Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Gardendale, AL

Content Summary

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
Gardendale Flea Mall and Antique Center
Birmingham Museum of Art
Southern Museum of Flight
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Our Place Restaurant
Rickwood Caverns State Park
Black Creek Park Rails to Trails
McWane Science Center
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Pinson Bicentennial Park
Cosby Lake Park

Gardendale is a suburb located in the northern section of Birmingham, Alabama.

Initially established around 1825 as a farming community, it was originally referred to as “Jugtown” due to a prominent jug and churn factory situated in the vicinity.

Today, this appealing suburb offers a variety of shopping, dining experiences, parks, and gardens, making it welcoming for individuals of all ages.

Situated just 13 miles from downtown Birmingham, Gardendale provides convenient access to an array of world-class museums, historical trails, and landmarks.

As a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, I can confidently assert that Gardendale is a pleasant area to visit, with Birmingham’s proximity ensuring numerous activities and attractions. Let us explore the finest activities and sights in and around Gardendale:

1. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve encompasses 466 acres of picturesque woodlands and creekside trails.

The park boasts a history that extends to prehistoric eras, where Native American tribes once resided, followed later by the establishment of an iron forge and a grist mill as industries emerged in the area.

The waters around Turkey Creek support endangered fish species such as the Watercress, Rush, and Vermilion Darters, along with a variety of rare bats, turtles, and floral species waiting to be discovered.

Whether you are inclined to hike through wooded trails, capture images of cascading waterfalls, or observe uncommon wildlife and avian species, this location provides opportunities for all.

2. Gardendale Flea Mall and Antique Center

The Gardendale Flea Mall and Antique Center is often referred to as ‘Alabama’s Largest Treasure Chest’. It presents an excellent reason to visit Gardendale.

Housed in a spacious 44,000 square-foot facility in Northern Gardendale, this venue accommodates over 300 vendors offering a wide array of collectibles, art pieces, rare antiques, and furnishings.

For individuals who appreciate perusing antique stalls, seeking a unique piece of Alabama memorabilia, or searching for thoughtful gifts, this destination is ideal.

3. Birmingham Museum of Art

Recognized as one of the premier regional museums in America, the Birmingham Museum of Art was established in 1951 and currently showcases over 27,000 paintings, prints, decorative arts, and sculptures.

The museum features remarkable artifacts and artistic works from Africa, Asia, and Europe; with particular emphasis on its impressive collections of pre-Columbian and Native American art, which are truly commendable.

Be sure to explore the Kress Collection of Italian Renaissance art pieces and the captivating landscapes of the American West by Albert Bierstadt before concluding your visit.

4. Southern Museum of Flight

Experience the rich history of aviation at the Southern Museum of Flight.

This destination is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts, where you can take a “pre-flight briefing,” view early aviation aircraft, and explore dioramas portraying significant moments from World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam.

For those interested in a hands-on experience, try one of the museum’s Flight Simulators, guided by instructors who are often experienced pilots, providing insights on map reading and cockpit instrumentation.

Outside, visitors can admire several military aircraft and helicopters on display, offering excellent opportunities for photography.

5. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

This educational museum, located in the heart of Birmingham’s Civil Rights District, chronicles the struggles faced by African-American citizens in Alabama from the 1800s to the 1960s.

The institute features numerous exhibits, including a replica of the Freedom Riders’ bus and the jail cell door that was used to imprison Martin Luther King Jr., alongside immersive experiences reflecting life in a segregated city during the 1950s.

With historical photographs, videos, and personal narratives from those who witnessed and lived through these defining moments in American history, this is an essential visit during your time here.

6. Our Place Restaurant

Our Place, situated in Gardendale, is a quaint, locally-operated diner that has been serving residents and visitors for many years.

With its unpretentious decor, relaxed ambiance, and affordable pricing, it is always a pleasure to dine here.

Whether you visit for a hearty American breakfast or to sample their renowned char chicken salad, diverse dishes are available to accommodate various tastes.

The diner also offers sandwiches and snacks for takeout, an ideal option for a summer picnic in the park or nearby nature preserve.

7. Rickwood Caverns State Park

Rickwood Caverns State Park provides an excellent family outing just a 20-minute drive from Gardendale.

Within the park, enchanting underground caverns boast formations that date back 260 million years, featuring stunning stalagmites and stalactites that will ignite your imagination.

The temperature within the caves remains around 60 degrees, offering a cool retreat on hot summer days and warmth during the winter months.

For an optimal experience in exploring the ancient caverns, consider joining a guided cave tour, or if you prefer to remain above ground, the park offers opportunities for hiking along the Fossil Mountain Trail, gemstone mining, picnic areas, and swimming pools.

8. Black Creek Park Rails to Trails

This 7.2-mile out-and-back trail situated north of Birmingham serves as a remarkable recreational space for fitness enthusiasts.

The trail, suitable for hiking, jogging, and cycling, follows the path of an old railway while closely adhering to the banks of Black Creek.

This area is an excellent spot for walking dogs, with picnic tables available in wooded zones for refreshments.

The trail is shaded by a canopy of trees, offering narrow paths and forested areas that create a truly enjoyable environment for mountain biking and team running training.

9. McWane Science Center

The McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama, serves as an engaging venue to learn about scientific concepts and innovative technologies.

The center features three levels of exhibits, including the unique ‘Science on a Sphere’, an advanced display that uses computer-generated imagery to present planetary data, illustrating weather patterns, ocean temperatures, and more.

Visitors can also experience the thrill of riding a ‘High Cycle’ on a wire, where gravity plays its role in your experience.

After exploring the exhibits, take a moment to relax and enjoy McWane’s interpretation of the Tesla Coil at the Rushton Theater.

10. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

During the industrial era, the discovery of iron ore in the parks and mountains surrounding Birmingham led to the operation of Sloss Furnaces as a site for smelting.

These furnaces were once the busiest in the world and now stand as a National Historic Landmark overlooking the industrial district.

The interpretative museum hosts food festivals and various events throughout the year and serves as a venue for sculpting, metal art classes, and even paranormal night tours.

If you wish to delve deeper into Birmingham’s rich industrial legacy or partake in classes or tours at this iconic landmark, you can do so effortlessly from Gardendale.

11. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Leeds, Alabama

If classic motorcycles and racing cars capture your interest, a visit to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is essential.

This largest motorcycle museum globally features over 1,600 vintage and contemporary motorcycles spanning from 1904 to the present, spread out over five floors.

It is equally appealing to non-motorcycle aficionados, as it houses a substantial collection of approximately 50 Lotus racing cars.

Adjacent to the museum is the Barber Motorsports Park racetrack, which hosts the annual Barber Vintage Festival and Porsche Track Experience Days, providing a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to enjoy racing firsthand.

12. Pinson Bicentennial Park

Pinson Bicentennial Park is a newly developed recreational area in the adjacent city of Pinson, established to mark the city’s 200th anniversary.

Occupying 20 acres, this park incorporates a children’s playground, walking trails, an amphitheater, and a community center.

On warm days, visitors can enjoy a delightful Splash Pad with water features and fountains, while balmy summer evenings offer outdoor movie screenings and performances in the tiered amphitheater.

13. Cosby Lake Park

Approximately a half-hour drive from Gardendale lies the scenic Cosby Lake Park.

With its changing seasonal shoreline vistas, serene waters, and a mini-wetland area that attracts various bird species and beavers, nature enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate.

Whether you prefer hiking along forest trails, enjoying a lakeside picnic, or trying your hand at fishing, this park offers diverse activities.

If fishing is on your agenda, ensure you obtain an Alabama Fishing License; the lake is well-stocked with catfish, bass, brim, and crappie.

Cosby Lake Park particularly shines during autumn, as the foliage reflects on the water, creating a stunning palette of copper, bronze, and gold hues.

Spread the love