18 Best Places and Things To Do in Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery is the capital city of Alabama, and it has a rich history and culture that is deeply intertwined with the civil rights movement. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Montgomery:

1. Rosa Parks Museum

Rosa Parks Library and Museum.jpg

Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Parks_Museum

This museum tells the story of the civil rights movement and honors the life of Rosa Parks, who famously refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955. The museum is located on the site of the former Empire Theatre, where the Montgomery Bus Boycott was organized.

2. Alabama State Capitol

Alabama State Capitol, Montgomery, West view 20160713 1.jpg

Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama_State_Capitol

This beautiful building is home to the Alabama state government and is a significant landmark in Montgomery. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the history of Alabama’s government and its role in the civil rights movement.

3. Legacy Museum

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This museum tells the story of the enslavement of African Americans in the United States and the legacy of racial inequality that persists today. It is located in a historic warehouse building and is filled with interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the history of slavery and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

4. Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

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Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexter_Avenue_Baptist_Church

This church was the home church of Martin Luther King Jr. when he lived in Montgomery and was the starting point for the famous Selma to Montgomery march. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the history of the civil rights movement and the role of the church in the struggle for equality.

5. Montgomery Zoo

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This zoo is home to over 500 animals from all over the world, including tigers, zebras, giraffes, and elephants. Visitors can take a train ride through the zoo, attend animal shows, and participate in hands-on activities.

6. Hank Williams Museum

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This museum honors the life and legacy of country music legend Hank Williams, who was born in Montgomery. It features exhibits and artifacts from his life, including his famous car and guitar.

7. Riverfront Park

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This park is located along the banks of the Alabama River and offers stunning views of the city. It features walking paths, a splash pad, and a riverboat dock where visitors can take a scenic tour of the river.

8. Civil Rights Memorial Center

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This center is located near the Alabama State Capitol and commemorates the martyrs of the civil rights movement. Visitors can see a fountain designed by Maya Lin and a circular black granite table inscribed with the names of those who lost their lives in the struggle for civil rights.

9. Alabama Department of Archives and History

Alabama Department of Archives & History Apr2009.jpg

Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama_Department_of_Archives_and_History

This museum is located in downtown Montgomery and offers exhibits related to Alabama’s history and culture. Visitors can see artifacts related to Native American cultures, the civil rights movement, and the state’s role in the Civil War.

10. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

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Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_Museum_of_Fine_Arts

This museum features a collection of American art, including works by Georgia O’Keeffe, John Singer Sargent, and Winslow Homer. Visitors can also see contemporary art exhibitions and participate in educational programs.

11. Old Alabama Town

Structure on north side

Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Alabama_Town

This historic village is located in downtown Montgomery and features restored 19th-century buildings that show what life was like in Alabama in the past. Visitors can see a blacksmith shop, a general store, a church, and other buildings that have been preserved and restored.

12. F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

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This museum is located in the house where the famous American author F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda lived from 1931 to 1932. Visitors can see exhibits related to the couple’s life and work, including original manuscripts and personal belongings.

13. W.A. Gayle Planetarium

Front of W. A. Gayle Planetarium

Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._A._Gayle_Planetarium

This planetarium offers a unique experience for visitors who are interested in astronomy and space. Visitors can see a variety of shows that explore the mysteries of the universe, including shows that explore the stars, planets, and galaxies.

14. First White House of the Confederacy

First White House of the Confederacy, Montgomery, North view 20160713 1.jpg

Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_White_House_of_the_Confederacy

15. Rosa Parks Library and Museum

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This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Rosa Parks, the civil rights icon who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955. Visitors can learn about her life and the civil rights movement, and see exhibits related to the struggle for racial equality.

16. Montgomery Symphony Orchestra

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This orchestra performs a variety of classical and contemporary music throughout the year. Visitors can attend concerts at the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts and enjoy the beautiful music in a stunning setting.

17. Freedom Rides Museum

Old Montgomery Greyhound Station May2009.jpg

Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Rides_Museum

This museum is located at the site of the former Greyhound Bus Station where the Freedom Rides began in 1961. Visitors can learn about the history of the Freedom Rides and the civil rights movement, and see exhibits related to the struggle for racial equality.

18. Dexter Parsonage Museum

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This trail commemorates the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery. Visitors can walk along the trail and see historic markers and monuments that tell the story of the struggle for voting rights.

Montgomery is a city that has a rich and complex history and offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or entertainment, you will find something to suit your interests in this vibrant and diverse city. From museums and historic sites to parks and performing arts venues, there is something for everyone in Montgomery.