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15 Cool Things To Do In Montgomery

by Pankaj Upreti
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Things To Do In Montgomery

If you are someone who is interested in American history, then Montgomery, AL is the place for you
Montgomery, AL | Photo Credit – James Willamor

If you are someone who is interested in American history, then Montgomery, AL is the place for you. This major American city is the place where the Civil Rights Movement started with the Bus Boycott in 1955. If you are not that keen on the topics of politics and history, Montgomery would still be a worthwhile place to visit. 

Located on the east bank of the Alabama River, Montgomery is the third most populous city in the state and the fourth-largest metropolitan area. You will find that there are many things to do in the city, such as enjoying its parks, its art scene and of course, its rich history. 

Keep reading this article to find out about the best things to do in Montgomery, AL.

Going to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts | Photo Credit – Ralph Daily

Not only does the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts have an impressive collection of artworks, but it is also home to a magnificent sculpture garden. You will find collections on 20th-century photography, regional works of the United States, as well as artworks from around the world.

Coming here is really great from a tourist’s perspective because Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park, where it is located, is a place very well suited for a day trip. There are many permanent exhibits for one to explore, making the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts be a great place for arts and culture lovers.

The Riverfront Park

Dragon Boat at Riverfront Park, Montgomery
Dragon Boat at Riverfront Park | Photo Credit – Montgomery County Planning CommissionFollow

Taking a break from the history and culture that Montgomery is known for, we would like to tell you about Riverfront Park. An extremely relaxing location known for its concerts and other entertaining events, the Riverfront Park is the go-to destination for any tourist visiting the city of Montgomery.

This place is popular even among the locals as it offers you a chance to catch baseball games at the Riverfront Stadium. You can also rent a paddleboard and go boating. All in all, a trip to the Riverfront Park is going to be relaxing and a great experience.

Rosa Parks Library and Museum

'Rosa Parks' -- Rosa Parks Library and Museum Montgomery, AL
‘Rosa Parks’ — Rosa Parks Library and Museum | Photo Credit – Ron Cogswell

Coming back to one of the most important sites in the city: the Rosa Parks Library and Museum is a testament to the history of the Civil Rights Movement. The museum is an educational experience about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This interactive experience will let you understand how segregation worked during the time it was in full swing.

Learn more about Rosa Parks’ courageous act from the Museum’s library and research center. If you are someone who wants to learn about history, then this is certainly the place for you.

Alabama State Archives and History Museum

This is another place for tourists who visit Montgomery for its history. Learn about the development of the state over the years by visiting the Alabama State Archives and History Museum.

Find out about the Indian origins of the state through its various artifacts, and not only that, you will find that the building itself is one of the most remarkable architectural developments of the state. A day trip exploring the history of the city must have this museum on its list.

Catching a play at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival

Play at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival | Photo Credit – Ralph Daily

Carolyn Blount Theatre in Montgomery is the permanent home of one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the world. There are usually over ten productions playing here in a year, so if you time your visit to Montgomery right, then you will be able to catch the experience of a lifetime.

This festival has been helped by the city by donating this location, one of the many ways in which Montgomery has invested in the preservation of its culture.

Haunted Montgomery Tours

Take a nighttime tour around the city to explore its haunted sites. Please be sure to book the tour in advance as there are only limited seats on the hearse.

The tour takes you to the sights of burials, murders with stories told along the way by tour manager Shannon Fontaine. 

The First White House of the Confederacy

The First White House of the Confederacy | Photo Credit – Jim Bowen

This was the home of Executive Jefferson Davis and served as a government mansion for the newly formed Confederate States of America. The house was moved in the 1920s and restored.

There are many items within the house that will tell the story of the Civil War, making it one of the most important places to visit if you are a fan of history and culture.

Alabama State Capitol

Alabama State Capitol | Photo Credit – Jim Bowen

This is another location that is extremely relevant to the history of Montgomery and Alabama itself. Many important events have taken place around this building which was constructed in 1850.

An earlier building existed in its place but it burned down making way for the new State Capitol to be constructed. Find out all about the speeches by Martin Luther King Jr as well as about the first president of the Confederacy: Jefferson Davies.

The building offers tours to showcase its history to its visitors. This tour is one of the most important things to do while in Montogomery Alabama.

Montgomery Zoo

If you are with kids, then visiting the Montgomery Zoo should be high on your list of things to do and see
Montgomery Zoo | Photo Credit – kangotraveler

If you are with kids, then visiting the Montgomery Zoo should be high on your list of things to do and see. This enormous zoo features over 500 animals from all around the world’s habitats.

One thing that is really special about this zoo is the fact that all the habitats are barrier-free, and the habitats for the animals have been crafted very skillfully to make them feel at home. Learn about wildlife all around the world by taking a miniature train ride across the zoo.

You can also take your own time and path to explore the many things that the zoo has to offer. A day trip to the Montgomery Zoo will be a worthwhile experience for everyone in your group. If you like to plan things ahead, then there is a surprise for you.

You can book special events and experiences to make your trip to the Montgomery Zoo even more lively and informative.

The Montgomery City Planetarium

Much like the Montgomery Zoo, the Montgomery City Planetarium is a place that will take you away from history into natural sights. Visit the planetarium to know all about the stars, the planets and come out of the place knowing where to spot all the constellations.

There are a number of films and interactive exhibits here at the planetarium that will make this trip an informative and educational experience. This is a must-visit place when you travel around Montgomery.

Harriott 2 Riverboat

Harriott 2 Riverboat | Photo Credit – GPA Photo Archive

If you are in Montgomery, then one experience that you absolutely must take is spending an evening at the Harriott 2 riverboat. Have the most delicious lunch or have dinner under the moonlit sky to complete your Montgomery experience

Food in Montgomery

Steak Dinner | Photo Credit – Thank You (21 Millions+

One of the things that the South is known for is its cuisine. Alabama’s cuisine is a mixture of many different regional styles and flavors. You can make an entire day trip out of visiting all the spots you can eat at in the city. The flavors of Montgomery are a mix of different cultures, from Cajun to Native American, from African and Spanish, and more.

Some of the best restaurants you can eat at are Filet & Vine, Garrett’s, and Martin’s. Try the intense flavors of seafood dishes, steaks, cornbread, and beef made in various styles. Alabama’s cuisine will take your breath away with every bite.

You will be able to find someplace to allure you with its food at every corner in the city. Our advice, keep an entire day aside just for capturing all the foodie experiences at Montgomery.

Visiting the Alley Entertainment District

If you are in Montgomery, there will be many places featured on many lists that are said to places you absolutely must visit. Well, for our list, it is the Alley Entertainment District. This area is filled with the classic stuff you might find in any Entertainment District such as restaurants and theaters.

However, you can also find a unique twist in bars and pubs. Watch the Jazz scene of the 20s come alive and enjoy music while you eat the best of food and dance to the tunes at one of the many clubs.

There are also sights that are culturally important to the city at the Alley Entertainment District such as the Fitzgerald Museum, Biscuits Baseball Stadium, and the classic Railyard Brewing Company.

Dragon Boat Festival

If you time your visit right, you can check out the competitive Dragon Boat Festival that happens annually. This event happens at Riverfront Park, which is a really great place to visit in itself.

Along with the competition that many people come here for, you will also be able to enjoy yourself by indulging in the festivities featuring food, live music, and exhibitions.

This will certainly be one of the best experiences you will have during your visit to Montgomery, so be sure to fix this once-in-a-year event into your itinerary.

Civil Rights Memorial

Civil Rights Memorial | Photo Credit – StretchyBill

Find this cultural gem beside the Civil Rights Memorial Center that commemorates all those who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement.

This monument features a quote by Martin Luther King Jr and a granite block naming all the people who were killed. The intensity of the memorial is only accentuated by flowing water over its surface.

We hope you enjoyed reading our list of the best things to do while in Montgomery. The city is a cultural and historical gem, but that is not the only special thing about it.

The city has a lot to offer to you through its food, its festivals, and great locations. Use this article to plan your upcoming trip to Montgomery. If you wish to read more on our series of articles on things to do in and around Alabama, check out things to do in Alabama and Mobile.


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