What to Do in Montgomery Alabama
Modern Art Museum, Ice Skating and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival
Dec 2, 2008
As the state capital, Montgomery has a long history that includes the Civil War, when the city was the first Capital of the Confederacy, and Civil Rights, when the Montgomery Bus Boycott signaled the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement.
Montgomery today is a vibrant blend of old and new and visitors to Montgomery will find a wide range of historic sites, museums and art galleries, as well as outdoor activities, restaurants and shopping. Here are just a few of the many things to do in this “hot” Southern city.
Old Alabama Town - 301 Columbus Street, (334) 240-4500
Over 40 restored houses and buildings create a “Living” and “Working” picture of 19th and early 20th century Alabama. Structures include Lucas Tavern, where Revolutionary War hero Lafayette spent the night, a doctor’s office, a schoolhouse and more. Living history interpreters in period costumes and artists and crafters recreate life in Old Alabama.
Montgomery Riverfront - on the Alabama River, located at the north end of Commerce Street (enter via the tunnel under the road)
Take in a special event or concert at the Amphitheatre, stroll along the pavement or just sit on one of the numerous benches and watch the Alabama River flow by. River cruises are available aboard the stern wheeler river boat Harriett II. Free admission to the park
Rosa Parks Library & Museum - 252 Montgomery Street, (334) 241-8615
This 7000 square-foot interactive, multi-media “experience” is located on the site where Rosa Parks was arrested in 1955 for not giving up her bus seat to a white man. For more on this and other Civil Rights historic sites see Rosa Parks and Dr. King in Montgomery, Alabama.
Blount Cultural Park - 6055 Vaughn Road, (334) 274-0062
Over 300 acres of expansive views with 3.5 miles of walking paths, outdoor sculptures and picnic facilities makes this city park a relaxing place to go. Built to resemble the English countryside, the park is home to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Free admission
Alabama Shakespeare Festival - One Festival Drive (located in Blount Cultural Park), (334) 271-5353 or (800) 841-4273
The sixth largest Shakespeare festival in the world, this internationally acclaimed theater attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually and offers professional live theater for both adults and children. Adjacent to the theater is the Shakespeare Garden, one of only seven such gardens in the country which features plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts - One Museum Drive (located in Blount Cultural Park), (334) 244-4333
This exceptional art museum features a permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American paintings and sculpture, Southern regional art, decorative art and Old Master prints. The Café M serves lunch, the Museum Shop sells “artsy” gifts of jewelry, glassware, pottery, books and cards, and ARTWORKS offers interactive art fun for kids. Free admission
Ice Palace - 1000 Eastdale Mall (located in the mall off Atlanta Highway), (334) 277-2088
When it’s 100 degrees outside, mall goers can find some cool fun at this year-round ice skating rink, the only one in Alabama and a very rare find in the southeast. The $8 per person fee includes skate rental and one of four, two-hour skate sessions daily.
W. A. Gayle Planetarium - 1010 Forest Avenue (located in Oak Park), (334) 241-4799
Operated by Troy University, the planetarium seats 200 and is one of the largest in the southeast. A variety of exhibits and programs are offered including the very popular Laser Light Shows.
There is so much to see and do in Montgomery, so for more ideas, see Fun Things To Do in Montgomery Alabama or contact the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitor Bureau, 300-A Water Street, (334) 261-1100 or (800) 240-9452.
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