Attractions
BIRMINGHAM ZOO >>
The Birmingham Zoo is Alabama 's most popular attraction, drawing more than 500,000 visitors annually. Approximately 750 animals of 250 species call the 122-acre Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, kangaroos and endangered species from six continents. See animals in action and learn how the Zoo uses enrichment programs to increase the animal’s level of activity and promote natural behaviors. Enjoy enrichment demonstrations, keeper talks and other activities and don't miss a visit to the JLB Hugh Kaul Children's Zoo, a $15 million anchor exhibit dedicated to children.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens is Alabama 's largest living museum with more than 10,000 different plants in its living collections. The Gardens' 67.5 acres contains 25+ unique gardens, 30+ works of original outdoor sculpture, miles of serene paths and features the largest public horticulture library in the United States . Other attractions include a wildflower garden, two rose gardens, the Southern Living garden, and a Japanese garden with a traditionally crafted tea house. Educational programs run year round and over 10,000 school children enjoy free science-curriculum based field trips annually. Birmingham Botanical Gardens is open daily, offering free admission to more than 350,000 yearly visitors.
OUTDOOR MOUNTAIN BROOK >>
Visitors and newcomers to Mountain Brook are always impressed with the natural beauty of the city. Local residents can often be found enjoying the area's outdoor spaces, including parks, jogging trails and athletic fields. City officials continue to work to make outdoor living even more appealing with seasonal container planting in all the villages. and by developing an extensive wooded trail system which when completed will contain over 25 miles of walkways linking the three historic villages with Jemison Park .
Vulcan – Birmingham, Alabama's colossal sculpture– is the world's largest cast iron statue and considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States. Designed by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti and cast from local iron in 1904, it has overlooked the urban landscape of Alabama 's largest city since the 1930s. Today, thanks to public-private partnerships and a $15.5 million campaign, this beloved symbol of Birmingham and the nation's iron and steel industry stands preserved and proud as the centerpiece of it's rehabilitated and expanded park, now referred to as Vulcan Park and Museum.
The McWane Science Center is a paradise for families with all kinds of interactive activities and learning opportunities as well as an IMAX theater. No visit to Birmingham is complete without a visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute which tells the story of not only our local struggles but also our continuing national efforts to overcome the mistakes of the past. The Birmingham Museum of Art boasts one of the finest collections in the Southeast in 180,000 square feet of indoor exhibition space in addition to an outdoor sculpture gallery. And finally the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a must-see for motorcycle buffs with over 1200 vintage and modern motocycles as well as Lotus and other race cars among one of the finest Porsche racecourses in the country.
