Montgomery is one of the most important historic cities in the United States.
It has been the scene of several watershed historical events.
The most famous of these relate to Martin Luther King.
In addition, Montgomery has a rich cultural life with a thriving art scene.
It houses significant art centers, like the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, as well as the famous Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
Further, the city has many natural attractions, parks, and an impressive zoo.
Interested to know more about this stunning city?
Here are the 25 best things to do in Montgomery, Alabama:
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Rosa Parks Museum salutes the courage of Rosa Park for taking her historic stand in 1955 by occupying the site of that event, the Empire Theatre.
The museum is stocked with exciting exhibits.
You can also watch informative multi-media shows about the event and Rosa at the in-house 103-seater auditorium.
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You can learn in detail about the struggles of civil rights pioneers.
Some of the interesting artifacts in the six areas of the museum include a 1955 station wagon, a replica of the famous bus on which Rosa refused to vacate her seat for a white man, and rare documents from that period.
The museum is set up with a mission to pay tribute to Rosa and keep her legacy alive by preserving items related to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
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The Civil Rights Memorial Center pays homage to the 41 brave souls who sacrificed their lives for their cause and racial equality between 1954 and 1968.
The exhibits in the center relate to the event and lives of these martyrs.
The 56-seat theater showcases actual footage and dramatized versions of the events.
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Educational activities are available in the classroom.
Finally, the 20-foot by 40-foot Wall of Tolerance etches the names of more than half a million signatories who pledged to fight hate and prejudice.
You can also ascribe to the pledge, and they will inscribe your name on the Wall.
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The First White House of the Confederacy, an Italian-styled mansion, served as Jefferson Davis’ residence during his Presidency in 1861.
At that point in time, Montgomery was the capital of the Confederacy.
The friendly Mrs. Davis hosted many famous parties in this building.
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Thus, the mansion was a thriving social hub back then.
Many items from Mrs. Davis’ original collection, including furniture and art, are still in the house.
You can catch a sneak peek into the lives of the First Family during the tense times of the Civil War era.
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Book your trip to dense South American jungles, African savannas, and Asian mountains all in one place by visiting the expanses of the Montgomery Zoo.
You can then enjoy a wide variety of animals, such as zebras, tigers, camels, and monkeys.
The zoo spreads over a 40-acre area and is notable for having no cages.
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Animals roam in artificially created landscapes resembling their native habitats.
When tired from all the walking, you can stretch out and refresh yourself.
The zoo also offers a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the tiger habitats.
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Dexter Parsonage Museum occupies the house where Dr.Martin Luther King once lived with his family.
12 Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church pastors were this house’s celebrated residents from 1920-1992.
They restored the house to its form when Dr.King lived in it.
You can see Dr.King’s original furniture preserved to this day.
The Interpretive Center, located outside, features impressive photographs of the 12 famous pastor-residents.
In addition, you can see the wisest quotes from the pastors carved on the Pastoral Wall.
Finally, there are rare pictures of Dr.King and other ministers from their days during the bus boycott.
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The Museum of Alabama occupies the same building where the Alabama Department of Archives and History works.
You can catch exciting exhibits narrating Alabama’s rich history.
Some of these date from pre-historic times.
The most prominent display is The Land of Alabama, which informs visitors about the state’s unique geology that impacted its history.
You can also learn about The First Alabamians and the history of the years of Native American inhabitation.
For the more recent history of the state, head over to the Alabama Voices.
This exhibit displays items related to the many events of historical importance in Alabama from the 1700s to the present times.
The Museum of Alabama is vast, and its extensive collections boast over 800 items, images, and letters.
Finally, they host rich multi-media presentations about many of these events, including the turf wars, economic disputes related to the cotton trade, the Civil War, WWI, WW II, and the civil rights movement.
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Alabama State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark for being the birthplace and original seat of the Confederacy government.
It currently serves as the seat of the state governor and high dignitaries from the executive wing.
Other notable historical events featuring the State Capital include the famous Selma march.
The in-house museum amply depicts the building’s historical legacy with displays about its role in Alabama politics.
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The building is an architectural marvel featuring rich elements of the Beaux-Arts movement and the Greek Revival style.
The famous landscape artist Frederick Law Olmsted carefully manicured the beautiful grounds surrounding the main building.
Incredible as it may seem, you can still see some of the trees he originally planted.
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The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is the oldest in Alabama dedicated to the arts.
Beautiful sculptures and paintings created by talented local artists adorn the museum’s galleries.
In addition, they feature exquisite artwork by renowned international artists
The American art section houses some of the best 41 paintings from artists of the country, including well-known names such as Edward Hopper, John Singer, Sargent, and Winslow Homer.
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Classical works in the print by Old Masters section include paintings by legendary artists like Durer, Rembrandt, and Whistler.
The museum also displays temporary exhibits from upcoming artists.
Kids can have a first-hand taste of fine arts in the in-house studio called ARTWORKS.
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F. Scott Fitzgerald was among the finest storytellers of the last century, while his adorable wide Zelda is known for founding the “Flapper Movement.”
Zelda spent her early years in Montgomery and returned to the city after marriage in 1931.
The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum is the only museum in the world that celebrates the life and achievements of this writer-socialite couple.
It now occupies what once used to be the Fitzgerald residence.
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Julian McPhillips was the visionary behind this museum when he bought the house in 1986 and filled it with its rich collection.
You can explore exciting photos, letters, books, and memorabilia from the Fitzgeralds.
Additionally, you can attend their many social events to have a healthy mix of entertainment and meaningful conversation.
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Catch a refreshing game of America’s favorite at the Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium.
The Montgomery Biscuits are the home team and play in the Southern League.
The area used to house a historic train station, but now the beautiful stadium can seat 7,000 spectators.
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More than 20 luxury suites are available for those looking for a special experience.
Technology also features in this well-maintained stadium its gigantic LED video board.
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Hank Williams entertained countless generations of country music lovers.
He rightfully earns the title of the first country music superstar, helping kick-start whole new genres, including blues, Rockabilly, and Rock and Roll.
The Hank Williams Museum celebrates the life and music of this legendary artist-showman.
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Sadly, Hank Williams left us at the early age of 29 when he suffered heart failure in his blue Cadillac.
This blue Cadillac is the most prominent item in the collection.
Additionally, you can see many of his iconic suits, guitars, and much-loved ties.
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Riverfront Park is a popular hangout destination for locals in Montgomery.
You can hike and bike to your heart’s fulfillment over the beautiful trails.
There are also other fun activities on offer.
Carry along with your lunch basket with friends and family, and enjoy a relaxing picnic.
Additionally, go kayaking on the glorious waters.
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If you have the patience, put your angling line to business and hope for a big catch.
Even art lovers can do something for their taste in concerts and plays staged at the Amphitheatre.
The Harriott II Riverboat next welcomes you aboard for an exciting excursion into the river waters.
Onboard fun activities include dinner, dancing, and live shows.
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Travel back to the Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian eras in Old Alabama Town.
You can see townhouses from the 19th-century and 20th-century mansions, churches, and schools.
All the structures are restored to their current forms.
The rich artifacts depict scenes from plantation life and other early pioneers.
More than 50 old-age-styled buildings are present here.
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The Freedom Rides Museum narrates the events of the Civil Rights movement with its rich displays and a timeline on the exterior wall.
You can take a guided tour to learn about the famous bus ride and the terminal.
The gallery features representations of important incidents from the movement with exciting interpretations.
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Learn exciting facts about astronomy at the multimedia theater in the W.A. Gayle Planetarium.
The place is notable for being the world’s first full-color single-lens planetarium.
Visitors can have surreal experiences of outer space because of cutting-edge audio-visual technology.
You can have real-time updates about the Earth as they display satellite data about the planet’s oceans and land.
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The 107-year-old neo-classical Governor’s Mansion is the official residence of the state’s first family.
The half-hour-long guided tours take the guests through the luxurious main floor and the beautiful grounds.
You are gifted with cookies for completing the tour at the in-house Gift Shop.
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You can walk across the hallowed portals of Huntingdon College at its beautiful Montgomery campus that dates back to 1908.
The famous Frederick Law Olmsted, whom we met on one of our items above, also designed the landscapes for this prestigious college.
You can roam around the vast 70-acre campus while the main building lets you know the wisdom of the college’s high ideals.
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Enjoy some of the finest ballet performances with the Montgomery Ballet.
The professional company has been regaling the state residents with its exquisite performances since 1987.
Some of their best shows include “Two for Love” and “The Messiah.”
You will find their outdoor performance of the Ballet and the Beasts at the Montgomery Zoo especially entertaining.
Montgomery is a highly sought-after holiday destination owing to its rich history.
It was a significant center of the Civil Rights Moment, and you can explore several sites related to it.
Additionally, it goes even further back as one of the initial centers of American politics and the bloody Civil War.
The city also features many modern places for tourists of every taste to enjoy.
You can’t get much wrong by traveling to this delightful city.
We look forward to hearing about your experiences on your trip!
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Legacy Museum is a unique and important place of historical significance in downtown Montgomery’s heart.
Not only does it showcase the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history, but it also serves to educate visitors on the past and present-day impact that African Americans have had on society.
The museum hopes to bring awareness to difficult subjects such as racial discrimination and slavery.
It features interactive displays and panels with detailed information regarding slavery, civil rights movement facts, and artifacts related to various aspects of African American history.
Legacy Museum offers an unforgettable experience with state-of-the-art technology, top-notch artwork, and significant American historical knowledge.
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Montgomery Performing Arts Centre (MPAC) is one of the best places to experience live entertainment in Montgomery, Alabama.
MPAC has been delighting audiences with diverse offerings since its opening.
From ballets and plays to music concerts by local and international artists, this modern performing arts center offers a wide variety of shows for everyone’s enjoyment.
MPAC boasts state-of-the-art facilities, with top-notch acoustics that will completely immerse audiences in the performance on stage.
The auditorium features comfortable seating and excellent sightlines throughout the theatre.
Enjoy pre-show dining at its award-winning restaurant or grab a snack at one of the concession stands during intermission.
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The MOOseum in Montgomery is a unique and exciting place to explore.
It showcases the culture and history of Alabama’s capital city through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
The museum offers something for everyone, from families to students to lifelong visitors.
You can experience a variety of attractions at The MOOseum- from an 8D cinema featuring stunning visuals and soundtracks to an annual exhibition focusing on one particular theme.
Several interactive displays allow you to learn more about the city’s past.
In addition, they host special events throughout the year, such as lectures and classes for children.
With its focus on local culture, the museum will surely be a great experience for all who visit it!
Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF) in Montgomery is one of the most renowned repertory theatres in the nation.
Since its founding, ASF has become an internationally acclaimed destination for visitors and residents alike.
It offers various educational opportunities for young people and provides actors with professional training and employment opportunities.
In addition to main stage productions each season, ASF presents concerts and special events annually featuring regional artists.
With years of experience producing classical theater, significant works by contemporary playwrights, and other cultural performances, ASF continues to be a hub of culture in Montgomery with something for everyone to enjoy!
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) Tours allows locals and tourists alike to explore and learn about the inner workings of car manufacturing.
HMMA provides daily guided tours of its plant, allowing visitors to understand and appreciate how cars are produced.
Tours begin with a brief orientation presentation introducing guests to Hyundai’s history and detailing the company’s commitment to quality control and environmental standards.
During the educational tours, guests will get an up-close look at the entire production process from start to finish.
Guests can then tour each step in the assembly line: weld shop, body shop, paint shop, final assembly area, and more.
Montgomery, Alabama, is a vibrant city with a unique mix of culture and history.
From exploring the city’s rich history to enjoying outdoor recreation at local parks, you will surely find something that suits your interests.
With its charming Southern hospitality, Montgomery is an ideal destination worth visiting.
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