Wilsonville AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wilsonville, Alabama.
1. Lay Lake
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Lay Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Wilsonville, offering beautiful waterfront views and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports on this reservoir formed by the Coosa River. The lake provides a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
2. Oak Meadow Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR SPACE
Oak Meadow Park serves as a beloved community gathering place in Wilsonville with walking trails and playground equipment. The park features jungle gyms that make it an ideal destination for families with children looking for outdoor fun. Its well-maintained grounds provide a perfect setting for picnics, casual strolls, and community events throughout the year.
3. Sammy's Antiques and More
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Sammy's Antiques and More offers a delightful shopping experience for those seeking unique vintage items and collectibles. The store features a diverse selection of antiques, from furniture and home decor to rare memorabilia and curiosities. Treasure hunters and antique enthusiasts will enjoy browsing through the carefully curated collection that tells stories of the past.
4. Yellow Leaf Park
TRANQUIL NATURE ESCAPE
Yellow Leaf Park provides Wilsonville residents and visitors with a peaceful retreat featuring scenic walking trails and playground equipment. The park's natural setting makes it ideal for bird watching and enjoying the changing seasons of Alabama's landscape. Its well-maintained facilities make it a favorite spot for family outings and community gatherings throughout the year.
5. Helms Park
SPORTS AND RECREATION HUB
Helms Park stands as Wilsonville's premier sports venue with well-maintained baseball and softball fields that host community games and tournaments. The park provides excellent facilities for athletes of all ages to practice and compete while spectators enjoy the games. Its central location in the community makes it a gathering place for residents and visitors who share a love of sports.
6. E.C. Gaston Steam Plant
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL LANDMARK
The E.C. Gaston Steam Plant represents a significant piece of Alabama's industrial history, completed in 1929 as part of the state's early power infrastructure. The facility was instrumental in constructing one of Alabama's first four hydroelectric dams, forever changing the region's development. This historic site stands as a testament to the engineering achievements that helped power Alabama's growth through the 20th century.
7. All Purpose Restoration
UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
All Purpose Restoration offers visitors a distinctive shopping experience featuring restored vintage items and repurposed goods. The shop specializes in breathing new life into antique furniture, home decor, and collectibles that appeal to those with an appreciation for craftsmanship and history. Shoppers can find one-of-a-kind pieces that add character and conversation starters to their homes.
8. The Market at Pepper Place
LOCAL ARTISAN MARKETPLACE
The Market at Pepper Place is a vibrant farmers market and artisan gathering space located a short drive from Wilsonville in nearby Birmingham. Visitors can browse locally grown produce, handcrafted goods, and specialty foods from vendors throughout the region. The market creates a festive atmosphere with live music and culinary demonstrations that showcase the best of Alabama's agricultural and artistic talents.
9. Arlington Antebellum Home
HISTORIC SOUTHERN ESTATE
Arlington Antebellum Home stands as a magnificent example of Greek Revival architecture dating back to the 1840s, just a short drive from Wilsonville. The historic mansion features period furnishings and decorative arts that transport visitors back to the pre-Civil War era in the American South. Its beautifully maintained gardens and grounds provide a glimpse into plantation life and the complex history of the region.
10. Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater serves as a premier outdoor concert and event venue near Wilsonville that attracts national touring acts and performers. The amphitheater's excellent acoustics and thoughtful design provide an optimal experience for enjoying live music under the stars. Concert-goers appreciate the venue's convenient location and impressive lineup of entertainment options throughout the performance season.
11. City of Pelham Parks & Recreation
DIVERSE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
City of Pelham Parks & Recreation offers visitors from Wilsonville access to expanded recreational facilities and programs just a short drive away. Their facilities include multiple parks, sports complexes, and recreational centers designed for visitors of all ages and interests. Year-round programming provides opportunities for organized sports, fitness classes, and special events that complement the offerings in Wilsonville.
12. First African Baptist Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
First African Baptist Church stands as one of the oldest and most historically significant Black churches in Birmingham, accessible as a day trip from Wilsonville. The church played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, serving as a meeting place and sanctuary during times of social change. Its architecture and continued community presence make it an important cultural landmark worth visiting to understand the region's complex history.
13. Shelby County Historical Markers
JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
The historical markers throughout Wilsonville and Shelby County tell the story of one of Alabama's oldest communities with roots predating statehood. Each marker highlights significant events, locations, and figures that shaped the development of the region over centuries. Visitors can create their own self-guided historical tour by following these markers that connect the present to Wilsonville's rich past.
14. Coosa River Scenic Route
PICTURESQUE RIVERSIDE DRIVE
The Coosa River Scenic Route offers travelers beautiful views of the waterway that has shaped Wilsonville's history and development. The drive features multiple overlooks and access points where visitors can stop to appreciate the natural beauty or engage in fishing and boating activities. The route connects several riverside communities while showcasing the environmental importance and recreational value of this vital waterway.
15. Wilsonville Railroad Depot Site
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION LANDMARK
The Wilsonville Railroad Depot site marks the location of Shelby County's very first railroad depot, representing a crucial chapter in the area's transportation history. This historic landmark commemorates the arrival of rail service that connected Wilsonville to wider commerce and travel networks throughout the region. Visitors interested in railroad history will appreciate understanding how this infrastructure development shaped the growth and economy of this small Alabama town.