West Blocton AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near West Blocton, Alabama.
1. Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge
SCENIC WATERWAY AND WILDLIFE
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning natural area that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of Alabama's longest free-flowing river. The refuge is famous for its spectacular display of Cahaba lilies, which bloom annually in May, attracting nature enthusiasts from across the region. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, bird watching, and photography while exploring this pristine ecosystem.
2. West Blocton Coke Ovens Park
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL SITE
West Blocton Coke Ovens Park is situated among the ruins of 467 ovens that once produced 600 tons of coke daily, representing a significant part of Alabama's industrial history. Originally opened in 1996, the park features the remains of ovens whose construction began in 1887, with the first coke produced in 1888, making it one of the largest complexes of its kind in the state. Today, visitors can explore walking trails, use picnic tables, stroll along a boardwalk, and learn about the coke-making process that was essential to iron production while enjoying the natural beauty of plants, trees, and flowers.
3. Piper Interpretive Trail
EDUCATIONAL NATURE WALK
Piper Interpretive Trail offers visitors an educational outdoor experience in West Blocton, Alabama. The trail guides hikers through local ecosystems with informative displays about the area's natural and historical features. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained path that showcases the region's biodiversity and geological characteristics.
4. Cahaba River Trace
TRANQUIL HIKING DESTINATION
Cahaba River Trace is a breathtaking hiking area in West Blocton featuring stunning natural scenery and a tranquil atmosphere along the picturesque Cahaba River. The well-marked trails are suitable for all skill levels, offering hikers lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers, and the soothing sounds of flowing water. This serene environment serves as both a wildlife sanctuary and a perfect spot for outdoor activities like picnicking, nature photography, and bird watching.
5. Cahaba Lily Festival
ANNUAL FLORAL CELEBRATION
The Cahaba Lily Festival is an annual celebration held in West Blocton each May to coincide with the blooming period of the rare Cahaba lily. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, educational presentations, and various activities centered around appreciating and protecting this unique aquatic flower. The festival highlights West Blocton's natural heritage and creates awareness about conservation efforts for the Cahaba River ecosystem.
6. Bibb County Public Lake
RECREATIONAL FISHING DESTINATION
Bibb County Public Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers in a picturesque setting near West Blocton. The large public lake is stocked with various fish species including bass, bream, and catfish, providing year-round recreational options. Visitors can enjoy both shoreline fishing and boating while taking in the peaceful surroundings of rural Alabama.
7. West Blocton Golf Course
SCENIC 18-HOLE COURSE
West Blocton Golf Course features an 18-hole layout nestled among the rolling landscapes of central Alabama. The private country club offers golfers of all skill levels a challenging yet enjoyable experience with well-maintained fairways and greens. Visitors appreciate the course's natural beauty and the friendly atmosphere that makes it a local favorite.
8. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
CIVIL WAR INDUSTRIAL SITE
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park preserves the ruins of the Tannehill Ironworks, a significant Civil War-era industrial site located near West Blocton. The 1,500-acre park features over 45 historic structures, nature trails, a working gristmill, and a pioneer farmstead that offers visitors a glimpse into Alabama's industrial past. Monthly trade days attract visitors with crafts, food, and antiques, making it a popular destination for history buffs and families alike.
9. Cahaba Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Cahaba Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery named after the iconic Cahaba River that runs near West Blocton. The brewery offers a rotating selection of handcrafted beers in a spacious taproom that features a relaxed atmosphere perfect for socializing. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, special events, and food trucks while sampling unique brews inspired by the region.
10. Old West Blocton Bank Building
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LANDMARK
The Old West Blocton Bank Building stands as a testament to the town's economic history and architectural heritage. This historic structure, with its distinctive design, has been preserved as a reminder of West Blocton's vibrant past. Visitors can admire the building's façade while learning about the role it played in the community's development during the coal mining boom years.
11. Cahaba Lily Center
EDUCATIONAL NATURE EXHIBIT
The Cahaba Lily Center serves as an educational facility dedicated to the rare and beautiful Cahaba lily native to the region. The center offers informative exhibits about the unique aquatic plant's lifecycle, habitat requirements, and conservation challenges. Visitors can learn about efforts to protect both the lily and the Cahaba River ecosystem that supports this remarkable natural treasure.
12. Marvel City Restaurant
LOCAL SOUTHERN CUISINE
Marvel City Restaurant serves authentic Southern cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of small-town Alabama hospitality. The menu features homestyle favorites prepared with locally-sourced ingredients, drawing both locals and visitors seeking genuine regional flavors. Diners appreciate the generous portions, reasonable prices, and friendly service that make this eatery a community gathering spot.
13. Woodstock Antique Mall
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Woodstock Antique Mall offers an extensive collection of vintage items, collectibles, and unique treasures just a short drive from West Blocton. The spacious facility houses numerous vendor booths featuring everything from furniture and home décor to toys, jewelry, and rare memorabilia. Treasure hunters and antique enthusiasts enjoy spending hours browsing the ever-changing inventory that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.
14. Blocton Italian Catholic Cemetery
HISTORIC CULTURAL SITE
The Blocton Italian Catholic Cemetery preserves an important chapter in West Blocton's multicultural history, honoring the Italian immigrants who came to work in the area's coal mines. The cemetery features distinctive grave markers with Italian inscriptions, religious symbolism, and artistic elements that reflect the cultural traditions of the community's founders. Visitors interested in genealogy and local history find this peaceful site a moving testament to the diverse influences that shaped the region.
15. Bibb County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Bibb County Historical Society Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents chronicling the development of West Blocton and surrounding communities. Exhibits highlight the area's rich coal mining heritage, industrial innovations, and the diverse cultural groups that contributed to local history. Visitors can explore engaging displays that bring to life the stories of the people who shaped this fascinating corner of Alabama.