Helena AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Helena, Alabama.
1. Helena Amphitheater
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Helena Amphitheater is a popular outdoor venue where visitors can enjoy concerts and performances throughout the year. The amphitheater is nestled along Buck Creek, providing a scenic backdrop for entertainment events. Locals and tourists alike gather here for community celebrations and cultural experiences in a beautiful natural setting.
2. Joe Tucker Park
FAMILY RECREATION SPACE
Joe Tucker Park offers families a spacious recreational area with playgrounds, picnic facilities, and open green spaces. The park features sports fields and walking trails that are popular with local residents seeking outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment while participating in various recreational pursuits throughout the year.
3. Cahaba Lilly Park
NATURAL RIVER BEAUTY
Cahaba Lilly Park showcases the famous Cahaba lilies that bloom along the river during late spring and early summer. The park provides access to the Cahaba River, allowing visitors to observe these rare aquatic flowers in their natural habitat. Nature enthusiasts come here to photograph the beautiful white lilies and enjoy the peaceful riverside setting.
4. Kenneth R. Penhale City of Helena Museum
LOCAL HISTORICAL TREASURE
The Kenneth R. Penhale City of Helena Museum displays the rich history of Helena through photographs, artifacts, and historical documents. Founded in 2011, this compact yet informative museum is housed in a building dating back to the late 1800s and highlights everything from military history to the construction of the railroad. Visitors can learn about significant local events, including the devastating tornado that nearly flattened the entire town on May 5, 1933.
5. Hillsboro Trail
SCENIC HIKING PATH
Hillsboro Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a scenic pathway for hiking and enjoying nature in Helena. The trail winds through wooded areas, providing opportunities to observe local flora and fauna in their natural environment. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of Alabama while getting exercise on this well-maintained community trail.
6. Buck Creek
WATERFRONT RECREATION SPOT
Buck Creek is a major tributary of the Cahaba River running through Downtown Helena, offering multiple recreational activities throughout the year. Visitors and locals enjoy swimming, wading, and kayaking in the creek during warmer months, making it a popular gathering spot. The creek also hosts the annual Buck Creek Festival, featuring the famous duck race that draws crowds from around the region.
7. Old Town Helena
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Old Town Helena features a charming downtown area with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere perfect for leisurely exploration. Visitors can stroll through the district to discover superb dining options, unique gift shops, and inviting bars that cater to all ages. The area connects to Helena Park where people can see Buck Creek Waterfall and follow the waterside trail for a complete small-town experience.
8. Helena Market Days
LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET
Helena Market Days is an outdoor market held on Saturdays from June through August beside Buck Creek in Downtown Helena. The market provides a venue for local farmers and artisans to sell fresh produce and handcrafted items to community members and visitors. Attendees can enjoy the scenic waterway while shopping for local goods in this seasonal marketplace.
9. The Steakhouse of Helena
PREMIUM DINING EXPERIENCE
The Steakhouse of Helena offers visitors a delicious dining experience with premium steaks and various meal options near the city museum. The restaurant serves steaks, chops, burgers, salads, and sandwiches in a welcoming atmosphere. Its convenient location in the downtown area makes it an ideal stop for tourists after exploring Helena's historical and natural attractions.
10. Helena Boutiques
UNIQUE LOCAL SHOPPING
Helena's boutique shops offer unique shopping experiences with locally curated merchandise and specialty items. Visitors can browse through distinctive collections of clothing, gifts, and home décor not typically found in mainstream retail stores. These independent retailers contribute to Helena's charm and provide opportunities to purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts.
11. Buck Creek Waterfall
NATURAL WATER FEATURE
Buck Creek Waterfall is a picturesque natural feature located in Helena Park that draws visitors year-round. The waterfall creates a serene backdrop for photographs and peaceful contemplation in the heart of the city. Many visitors combine seeing the waterfall with walking along the adjacent waterside trail for a complete nature experience.
12. Helena Amphitheater Trail
RIVERSIDE WALKING PATH
Helena Amphitheater Trail follows Buck Creek, offering pedestrians a scenic riverside walking experience. The well-maintained path connects key attractions in the downtown area while providing views of the creek and surrounding natural beauty. Visitors enjoy this accessible trail for casual strolls, exercise, and connecting with Helena's outdoor spaces.
13. Oak Mountain State Park
EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Oak Mountain State Park, located near Helena in Pelham, is Alabama's largest state park spanning over 9,940 acres of natural beauty. The park offers numerous recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, swimming, and horseback riding across its diverse landscape. Visitors can also enjoy the park's wildlife center, demonstration farm, and golf course for a complete outdoor experience.
14. Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge
PROTECTED RIVER ECOSYSTEM
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge preserves a section of the Cahaba River known for its remarkable biodiversity and the famous Cahaba lilies. The refuge provides habitat for numerous rare and endangered species, making it a destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Visitors can explore the area through hiking, fishing, wildlife photography, and seasonal lily viewing when the rare flowers bloom.
15. Moss Rock Preserve
BOULDER-STREWN NATURE PRESERVE
Moss Rock Preserve in nearby Hoover offers 349 acres of forests, streams, waterfalls, and massive boulder fields for exploration and outdoor recreation. The preserve features unique ecosystems including sandstone glade habitats that support rare plant species found in few other locations. Hikers, rock climbers, photographers, and nature lovers frequent this natural area for its stunning landscapes and well-maintained trail system.