Tarrant AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tarrant, Alabama.
1. Ketona Lakes
WORLD-RECORD FISHING SPOT
Ketona Lakes offers world-record fishing opportunities in Tarrant, Alabama. Anglers from around the region visit these lakes for their abundant fish population and serene environment. The lakes provide a peaceful getaway for fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels.
2. The Butterfly Garden
COLORFUL NATURAL SANCTUARY
The Butterfly Garden is a renowned attraction in Tarrant featuring various butterfly species in a natural setting. Visitors can walk among colorful butterflies and learn about their life cycles and habitats. The garden also offers educational programs about conservation and the importance of pollinators.
3. Five Mile Creek Greenway
SCENIC TRAIL SYSTEM
Five Mile Creek Greenway connects a series of paved paths and old rail trails with a smooth, crushed-gravel surface. The trail is popular among bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. Its well-maintained paths offer accessibility for visitors of all ages and abilities.
4. Overlook Trail
SCENIC RIDGE VIEWS
The Overlook Trail follows along a ridge and offers three main lookout areas with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Though it doesn't have significant elevation gain, the trail rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of quarries and natural scenery. The path is well-marked and suitable for casual hikers seeking beautiful views without strenuous climbing.
5. Birmingham Skyline Viewpoint
CITY VIEWS FROM NATURE
The Birmingham Skyline Viewpoint offers an impressive vista of the Birmingham metropolitan area right off the side of a hiking trail. Several clearings in the trees, mainly created for power lines, provide similar spectacular views of the city. This spot creates a perfect juxtaposition of urban skyline against the natural landscape.
6. Cousins BBQ
SOUTHERN BARBECUE JOINT
Cousins BBQ serves up authentic Southern barbecue dishes in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in slow-smoked meats prepared using traditional techniques and family recipes. Visitors can enjoy classic sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread alongside their barbecue selections.
7. American Ranch House
HOMESTYLE COUNTRY COOKING
American Ranch House offers hearty, homestyle meals in a rustic, country-themed setting. The restaurant serves generous portions of American classics and Southern favorites that appeal to locals and visitors alike. Their menu features comfort food staples made from scratch using traditional cooking methods.
8. Texas Pit Oyster Bar
SEAFOOD AND BBQ FUSION
Texas Pit Oyster Bar combines seafood offerings with barbecue traditions in a unique dining experience. The restaurant specializes in fresh oysters prepared in various styles alongside Texas-inspired barbecue dishes. Its casual atmosphere makes it a popular spot for both lunch and dinner crowds looking for something different.
9. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Sloss Furnaces is a 32-acre National Historic Landmark that once produced pig iron from 1882 to 1971. Now operating as a fascinating museum, it allows visitors to explore the web of pipes, tall smokestacks, and forty other buildings that showcase the South's industrial past. The site received its National Historic Landmark designation in 1981 and opened as a museum in 1983.
10. Birmingham Civil Rights District
HISTORICAL MOVEMENT LANDMARKS
The Birmingham Civil Rights District encompasses a six-block area of downtown where significant events in the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s took place. Designated by the City of Birmingham in 1992, the district preserves important sites related to the struggle for civil rights. Visitors can explore multiple landmarks that tell the story of this pivotal period in American history.
11. Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens
HISTORIC PLANTATION ESTATE
Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens is a former plantation house surrounded by 6 acres of landscaped gardens near downtown Birmingham. The two-story Greek Revival structure, built between 1845-1850, serves as a decorative arts museum featuring 19th-century furniture, textiles, silver, and paintings. The property includes a restored garden room used for special events and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
12. Railroad Park
URBAN GREEN SPACE OASIS
Railroad Park is a lovely green space spanning eight blocks in the heart of Birmingham. The park features a beautiful pond, outdoor gym, picnic tables, and walking trails for visitors to enjoy. This urban oasis provides a peaceful retreat from the surrounding city and hosts various community events throughout the year.
13. 9-11 Memorial Walk
TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL TRAGEDY
The 9-11 Memorial Walk in Birmingham pays tribute to the victims and heroes of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The memorial provides a space for reflection and remembrance through thoughtfully designed elements that honor those affected by the tragedy. Visitors can walk through the site while contemplating the historical significance of that fateful day and its impact on American society.
14. Statue of Liberty Replica
AMERICAN SYMBOL IN SOUTH
Birmingham's Statue of Liberty Replica stands as a smaller version of the iconic New York landmark. The statue represents the same values of freedom and democracy that its larger counterpart is known for worldwide. Visitors can appreciate this symbol of American ideals in an unexpected Southern setting.
15. Red Neck Heaven
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD SPOT
Red Neck Heaven serves up unpretentious Southern comfort food in a casual, laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on generous portions of home-style cooking that celebrates regional culinary traditions. Visitors can expect friendly service and authentic local flavors that provide a true taste of Alabama cooking.