Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Talladega, AL

  • Published 2022/12/09

Talladega is the county seat of Talladega County in Alabama.

The city’s name comes from the Native American words “tallafow” and “kee,” meaning “town hills.”

It is nestled between the Coosa River to the west with a range of high hills to the east.

Talladega’s vibrant community allows visitors to explore the region’s natural beauty.

With its historical landmarks and heritage buildings, Talladega is a truly remarkable city.

Families can enjoy family-friendly activities in both river valleys and foothills of mountains, as well as spectacular highland attractions and al fresco dining.

Check out this list of the best things to do in Talladega, Alabama, and experience this town’s historical treasures!

Go Out and Explore Talladega College’s Historical Wonders

Savery Library at Talladega College

Rivers Langley; SaveRivers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The historical campus structures and onsite art museums of Talladega College will astonish you when you visit.

Exploring Talladega College is like walking through a medieval town.

The Talladega College campus spans 50,000 acres and is home to 17 main structures.

When visiting the city’s historic district, check out the Savery Library and Dr. William R. Harvey Museum of Art.

Browse the 117,000 books in the library’s collection or take a break and relax in one of its eight reading areas.

The Talladega College campus is rich in history and offers a variety of attractions for visitors.

If you’re looking to explore some heritage landmarks, this is the perfect place to start!

Take a Trip to the Talladega Hall of Heroes Museum

Talladega Hall of Heroes Museum is an expansive museum that highlights the county’s rich history.

The museum offers visitors an interactive educational experience in addition to its collection of historically significant local objects.

Explore one of the most significant displays of uniforms and memorabilia in Talladega.

With police and military garments from many different countries on display, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

If you have young children, they will love seeing the Boy Scout and Girl Scout gear exhibits.

So bring your family to see these fantastic treasures today.

Put On Your Gear at Talladega Marksmanship Park

The Talladega Marksmanship Park is a go-to destination for marksmanship enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and scenic place to practice your shooting, look no further than Talladega Marksmanship Park.

Their 500-acre range area is perfect for target practice, and their knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to give you thorough training and safety instructions.

Everyone is welcome to take advantage of the opportunities for marksmen of all ages without becoming a member.

A 100-yard multipurpose shooting range, a 50-yard pistol range, and a 600-yard rifle range with electronic targets are all available to explore and enjoy.

Whether you’re an experienced shooter or just starting, be sure to check out Talladega Marksmanship Park!

Take a Hike through Pinhoti National Recreation Trail

Pinhoti National Recreation Trail offers a great view of Flag Mountain in Alabama.

On top of your hundred miles journey, you will experience serenity and solace with nature.

Enjoy your marvelous hike through mountains, valleys, and ridges.

After hiking, you can rest inside the mountain cabins or on the trail benches.

Be sure you have everything you need, such as food, water, and extra hiking clothes.

Don’t forget to bring some mosquito repellent!

You will astound yourself by discovering beautiful timberland and rocky streams at the heart of this recreation trail.

Don’t miss out on this fulfilling trek through nature when you visit Talladega.

Indulge Your BBQ Cravings at Shack BBQ

Trying out Talladega’s cuisine doesn’t need to be a hectic experience.

You will undoubtedly savor everything on your table if you visit The Shack BBQ.

Come to The Shack BBQ for the best Talladega has to offer in authentic barbecue.

The Shack BBQ has served Talladega’s best and most authentic barbecue since 1983.

With sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more, there’s something for everyone, including the crowd’s favorite BBQ-flavored Shack Stack!

And what makes dining here even better is that it takes place in an old Red Caboose surrounded by serene nature.

Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable off-the-road experience today!

See the Exhibits at Heritage Hall Museum and Art Center

Heritage Hall Museum and Art Center display a great collection of art from talented local artists.

This history museum, which displays the town’s historical archives, was once known as the Jemison-Carnegie Public Library in 1908.

It was formally named Heritage Hall Museum and Art Center and has been accessible to the general public since 1979.

You will be impressed by the variety and quality of the art on display at the museum, which is one of the most important cultural institutions in East Central Alabama.

As well as paintings, you’ll find pottery and multimedia art inside the historic building.

The museum does offer something for everyone, regardless of their interests or expectations.

Heritage Hall Museum and Art Center are not only home to stunning exhibits, but they also offer art classes, seminars, and workshops for all ages.

You can join your kids at their Art Camp, where they’ll experience drawing, painting, sculpture, and music performances.

The grand 18-foot ceilings, classic interior design, and unique freestanding staircase of the building will captivate your attention as you explore the downstairs galleries.

This distinguished museum with a fascinating history and art collection is definitely worth your visit.

Enjoy Fun Outdoor Activities at Talladega Creekside Resort

The Talladega Creekside Resort is the perfect place for your next family vacation.

With recreational opportunities and all the comforts of home, this resort has something for everyone.

The cabin includes a full house setup with beds, linens, and cooking equipment.

You can go glamping and spend days looking for a little peace and quiet in nature.

Its full hookup campsites have provided excellent locations to enjoy exciting outdoor activities on land and in the river.

You can take advantage of the offered tubing, kayaking, and fishing activities to make the most of your vacation with your family.

Talladega Creekside Resort also welcomes your four-legged buddies to join your family outdoor activities.

Your family will surely love this unique out-of-town adventure!

Watch an Amazing Live Performance at Talladega’s Historic Ritz Theatre

The centerpiece of the Talladega town squares is the Historic Ritz Theatre.

Constructed in 1936, this theatre has a sophisticated look both inside and out.

You can watch a live performance or see a show in its recently completed renovation, which includes new seats and upgraded sound systems.

Your experience here is like returning while enjoying present-day movies, concerts, and broadway-type shows.

The Ritz Theatre is just across the street and nearby all of Talladega’s other attractions.

You should enjoy this city’s iconic gem and drop by to see a show on your next visit.

Visit Holmestead Farm with the Family

Holmestead Farm‘s U-Pick We-Pick Farm Country Store & Market is the perfect destination for a family day out!

Not only can you explore its vineyards and fruit trees, but the whole family is welcome to join in on the fun.

You can pick up fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, muscadines, and blackberries at this farm, all grown locally in Alabama.

Your kids will love picking their favorite fruits with the family.

Afterward, make your way to one of Holmestead Farm’s large picnic areas, where you can enjoy tasting your freshly hand-picked fruits.

Fresh tomatoes, squash, and peppers are also available for you to take home.

Level up Your Talladega Adventure at Top Trails

Experience the ultimate adventure at Talladega’s Top Trails!

Within 2,800 acres, you can explore more than 100 miles of trails at one of the top off-road trail destinations in the country.

Top Trails offers all kinds of riding RZR vehicle experiences from beginners to experts.

At Top Trails, you can have fun driving over mountains of mud and climbing incredible hills with breathtaking views.

The atmosphere is also very laid back.

Your kids will also enjoy their adventure at the safe and fun kids’ track.

After a long day of riding, you can spend the night unwinding and relaxing at Top Trails’ campground cabins.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Talladega serves as a gateway to the adjacent lakes, woodlands, vineyards, and fascinating caverns.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to go on more adventures and explore more of nature’s beauties in nearby towns.

Go On Scenic Drive on the Way to Talladega National Forest

The road of Talladega National Forest

Donna Beeler / Shutterstock.com

If you’re looking for a place to take a 10-minute drive and appreciate natural beauty, this place near Talladega is the perfect spot.

Talladega National Forest in Brent is the perfect destination for hiking, hunting, climbing, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and even sightseeing on its stunning landscape.

This beautiful view from Talladega byways to the forest floor roads and mountains will draw you in.

Cascades at Talladega National Forest

Jason Patrick Ross / Shutterstock.com

You will have a great time climbing this mountain to see great views of waterfalls and natural rock stairs.

You can also join Shepards Branch shooting range in the middle of the forest.

Remember to pack some snacks because you will need lots of strength to explore this beautiful forest!

Waterfall at Talladega National Forest

Rick from Alabama, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Step into Majestic Caverns for Your One-Of-A-Kind Adventure

You can reach Majestic Caverns in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, which is just about a 17-minute drive from Talladega.

One of the largest collections of onyx-marble stalactites and stalagmites in the entire world can be found in Majestic Caverns.

You can take part in a variety of special, one-of-a-kind activities both inside and outside the caverns.

Your family will be awed by an astonishing light show and an amazing water show under the surface of America’s most remarkable caverns.

There are 20 interactive attractions located above ground, including a traverse wall climb, crazy water golf, cannon battles, and a bow and arrow shoot.

Your kids will enjoy the spectacular entertainment performance featuring magic shows, fire, ring juggling, gigantic bubbles, forge demonstrations, and other fun activities.

Families will love to stroll through its one-of-a-kind expansive Lost Trail Maze together.

You can also take advantage of the Destiny Express Train as it takes you on tour around the area.

There’s also a cave cafe available to offer a variety of snacks like sandwiches, hotdogs, and refreshments to keep your squad’s energy up.

Bring your family to this unforgettable ‘underland’ adventure!

Explore the International Motorsports Hall of Fame

Exterior of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame

John Phelan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame is a renowned collection of artifacts and memorabilia honoring famous racers and members of the car industry, located just 17 minutes from Talladega.

With three sprawling exhibit halls containing iconic racing cars and gear, there’s sure to be something that catches your eye.

Whether you’re a diehard sports fan or a casual observer, the exhibits are sure to amaze you.

Welcome sign of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame

John Phelan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You will have the chance to have a closer look at the collections of famous motorsports figures like Enzo Ferrari, Henry Ford, Ferdinand Porsche, and other renowned racers.

The McCaig-Wellborn Motorsports Research Library is also housed at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

As the largest motorsports library in the world, you can browse 14,000 sports-related books.

View of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame's entrance

John Phelan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Have a Fun Day Out and Visit Downtown Historic Main Oxford

Just a 28-minute drive away from Talladega, you can travel and visit downtown Historic Main Oxford.

Historic Main Oxford is full of one-of-a-kind dining and shopping experiences.

The architecture consists of a mix of medieval and modern classic styles, with clock towers and lampposts that would look right at home in a fairytale.

You’ll be able to find fresh snacks, produce, and homemade goods all around you as you stroll through the streets.

The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Legend of Lickskillet Music and Heritage Festival in springtime and Halloween celebrations in autumn.

You can also buy some gifts for your family and friends as well as mementos like handcrafted jewelry at this historic destination.

Experience a NASCAR Race Track at Talladega Superspeedway

Race at Talladega Superspeedway

Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

Just a 21-minute drive from Talladega, Talladega Superspeedway can give you the most authentic driving experience you’ve ever tried in your life.

At Talladega Superspeedway, not only can you drive your dream NASCAR car, but your kids will love the experience too!

They offer guided garage tours, hot laps, driver meet-and-greets, and more.

Race cars at Talladega Superspeedway

Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

Plus, after a long day of racing, you can relax at their Geico Campgrounds onsite.

Make your reservation today and take your next Talladega adventure to the next level!

Race fans at Talladega Superspeedway

Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

Whether traveling solo or with your loved one, there’s always something to enjoy in Talladega.

With its mix of history and modern attractions, this place is perfect for a fun-filled vacation.

Go ahead and discover these best things to do in Talladega, Alabama, and see these attractions yourself!

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