Hayneville AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hayneville, Alabama.
1. Lowndes County Interpretive Center
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY MUSEUM
The Lowndes County Interpretive Center is a National Park Service site dedicated to those who peacefully marched from Selma to Montgomery to gain the right to vote. The center serves as a repository of information for the significant events that occurred in Lowndes County during the civil rights march, including exhibits on Jonathan Daniels and Viola Liuzzo. Visitors can view a 25-minute introductory video that provides context for the Civil Rights Movement in the area.
2. Lowndes County Jailhouse
HISTORIC CIVIL RIGHTS SITE
The Lowndes County Jailhouse is a historic building in Hayneville built in 1912 that served as the county jail until the early 2000s. In 1965, several civil rights activists, including Jonathan Daniels, were imprisoned here after participating in voting rights marches. Today, the jailhouse has been preserved as a museum where visitors can see the cells where activists were held and learn about the struggle for voting rights in the county.
3. Wright Chapel AME Zion Church
CIVIL RIGHTS MEETING PLACE
Wright Chapel AME Zion Church is a significant historical site famous for hosting many large meetings during the Civil Rights Movement. The church served as a gathering place for activists working to secure voting rights in Lowndes County. Visitors can appreciate both the architectural features of this historic church and its important role in the struggle for equality.
4. First Baptist Church of Selma
HISTORIC CIVIL RIGHTS CHURCH
First Baptist Church of Selma played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, serving as a meeting place for organizers and demonstrators. The church hosted strategy sessions for the Selma to Montgomery marches and was a safe haven for activists. Its historic architecture and continued importance to the community make it a significant stop for those interested in civil rights history.
5. Edmund Pettus Bridge
HISTORIC CIVIL RIGHTS LANDMARK
The Edmund Pettus Bridge is the site of the infamous 'Bloody Sunday' march of March 7, 1965, when peaceful protesters were brutally attacked by state troopers. The bridge spans the Alabama River and has become an iconic symbol of the Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for voting rights. Visitors can walk across the same bridge where history was made, following in the footsteps of civil rights leaders like John Lewis and Martin Luther King Jr.
6. Brown Chapel AME Church
CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT HEADQUARTERS
Brown Chapel AME Church served as the starting point for the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 and the headquarters for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the Selma voting rights campaign. The church provided refuge to protesters after Bloody Sunday and hosted Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders. Its beautiful Romanesque Revival architecture and historical significance make it a National Historic Landmark.
7. National Voting Rights Museum and Institute
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY PRESERVED
The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute is located at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge and commemorates the struggle for voting rights in America. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts from those who participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches. Exhibits include the original footprints of marchers and a recreation of a 1960s-era jail cell where protesters were detained.
8. Selma Interpretive Center
GATEWAY TO CIVIL RIGHTS
The Selma Interpretive Center is the gateway to the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, providing visitors with information about the voting rights movement. The center features exhibits, films, and interactive displays that tell the story of the Selma voting rights campaign and Bloody Sunday. Rangers are available to answer questions and provide context about this pivotal moment in American history.
9. Old Courthouse Museum
HISTORY ACROSS CENTURIES
The Old Courthouse Museum is housed in a historic 1847 Greek Revival building that once served as the Dallas County Courthouse. The museum displays exhibits on local history, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement, with artifacts spanning from Native American times to the present day. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved courtroom and view collections that include Civil War weapons, antique furniture, and documents related to Selma's rich history.
10. Ancient Africa, Enslavement and Civil War Museum
CENTURIES OF CULTURAL HISTORY
The Ancient Africa, Enslavement and Civil War Museum in Dallas County presents a comprehensive look at African history, American slavery, and the Civil War. The museum features authentic artifacts, historical documents, and educational displays that chronicle the African American experience. Visitors gain insights into the cultural connections between Africa and America while learning about the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history.
11. The Georgine Clarke Alabama Artists Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
The Georgine Clarke Alabama Artists Gallery showcases the work of contemporary Alabama artists in various media. The gallery, operated by the Alabama State Council on the Arts, regularly rotates exhibits to feature different artists and artistic styles from across the state. Visitors can appreciate the diversity and talent of Alabama's artistic community in this accessible, welcoming space.
12. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
MODERN AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama offers public tours of its state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing facility. Visitors can observe the production process of Hyundai vehicles from stamping to final assembly on the factory floor. The tour provides insights into modern manufacturing techniques and the impact of the automotive industry on Alabama's economy.
13. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka
ENTERTAINMENT AND LUXURY
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka is a premier entertainment destination offering gaming, dining, and luxurious accommodations. The facility features thousands of electronic games, multiple restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, and a hotel with panoramic views of the Coosa River. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, relax by the pool, or try their luck at winning in this full-service resort.
14. Demopolis Yacht Basin
SCENIC RIVER RECREATION
Demopolis Yacht Basin offers boating enthusiasts access to the Tombigbee and Black Warrior Rivers in a picturesque setting. The marina provides docking facilities, boat rentals, and supplies for those exploring the waterways or fishing in the area. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the rivers while observing wildlife and taking in the peaceful atmosphere of this outdoor recreational area.
15. Jackson's Fried Chicken
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD
Jackson's Fried Chicken is a local favorite serving authentic Southern fried chicken and traditional side dishes. The restaurant provides a casual, welcoming atmosphere where visitors can experience home-style cooking prepared using time-honored recipes. Their crispy, flavorful chicken has made this establishment a must-visit dining spot for both locals and travelers exploring the area.