bainbridge St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, United States

Looking for more things to do in Alabama? See our list of things to do in Tuscaloosa , Mobile , and Dauphin Island !

14. Old Alabama Town

Lone Cypress / Flickr

If you’re darting for things to do in Montgomery itself, you should definitely visit Old Alabama Town .

Old Alabama Town is a historical landmark in Montgomery, Alabama.

This area in the city consists of a group of 19th- and 20th-century structures that have been restored to make up Old Alabama Town.

It was founded by The Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery, a non-profit organization, in 1967.

These houses depict the lifestyle of the pioneers who settled and created central Alabama.

Spanning over six blocks in the center of Montgomery, it shows a variety of structures, eras, and lifestyles.

A visit and a walk through these historic buildings will tell you a lot about Alabama.

Start your exploration at the Living Block.

Here, you’ll find both urban and rural buildings, as well as modest structures where people gathered to meet a variety of wants, longings, and aspirations.

Then, proceed to tour the Working Block by entering through the Rose House dogtrot.

There, you can witness how people lived, worked, and created in central Alabama in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

You’ll also find fig trees, a satsuma tree, and a garden as you walk through the working block, all of which are actively producing.

Address: 301 Columbus St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, United States

15. Tour the Alley Entertainment District

Photographer 192 / Flickr

Spend some time at the Alley Entertainment District if you’re seeking only adult-oriented things to do in Montgomery.

Truly, for any occasion, Alley Station provides the ideal location.

For visitors, the Alley Station provides the ideal venue for whatever activity and event you intend to undertake in the city.

Whether you’re celebrating the ideal romance, conducting business in luxury, or even holding the season’s biggest gathering, you can rely on this entertainment district.

They have a way of creating relaxation and excellence in one page.

Explore their numerous event options and find out which is befitting for you.

You can also check out the views from their rooftop and look into the soul of Montgomery.

If you have the time, you ought to go.

Address: 133 Tallapoosa St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, United States

16. Explore Harriott II Riverboat

Mister_wolf / Flickr

A renowned Montgomery destination, the Harriott II Riverboat offers views of some of the most beautiful locations in the country.

Although there are so many ways of exploring Montgomery, none can beat a river ride.

Come down to the river and relive history while taking a leisurely sail aboard Harriott II, Montgomery’s top downtown attraction.

The Harriott II is a 19th-century steamboat, which is berthed next to the Riverwalk Amphitheater.

A grand vessel that serves dining, dancing, and even live entertainment.

Visitors can choose to take two more tour options and explore the waters since one is never enough.

Among the available cruises are the Blues Cruise, Mother’s Day Brunch, Brew’s Cruise, Dinner Cruise, and Getaway Cruise.

Bring your partner and spend a tranquil evening on the river, just rowing and singing into the dusk.

Are you planning a surprise for your anniversary, partner, or even a birthday?

There are some tour options that will fit in completely and offer you excellence.

You can choose to exploit an anniversary package or even a birthday package.

While an anniversary package contains flowers, balloons, and champagne, birthday packages typically include balloons, cake, and party favors.

For the icing on the cake, there are fireworks cruises on the second Saturday of the month, Father’s Day dinner cruises, and July 4th fireworks cruises.

That means you can hang out and watch fireworks as you interact and sail on the river.

Plan to visit and take your spouse on a leisurely date.

Address: 200 Coosa St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, United States

17. Legacy Museum, Montgomery

Legacy Museum

Want to explore some of the racial discord histories in Montgomery, then make a stop at the legacy museum.

The Legacy Museum is one of Montgomery’s top attractions that chronicles the history of racism and slavery in the United States.

Presently, the museum is at a new location that offers 47,000 square feet of space as well as new exhibitions, including an art gallery.

This museum keeps every documentation about the racial lynchings, segregation, and racial intolerance, as well as the enslavement of African-Americans.

In order to depict the misery and fear of slavery, lynchings, and officially enforced racial segregation in America, the museum makes use of technology.

Visitors can explore slave replicas that simulate what it was like to be a captive slave waiting to be sold at the auction block.

Through narration and voiceovers, visitors can explore first-person accounts of slavery and auction.

Notable artists and sculptors have most of their artworks on display in this museum and visitors have a chance of exploring them.

At the art gallery, you’ll find the works of Hank Willis Thomas, Glenn Ligon, Jacob Lawrence, and Elizabeth Catlett.

If you move further, you’ll also find the works of Titus Kaphar and Sanford Biggers in the memorial complex.

Amongst most of the famed artist’s collections in the museum, you should check out the collection of soil from lynching settings across the country.

There’s even a striking display showing a scared group of shackled and abducted Africans facing a group of men as they are being arrested.

Literally, if you want to acquire first-hand information about the slave trade, be sure to visit.

Stop by if you’re visiting Montgomery.

You can’t afford to miss this.

Address: 400 N Court St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, United States

18. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium

Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium

Check out the Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium if you are a baseball lover.

In your itinerary of things to do, be sure to include a visit to this remarkable stadium.

The Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium is home to The Southern League’s Montgomery Biscuits.

Southern League Montgomery Biscuits, a minor league baseball stadium, debuted in 2004.

And this stadium, which is in the center of Montgomery, is the location for their performances.

With a capacity of 7,000 people every night, this stadium is one of the famous outdoor centers in the city.

Formerly, the Riverwalk Stadium was a century-old train shed.

Since its transformation, the field is now two blocks from the actual railway station.

Apart from watching the Biscuits perform in the stadium, there are a number of activities to enjoy within the stadium.

Needless to say, this stadium stands in close proximity to the Alabama River and offers breathtaking views of the river.

There’s even a riverfront area with a kiddie pool that visitors can enjoy, especially if traveling with children.

For entertainment, there is a vast amphitheater just behind the field.

Regularly, concerts, shows, and performances are held on its grounds.

There are even several picnic areas in the lush vegetation on the left field and along the third baseline.

It is so large that it can hold up to 4,000 spectators.

Under the grandstands, the stadium houses a gift shop, “The Biscuit Basket.”

Stop by the Biscuit Basket and pick some baseball souvenirs to take home and remember your fun stay at the stadium.

You’ll find it amazingly great.

19. Go on Coosa River Adventures

Coosa River Adventures

One of the best tourist destinations for outdoor aficionados is Coosa River Adventures , which is just outside of Montgomery.

If you’d appreciate the serenity of the calm waters and prefer going on a river adventure, this is for you.

Visits to the Coosa River Adventures are always one of the top activities to explore in Montgomery.

The Coosa River Adventures is the largest sit-on-top kayak dealer in the South with more than 300 boats.

In this place, visitors can purchase or rent name-brand, high-quality canoes, and kayaks.

Visitors will be able to charter kayaks and canoes to explore Old Town, Mad River, Jackson, Bonifide, Native, NuCanoe, Ocean Kayak, Perception, Dagger, and much more.

Basically, if what you want to experience is your soul drifting away like a log of wood, this is for you.

While here, visitors can explore trips which often take 3 to 4 hours.

Moreover, the Coosa River is a fantastic place to encounter whitewater for the first time.

Go on a kayak fishing experience or just join the Tote ‘n Float.

In the Tote ‘n Float, visitors get to explore the lake or beach with a canoe or sit-on-top kayak.

Since there are various lakes, brooks, and rivers in the area, it’s best to just explore the Tote ‘n Float Program.

Then, if what you want is a longer journey, go on a trip through the Tallapoosa River all night.

You’ll get to explore an entire 51-mile journey on flat, quickly-moving water.

Spend the night in a rocking boat with your partner or just for alone time.

Take the time to make memories in Montgomery.

Address: 415 Company St, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092, United States

20. Garrett Coliseum

Lamar / Flickr

The Alabama Agricultural Center, a one hundred eighteen-acre multifunctional facility, including the renowned Garrett Coliseum.

It is three miles northeast of the center of Montgomery. 

This coliseum, which has more than 12,500 seats, is host to well-known performers, including Prince, Elton John, and Hank Williams.

Its Southeastern Rodeo Association, Black Rodeo, is another event held yearly at the coliseum. 

A list of bands and performances that will be taking place in Montgomery is available on the Garret Coliseum website.

If you feel like seeing a band, don’t miss out on this.

Address: 1555 Federal Drive, Montgomery, Alabama 36107, United States

21. Majestic Caverns

James G. Milles | Flickr

Majestic Caverns, one of the best tourist destinations in the South, is about an hour’s drive from Montgomery, but the trip is definitely worth it.

This attraction, which is one of the most visited spots in the city, is ideal to do on a sunny day.

Visits to notable caves within the Majestic Caverns are something you can look forward to experiencing.

Its major highlight is a highly scenic onyx chamber right across the attraction site.

However, the onyx isn’t only the intriguing thing about this cave.

As you journey along and roam this site, you’ll find a healing room, a laser light display, and even a natural waterfall.

Sincerely, there’s no better sight to behold than these caves.

Additionally, Majestic Caverns offers a variety of unusual live performances, including magic shows and forge demonstrations.

Rock wall climbing, a train ride, gemstone planning, a maze path, and a splash pad are available for visitors to explore.

For something more sporty, visitors can explore the mini-golf section and an archery range.

Literally, there’s no reason you should be found missing in action.

Address: 5181 Desoto Caverns Pkwy, Childersburg, Alabama 35044, United States

22. 1048 Jazz & Blues

christina rutz | Flickr

Check out 1048 Jazz & Blues if you’re wondering what to do in Montgomery after dark.

You won’t be let down at one of the coolest venues for live music and delicious drinks.

Notably, 1048 Jazz & Blues presents musical groups every night that cover the full spectrum from jazz to blues and everything in between.

The eatery has both indoor and outdoor dining, which is great if you’re seeking for an alfresco experience.

Along with fantastic live music, 1048 Jazz & Blues offers delicious mixed beverages and frosty beers.

Amazingly, the pub features live music every day of the week, every day of the year.

Their entertainment schedule is always available on their website well in advance.

In all, allowing you to research your preferred musical genre before going.

Finally, 1048 Jazz & Blues has a very laid-back atmosphere, a modest location, and a relaxed feel that makes it the ideal place for a nightcap.

Looking for a trendy nightlife location, make a stop here.

Address: 1104 E Fairview Ave, Montgomery, Alabama 36106, United States

Checking out other cities in Alabama? See our list of things to do in Auburn , Hunstville , and Foley !

23. Eastdale Mall Ice Palace

The Eastdale Mall Ice Palace

This year-round ice rink is one of the hippest tourist destinations in the area, both literally and figuratively speaking.

Eastdale Mall Ice Palace , the ideal location for all your ice activities, provides ice skating lessons, broom hockey, and bumper cars.

Undoubtedly, this is the spot for everything, whether you’re searching for a location to cool down during the sweltering Alabama summers or the ideal winter activity.

The fact that the ice rink is flanked by an amazing retail mall makes it even cooler than the ice rink and other frozen activities.

Therefore, the nearby mall is a perfect spot for light shopping or a bite to eat after you’ve exhausted yourself on the ice.

In Montgomery, there are so many excellent things to do that picking just one may seem impossible.

Be sure to create time for Eastdale Mall Ice Palace, though.

You’ll never regret your selection.

Address: 1000 Eastdale Cir, Montgomery, Alabama 36117, United States

24. Freedom Rides Museum

Ginger / Flickr

The Freedom Rides Museum is just one of the intriguing things to do in Montgomery, which was formerly the location of the Greyhound Bus Depot.

But more significantly, the museum served as the setting for the notorious 1961 Freedom Rides Movement of the 1960s.

African Americans proudly and legally took their seats in the segregated, “whites only” portions of buses during this demonstration of nonviolent action.

Additionally, the US Civil Rights Trail now includes the Freedom Rides Museum as a destination.

To start, the courageous Freedom Riders are commemorated in stunning memorials inside the museum.

Unfortunately, several of the identified passengers were brutally beaten by a crowd at the Greyhound Bus Depot for peacefully opposing racial discrimination.

A restored 1960s Greyhound bus is one of the museum’s greatest exhibits, yet we’re still talking about the bus depot.

In all, the Freedom Rides Museum is a must-see since it is jam-packed with information on the history of the civil rights struggle.

Take a step to start your tour here if you haven’t already.

Address: 210 S Court St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, United States

25. Alabama Safari Park

The Alabama Safari Park

One of the most thrilling Montgomery attractions is Alabama Safari Park.

This is the most exhilarating excursion you can partake in, out of all the things to do while in town.

You may visit the incredible 350-acre Alabama Safari Park in the convenience of your own car.

Also, you can safely interact with and even feed some of the region’s most stunning animals on a drive-through safari.

Speaking about creatures, among those in the park are lemurs, llamas, giraffes, watusi, and zebras.

Although you will drive for most of the trip, there will be times when you may get off and walk about.

In particular, the Village Walk enables you to meander through animal enclosures and interact with friendly animals.

Other interesting sights in the park include an exhibit on sloths and one on anteaters.

Alabama Safari Park is one of the many distinctive things to do in Montgomery, so be sure to leave room for it in your schedule.

You’ll have a lot of fun just seeing animals.

Address: 1664 Venable Rd, Hope Hull, Alabama 36043, United States

Final Remarks

It’s understandable that you’re thinking of Montgomery as a potential trip destination with all the fantastic activities there are to do there.

Montgomery offers a wide range of activities, from leisurely and picturesque to historical and cultural.

Look no further if you’re seeking the most amazing things to do in the charming city of Montgomery.

Note a few locations from this lengthy list, then go off on an unforgettable road trip.

Travel safely.

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Alabama (AL) » 25 Things To Do In Montgomery (AL) (Update 2023)

25 Things To Do In Montgomery (AL) (Update 2023)

Regarded as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, the capital of Alabama is an important destination for those interested in American history. Located on the east bank of the Alabama River, the city also boasts a variety of activities based on and around the waterfront for those whose interests lie less with history and politics.

The birthplace of famous Americans including Nat King Cole and Zelda Fitzgerald, Montgomery is also renowned for the Bus Boycott in 1955, starting when Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat on the bus. Events such as this have secured Montgomery’s place as one of the most important historical American cities.

I’m an Alabama local and have visited Montgomery countless time to visit friends and explore all there is to do and see in the city.

From riverboat trips to historical museums, haunted hearse tours to underground jazz clubs, read on for my list of the best things to do in Montgomery , Alabama.

1. Visit the Rosa Parks Library and Museum

The Rosa Parks museum and children’s wing is dedicated to relaying information about the accomplishments of those associated with the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Great for educating children, the museum includes a time machine that transports visitors back in time to witness segregation first hand. After experiencing the hardships of the 1800’s, the research center and museum can be visited to gain more knowledge and understanding about Rosa Parks’ courageous act in 1955.

2. Admire the collections at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

A trip to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is essential for all art lovers with its extensive collection of artworks and impressive sculpture garden.

Alongside a host of current exhibitions, the museum houses an impressive array of permanent collections, including African art works, decorative porcelain, American works on paper, regional art of the south-east of the USA, and 20th Century photography works.

The museum is located within Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park, making it the perfect destination for an entire day out.

Related reading :  15 Most beautiful Places in Alabama

3. Relive history at the Alabama State Archives and History Museum

History buffs will love to explore the museum, discovering the stories behind the development of the state of Alabama. The records and artifacts stored here explain the history of the state, from its American Indian origins to the arrival of the Pioneers, up until the modern day.

The turn-of-the-century building itself is one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in the city, the walls, pillars and staircases crafted from Alabama marble.

4. Relax by the water at Riverfront Park

It’s easy to get distracted with all of the museums and monuments in Montgomery, but spending time enjoying the waterfront is an essential part of any visit to Montgomery. Riverfront Park offers an entertainment program of concerts and events, alongside the popular splash pad, access to the river for boating and baseball games at Riverwalk Stadium.

On sunny days, bring a picnic and spend the afternoon relaxing on the grass and watching the boats go by. I suggest paying a visit to the Red Bluff Bar at the Silos , the perfect place for a nice cold beer or cocktail while watching the sunset.

5. Relive the Jazz Age at the Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

Lovers of the 1920’s should make a beeline straight for the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald museum, the only museum in the world that honors the couple.

The six galleries tell the story of the glamorous vagabond duo from Scott’s early years at Princeton University and the release of his first novels, through Zelda’s rise to fame as a Flapper Girl and onto the last years of their lives. Zelda was born in Montgomery and the couple spent some time living there together during the early 1930’s, making this the perfect setting for a museum honoring their life works.

6. Experience a production at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival

One of the ten largest Shakespeare festivals in the world is based in Montgomery, permanently housed in the Carolyn Blount Theatre. Time your visit well to experience one of the productions that are staged up to 14 times a year (including up to three Shakespeare productions).

After a shaky start in Anniston, the festival moved to Montgomery in the 1980’s when a performing arts complex set within the Winton M. Blount Cultural Park was gifted to the project, lending financial support to the critically acclaimed productions.

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7. Pay your respects at the Civil Rights Memorial

Commemorating all those who died during the Civil Rights Movement, this discreet yet moving memorial is located beside the Civil Rights Memorial Center.

The poignant monument features a moving quote by Martin Luther King: “until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream”. A black granite platform positioned below the quote features the names of all those who were killed, with water constantly flowing over its surface.

Recommend Tour: Walk of Freedom Audio Walking Tour

8. Haunted Montgomery Tours

If you dare, jump into a hearse to experience Montgomery’s darker side, with a night time tour of the city’s mystical legends. Tour operator, Shannon Fontaine used to work in the Police Department, and uses his personal experiences and access to archives to investigate some of the city’s most reputable haunted sites.

Expect to be scared witless as Fontaine shows you the sights of unsolved murders, mass burial grounds and suspenseful stories. As there are only six seats in the hearse and tours are limited to the Halloween period, it is recommended to book a place well in advance.

9. Spend the day at Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park

One of my favorite spots and also the perfect place for the whole family to spend an action-packed day is Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park. It is home to both the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

The 250-acre park is ideal for a sunny day, with miles of walking trails, ponds and a natural amphitheater to discover and enjoy. There are even two separate parks for large and small dogs to run around.

10. Visit Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

Situated inside the Dexter Avenue, King Memorial Baptist Church is a striking mural of Martin Luther King‘s journey from Montgomery to Memphis .

The church itself was renamed in 1978 to commemorate the memory of Martin Luther King, who was pastor of the church from 1954 to 1960 and assisted in organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott from its basement. Next door to the church sits the Dexter Parsonage Museum, where previous pastors used to reside.

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11. Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall

If searching for buried treasures interests you, take a trip to Eastbrook Antique Mall to unearth a hoard of hidden gems.

Crammed full of rare antiques, estate-sale finds and mid-century furniture, part of the fun is searching through the clutter to find what you are looking for. The main floor houses antiques, whilst the upstairs resembles a flea market and the basement is filled with smaller stalls.

There’s also a decent thrift store located right next door, for those who haven’t had their fill of browsing.

12. Visit the First White House of the Confederacy

Home to Jefferson Davis after he was inaugurated in 1861, the First White House of the Confederacy is now an homage to the former President of the Confederate States of America.

In the 1920’s, the house was moved to its present location and restored, using many items donated by Mrs Davis, including period furniture, relics of the Civil War and a collection of personal items belonging to the family.

13. Take a tour of the Alabama State Capitol

Built in a classic Greek revival style, the current State Capitol building was reconstructed in 1850 after the original building burned down in a fire.

Several important events in the history of the state of Alabama occurred in or outside this building, including an inspiring speech by Martin Luther King on its steps and Jefferson Davis taking his oath of office as President of the Confederate States of America. In case you’re in town for a few days I recommend having a look at the  3-Day Montgomery City Multi-Attraction Pass which includes entry to the Alabama State Capitol building.

14. Visit the Hank Williams Museum

Even if you are not a Hank Williams fan, the museum dedicated to the first country music superstar is sure to inspire you.

Located in downtime Montgomery, the museum houses a collection of iconic objects related to Williams and his career, including his infamous blue Cadillac, autographed records, stage costumes, life-size portraits and his 1947 Gibson guitar. Music lovers and history buffs alike will be delighted by this blast from the past.

15. Take a Segway Tour

Book onto a Segway tour for a unique way of sightseeing and discovering Downtime Montgomery. The tours commence with a short lesson on how to ride your Segway, before gliding off to discover either the sights of the Riverfront, or the historical sights associated with the Civil Rights Movement.

If you are traveling with children, the Segway tours are an ingenious way of getting them excited about viewing the historical buildings.

16. Take the kids to Montgomery Zoo

Featuring over 500 animals from five different continents, Montgomery Zoo is proud to house their animals in natural, barrier-free habitats, ideal for showing children the animals in as close to their natural habitat as possible.

Take a ride on the miniature train or explore the zoo on foot at your own pace to discover your favorite animals, including the recent addition of the giraffe calf. Book in advance for special behind the scenes experiences and educational activities.

17. Look at the stars at the Montgomery City Planetarium

For those interested in space and the stars, the Planetarium is a must-visit destination in Montgomery.

The staff here are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable, offering expert tips on where to look in the night sky to spot constellations. The presentations are achieved using the very latest projectors, displaying an informative, educational and impressive range of films.

18. Reflect on history at Court Square Fountain

Although it is the perfect place for a photo opportunity, this impressive fountain is positioned at the site where slaves were auctioned, offering a chilling reminder of America’s not so distant history.

The fountain features a statue of Hebe, the Goddess of Youth and Cupbearer to the Gods, and locals and tourists traditionally throw pennies into the water in return for wishes.

19. Take a step back in time at Old Alabama Town

Experience life as it was in Montgomery in the 19th Century at the Old Alabama town. This replica of times gone by is set up to give visitors a real taste of what life was like. The three blocks of traditional buildings include homes, a school, a church and barns, with examples of what housing was like for both the very rich and the very poor.

I suggest taking the guided tour to learn more about the history of the buildings and more about what conditions were like back then, including an explanation to as why the smallest houses had walls lined with newspapers.

20. Eat dinner on the Harriott 2 Riverboat

Offering a program of dinner, dancing and live entertainment, an evening spent on the Harriott 2 riverboat is perfect for celebrations of all kinds. Although offering special packages for birthdays and anniversaries, a river cruise can be enjoyed at any time and is an essential experience for tourists visiting Montgomery.

You can choose to take to the waters for lunch or dinner, but I highly recommend spending a moonlit evening on the river boat for an unforgettable romantic experience.

21. Experience local cuisine

Whilst in one of the southern states of America, take the opportunity to sample the mouth-watering cuisine that this area in renowned for. A melting pot of flavors, Alabama’s cuisine is influenced by Cajun, African, Native American and Spanish flavors, with predominant dishes including pickled pig knuckles, seafood gumbo, barbecue beef and cornbread.

My favorite restaurants in the city include Martin’s for classic southern-style home cooking and Filet & Vine for the best steaks in Montgomery.

22. Visit the Alley Entertainment District

Drawing to mind comparisons with New Orleans, the Alley Entertainment District is a bustling area of Montgomery that plays host to a variety of unique bars, restaurants and boutiques. Revitalized and restored only a decade ago, the area plays homage to the 1920’s jazz scene with several underground jazz clubs and bars.

Alongside the bars and eateries, you’ll find the Fitzgerald Museum, Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Stadium and the Railyard Brewing Company.

23. Witness the Dragon Boat Festival

Time your visit to Montgomery to coincide with the annual Dragon Boat races and festival, where over 70 teams from all over Alabama compete. The boat races are the highlight of the festival, when locals and tourists alike flock to the waters at Riverfront Park to witness the colorful boats and the elaborate costumes of the racers.

However, the action doesn’t stop there, with an entire day of festivities including live music, artists, exhibitions and a variety of food and drink vendors within the park.

24. Learn about the cattle industry at the MOOseum

Great for kids, the Montgomery MOOseum is a fun and interactive way to learn about the state’s humongous cattle industry.

Children can dress up as cowboys and cowgirls, have a go at pretending to be a bull at the rodeo, learn all about the history of the cattle industry, and come face to face with the farm’s cows.

25 Things To Do In Montgomery (AL) (Update 2023):

• Visit the Rosa Parks Library and Museum
• Admire the collections at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
• Relive history at the Alabama State Archives and History Museum
• Relax by the water at Riverfront Park
• Relive the Jazz Age at the Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
• Experience a production at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival
• Pay your respects at the Civil Rights Memorial
• Haunted Montgomery Tours
• Spend the day at Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park
• Visit Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
• Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall
• Visit the First White House of the Confederacy
• Take a tour of the Alabama State Capitol
• Visit the Hank Williams Museum
• Take a Segway Tour
• Take the kids to Montgomery Zoo
• Look at the stars at the Montgomery City Planetarium
• Reflect on history at Court Square Fountain
• Take a step back in time at Old Alabama Town
• Eat dinner on the Harriott 2 Riverboat
• Experience local cuisine
• Visit the Alley Entertainment District
• Witness the Dragon Boat Festival
• Learn about the cattle industry at the MOOseum

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15 Best Things to do in Montgomery You Shouldn’t Miss

This article is about all the best things to do in Montgomery AL

April 29, 2022 //  by  Southern Trippers

Are you on the hunt for all the best things to do in Montgomery? Well, you have come to the right place. Here we have so much information on here that you will not have to look anywhere else. Montgomery is the capital city of Alabama and is home to so many of the important civil rights movements that happened in America from 1950 to the 1960s led by Martin Luther King Jr.

You will find so many things to do in Montgomery from famous historic sites, awesome southern restaurants , lively jazz districts, and so many wonderful museums. Although Montgomery is in the center of the state, the Alabama river offers waterfront dining in Montgomery activities for everyone to enjoy. No matter how long you plan to visit Montgomery it is the perfect place for couples and families alike to spend their vacation.

15 Best Things to do in Montgomery AL You Shouldn’t Miss

National memorial for peace and justice.

This is one of the most important places to visit in Montgomery. At this memorial, you will be able to honor 4,400 African American men, women, and children that were brutally killed here not even a hundred years ago during the years between 1877 and 1950. It is the first memorial in America that has been made to honor all of the men and women and children who were affected by racial injustice.

You will also find here 800 steel monuments that represent all of the counties where a lynching took place in America. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice has only been open since 2018 and its mission is to represent history openly and honestly with the hope for repair. They are open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm so make sure to stop by while in town because this is one of the best places to visit in Montgomery.

Montgomery Museum of the Fine Arts

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best things to do in Montgomery for adults. Before you visit make sure to check out the calendar online because the exhibits are always changing but they are open to 4,000 works of art.

You can visit the museum from Tuesday – to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Make sure to visit the museum shop to get a souvenir to take home. Another amazing thing about this museum is it is one of the best free things to do in Montgomery AL.

Freedom Rides Museum

This iconic location was once home to the grey house bus station where the young men and women of the Freedom Riders took a stand, or a seat, against segregated travel in 1961. These brave young men and women risked their lives and changed history as they took their famous ride from Washington, D.C., to New Orleans. They were ready to show the world that something could come out of protesting peace.

The Freedom Rights Museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 12 pm to 4 pm. Here you will learn all about the young adults who changed the world. The ticket prices are very reasonable making this museum one of the most popular places to visit in Montgomery.

Rosa Parks Museum

This famous museum is located inside the Troy University at Montgomery satellite campus. The Rosa Parks Museum should be high on your list of what to do in Montgomery. Here you will find exhibits from the 1955 bus boycott and an active memorial to the life of civil rights activist Rosa Parks.

When you visit here you will also learn about the other important historic events that happened in Montgomery like the freedom riders with exhibitions that will help social consciousness, preaches peace, and teaches appreciation and acceptance for all people. You do not want to miss out on one best things to do in Montgomery and learn some important history as you do.

Alabama State Capitol Building

The Alabama State Capitol Building is recognized as a National Register of Historic Places because it was once home to the First Confederate Capitol before it was moved to Richmond, Virginia. You can find the capital building on the Captial Hill and it is also a working museum and home to the State Governor.

This is one of the best attractions in Montgomery because it is also recognized as a destination on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail which stretches across 14 states and has over 100 stops. They are open Monday – Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm and it is also one of the free things to do in Montgomery.

Legacy Museum

The Legacy Museum is one most important attractions in Montgomery to go and learn about all the dark history that happened in Montgomery. The museum teaches lessons about enslavement to mass incarceration. Just steps away from the front door there is a block where hundreds of thousands of enslaved people were auctioned off not too long along in the 19th century

Here you will be able to learn through film, first-person narratives, and photographers. They are open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm so make sure to visit one of the most important museums on your list of things to do in Montgomery.

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre

The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre is one of the best things to do in downtown Montgomery. Here you can find a variety of shows like music concerts, stand-up comedy, occasional opera, plus dance and children’s shows. Make sure to check their website for when you are visiting they are always getting big-name people coming on tour here.

If you plan on visiting one of the most fun attractions in Montgomery make sure you buy your ticket directly at the box office which is open or buy directly on Ticketmaster they do not accept any other types of tickets.

Hank Williams Museum

This museum honors Hank Williams Sr. who is known to many as the father of country music. Hank Williams started his country music career in Montgomery AL and although he died at the young age of 29 he had a very successful career. He had numerous top hits on all of his records so even if you aren’t a fan of country music you are sure to know at least one of his songs.

Here on display, you will find guitars, a pretty blue car, and his piano. One of the more interesting things that most people do not know about Hank Williams is that he had a spiritual album that he recorded under the name of Luke the Drifter. If you are looking for what to do in Montgomery make sure to put the Hank Williams Museum on your list to learn even more about his life.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival has been playing at the Carolyn Blount Theatre since 1972 and has put on more than 500 plays. Every year there are over 300,000 visitors a year from over 60 countries come to watch Shakespear in this beautiful theatre making it one of the most popular things to do in Montgomery.

If you are visiting during the warmer months of the year be sure to walk through the lovely Shakespeare Gardens they are known to be beautiful. Make sure to check the Alabama Shakespeare Festival website for the upcoming show list and to check out what is currently playing.

Alley Entertainment District

Make sure to check out the Alley Entertainment District if you are looking for things to do in Montgomery at night. The Alley District is always playing jazz music and has been compared to the lively city of New Orleans. There are many jazz bars, a beer brewery, and many other Montgomery activities to enjoy.

When you get to the Alley Entertainment District you will know which restaurants are participating because they will have a sign in the front window, or even out on the street. Once inside the district, you are allowed to walk around and enjoy the sites with your beverage. You can enjoy yourself at many different places from 9 am to 12 am here.

Harriott 2 Riverboat

At the Harriot 2 Riverboat, you will be able to find one of the most exciting things to do in downtown Montgomery docked right on the river. The Harriott 2 Riverboat is a 19th-century paddle-wheeled boat that has been restored to host you and your family for a day out on the water. While cruising down the river you can enjoy live music, dinner, and dancing making this a wonderful trip for any age group.

You have to order your tickets at least 48 hours before your trip either online or at the box office in Riverwalk Stadium. They do offer moonlight cruises and it is one of the most wonderful and romantic things to do in Montgomery at night. Be sure to check out their website, or stop by the box office to see when what show they will be putting on while you are in town.

King Memorial Baptist Church

The King Memorial Baptist Church is one of the most popular attractions in Montgomery. This is the church where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. preached for 6 years from 1954 to 1960. This old church was first opened back in 1879 and has been a part of the community in Montgomery AL ever since.

It was once the place where the Normal School for Colored Students, which was a part of the University of Alabama, held its classes. Legend also has it that this is also where Martin Luther King Jr. organized the 1956 bus boycott. They do have guided tours where you can go and see where he held his office and listen to a short video about the history of the church.

Riverfront Park

When in town you should check out the Riverfront Park it is one of the best things to do in Montgomery with kids. There are so many different activities to choose from that you could be entertained all day if you wanted to. Most people enjoy just sitting on the grass and having a picnic while watching the boats cruise down the river.

While visiting be on the lookout for the Montgomery activities like rides down the river, live music, baseball games, and enjoy the splash pad when the weather is nice enough. Make sure to check out the parks and recs website, or just stop by the Riverfront Park to see what kind of fun you and your family can get into.

Haunted Montgomery Tours

If you are into spooky stories about the history of Alabama then this is one of the best things to do in Montgomery at night for you to check out. They show you all the hidden history and ghost sightings that have happened throughout the town of Montgomery while riding around in an old hearse with the tour guide. There are only 6 seats on the hearse so make sure you book your tickets fast.

They ask that you please book your tour at least 24 hours in advance either online or you can give them a call. The tours are only on the weekend and start at 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. One of the tour stops is at the sight of one of the most famous unsolved murders that happened in Montgomery. If you are planning to visit around Halloween time you should book your spot as soon as you can.

Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall

If you love shopping secondhand and finding hidden treasures then the Eastbrook Flea market and Antique Mall would be one of the places to visit in Montgomery. This mall has 60,000 square feet and 3 stories high with over 300 vendors that sell modern and historic items so you are sure to find something for everyone in the family.

They are known to have everything from big pieces of antique furniture to fresh flowers for your garden. They are open every day of the week from 10 am to 6 pm and usually are offering free popcorn for you to stroll around at your leisure and find the perfect souvenir from your vacation to Montgomery AL.

31 Top Fun Things to Do in Montgomery (AL)

Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, is referred to as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement for its exceptional role in American history. Located on the seven hills, east bank of the Alabama River, the city is filled with diverse activities.

Many famous Americans were born in Montgomery, including Zelda Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole; it is also recognized for the 1955 Bus Boycott, which started when Rosa Parks courageously refused to surrender her seat on a bus.

There are historic places and structures, including the First White House of the Confederacy, the Dexter Parsonage Museum, and the 1851 Alabama State Capitol. More activities are at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and Performing Arts Center, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and the likes.

Brace up as we explore the best fun things to do in Montgomery.

Top Fun Things to Do in Montgomery

 1. explore the academia at huntingdon college.

“Enter to Grow in Wisdom; Go Forth to Apply Wisdom in Service” are the parting inspirational world that Huntingdon College leaves with her graduates. And for over 160 years, this college has produced global graduates. Huntingdon College’s charter was signed on February 2, 1854, by Alabama Governor John Winston.

The college has a beautiful campus in Montgomery. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (son of the designer of New York’s Central Park) in 1908. He also set landscape plans for projects such as Boston’s parks & parkways and Biltmore Estate system.

The campus has 70 acres of walkable space and even gets a walking map at the Huntingdon College website.

Address: 1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106.

2. Rosa Parks Library and Museum

The museum has a multimedia auditorium of 103-seat capacity, an array of permanent and temporary exhibits. It is divided into six distinct areas which tell the courageous story of early civil rights fighters.

Quite a number of the fascinating artifacts are a copy of the city bus on which Rosa Parks stood her ground of not giving her seat to a white man, a restored 1955 station wagon, and some actual historical documents from that period.

The essence of the Rosa Parks Museum is to protect, preserve and interpret material preserve materials associated with the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Address: 252 Montgomery St, Montgomery, AL 36104

3. Enjoy Ballet in Montgomery!

The Montgomery Civic Ballet has been in the frame for offering community enrichment to the Montgomery community and the state of Alabama since 1958.

The Ballet, since 1987, has been a professional company. It is the only professional ballet company in Montgomery and one out of three in Alabama.

Montgomery Ballet boasts of awesome performances to its name, including the 2016-2017 season “The Nutcracker,” “The Messiah, ” Sleepy Hollow,” and “Two for Love.”

One specifically fun performance is the yearly outdoor Ballet and the Beasts performances, held at the Montgomery Zoo.

This makes what to do in Montgomery for a fun time, consider an addition to your bucket list of things to do in Montgomery, AL.

Address: 2101 Eastern Blvd. Ste. 223, Montgomery, AL 36117.

4. Reel the memories at Civil Rights Memorial Center

The Civil Rights Memorial Center is in an open plaza situated in downtown Montgomery and is one of the best things to see in the entire state.

The Civil Rights Memorial is devoted to 41 people who lost their lives in the fight for equal integrated treatment at the American Civil Rights Movement. This movement to place between 1954 and 1968 and was to agitate for equal treatment, not minding the race.

The Civil Rights Memorial Center, which is next to the Memorial, features a classroom, the Wall of Tolerance, a 56-seat theater, and exhibits about the Civil Rights Movement martyrs.

The 20 by 40 foot Wall of Tolerance has a digital display of the names of more than five hundred thousand people who pledged to stand against hate and adopt justice and tolerance in their lives.

You can join other visitors to pledge your stand against hate, intolerance, and injustice and also have your name added to the continuous digital flow of the names.

Address: 400 Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104

5. Attend events at the Garrett Coliseum

The Alabama Agricultural Center is located in downtown Montgomery, about three miles northeast. It a multipurpose complex that occupies 18 acres of space; it as well houses the prominent Garrett Coliseum.

Garrett Coliseum, which has a massive seating of 12,500, has hosted popular acts like Elton John, Elvis, Hank Williams, and Prince. Every year, this coliseum plays host to the Southeastern Rodeo Association Black Rodeo.

Do well to join other visitors of this famed place, it makes one of the top fun things to do in Montgomery, AL.

Address: 1555 Federal Drive, Montgomery, AL 36107

6. Montgomery must-visit: First White House of the Confederacy

The First White House of the Confederacy is a stunning Italianate mansion located in the historic area of downtown Montgomery. In 1861, it served as the Jefferson Davis family, then Montgomery was the Capital of the Confederacy, and its president was Jefferson Davis.

Mrs. Davis received many grand receptions and parties, and during her reign, the house was the social center of the South. Built close to the Alabama River, this charming old house had its location moved near to the Alabama State Capitol.

The house was opened for a public visit in 1921, after a complete restoration. You will see many furniture, personal possessions of the family, including art pieces that Ms. Davis gifted the White House Association of Alabama.

The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the top sights to see in Montgomery.

Address: 644 Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL 36130

7. Go on a River Adventure (Harriott II Riverboat)

If you want some relaxation and, at the same, a step back in time, the Harriott II riverboat is just the perfect fit in Montgomery. It is a 19th-century riverboat anchored beside the Riverwalk Amphitheater and makes the list of Montgomery’s premier entertainment locations.

The Harriott II offers live entertainment, dancing, and dinner, so it doesn’t matter if you are alone, with friends, or the whole family; there is a river adventure to take on.

Some of the featured cruises are “2nd Saturday Fireworks Cruise”, “Getaway Cruise,” “4th of July Fireworks Cruise”, “Blues Cruise,” “Dinner Cruise,” “Brew’s Cruise,” “Mother’s Day Brunch or Dinner Cruises” and “Father’s Day Dinner Cruise.”

You would, however, need to purchase tickets at least two days in advance from the Harriot II website.

8. Things to Do in Montgomery with Kids: Montgomery Zoo

Would you want to experience wildlife like you never expected in Montgomery?

Explore the mountains of Asia, sojourn through the South American jungles, the grassy plains of North America, and the savannas of Africa.

Montgomery Zoo occupies 40 acres of space and is located close to downtown Montgomery. You would see the tigers, monkeys, camels, and zebras all roaming without restrictions in this beautiful space.

This zoo habits over 500 animals from across the globe, and you would love the lush greens between their habitats. You can take a personal tour of the tigers or elephant habitats, ride the enchanting miniature train, visit Connye or baby giraffe.

Lastly, present the kids with the unique gift of getting them enrolled in the Montgomery Zoo Summer Camp.

This makes what to do in Montgomery with kids, consider an addition to your checklist of things to do in Montgomery, AL.

Address: 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36110

9. Experience the Alabama Shakespeare Festival

Attending the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is one of the top things to do in Montgomery.

As a complete professional theatre in the Montgomery region, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival releases around ten productions every season with an emphasis on Shakespeare’s plays.

In addition, there are also American classics, musicals, and children’s theatre produced by the theatre. The company presents 14 top-class performances every year. And when it is out of Bard’s classics performance, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival brings the works of playwrights in life. These include Tennessee Williams, George Bernard Shaw, and others.

Don’t forget the Shakespeare Gardens as well. This garden is one out of the seven of its kind and is situated around the Blount Cultural Park and contains flowers and plants Featured In Shakespeare’s plays.

10. Dexter Parsonage Museum – Dr. Martin Luther King Home

This included Dr. Martin Luther King and his whole family, and from 1954 to 1960, they dwelled in the parsonage. The house underwent a renovation to resemble the way it was when Dr. Martin Luther and his family lived in it. This includes a bedroom, dining room, living room, and some furniture which l Dr. King used in his studies.

There is an Interpretive Center in this museum and also the outdoors King-Johns Garden for Reflection. Amongst the permanent exhibits displayed here are photographs of the twelve pastors who lived in the Dexter Parsonage, some pictures of Dr. Martin Luther King which weren’t published previously, Montgomery ministers who were part of the bus boycott, a wall of Pastoral Wisdom featuring inspiring quotes from various pastors, and many more.

Address: 309 S Jackson St, Montgomery, AL 36104

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11. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Factory Tour

If you are an automobile enthusiast, Montgomery has something for you.

The Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Factory Tour offers guests the opportunity of having a close-range view of humans and robots working shoulder to shoulder to produce Hyundai’s Elantra and Sonata models.

Visitors are shown everything from the stamping of car pieces out of sheet metals by robots to robots doing welding to the installation of carpets by employees and more.

This factory produces 1500 cars on a daily basis, and this tour passes visitors through the entire process from start to completion. There is also an available gift shop at the end of the tour.

This is one of the fun things to do in Montgomery, Auto enthusiast will enjoy the fun this tour has in store.

Address: 700 Hyundai Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36105.

12. Relive history at Alabama Department of Archives & History

The Museum of Alabama was built in 1940 and share a lovely impressive building with the Alabama Department of Archives and History . This museum is situated just across the trailing street of the Alabama State Capitol in downtown Montgomery.

This museum shares Alabama’s past (from the present back to the prehistoric times) with the public. There are remarkable permanent exhibitions here which include The First Alabamians and The Land of Alabama. This exhibition tells amazing stories of geology, culture with features of original artifacts and colorful murals.

The exhibit Alabama Voices is the linchpin of this museum – it describes in drama the events of Alabama, from the early 1700s up to this current era. There are hundreds of images and documents and more than 800 artifacts in this museum.

Museum of Alabama plays host twenty-two modern audiovisual programs about the bloody Civil War, the wars over land, the cotton economy, world wars, the liftover civil rights, and more!

Address: 36130, 624 Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL

13. Montgomery must-visit: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre

The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre is located at the Convention Center, just within the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa. It is an important venue because this 1800-seat capacity theater stands as Montgomery’s premier performing arts venue.

The center, yet small, is an ultramodern facility that provides a cherished experience for any kind of performance. The theatre accommodates diverse types of arts and artists as it features Broadway shows, comedy, country and rock concerts, and every other thing.

This makes one of the Montgomery attractions to visit, consider an addition to your bucket list of places to visit in Montgomery.

Address: 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

14. Visit Alabama State Capitol

Located in downtown Montgomery (a spot formerly called Goat Hill), Alabama State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark in the state. It was built in 1851 in the Greek Revival style with visible Beaux-Arts influences and had its surrounding grounds landscaped in 1889 by Frederick Law Olmsted (a popular landscape artist), and many of the standings were trees planted by him.

This landmark contains the state governor’s seat, that of other executive officers, and a museum about Alabama State history and politics.

The Capitol building is revered because, in 1861, the Confederacy government had its seat in the building following its birth at the Senate chamber. Also, the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March ended right in front of this building.

Address: 600 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36130

15. The National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture

Founded in 1979, the National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture is posed with the mission of standing as an archive for information about the significant role played in the modern civil rights movement and actualization.

Also, this center preserves protects and shares the history and culture of African-Americans in Montgomery. Developed and inaugurated in 2001, the National Center Annex fulfills the task of presenting exhibits, displaying collections, and hosting programs.

The Annex organizes events for all ages, guest lectures, and the chance to see the unique art collection of the Centre.

Address: 1345 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36101

16. Meet Arts at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts was established in 1930 and is the oldest of its kind in the state. The museum has permanent collections containing paintings, sculptures, and other artworks created by renowned artists of the region and nation at large.

The most vital part of its American Collection is the Blount Collection of American Art. It features 41 paintings by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Edward Hopper.

The Old Masters collection of prints include works by Whistler, Dürer, and Rembrandt. Aside from its permanent exhibits, the museum regularly plays host to different temporary exhibitions where it presents American and international art collections.

Also, the ARTWORKS is an interactive gallery and art studio for kids. It is an essential part of the museum, and you’ll love it for your kids.

This is one of the best places to visit in Montgomery, consider an addition to your list of attractions in Montgomery to visit.

Address: 1 Museum Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117

17. Learn about the cattle industry at the MOOseum

It is great for kids as they would enjoy the comic flexibility it offers. Children can pretend to be a bull at the rodeo, dress in cowboy and cowgirl costumes, meet the cows on this farm, and learn of the cattle industry and its history.

18. Learn of the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum is the only museum in the world to be dedicated to writer F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Selda. Scott is well- recognized for his book, Great Gatsby, while Zelda was an icon of the 1920s (having founded and starred for the “Flapper Movement.”)

In 1931, the couple moved to a brick-and-clapboard (two-story) house in the Old Cloverdale neighborhood, a long journey through Europe.

The house was purchased by Julian McPhillips in 1986 and then converted into a museum. It is open for public access, and it hosts many social events, including annual galas. This museum features books, letters, photos, personal possessions, and memorabilia belonging to or associated with the Fitzgerald’s.

Address: 919 Felder Ave # 919, Montgomery, AL 36106

19. Participate in the Dragon Boat Festival

Montgomery has a lot of interesting festivals to catch up on; one of them is the Dragon Boat races and Festival . This annual event attracts more than 70 teams from all of Alabama to compete.

This Festival features different competitions. However, its highlight is the boat races. Here, both locals and tourists flock to the water of Riverfront Park to watch the beautiful boats and the impressive costumes worn by racers.

The actions don’t end there, however, with the whole day filled with activities including exhibitions, live music, and various kind of food and drinks within the park. So, plan your vacation to Montgomery to synchronize with this yearly Festival.

20. Relax and enjoy matches at Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium

Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium is a minor league baseball ballpark that opened in 2004 and is the home of the Southern League’s Montgomery Biscuits baseball team.

It is a modern ballpark incorporated into the historical train station and has a seating capacity of 7,000, and this includes seatings in the right-center field’s general admission lawn. It has a video scoreboard with a giant LED screen to give spectators instant replay.

The stadium boasts 20 cozy suites, and its picnic areas (in the third base line and left-center fields) can take up to 4,000 fans. Very close to the third baseline is a children’s playground area.

Address: 200 Coosa St, Montgomery, AL 36104

Michigan is not shy of breathtaking attractions and activities, check out this tourist guide on things to do in Bay City and things to do in Kalamazoo for a fun exploration of Michigan.

21. Take a trip to the Alley Entertainment District

The Alley Entertainment District is an exciting area of Montgomery. This area draws comparisons to New Orleans as it hosts a variety of special bars, boutiques, and restaurants.

The Alley was restored and revitalized to its former glory just some ten years ago, and several underground jazz bars and clubs play with respect to the 1920’s jazz scene.

You will also find the Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Stadium, the Railyard Brewing Company, and the Fitzgerald Museum, in addition to the bars and eateries.

Have fun in this district, its worth an addition to your bucket list of best things to do in Montgomery, AL.

22. Learn about the legend of music at Hank Williams Museum

The Hank Williams Museum is situated in downtown Montgomery and is one of the must-see places in Montgomery. This museum honors the first country music superstar of America and exhibits how Hank Williams the foundation of blues, Rockabilly, contemporary American music, and Rock and Roll.

Hank Williams was one of the most exemplary figures in American music and was prolific in music, songwriting, and performance. However, Hank Williams died from heart failure at just 29. He died in the back seat of his blue Cadillac

Of all collections in this museum, this legendary blue Cadillac is the climax of Hank Williams’ memorabilia. You will also see his records, guitars, portraits, suits, ties, and much more.

Address: 118 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL 36104.

23. Reflect on history at Court Square Fountain

If you are a lover of history, arts, and sculpture, here is something for you – Montgomery Court Square Fountain. It might not really be a great place to have some photos, but it leaves visitors with memories.

Court Square Fountain was established in 1885 with an artesian well as its base. This well was used by native Alabamians way before the settlement of this area.

This unique fountain is situated at the site where slaves were placed on auction – a subtle reminder of America’s “not too far” history. The fountain has impressive features, including a statue of Hebe, Cupbearer to the Gods, the Goddess of Youth.

You can join locals and tourists in throwing pennies into the water. This ritual is done in exchange for wishes.

Address: Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

24. Have fun at Riverfront Park

One of the best fun things to do in Montgomery is visiting Riverfront Park . It is positioned on the Alabama River banks and has the Union Station Train Shed, the Harriott II Riverboat, and an Amphitheatre surrounding it.

Riverfront Park is one of the most famous parks in Montgomery. It offers nicely paved biking and hiking trails, baseball in Riverwalk Stadium, a kid’s playground, a green picnic area, access to the river through a boat ramp, fishing, kayaking and much more.

The park is usually a base for fireworks displays, and the moment you are here, don’t forget to enter the Harriott II Riverboat for a cruise along the river. It is a beautifully restored 19th-century riverboat that presents visitors with dancing, dinner, and live show leisure rides.

25. Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Hall

Are you someone who picks interest in searching for hidden and buried treasure? If yes, head straight to Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Hall so you can exhume a hoard of concealed gems.

Packed full of mid-century furniture, estate-sale finds, and rare antiques, searching through the cluster for whatever you are looking for is makes it fun. The upstairs looks like a flea market, while the main floor contains antiques, and the base-floor own occupied with smaller stalls.

And if you feel you aren’t yet satisfied with your browsing, there is also a nice thrift store just by the next door for you to check-in. The market is open on Monday- Saturday (10 am–6 pm) and on Sunday (12:30 pm -4:30 pm).

Address: 425 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36109, United States

26. Enjoy the Old Alabama Town

Old Alabama Town is an assembly of original, beautifully restored homes of the 19th and 20th century and other structures like churches, schools, mansions, grocery stores, and taverns.

This town is situated in the heart of downtown Montgomery and covers six blocks. It is a history museum that illustrates the lifestyles and historical architecture of residents of Montgomery. Cutting across the rural pioneers and the wealthy cotton plantation owners in their stylish townhouse, the town is a reflection of the lives of people who lived and settled in central Alabama, irrespective of background.

Old Alabama Town was expanded and is managed by the Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery. Founded in 1967 as a non-profit, they now own some 50 restored buildings, which are all-inclusive in the Old Alabama Town.

Address: 301 Columbus St, Montgomery, AL 36104

27. Visit Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

King Memorial Baptist Church is located inside Dexter Avenue. It has got a remarkable mural of Martin Luther King’s journey from Montgomery to Memphis.

In 1978, the church was officially renamed in commemoration of Martin Luther King. Between 1954 and 1960, King was pastor of the church and helped in propelling the Montgomery Bus Boycott, starting from its basement.

Very close to the church is the Dexter Parsonage Museum – this was where former pastors used to live.

Addess: 454 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

28. Learn more at the Freedom Rides Museum

Situated in the old Greyhound bus station, the Freedom Rides Museum provides visitors with knowledge about the pivotal events of 1961. Visitors are taken on a guided tour where they learn through a timeline placed on the exterior walls.

You would meet knowledgeable guides who would give you detailed explanations of the Freedom Rides movement, the bus terminal’s history There is also a cellphone that works together with the wall displays.

The museum is open for visitation/tours from Tuesday through Saturday between 12 pm and 4 pm CST. So, make the most of it!

This is one of the top fun things to do in Montgomery, AL, its worth an add to your bucket list of attractions in Montgomery to visit.

Address: 210 South Court Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

29. Spend your day at Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park

In diverse ways, the Blount Cultural Park is indeed the cultural Center of Montgomery. It is living proof of Wynton M. Blount, a businessman, and philanthropist who donated his land and built the theater. This was then regarded as the largest individual donation to American theater.

This park is a perfect place for the entire family to have an action-filled day. Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park occupies 250 acres of space and is home to both the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

You will enjoy the park on a sunny day, as there are miles of trails ideal for walking, hiking, running, and biking. There is also a natural amphitheater and some ponds to explore and enjoy.

You can come along with your dogs, so they have their own fair share of fun at the dog parks.

Address: 3 Festival Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117

30. Watch the stars at W.A. Gayle Planetarium

The installation of the Super Mediaglobe II makes it the world’s first full-color single-lens digital Planetarium. This new technology is an improvement to the experience of visitors to the Planetarium as it allows for the Earth’s exploration through the use of regularly updated satellite datasets of the Earth’s atmosphere, climate, land, and oceans.

It is the only Planetarium available in entire Central Alabama, and it even has a beautiful park surrounding it. There are public shows offered by W.A. Gayle Planetarium all through the week with no reservations needed.

If you have kids with intrest in science, or you have a passion for space, do consider an add to your list of things to do in Montgomery, AL.

Address: 1010 Forest Ave, Montgomery, AL 36106

31. Montgomery Attractions: Governor’s Mansion

Built in the neoclassical style, the Alabama Governor’s Mansion has existed for 107 years as home to the governor. The governor’s mansion was formerly in another structure until 1950 when it moved to its current mansion. Since 1950, all Alabama’s first families had lived here as their home.

Visitors take part in guided tours lasting approximately 30 minutes. Every tour shows the main floor and grounds of the house, and after completion, visitors are bidded into the Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop to enjoy some complimentary cookies

Address; 1142 S Perry St, Montgomery, AL 36104.

Map of the Top Fun Things to Do in Montgomery, AL

To aid your navigation through these top Montgomery attractions and activities, below if a map of the top fun things to do in Mongomery, AL.

Plan to explore Decatur during your visit to Alabama, here are the best fun things to do in Decatur during your visit here.

Plan Your Trip to Montgomery

There are a lot of attractions that make Montgomery a great place to visit your vacation, weekend getaway, or even a day trip.

The waterfront, history, politics, art museums, nature centers, libraries, iconic sites, theatres, beautiful parks, and many more make Montgomery a must-visit.

So, start planning and preparing towards making it a reality. You can always fall back in this piece if need be, and don’t forget to include your loved ones in this plan too.

17 Best Things to Do in Montgomery, AL — Top Activities & Places to Go!

By: Author Benjamin Anderson

Posted on Published: April 22, 2021  - Last updated: August 4, 2023

Montgomery is a city rich in history and culture. 

As Alabama’s capital, it has a rich legacy that has been preserved through its various museums and historical sites.

However, with so many places and sights to see, how do you choose the right one?

Don’t worry because I have the perfect guide for you.

As a travel enthusiast, I have thoroughly visited this city and created a list of the best attractions you should not miss. 

I’ve also spoken with locals and conducted significant research to guarantee that this guide contains the most up-to-date and accurate information.

The activities are also rated based on family-friendliness, affordability, accessibility, fun factor, and educational value. 

This guide has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, an animal lover, or just seeking a fun day out with the family.

If you’re planning a getaway and want to make the most of your time there, this guide will help you create the perfect itinerary.

So let’s go and discover the best things to do in Montgomery with this list below.

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Best Things To Do In Montgomery Compared 

From historically significant places to art museums and entertainment venues, Montgomery has something to offer to everybody. 

For your reference, here’s a quick rundown of our top picks of things to do in the city.

Editor’s Choice

Civil Rights Tour of Montgomery

This six-hour tour will take you to the important sites of the Civil Rights Movement scattered throughout Montgomery. 

• Family-Friendliness: 4/5
• Affordability: 4/5
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Fun Factor: 3/5
• Educational Value: 5/5

#2nd Best Choice

National Memorial for Peace and Justice

Encompassing 6 acres in downtown Montgomery, this memorial advocates for social justice and acknowledges racial terrorism.

• Family-Friendliness: 3/5
• Fun Factor: 1/5

#3rd Best Choice

Rosa Parks Library and Museum

Established in 2000, this unique museum showcases artifacts and exhibits about the Montgomery bus boycott.

• Accessibility: 5/5
• Educational Value: 5/5 

Here are the top 17 things to do in Montgomery, AL.

1. Civil Rights Tour of Montgomery (Editor’s Choice)

417 Caroline St Montgomery, AL 36104 Visit Website

Ratings Criteria

• Educational experience
• Historical significance
•  Limited entertainment value

Why You Should Go

The Civil Rights Tour of Montgomery is not just a history lesson but an immersive experience that ignites your passion for social change.

We walked in the footsteps of remarkable individuals who fought tirelessly for justice and equality.

Our children witnessed firsthand the power of resilience and the importance of standing up for what’s right. 

This tour is an enriching and insightful experience that will not break the bank. 

This tour is also an opportunity to connect with your loved ones on a deeper level. 

Foster meaningful conversations that will shape your family’s values for years to come.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center

2. National Memorial for Peace and Justice

417 Caroline St Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 386-9100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Educational
•  Powerful art
•  Lack of interactivity

It’s the country’s first memorial to pay tribute to the African Americans affected by racial injustice, lynchings and slavery.

As you stroll around the memorial, you’ll find artwork, monuments and sculptures honoring the leaders of the Civil Rights movement.

See the 805 steel monuments that represent the lynching victims in each US county.

Take time to appreciate the sculptures and read the engravings.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Montgomery-Downtown

3. Rosa Parks Library and Museum

252 Montgomery St Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 241-8615 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

•  Engaging exhibits
•  Crowded

Looking for educational activities in Montgomery when it’s raining or cold?

Then, don’t forget to put this museum on your list of places to visit in Montgomery.

With its informative documents and photos, this museum chronicles the city’s political and social climate in the 1950s.

Not to mention, it has a bundle of exhibits about the Civil Rights movement.

Learn more about the historic event by checking out exhibits, like photo and video installations and authentic documents.

You may also experience its traveling exhibits, educational programs and special events.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Staybridge Suites Montgomery – Downtown, an IHG Hotel

Also See: Fun Stuff to Do in Tuscaloosa Best Things to Do in Orange Beach

4. Montgomery Zoo

2301 Coliseum Parkway Montgomery, AL 36110 (334) 625-4900 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Home to more than 700 animals, this 40-acre zoological park is a family favorite in Montgomery.

Montgomery Zoo offers fun and exciting sights for families with children of all ages, making it an excellent alternative to National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Rosa Parks Library and Museum. 

A pit stop to this zoo is, no doubt, one of the top things to do in Montgomery with kids .

From Chilean flamingos to African elephants, this zoo houses a bevy of creatures from 5 continents.

Plus, it has plenty of captivating exhibits suited for kiddos of all ages.

Don’t miss the opportunity to feed the majestic, 20-foot tall giraffes.

Afterward, stop by its exceptional exhibits, like the reptile house, stingray tank, parakeet cove and petting zoo.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Montgomery Downtown

5. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

1 Museum Dr Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 625-4333 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Since 1930, this museum in the Blount Cultural Park has been wowing visitors with its exquisite works of art.

Art connoisseurs will find their bliss at this museum.

With a permanent collection of 4,000 art works, you’ll have a blast appreciating impressive creations indoors at this museum.

See the masterpieces by legends like John Singer Sargent, Edward Hopper and Winslow Homer.

If the kids are in tow, drop by ARTWORKs, the state’s first interactive art gallery for the little ones.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Montgomery – EastChase

6. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre

201 Tallapoosa St Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 481-5100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Set right in the heart of downtown, this 1,800-seat performing arts center offers quality evening entertainment.

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre is ideal for anyone searching for entertaining things to do in Montgomery tonight.

From live music to ballet and comedians, this theater hosts a variety of touring and local events.

Watch a classic flick, like The Godfather or Wizard of Oz, on the theater’s big screen.

Likewise, catch popular musicians perform live, like Lylt Lovett and Jason Isbell.

You can also enjoy the world-class performances of the Montgomery Symphony.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Montgomery Downtown

7. Old Alabama Town

301 Columbus St Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 240-4500 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Old Alabama Town is a wondrous 6-block collection of historic structures from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Old Alabama Town is a beautiful piece of history in the city’s downtown area.

With its historic architecture and elegant townhouses, it’s also boasts some of the most appealing things to see in Montgomery

Stop by the Oderman House, and enjoy a guided tour of this site.

Then, see the other notable buildings, like the Wade-Farley-Hood House and Adams Chapel School.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Montgomery East

Also See: Things to Do in Birmingham, AL Things to Do in Bessemer, AL

8. King Memorial Baptist Church

454 Dexter Ave Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 263-3970 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

In 1974, this Baptist Church earned a spot on the US National Register of Historic Places.

The King Memorial Baptist Church is a fascinating mural of the journey of Martin Luther King to Memphis from Montgomery.

In 1978, the church was renamed to pay tribute to Luther King, who served as its pastor between 1954 and 1960.

Watch the Julian Bond-narrated introductory video of the church.

Afterward, enjoy a guided tour and see the important parts of the structure, like Dr. King’s office.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites by Hilton Montgomery

9. Hank Williams Museum

118 Commerce St Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 262-3600 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Located in Downtown Montgomery, this unique museum commemorates the career and life of a country music icon.

The Hank Williams Museum is sure to captivate and inspire visitors, even those who aren’t into country music.

Here, you’ll find an extensive collection of the musician’s belongings, like his Gibson guitars, Steinway piano and 1952 powder-blue Cadillac.

Wander around the museum, and see beguiling memorabilia, including vinyl records, photos and Platinum Records.

You may also play some of Hank’s signature tunes, such as I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry and Hey Good Lookin.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn & Suites Montgomery East I-85

10. Alabama Shakespeare Festival

1 Festival Dr Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 271-5353 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Housed permanently in the Carolyn Blount Theatre, this colorful event is among the world’s 10 largest Shakespeare festivals.

It’s a professional theater that produces about 10 productions centered on Shakespeare’s works, every season.

Of course, the group also has non-Shakespeare productions, including American classics and musicals.

Watch a Shakspeare classic or check out a production inspired from other playwrights.

And, while there, drop by the charming and lovely Shakespeare Gardens.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Drury Inn & Suites Montgomery

Also See: Things to Do in Mobile, AL

11. Alley Entertainment District

Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

The Alley Entertainment District offers a taste of New Orleans with its lively shops, bars and restaurants.

Alley Entertainment District overflows with life and colors.

Restored and revitalized over a decade ago, it’s today a hotbed of culture and chic attractions.

Even better, the district pays tribute to the vibrant jazz scene in the 1920s.

Explore the numerous underground bars and jazz clubs of the district.

Additionally, you may swing by the Railyard Brewing Company, Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Stadium and Fitzgerald Museum.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta ES Suites Montgomery

Related: Things to Do in Wetumpka, AL

12. Alabama State Archives and History Museum

36130, 624 Washington Ave Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-4435 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Founded in 1901, the ADAH is the country’s first ever independent state, public funded archives agency.

The ADAH is an absolute treat, especially for history buffs.

Through historic documents and artifacts, this museum beautifully explores the state’s heritage and culture.

Exhibits include pioneer and Native American artifacts, and several Civil War displays.

See multimedia presentations that display key moments in the state’s history.

Also, head to the second floor and check out the archive room dedicated to William Rufus King.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Montgomery Prattville/Millbrook

Related: Best Restaurants in Montgomery

13. Court Square Fountain

Intersection of Commerce Street and Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Made of cast iron, this 25-foot fall fountain is a nice spot for a photo op in Montgomery.

The Court Square Fountain isn’t just a stunning Instagrammable spot.

In fact, it was built in 1885 on an artesian well where the natives in Alabama once settled.

Moreover, it’s the place where slaves were auctioned.

Be enthralled by its Greek mythology statues.

You can also throw coins into the fountain’s water, and make a couple of wishes.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn & Suites Millbrook

Also See: Things to Do in Huntsville, AL Things to Do in Cullman, AL

14. Harriott 2 Riverboat

200 Coosa St Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 625-2100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Docked near Riverwalk Amphitheater, this gorgeous 19th-century boat is a famous downtown attraction.

For something unique and relaxing, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Alabama River via the Harriott 2 Riverboat.

With great food, entertainment and music, this cruise makes a perfect escape in Montgomery.

You can enjoy this cruise for lunch, birthday or any special event.

But, if you’re searching for romantic things to do in Montgomery for couples, go for their moonlit evening cruise.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Prattville

15. MOOseum

201 S Bainbridge St Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 265-1867 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

MOOseum has been highlighting the state’s cattle industry since 1995.

MOOseum is an excellent choice for families looking for educational and fun things to do in Montgomery, Alabama.

With its hands-on exhibits and costumes, the museum lets you learn more about the thriving cattle industry of Alabama in a rather exciting way.

Uncover fun tidbits about cows, from their products to their complex digestive system and breeds.

Also, allow the kiddos to dress up as cowgirls or cowboys in the museum’s play arena.

And, before leaving the museum, visit the Beef Wagon for a quirky photo op.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Airport South

Related: Nice Places to Visit in Alabama

16. Riverfront Park

355 Commerce St Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 625-2100 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Resting on Alabama River’s edge, this waterfront park features some of the most exciting free things to do in Montgomery.

Riverfront Park is action packed.

Not only does it offer wide cycling and walking paths, but it also has a splash pad for the little ones.

Furthermore, it has an outdoor amphitheater that hosts plays, movies, concerts and picnics.

There’s plenty of cheap stuff to do in this park this weekend.

For one, you can enjoy the park’s amenities and picnic areas.

You can also watch a game in the Riverwalk Stadium or enjoy a riverboat ride.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Montgomery – Hotel & Conference Center

17. Alabama State Capitol

600 Dexter Ave Montgomery, AL 36130 (334) 242-3935 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Sitting on Capitol Hill, this notable landmark was officially declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

A tour of this historic capitol is definitely one of the best things to do in Montgomery, AL.

With its classic Greek Revival architecture, this building is perfect for photographers and Instagram junkies.

What’s more, it’s steeped in history, and has hosted numerous key events in Alabama’s history.

Take a self-guided tour, and discover the fascinating history of the capitol and state.

For a deeper insight, opt for the guided tour, which is available at 9AM, 11AM, 1PM and 3PM.

Related: Top Things to Do in Alabama

Activity Guide 

Comparing attractions: which one is right for you.

When planning a trip, it’s essential to compare attractions and choose the one that’s right for you. 

Consider your budget and preferences before making a decision.

The Civil Rights Tour of Montgomery and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice offer a powerful and thought-provoking experience for those interested in history.

However, these two locations lack interactivity and entertainment value. 

For a more lighthearted option, the Montgomery Zoo offers a fun and educational experience for animal lovers. 

On the other hand, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum pays tribute to the Civil Rights icon and offers a glimpse into the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

But these two places can get crowded, especially during peak season.

How I Picked The Activities

As a travel enthusiast and blogger, I explore new and fascinating activities in various locations. 

When it came to Montgomery, I scoured numerous travel websites, read blogs, and sought advice from locals.

I looked for activities that provided a unique experience and insight into Montgomery’s history and culture.

I also evaluated choices for different age groups and interests, such as family-friendly activities and those suitable for single travelers.

Our Rating Method 

I rate these attractions based on the following criteria: 

• Family-Friendliness: I use this criterion to assess the family-friendly appeal of every activity. Is it suitable for families with kids? Is it safe, engaging, and fun for children? I ask myself these questions in order to rate family-friendliness. 
• Affordability: This is used to evaluate the attraction’s affordability. Will visitors get a lot of bang for their buck? Is it free or cheaper compared to the other options? Does it offer discounted rates, special promotions, or free entry? I consider these factors when rating affordability.
• Accessibility: This evaluates the activity’s accessibility. Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Are there plenty of parking spaces available? Is it wheelchair accessible? I ask myself these questions when assessing the attraction’s accessibility.
• Fun Factor: I use this to evaluate how enjoyable the attraction is for visitors. Will it create positive and memorable experiences? Is it engaging, fun, and exciting? I use these questions to evaluate this criterion. 
• Educational Value: This assesses the educational benefits of the activity. Does it provide learning opportunities to kids? Will it teach visitors lessons in science and history? I ask myself these important questions when rating educational value. 

What Are The Best Things To Do With Kids In Montgomery?

The best things to do with kids in Montgomery are visiting the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, and Montgomery Zoo.

How Do You Spend A Day In Montgomery?

Spend time in at the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, where the kids can experience an educational time and treat them to a fun time at the Montgomery Zoo. 

Montgomery has plenty of great attractions that offer something unique and exciting for everyone. 

Whether you’re a history buff or an animal lover, there’s no shortage of things to do in this city.

The National Memorial’s design and layout were also impressive, and we appreciated how it allowed visitors to reflect and pay their respects in a peaceful setting.

Meanwhile, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum offers a great learning experience for the whole family.

The museum did an excellent job of telling the story of the civil rights movement and Rosa Parks’ vital role in it.

The zoo was also fun for its wide variety of animals, and we especially loved getting up close and personal with the giraffes during the feeding experience. 

The zoo also had plenty of shady areas and benches, which made it a comfortable place to spend the day with our kids.

However, when it comes to the best things to do in Montgomery, our pick is the Civil Rights Tour of Montgomery.

The memorials and historical sites provide a moving experience that will stay with you long after you leave. 

It’s an essential activity for anyone visiting Montgomery and a must-see for those interested in American history and social justice.

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Plan Your Visit

When scoping out the best places to visit and the best things to do in Montgomery, Alabama, there’s no better resource than our Visitor Information Center. Our friendly team of local experts is here to help you make the most of your visit to our vibrant city. Call (334-262-0013) to get the inside scoop on local attractions, restaurants, lodging spots, and historic sites; learn about deals and discounts.

Our Visitor Information Center is open Monday–Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  Our phone number is 334.262.0013.

To maximize your time in Montgomery, talk with our staff about your trip—include how long you’ll be visiting, which types of attractions you enjoy, and what your ideal dining experiences are—and we’ll be happy to put together a personalized plan just for you!

If you prefer to chart your own path, our Trip Builder tool is just the ticket! To craft your own customized itinerary, simply “heart”/love the locations and attractions you want to visit, and they’ll save to your list.

However, you choose to plan your adventure, our interactive map is a valuable tool to keep handy as you navigate the city. This cool feature makes it easy to learn more about the different areas in Montgomery and the unique experiences they each offer.

After you speak with our staff some great places to start your Montgomery Experience are, Riverwalk and Riverfront Park  or a ride on the Harriott II riverboat seeing the city from the Alabama River.  

Trip Ideas & Itineraries

Transportation.

Best places for 7 popular indoor activities in Montgomery

When the sun is shining and temperatures are warm, it's not too difficult to get out of the house and find something to do, whether it's a simple walk around the block or a day trip to the beach. But when temperatures are lower or rain is trickling down your windows, you're probably more likely to stay inside—and that's true no matter your age.

A 2020 survey of about 1,000 people from the National Recreation and Park Association showed that 58% of U.S. adults are less active in the winter . Similarly, a 2016 study out of the University of Cambridge found that average activity levels among children dropped to their lowest levels in February at about 48 minutes per day compared to 65 minutes per day in April, the peak month for activity.

The good news is there are an increasing number of ways to get out and be active, no matter the season and no matter what level of activity you're looking for. There are the longtime staples to visit year-round, from an awe-inspiring and educational visit to an aquarium or planetarium to a culturally stimulating night at the theater to a trip down memory lane at the bowling alley. For the gamers among you—or for those nostalgic for the 1970s, '80s, and '90s—there's always laser tag or an afternoon at the arcade.

Those looking to exercise their minds a bit more than their muscles could try the more recent sensation: escape rooms, which started captivating Americans of all ages in the mid-2010s. Meanwhile, people who want to sweat it out a bit can try to get into the skyrocketing success of indoor rock climbing, the bouncing business of trampoline parks, and the more adult activity that is ax throwing.

To motivate you to try a new activity this weekend, weather notwithstanding, Stacker compiled a list of the best places for popular indoor activities in Montgomery using data from Yelp. Data is as of Feb. 21, 2024. Businesses were selected using Yelp's ranking system, which calculates an adjusted rating value that takes into account the number of ratings as well as the rating score itself.

Arcade: Chuck E. Cheese

- Rating: 4.0/5 (7 reviews) - Price level: $ - Address: 1116 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, Alabama - Categories: Pizza, Arcades, Kids Activities - Read more on Yelp

Bowling: Bama Lanes

- Rating: 3.7/5 (9 reviews) - Address: 3020 Atlanta Hwy Montgomery, Alabama - Categories: Bowling - Read more on Yelp

Laser tag: Go Karting Montgomery

- Rating: 2.0/5 (2 reviews) - Address: 9033 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery, Alabama - Categories: Laser Tag, Mini Golf, Go Karts - Read more on Yelp

Ax throwing: Civil Axe Throwing - Montgomery

- Rating: 4.7/5 (3 reviews) - Address: 39 Dexter Ave. Unit 2 Montgomery, Alabama - Categories: Ax Throwing - Read more on Yelp

Escape games: Escapology Escape Rooms Montgomery

- Rating: 5.0/5 (12 reviews) - Address: 130 Commerce St. Montgomery, Alabama - Categories: Escape Games, Team Building Activities - Read more on Yelp

Theater: Alabama Shakespeare Festival

- Rating: 4.2/5 (18 reviews) - Address: 1 Festival Drive Montgomery, Alabama - Categories: Performing Arts - Read more on Yelp

Trampoline park: Rockin Jump Montgomery

- Rating: 3.5/5 (11 reviews) - Address: 5544 Atlanta Hwy Montgomery, Alabama - Categories: Trampoline Parks, Kids Activities - Read more on Yelp

This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Jaimie Etkin, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 251 metros.

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The Rundown: Celebrate the 4th of July

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - It’s almost the 4th of July, and we have some exciting ways you can spend the day with family & friends. It’s time for The Rundown

If you’re in Prattville , start your morning with the Independence Day parade starting at 9 a.m. in downtown, then head on over to Pratt Park for the Annual Lions Club BBQ lasting until 2 p.m. Cardboard boat races begins at 10:30AM. The Pratt Pool and Splash Pad will also be open for more family fun. Fireworks will be at the Homeplace Clock tower to end the night. Click here for more information.

In the city of Montgomery, it’s BBQ, Brews & Blues happening at Riverfront Park beginning at 5 p.m. There will be water activities, a splash pad, and free beer samples. There will also be performances by Capital Sounds, Wesley Hill Band, and NBC’s The Voice winner Asher Havon. The event will last until 9 p.m.

You can take a 4th of July cruise on the beautiful Alabama River on the Harriott II starting at 8 p.m. There will be live entertainment on board.

Also, Sip-n-Cycle Pedal Cruise will be having a 4th of July River Cruise starting at 11 a.m.

You can celebrate Independence Day at the Montgomery Zoo . The zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What’s more American than baseball, hotdogs, and fireworks? Nothing right? Well in downtown Montgomery, you can catch the Biscuits take on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Riverwalk Stadium at 6:35 p.m. & after the game, it’s the MAX Fireworks Show.

You can celebrate the day with your entire family over in Auburn . Behind Duck Samford Stadium at 5 p.m., there will be music, food trucks and more, so be sure to bring your chairs & blankets. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.

The city of Troy’s annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration will take place at Veterans Memorial Stadium at 8:30 p.m. The stadium will open at 6 p.m.

The Stars and Stripes Independence Day Celebration is happening in Selma on July 3rd. It will feature a Levitt AMP concert at the Riverfront Amphitheater and Park. There will be a fireworks show to end the night.

The City of Demopolis will host Freedom on the River . There will be arts and crafts vendors, a water slide, a foam machine and several children’s activities. The event will begin at 5 p.m. The fireworks show will start at 8:30 p.m.

In Andalusia, the Old Three Notch Chapter of the Dar will hold its annual 4th of July Parade starting at 10 a.m. Andalusia’s 4th of July Celebration will be at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds. There will be bouncy houses, a waterslide and more for kids. There will be a performance by FiftyFive South. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. The fireworks show will begin at dusk.

Other events happening this Independence Day include:

• Lake Martin July 4th Boat Parade
• Lake Martin July 4th Fireworks and Concert
• The Town of Maplesville 10th Annual July 4th Fireworks Show
• City of Greenville 20th annual Celebrate America Fireworks Show
• City of Opp July 4th Celebration
• City of Luverne Independence Day Hometown Fireworks Show
• Daleville Independence Day
• Meeksville Independence Day Parade
• Independence Day Celebration with the Band ‘Twelve’

Whatever you are planning to do this holiday, have a fun and safe 4th of July!

But for now, this has been the Rundown, see you on the town!

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Copyright 2024 WSFA. All rights reserved.

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10 quirky Alabama attractions worth a trip

• Updated: Jun. 28, 2024, 9:03 a.m. |
• Published: Jun. 24, 2024, 9:54 a.m.

Why cross the Atlantic Ocean when you can see a replica of Stonehenge close to home in Elberta, Alabama? Kelly Kazek

• Amber Sutton

If you’ve got an itch to see something out of the ordinary, there are plenty of quirky attractions throughout the state that are worth a visit.

From the Tinglewood trail in Montevallo , where you can take in some carved works of art while getting in a walk; to the (fictional) town of Spectre in Millbrook , home to the remaining set of Tim Burton’s “Big Fish” as well as the Ave Marie Grotto , which attracts visitors from across the country every year, and so many more, there are so plenty of one-of-a-kind attractions in Alabama.

In fact, the hardest part might be deciding which one to visit first. So with that in mind, here’s a look at 10 quirky Alabama attractions you need to see.

Dinosaurs in the woods at Barber Marina. (Photo by Wil Elrick)

Dinosaurs in the Woods

You can expect to find plenty of creatures living in Alabama’s woods, but in Elberta, Ala., you can also expect to find dinosaurs hidden among the trees thanks to a quirky (and free) attraction that’s proven to be a prehistoric hit with visitors of all ages. Dinosaurs in the Woods consists of a life-size Brontosaurus, T. Rex, Stegosaurus and Triceratops, made from fiberglass by artist Mark Cline. Located along the road leading to the Barber Marina, the dinosaurs can be tricky to spot despite their size, making finding them half the fun.

READ MORE: Free ways to entertain kids

These fake trees, created by director Tim Burton, are the only ones to remain on Jackson Lake Island, Alabama. They were built along with the set of a small town for the 2003 film "Big Fish." Kelly Kazek

The (fictional) Town of Spectre

For movie buffs and fans of Tim Burton’s film “Big Fish,” a visit to the fictional town of Spectre on Jackson Lake Island in Millbrook, Ala., is a must. The one-of-a-kind attraction, which costs $3 per person, allows visitors to walk around several parts of the “Big Fish” set, including different houses, large cement trees and even a chapel -- which is now home to a herd of friendly goats that live on the island -- that were left behind after filming was complete.

READ MORE: Alabama roadside attractions you have to visit

Dozens of coon dogs have been buried in the Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Graveyard since the first dog, Troop, was buried at the site of what was a popular hunting camp in 1937. The cemetery, located west of Tuscumbia in northwest Alabama, bills itself as the only cemetery of its kind in the world. Stan Diel/AL.com

The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard

If you’re a fan of visiting cemeteries, The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard in Tuscumbia, which bills itself as the only cemetery in the world dedicated to the burial of purebred coon dogs, is one to see. The first dog, Troop, was buried in the graveyard that was formerly a popular hunting camp in 1937. Today, it’s home to more than 300 graves for coon dogs from all over the country.

READ MORE: Here’s what you can find at the Coon Dog Cemetery

Located in Elberta, Ala., Bamahenge is a full-size replica of Stonehenge (yes, the prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England) made from fiberglass by artist Mark Cline. Bamahenge has been around since 2012, and it’s become a popular stop despite being a little out of the way for most folks. The good news? It’s located along the same road as Dinosaurs in the Woods, also made by Cline, so it’s like you’re getting a two-for-one deal on free, one-of-a-kind attractions.

READ MORE: How Bamahenge was built

The sign at Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro.

Unclaimed Baggage

Since 1970, more than a million people from all over the country have visited Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro each year. The 50,000-square-foot facility purchases orphaned suitcases from major airlines and sells the contents found within, which can be ordinary items like clothing and electronics or more unexpected finds like emeralds and other collectibles. That means you never know what you’ll find on its shelves. (But chances are high, you’ll get a good deal whatever it is.)

READ MORE: Why you should check out the Unclaimed Baggage museum

The Drive-Thru Museum of Wonder, located off Highway 431 in Seale, Ala., was created by nationally-renowned folk artist Butch Anthony in 2014. It displays an array of Butch’s work in addition to found and gifted curiosities. Amber Sutton

The Drive-Thru Museum of Wonder

When it comes to quirky Alabama attractions, The Drive-Thru Museum of Wonder , located off Highway 431 in Seale, Ala., is the first thing that comes to mind for many folks, and for good reason. Created by nationally-renowned folk artist Butch Anthony in 2014, the museum, which is mostly housed in shipping containers with viewing windows so visitors can see the displays without ever having to leave their vehicles, showcases a wide range of Butch’s work in addition to antiques and some one-of-a-kind curiosities.

The city of Enterprise is home to more than 25 boll weevil statues. Erin Grantham

The Boll Weevil statues of Enterprise

If you’re a fan of oddball statues, or maybe just a fan of boll weevils, then a trip down Weevil Way in Enterprise could be a good match for you. The quirky attraction, inspired by the boll weevil’s role in inadvertently helping to create the town’s peanut industry, features more than 25 weevil statues tied into local businesses, including a McDonald’s weevil, known as Ronald McWeevil, a statue by the local funeral home known as the “Angel of Light” and many more.

READ MORE: Roadside attractions that tell their towns’ histories

The Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman is filled with miniature artworks made of stone and concrete. Most were the lifetime work of Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey. (AL.com file photo/Bernard Troncale)

Ave Maria Grotto

Located in the old quarry grounds at St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Ave Maria Grotto is a landscaped hillside that showcases more 125 miniature reproductions, made of stone, cement and other found materials, of some of the world’s most well-known religious structures, including St. Peter’s Basilica, scenes from ancient Jerusalem and the Tower of Babel along a two-block pathway. The one-of-a-kind attraction is on the National Register of Historic Places and attracts visitors from across the country each year.

READ MORE: Roadside museums worth a visit

The Tinglewood walking trail in Montevallo's Orr Park displays one-of-a-kind works of art crafted from more than 50 trees by local artist Tim Tingle. This is Alabama

Tinglewood Trail

Within Orr Park in Montevallo, you’ll find the Tinglewood walking trail , which features more than 50 trees with whimsical and creative carvings by local artist Tim Tingle along a paved, half-mile pathway. Tingle started the trail in 1993 and has been carving faces, animals, mystical creatures and more into the dead portions of mature, living cedar trees ever since, making the park a fun place for visitors of all ages to get in some steps while enjoying one-of-a-kind works of art.

Started in the 1970s, the Rock Zoo in Fackler, Ala., features a collection of folk art-style animal sculptures. The painted stone sculptures range from the original bull-- created by the original zookeeper Leonard Dawson in 1970s using two large boulders left by a road crew -- to turtles, an elephant, sea creatures, a bear and many more. Haley Laurence

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When it comes to quirky attractions in Alabama, you can’t leave out The Alabama Rock Zoo in Fackler in northeast Alabama. Started in the 1970s, the Rock Zoo features a collection of animal sculptures made out of (you guessed it) rocks. The painted stone sculptures range from the original bull-- created by the original zookeeper Leonard Dawson in 1970s using two large boulders left by a road crew -- to turtles, an elephant, sea creatures, a bear and many more, making it a fun and inexpensive place for families to spend an afternoon.

READ MORE: This Alabama zoo is like no other

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11 Inspiring Places Around the U.S. to Learn More About Black History

Posted: June 18, 2024 | Last updated: June 18, 2024

When it comes to experiencing Black history in the United States, it’s nearly impossible to narrow it down to just a few destinations. The truth is Black history and culture are deeply woven throughout every city and hamlet across the country. That said, significant eras such as the civil rights movement, the Harlem Renaissance, and Reconstruction stand out in our nation’s memory as times when African Americans fought for basic human rights, created society-shifting works of art, and made history in the process.

While it’s important to stand in reverence at the places where history was made, it’s also important to support the Black-owned businesses and Black-led preservation efforts that exist today in these destinations. Below, we detail 11 places to experience Black history and culture in all their vibrance; some places you might expect, while others might surprise you. Here, the best places to travel to learn about Black history.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is one of those cities where Black culture shines. It’s everywhere—splashed across beautiful murals throughout the city, in the hip-hop and blues heard in lounges, and, of course, infused in the incredible soul food. The city is also infamously where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated during the height of the civil rights movement. His last moments as well as the decades-long struggle for civil rights are immortalized at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel . The powerful museum is a difficult but necessary experience, charting both the pain and pride of African Americans throughout enslavement, the violence of Jim Crow, and the celebratory Black Is Beautiful movement.

Nearby Clayborn Temple and I Am a Man plaza, where striking sanitation workers gathered in 1968 in preparation for a march to be led by Dr. King, are both must-sees, especially to honor the 1300 strikers whose names are engraved on a plaza wall. On your trip, don’t miss the fried catfish plate at The Four Way , one of the only restaurants to serve Black and white diners during the early 1960s, and a carefully crafted cup of coffee at the Anti Gentrification Cxffee Club.

New Orleans

Black history in New Orleans starts in Tremé, the only place in America where Black people and other people of color have purchased land and homes with regularity since 1783. All Bout Dat Tours offers tours through the neighborhood, visiting Congo Square , where the enslaved often held healing drum circles (and where jazz was created); Louis Armstrong Park , where you’ll find several sculptures honoring NOLA's musical history; and various Black-owned businesses like Community Book Center and Domino Sound Record Shack on Bayou Road.

For the best in Creole cuisine, stop by the historic Dooky Chase’s Restaurant or The Munch Factory (a favorite of Beyoncé and Jay-Z). Rest your head at the newly restored Dew Drop Inn (opening March 1). The legendary Black-owned music venue (that hosted musicians like Ray Charles and Fats Domino) is now a midcentury modern 17-room boutique hotel with rooms named after the icons who walked its hallowed halls.

The Apollo theater . The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture . The Studio Museum . There are so many incredible places to experience Black history and culture in New York City, and those three are all in one neighborhood. Harlem is a globally respected cradle of Black culture, mainly because of the glamorous cultural explosion that was the Harlem Renaissance during the 1920s and 1930s.

The era and neighborhood redefined Black identity through music, literature, and art, and the effects of the movement are still felt today throughout New York’s five boroughs. For a taste of the past, visit the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens to view his collection of 1600 recordings, and back in Harlem, take a stroll through the neighborhood’s stunning brownstone-lined streets , particularly Strivers’ Row, a collection of beautifully preserved late 19th-century townhouses popular among Harlem’s Black elite of the 1920s.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa is home to one of the most important Black landmarks in the United States: the historic Greenwood District once known as Black Wall Street. In 1921, the thriving Black business district was destroyed by a violent white mob during the horrific Tulsa Race Massacre. As a visitor, there are several ways to understand the legacy of this district, especially at Greenwood Rising , where guests can interactively explore the district before and after the massacre.

At the Greenwood Cultural Center , tour the Mabel B. Little Heritage House, the only house from the 1920s that remains in the Greenwood District. Part of honoring Black Wall Street is to visit the businesses carrying on its legacy, like the Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge coffee shop and Fulton Street Books & Coffee , which carries mostly books written by or featuring BBIPOC and marginalized communities.

Topeka, Kansas

May 17, 2o24, marks the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Supreme Court decision that made racial segregation illegal in U.S. public schools. The community plans to commemorate the historic event with a homecoming celebration for former students and educators of Topeka’s four former African American elementary schools.

Visitors can experience Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park , where one of the former schools, Monroe Elementary, has been transformed into a museum that details the case and its legacy. Walk through the school that feels frozen in time with both “white” and “colored” signs to mark the period of segregation.

Montgomery, Alabama

For many, Montgomery is considered the birthplace of America’s 20th-century civil rights movement, thanks to the courage of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955–56. It’s also where Dr. King made a national name for himself as pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where he served from 1954 to 1960. The church, a key stop on the national Civil Rights Trail, was also the meeting site to organize the boycott.

There’s nearly an overwhelming amount of Black history experiences to have in Montgomery, from the Rosa Parks Museum to The Legacy Museum and Freedom Rides Museum , but every one is integral to understanding the continuing struggle for equal rights in this country. A tour with Montgomery Tours , led by self-proclaimed “child of the civil rights movement” and lifelong resident Jake Williams, is a great place to start. No trip to the Deep South is complete without excellent food, so make sure to fuel up every morning at Greg’s Breakfast Bar .

Washington, D.C.

Any Black culture–centered visit to Washington has to start at what locals lovingly call the Blacksonian, also known as the National Museum of African American History & Culture located on the National Mall. Since its opening in 2016, this museum has swiftly become one of the most popular in the Smithsonian Institution collection, charting the richness and diversity of the African American experience.

Deeper into the heart of the city, stroll “Black Broadway” on a walking tour led by local author and journalist Briana Thomas to see vibrant murals and visit celebrated spots like the Lincoln and Howard theaters and Ben’s Chili Bowl restaurant. Want an insider tip? D.C.’s monuments are stunning at night, and the shrimp pink granite Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial absolutely glows in the evening.

Birmingham, Alabama

Although Montgomery might have been the place where the civil rights movement began, Birmingham was its center. The city saw some of the most violent moments of the era, including at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church where four young girls were killed in a racist bombing while attending Sunday school. This and other events galvanized the movement on a national scale, and today places like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and moving sculptures of peaceful demonstrators being attacked by police dogs in Kelly Ingram Park work to ensure that visitors never forget what happened there.

Also in Birmingham’s Civil Rights District is the A.G. Gaston Motel, the only hotel to offer first-class lodging and dining to African American travelers from 1954 onward. Visitors can now tour the beautifully restored space, a favorite meeting place for several civil rights leaders.

Since the mid-19th century, Atlanta has been a center of Black higher education, entrepreneurship, and culture. Celebrated historically Black colleges , Morehouse College for men and Spelman College for women, are based there and have produced some of America’s foremost leaders, including Dr. King, Senator Raphael Warnock, novelist Alice Walker, and politician Stacey Abrams.

Dr. King was born and raised in Atlanta, and visitors can explore his family church, Ebenezer Baptist Church , and stop by his gravesite at The King Center . One lesser-known Atlanta museum that should be on everyone’s list is the Madame C.J. Walker Museum , all about the nearly unbelievable story of the first self-made woman millionaire in the United States.

South Carolina's Low Country

The Low Country includes the popular destinations of Charleston, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island, all places significant to the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of west Africans who were enslaved and brought to the lower Atlantic states to work on coastal plantations. Because these people were relatively isolated, they maintained many of their indigenous African traditions that are still alive today.

Take a Gullah Heritage Trail Tour in Hilton Head to see family compounds, a former schoolhouse, and Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the first self-governed freeperson's town in the United States. Gullah cuisine is also an interesting mix of Southern staples and the freshest seafood, so make sure to try it at Ruby Lee’s on Hilton Head Island.

Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Maryland’s Eastern Shore is home to one of the most interesting historic byways in the country dedicated to an American hero. The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway winds for 125 miles through Maryland and Delaware before ending in Philadelphia, but many of the sites detailing Tubman’s early life of enslavement and where she returned to bring others to freedom are in Maryland.

Must-visit stops include the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center that’s filled with exhibits and borders Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge , the same terrain Tubman had to traverse on her journeys. Bucktown General Store is where a teenage Tubman received a head injury from a slave overseer that affected her for the rest of her life. Because Maryland is home to the majority of stops on the byway, we suggest you bunk down at the Wildset Hotel in nearby St. Michaels along the Chesapeake Bay.

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Fourth of July 2024: Here's where to enjoy fireworks, festivals and more

CINCINNATI — While the Fourth of July falls on a Thursday this year, there are plenty of opportunities to find festivals, fun and fireworks in the Tri-State for Independence Day.

Here's a list of the Fourth of July events you can enjoy around the Tri-State:

Colerain Township 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular — 4160 Springdale Road, Colerain Township

• Festival begins at 5:30 p.m.
• Live music starts at 7 p.m.

Green Township Independence Day Celebration — Kuliga Park, 6717 Bridgetown Road, Cincinnati

• Live music begins at 7 p.m.

Friendly Fourth in Madeira

• Parade steps off at 6 p.m.
• Celebration at McDonald Commons Park (7451 Dawson Road) starts after parade
• Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Middletown's Independence Day Festival

• Festival begins at 4 p.m.

Newport Blast — One Levee Way, Newport

• Event kicks off at 5 p.m.
• Fireworks show begins at 10 p.m.

Red, Rhythm & Boom in Mason — 6000 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason

• Event begins at 4 p.m.
• Sister Hazel performs at 6 p.m.
• Spin Doctors perform at 8 p.m.
• Fireworks show at 10 p.m.

Red, White & KaBOOM in Fairfield

• Event kicks off at 4 p.m.
• Cincinnati Circus performance at 4 p.m.
• A second Cincinnati Circus performance at 6 p.m.
• Festivities begin at 7 p.m.
• Live music starts at 7:30 p.m.

Edgewood 4th of July Extravaganza — 550 Freedom Park Drive, Edgewood

• Annual 5K race steps off at 7:30 a.m.
• 4th of July parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m.
• Fireworks show starts at dusk

58th Annual Independence Day Fireworks at Ault Park — 5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati

• Fesitval runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Children's parade kicks off at 11 a.m.

Fort Mitchell Independence Day Parade

• Parade steps off from 75 Orphanage Road at 12:30 p.m.

Fort Thomas Independence Day Celebration — 900 S Ft Thomas Avenue, Fort Thomas

• Firecracker 5K kicks off at 8 a.m.
• Parade steps off at 10:30 a.m.
• Live music starts at 6 p.m.

Franklin Independence Day Parade

• Parade steps off from Park Avenue near the Lion's Bridge at 10 a.m.

Hamilton's July 4th Celebration

• Parade begins at the Butler County Fairgrounds at 10 a.m.
• Live music begins at 6 p.m. at RiversEdge Amphitheater

Kings Island Fireworks

• Park remains open until 10 p.m.

Liberty Township Annual 4th of July Parade

• Parade steps off from Lakota East High School at 9 a.m.

Light Up the Sky Monroe — 412 Old Street, Monroe

• Festivities begin at 5 p.m.
• Fireworks show is at 10 p.m.

Loveland Independence Day Celebration

• Family Fun Zone runs from 4-6:30 p.m. at Nisbet Park
• Food trucks are available from 4-10 p.m.
• Reds Hall of Famer George Foster will signing autographs at City Hall from 4-5:30 p.m.
• Parade steps off from Loveland Elementary School at 7 p.m.
• Live music begins at 8 p.m.
• Fireworks show starts at 10 p.m.

MadTree Red, White & Blue Ash — 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash

• Festival kicks off at 4 p.m.
• Live music begins at 6 p.m.
• Judah & The Lion take the stage at 8:15 p.m.

Middletown Independence Day Parade

• Steps off from Smith Park at 10 a.m.

Montgomery Independence Day Festival & Parade — 10101 Montgomery Road, Montgomery

• Parade kicks off along Cooper and Montgomery roads at 10 a.m.
• Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Northside Fourth of July Parade

• Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. from 4781 Hamilton Avenue

Wyoming 4th of July Celebration

• Parade begins at 10 a.m.
• Free swimming at the Wyoming Family Aquatic Center from noon to 5 p.m.
• Festival starts at 6:30 p.m. at Oak Park
• Live music begins at 6:30 p.m.
• Fireworks show is at 9:45 p.m.

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