Colony AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Colony, Alabama.
1. USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
HISTORIC NAVAL VESSEL
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park offers visitors a chance to explore a genuine World War II battleship. The park also features the submarine USS Drum and numerous military artifacts from various conflicts. Visitors can climb aboard these historic vessels to experience what life was like for sailors during wartime.
2. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
WORLD-CLASS MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum houses the world's largest collection of motorcycles with over 1,600 vintage and modern motorcycles and race cars. The five-story building displays these mechanical marvels as works of art against pristine white walls. Adjacent to the museum is a world-class racetrack that hosts various motorsport events throughout the year.
3. Vulcan Park and Museum
IRON MAN OVERLOOK
Vulcan Park and Museum features the world's largest cast iron statue, depicting the Roman god of fire and forge. Standing at 56 feet tall atop Red Mountain, the Vulcan statue offers panoramic views of Birmingham from its observation deck. The museum below tells the story of Birmingham's industrial history and the creation of this iconic symbol of the city.
4. Ave Maria Grotto
JERUSALEM IN MINIATURE
Ave Maria Grotto is a fascinating four-acre park featuring 125 miniature reproductions of famous religious structures from around the world. These intricate creations were handcrafted by Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk who worked on them for over 40 years. Each miniature is made from concrete and various found objects including broken tiles, costume jewelry, and everyday household items.
5. Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
ATHLETIC HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the state's rich sports history with exhibits honoring over 300 inductees. Visitors can explore memorabilia, interactive displays, and artifacts from Alabama's most accomplished athletes across all sports. The museum spans 33,000 square feet and includes tributes to legends like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Joe Louis.
6. Alabama Jazz Hall Of Fame
MUSICAL LEGACY MUSEUM
The Alabama Jazz Hall Of Fame honors the state's contributions to jazz music and showcases the achievements of Alabama jazz musicians. Located in the historic Carver Theatre, the museum features exhibits on legends like Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, and Lionel Hampton. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays, memorabilia, and occasional live performances celebrating the rich jazz heritage of Alabama.
7. Alabama's Splash Adventure Waterpark
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER FUN
Alabama's Splash Adventure Waterpark offers a refreshing escape with numerous water attractions and thrill rides for all ages. The park features a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and dedicated areas for younger children. Visitors can enjoy a full day of aquatic entertainment with food options and shaded areas available throughout the park.
8. American Village
COLONIAL AMERICA EXPERIENCE
American Village is an educational campus that brings American history to life through immersive experiences and historical reenactments. Visitors can explore replicas of iconic buildings including Independence Hall, Washington's Mount Vernon, and the Oval Office. The village hosts special events throughout the year including patriotic celebrations and educational programs for students and families.
9. Aldridge Botanical Gardens
PEACEFUL FLORAL HAVEN
Aldridge Botanical Gardens spans 30 acres of serene landscapes featuring walking trails, a six-acre lake, and stunning seasonal gardens. The gardens are known for their impressive collection of hydrangeas, including rare and native species. Visitors can enjoy educational programs, art exhibitions, and special events throughout the year in this tranquil natural setting.
10. Moundville Archaeological Park
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Moundville Archaeological Park preserves one of the most important prehistoric Native American settlement sites in the United States. The 326-acre park contains 29 massive flat-topped earthen mounds arranged around a central plaza, built by Mississippian people between 1000 and 1450 AD. Visitors can explore the museum featuring artifacts discovered at the site and learn about the sophisticated society that once thrived there.
11. Fort Morgan
CIVIL WAR COASTAL FORTRESS
Fort Morgan is a historic masonry fort that played a significant role during the Battle of Mobile Bay in the Civil War. The star-shaped fortress offers guided tours where visitors can explore the brick chambers, artillery batteries, and stunning views of Mobile Bay. History enthusiasts can witness living history demonstrations and special events that bring the fort's military past to life.
12. Gip's Place
AUTHENTIC BLUES JUKE JOINT
Gip's Place is one of the last authentic juke joints in the South, operating since 1952 in the backyard of bluesman Henry Gipson. This rustic venue offers live blues music performances every Saturday night in an intimate, no-frills setting. Visitors experience a genuine piece of Southern musical culture where local and traveling musicians gather to play the blues.
13. The Garage
ECLECTIC ANTIQUE MARKET
The Garage is a unique antique and vintage marketplace housed in a former automotive service station in Birmingham's historic district. Shoppers can browse through an eclectic collection of vintage clothing, furniture, vinyl records, and one-of-a-kind treasures from dozens of vendors. The venue regularly hosts special events including night markets, art shows, and live music performances.
14. OvenBird Restaurant
LIVE-FIRE COOKING EXPERIENCE
OvenBird Restaurant offers an innovative dining experience centered around live-fire cooking inspired by the culinary traditions of Spain, Portugal, and South America. The restaurant's James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Hastings creates shareable small plates using locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. Diners enjoy their meals in a rustic-chic setting with an open kitchen where they can watch the culinary team work their magic over wood-burning fires.
15. DeSoto Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
DeSoto Caverns features a massive onyx-marble cave with a Great Onyx Cathedral room large enough to hold a football field. The caverns showcase stunning formations including towering stalagmites and delicate stalactites illuminated by a colorful light show. Beyond the cave tour, visitors can enjoy various family activities including gem panning, archery, maze exploration, and seasonal events.