Wilton AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wilton, Alabama.
1. Aldrich Coal Mine Museum
ALABAMA'S MINING HERITAGE
The Aldrich Coal Mine Museum is Alabama's only coal mining monument and museum, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Shelby County's mining history. This historical landmark turned museum provides insights into a time when mining dominated this region of the state. The museum showcases the industrial heritage that led to the saying that 'the first iron made in Shelby County was forged in Wilton.'
2. Wilton Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE
Wilton Park serves as the community's primary recreational area where locals and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor activities. The park hosts summer movie nights on Fridays, offering a charming small-town entertainment experience. It's also a central location for community events including the annual Spring Fling celebration that takes place just before Easter.
3. Woods-Cleveland Cooling House
HISTORIC HOMESTEAD LANDMARK
The Woods-Cleveland Cooling House, dating back to approximately 1845, is one of the first homesteads built in the Wilton area. This historic structure is officially listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. Located just south of Wilton, it provides visitors with a glimpse into early settlement life in Shelby County.
4. Wilton Municipal Building
DEPRESSION-ERA STONE ARCHITECTURE
Wilton's Municipal Building is a distinctive two-story stone structure built during the Great Depression era. The building serves as the center of local government operations and stands as a testament to the architectural styles of its time. Its historic presence adds character to Wilton's small-town landscape.
5. Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge
PROTECTED RIVER ECOSYSTEM
The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located west of Wilton that preserves the unique ecosystem along Alabama's longest free-flowing river. The refuge is world-famous for its spectacular Cahaba Lily blooms that appear each spring, drawing nature enthusiasts from across the region. Visitors can enjoy fishing, wildlife observation, photography, and hiking along the river's scenic banks.
6. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
CIVIL WAR INDUSTRIAL SITE
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park preserves one of the South's most important industrial sites with iron furnaces that supplied the Confederate Naval arsenal during the Civil War. The 1,500-acre park features over 45 historical buildings, a working gristmill, and craft cabins where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts. Visitors can explore hiking trails, camp, picnic, or attend the park's regular trade days where vendors sell everything from antiques to handcrafted items.
7. Oak Mountain State Park
ALABAMA'S LARGEST PARK
Oak Mountain State Park, located northeast of Wilton, is Alabama's largest state park spanning over 9,940 acres of natural beauty. The park offers numerous recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, golfing, fishing, and swimming at its beach area. Visitors can also explore the park's wildlife education center, demonstration farm, and Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center where injured and orphaned native wildlife receive care.
8. Talladega National Forest (Oakmulgee District)
PRISTINE WOODLAND RECREATION
The Oakmulgee District of Talladega National Forest offers over 157,000 acres of pristine woodland southwest of Wilton for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. This expansive forest features numerous hiking trails, camping areas, and opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The district is particularly known for its efforts in longleaf pine ecosystem restoration and provides habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
9. American Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
American Village is an immersive living history museum that brings early American history to life through buildings modeled after iconic structures including Mount Vernon and Independence Hall. Costumed interpreters engage visitors in interactive experiences that recreate significant moments from America's founding era. The educational campus hosts numerous events throughout the year, including special patriotic celebrations on holidays like the Fourth of July and Veterans Day.
10. Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park
CIVIL WAR INDUSTRIAL HISTORY
Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park preserves the ruins of a significant iron furnace complex that once supplied the Confederacy during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the remaining stone structures and learn about the ironworks that were ordered destroyed by Union troops during the war. The park offers picnic areas, fishing spots, and a campground, making it ideal for both history enthusiasts and outdoor recreation.
11. Orr Park
ENCHANTING TREE CARVINGS
Orr Park in nearby Montevallo features the unique 'Tinglewood' trail where artist Tim Tingle has transformed dead cedar trees into whimsical faces and creatures. The 40-acre community park also offers sports facilities, a creek for wading, and pleasant walking paths through shaded areas. Visitors particularly enjoy photographing the distinctive tree carvings that give the park its special character.
12. Alabama National Cemetery
VETERANS MEMORIAL GROUNDS
The Alabama National Cemetery is a 479-acre national shrine dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of America's veterans. The meticulously maintained grounds feature orderly rows of white headstones and offer a peaceful setting for reflection and remembrance. Special ceremonies are held throughout the year, particularly on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, to pay tribute to those who served.
13. Hillsboro Trail
SCENIC RAILWAY PATH
The Hillsboro Trail is a converted railway path that offers a leisurely walking and cycling route through scenic natural surroundings. The trail connects several communities and provides interpretive signage about local history and ecology along the way. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the opportunity to observe local wildlife and seasonal wildflowers while enjoying outdoor exercise.
14. Full Moon BBQ
ALABAMA'S LEGENDARY BARBECUE
Full Moon BBQ serves up authentic Alabama barbecue with their famous smoked meats and signature chow-chow relish that residents travel miles to enjoy. The restaurant has been recognized as one of Alabama's top barbecue destinations, earning accolades for their ribs, pulled pork, and homemade half-moon cookies. Visitors to the Wilton area seeking 'mouthwatering barbecue' frequently make the short drive to experience this quintessential Southern dining tradition.
15. University of Montevallo
HISTORIC CAMPUS ARCHITECTURE
The University of Montevallo campus features impressive Greek Revival architecture with buildings dating back to the early 1900s, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can stroll through the picturesque 160-acre main campus with its brick walkways, verdant quad, and the scenic Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve owned by the university. The campus regularly hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, and performances that are open to the public.