Twin AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Twin, Alabama.
1. USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
HISTORIC MILITARY VESSEL
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park features the impressive World War II battleship as its centerpiece attraction. Visitors can explore the massive vessel's decks, quarters, and gun turrets while learning about its significant role in military history. The park also houses other military equipment including aircraft and the USS DRUM submarine.
2. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
WORLD-CLASS MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum houses the world's largest collection of vintage and contemporary motorcycles. The five-story museum displays hundreds of perfectly restored motorcycles from over 20 countries, spanning more than a century of production. Visitors can also enjoy the surrounding 880-acre park featuring a world-class racing track.
3. Noccalula Falls Park
STUNNING NATURAL WATERFALL
Noccalula Falls Park features a breathtaking 90-foot waterfall cascading over dramatic Lookout Mountain. The park offers extensive hiking trails, picnic areas, and a pioneer village showcasing 19th-century life. Visitors can explore the unique path that leads behind the waterfall for spectacular views.
4. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ICON
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark preserves an extraordinary piece of Birmingham's industrial heritage dating back to 1882. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the iron-producing past that defined the region, with its towering furnaces and machinery still standing. Today, beyond serving as a living museum, it hosts metal crafting classes, educational programs, and various cultural events.
5. Dismals Canyon
BIOLUMINESCENT NATURAL WONDER
Dismals Canyon is a pristine sandstone gorge in northwest Alabama known for its rare bioluminescent creatures called Dismalites. Visitors can take guided night tours to witness the ethereal blue-green glow these unique insects produce. The canyon also features hiking trails, waterfalls, and on-site camping opportunities.
6. Gulf Shores Public Beach
PRISTINE COASTAL PARADISE
Gulf Shores Public Beach offers visitors miles of sugar-white sand beaches along the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The beach provides excellent swimming, sunbathing, and water sports opportunities in a family-friendly environment. Nearby amenities include restaurants, shops, and rental facilities for beach equipment.
7. U.S. Space & Rocket Center
AMERICA'S SPACE MUSEUM
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is Earth's largest space museum, showcasing rockets, achievements, and artifacts from America's space program. Visitors can experience interactive exhibits including Space Camp and astronaut training simulators that provide hands-on understanding of space exploration. The center's iconic Saturn V rocket stands as a testament to Alabama's crucial role in NASA's journey to the moon.
8. Oak Mountain State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama's largest state park, spanning over 9,900 acres of natural beauty. The park offers extensive recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and horseback riding. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing at the park's rehabilitation center or relax at its beaches and golf course.
9. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
THE LITTLE ZOO THAT COULD
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo houses over 300 animals across 25 acres of lush landscaping. Known as "The Little Zoo That Could" after surviving multiple hurricanes, this family-friendly attraction offers up-close animal encounters and interactive experiences. The zoo's commitment to conservation and education makes it both entertaining and informative for visitors of all ages.
10. Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts
CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUB
The Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts serves as Gadsden's premier destination for visual and performing arts. The center features rotating gallery exhibitions, an interactive children's museum called Imagination Place, and hosts various performances throughout the year. Visitors of all ages can engage with creative activities and educational programs in this cultural cornerstone.
11. Natural Bridge Park
ANCIENT GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Natural Bridge Park showcases Alabama's longest natural bridge, spanning 148 feet and reaching 60 feet high. The sandstone bridge dates back approximately 200 million years, making it a remarkable geological feature with historical significance. Visitors can explore the surrounding forest trails and enjoy picnic facilities while marveling at this natural wonder.
12. Gadsden Museum of Art
LOCAL ARTISTIC HERITAGE
The Gadsden Museum of Art celebrates the region's artistic heritage through diverse exhibitions featuring local and national artists. The museum's collection includes paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts that showcase Alabama's cultural evolution. Regular workshops, lectures, and special events provide enriching experiences for art enthusiasts of all backgrounds.
13. Lookout Mountain Parkway
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Lookout Mountain Parkway offers a breathtaking scenic drive through some of Alabama's most beautiful mountain landscapes. The route spans across three states and features numerous overlooks with spectacular views of valleys, forests, and wildlife. Travelers can stop at various attractions along the way including waterfalls, canyons, and historical sites.
14. Bankhead National Forest
WILDERNESS ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Bankhead National Forest encompasses nearly 200,000 acres of wilderness featuring deep canyons, waterfalls, and old-growth forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities including hiking the extensive trail system, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The forest's Sipsey Wilderness, known as the "Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," offers some of the most pristine natural experiences in the Southeast.
15. Gadsden Riverwalk
SCENIC COOSA RIVER PATH
The Gadsden Riverwalk provides a picturesque paved path along the banks of the Coosa River. Visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, or cycling while taking in beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape. The riverwalk connects to various city attractions including the Coosa Landing marina, local restaurants, and the Gadsden Splash Pad & Boardwalk.