Museums and Parks Around Birmingham

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Birmingham, Alabama is not a city that is usually known for exciting attractions and a variety of entertainment options. In fact, if you just closed on one of the Birmingham homes for sale, you may not even know how to spend your weekends while in the city. That being said, the city does have some great non-traditional ways to spend your day, namely museums and parks. The city has some of the best museums and parks in Alabama, providing you with an opportunity to either get away from city life or educate yourself on the history of the United States. With so many great parks and museums within the city, it may be hard to narrow down which one you should spend your day at. There are a few Birmingham attractions that stand out from the crowd and are truly worth your time. Here’s a guide of the local museums and parks that can help you make your decision a little easier. 

Kelly Ingram Park

One of the most historic and famous parks in the Birmingham area is Kelly Ingram Park.  Birmingham has a strong history with the Civil Rights Movement, and many Civil Rights rallies took place right in Kelly Ingram Park. The American South as a whole struggled to be inclusive towards African Americans and other minorities, and Birmingham was at the center of it all. You’ve probably already seen some of the scenes that took place at Kelly Ingram Park, images and videos of police dogs attacking and firemen using high-pressure hoses to violently deter protesters. There are several monuments throughout the park depicting these events, illustrating the dark time period the city of Birmingham went through. That being said, the park stands today as an important reminder of those who sacrificed everything to stand up against injustice. 

Vulcan Park and Museum

When thinking of Birmingham, Roman mythology probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, Birmingham has a statue of Vulcan, Roman god of fire, forges, and creation. The statue is the largest cast-iron statue in the world, something that symbolizes the history that Birmingham has in various blue-collar industries. The park surrounding the statue is also very interesting as well, as the park is home to a museum and a large outdoor area. One could spend an afternoon in the park, as you can learn about the history of the area and get away from the busyness of the city. 

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

As mentioned before, the city of Birmingham was critical in the Civil Rights Movement. There’s no better place that honors the city’s role in the movement than the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The museum perfectly illustrates the struggles those at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement faced and focuses on the problems that African Americans have faced throughout American history. The Civil Rights Movement was an extremely important part of both American history and the history of Birmingham, so learning about it is imperative. If you’re looking for great educational resources to learn from, visiting the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a great option. 

McWane Science Center

One of the most important things for children to learn about through the education process is science. However, you want to make the education process fun and interactive for children, as it is a great way to get them involved and engrossed in learning. One of the best ways to do this in Birmingham is through a visit to the McWane Science Center. The museum has several high-quality exhibits to visit, including an aquarium and an IMAX theater to show off educational videos. The museum also has fun displays showing off local fossils and artifacts, even throwing in a little bit of local culture into the learning. If you want a fun way to educate your children, taking them to the McWane Science Center is a great option.