Woodland AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Woodland, Alabama.
1. Cheaha State Park
HIGHEST POINT IN ALABAMA
Cheaha State Park is located in the Talladega National Forest and is one of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts in Alabama. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, breathtaking views from Alabama's highest point, and various recreational activities throughout the year. The park offers camping facilities, cabins, and a lodge for those looking to extend their stay and fully experience the natural beauty.
2. Oak Mountain State Park
NATURAL BEAUTY AND WILDLIFE
Oak Mountain State Park invites visitors to explore its natural beauty while discovering special features throughout the grounds. The park houses the Alabama Wildlife Center where guests can learn about native birds and perhaps even spot a rehabilitation in progress. With numerous trails, lakes, and recreational facilities, it's a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
3. Noccalula Falls Park
LEGEND AND NATURAL WONDER
Noccalula Falls Park features a stunning 90-foot waterfall named after a Cherokee maiden who, according to legend, plunged to her death rather than forsake her true love. The park encompasses a pioneer village, botanical gardens, walking trails, a sightseeing train, and various recreational facilities that appeal to visitors of all ages. During the holiday season, the park transforms into 'Christmas at the Falls' with millions of lights creating a magical winter wonderland experience.
4. Little River Canyon National Preserve
ALABAMA'S NATURAL PARADISE
Little River Canyon National Preserve offers a 350+ acre paradise featuring deep forests, massive rocks, and rushing waterfalls along Lookout Mountain. Visitors can explore this natural wonder through various trails that showcase the canyon's dramatic landscapes and unique ecosystems. The preserve provides opportunities for hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, and connecting with nature in one of Alabama's most spectacular settings.
5. Edmund Pettus Bridge
CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT ICON
The Edmund Pettus Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of the American Civil Rights Movement and was the site of the historic Bloody Sunday march in 1965. Visitors can walk across this National Historic Landmark and reflect on the courage of those who faced violence while peacefully demonstrating for voting rights. The bridge continues to attract people from around the world who wish to connect with this pivotal moment in the struggle for equality and justice.
6. Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
DR. KING'S HISTORIC PULPIT
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church served as the first pulpit for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the early Civil Rights Movement. Visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark and learn about its significant role in American history through exhibits and guided presentations. The church continues to function as both an active place of worship and an important historical site that honors Dr. King's legacy and message.
7. Rosa Parks Museum
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY CENTER
The Rosa Parks Museum honors the courageous woman whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and energized the Civil Rights Movement. Interactive exhibits and powerful displays help visitors understand the context and significance of Parks' action and the subsequent community organizing effort. The museum offers educational programs and resources that connect this historical moment to contemporary discussions about social justice and civic engagement.
8. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
MARITIME MILITARY HISTORY
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park allows visitors to explore the mighty USS Alabama battleship that served in World War II and has been preserved as a floating museum. The park also features the USS Drum submarine, historic aircraft, military equipment, and memorials honoring veterans from various conflicts. Guests can climb aboard these historic vessels, experience hands-on exhibits, and gain insight into the lives of service members who defended the nation.
9. Fort Morgan State Historic Site
GULF COAST MILITARY FORTRESS
Fort Morgan State Historic Site preserves a masonry fort that played a crucial role during the Civil War, most notably during the Battle of Mobile Bay. Visitors can explore the pentagonal structure with its massive walls, cannon emplacements, and underground passages while learning about coastal defense strategies from the 19th century. The fort offers guided tours, living history demonstrations, and special events that bring the site's military significance to life for modern audiences.
10. McWane Science Center
INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
McWane Science Center offers hands-on exhibits that make science, technology, engineering, and mathematics accessible and exciting for visitors of all ages. The center features multiple floors of interactive displays, an IMAX dome theater, and special exhibitions that encourage exploration and discovery. From dinosaur fossils to cutting-edge technology demonstrations, McWane provides educational entertainment that inspires curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world.
11. Alabama Wildlife Center
BIRD REHABILITATION FACILITY
The Alabama Wildlife Center specializes in the rehabilitation and release of native birds and serves as an educational resource about wildlife conservation. Visitors can observe various species of birds being cared for and learn about the center's efforts to treat injured and orphaned wild birds. Located within Oak Mountain State Park, the center offers educational programs, viewing areas, and opportunities to connect with Alabama's diverse avian population.
12. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
WORLD'S LARGEST MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum houses the world's largest collection of motorcycles, with hundreds of pristine vehicles displayed in a stunning architectural setting. Visitors can view rare and historical motorcycles from around the world, along with vintage cars and racing memorabilia arranged in artistic displays. The museum is situated on the grounds of Barber Motorsports Park, allowing guests to potentially witness racing events or track activities during their visit.
13. U.S. Space & Rocket Center
AMERICA'S SPACE MUSEUM
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center showcases America's achievements in space exploration with the world's largest collection of rockets and space memorabilia. Visitors can experience interactive exhibits, simulators, and full-scale space hardware including the impressive Saturn V rocket that took astronauts to the moon. The center also serves as the home of Space Camp, inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers, and astronauts through immersive educational programs.
14. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
FREEDOM MOVEMENT MEMORIAL
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute documents the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement with powerful exhibits and historical artifacts. Visitors journey through the era of segregation, witness the courage of those who fought for equality, and reflect on the continuing struggle for human rights around the world. The institute is part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and sits across from historic Kelly Ingram Park and the 16th Street Baptist Church.
15. Gulf State Park
COASTAL NATURAL PLAYGROUND
Gulf State Park encompasses 6,500 acres of natural beauty including two miles of pristine white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing across diverse ecosystems ranging from beaches and dunes to forests and freshwater lakes. The park offers multiple accommodation options including a lodge, cabins, and campgrounds, making it an ideal destination for extended stays to fully experience Alabama's coastal treasures.