Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Center Point, Alabama

Summary

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
Pinson Bicentennial Park
Hawk’s View Overlook
Ruffner Mountain
Southern Museum of Flight
Cosby Lake Park
Ken’s Hickory Pit Barbecue
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Kelly Ingram Park
Regions Field
Good People Brewing Company
The Outlet Shops of Grand River

The location currently occupied by Center Point was historically inhabited by Native Americans in the 1700s.

By 1816, settlers began arriving from North Carolina, transforming the area into an agricultural hub, which gradually developed into a small community featuring a school, grocery store, blacksmith shop, and post office. Over the course of one and a half centuries, this settlement evolved into a town, culminating in a 2002 citizen vote to establish Center Point as a city.

Situated 20 miles northeast of Birmingham, Alabama, this city serves as an excellent base for exploring numerous parks, nature reserves, and museums.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves well-served with abundant hiking and cycling trails throughout the city.

There is an array of activities and attractions in the vicinity; thus, if you are visiting Alabama or spending some time in Birmingham, make sure to set aside time for a visit to Center Point.

As a local from Birmingham, I am well-acquainted with Center Point. There is much to explore, and I am confident you will discover something appealing on my list of the premier activities in and around Center Point, Alabama:

1. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Nature enthusiasts will revel in the experience at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, located just north of Center Point.

This 466-acre preserve features cascading waterfalls, extensive hiking trails, and hosts seven endangered wildlife and aquatic species.

Your visit can be filled with swimming in the blue hole or tubing along the river. Alternatively, for those preferring to stay on solid ground, ample facilities for mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking are readily available.

Be sure to bring walking shoes, swimwear, and a camera to capture your enjoyable family day immersed in nature.

2. Pinson Bicentennial Park

The city of Pinson marked its 200th anniversary with the establishment of an entirely new park.

This beautiful recreational area, situated a few miles north of Center Point, spans 20 acres and includes a playground, walking paths, disc golf, and an amphitheater.

On warm summer days, the park offers a Splash Pad for children, featuring super soakers and fountains.

As dusk falls, the enchanting tiered amphitheater becomes illuminated for live concerts and performances.

3. Hawk’s View Overlook

Hawk’s View Overlook is situated on the boundary of Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve.

For those in search of outstanding hiking or running trails, this location is ideal.

The trail commences at the visitor center, meandering along the mountain path, revealing hidden caves and abandoned quarries leading to the lookout point.

It is advisable to visit in the early morning or late afternoon, as these times provide the most spectacular views during sunrise and sunset.

4. Ruffner Mountain

While en route to Hawk’s View Overlook, take a moment to discover Ruffner Mountain.

This area provides 14 miles of trails for exploration where one can discover diverse flora and fauna.

From the late 19th century to the 1950s, this mountain served as a major source of iron ore, yielding over 200 tons a day. The ore was transported from Ruffner Mountain to Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham’s industrial sector for smelting.

Although the caves from which iron ore was extracted are no longer accessible to the public, visitors can enjoy several trails, picnic spots, and a nature center hosting various native species.

5. Southern Museum of Flight

The Southern Museum of Flight invites aviation enthusiasts to delve into various aspects of aircraft in both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Whether you wish to experience take-offs and landings via a flight simulator, explore military helicopters and airplanes displayed outdoors, or examine realistic dioramas related to World War II and the Vietnam War, this museum offers engaging and educational experiences.

6. Cosby Lake Park

Cosby Lake Park provides a serene environment ideal for hiking, fishing, or enjoying a picnic. It offers picturesque views with a lake enveloped by forest and woodlands.

You can spend time walking the paths, capturing photographs, and visiting the mini-wetlands that attract various bird species and beavers.

The lake draws anglers keen to catch catfish, brim, and bass.

Located merely 5 miles northeast of Center Point, it is a wonderful destination for an afternoon with friends and family.

7. Ken’s Hickory Pit Barbecue

Indulge in traditional Southern barbecue at Ken’s Hickory Pit, conveniently located in nearby Pinson.

This unpretentious diner serves up hickory-smoked meats accompanied by flavorful dipping sauces.

Whether you prefer pork, ribs, chicken, or smoked sausage, this relaxed diner is an excellent venue for gatherings with family and friends.

On my visit, I found the portion sizes generous, the service exceptional, and the prices quite reasonable. Be sure to bring your appetite and consider trying the sweet potato pie for dessert.

8. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Leeds, Alabama

Motorsport enthusiasts should designate the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum as a must-visit during their stay in Center Point.

This museum boasts over 1,600 motorcycles and an extensive collection of Lotus sports cars. In fact, it has earned recognition from Guinness World Records for housing the largest motorcycle collection in the world.

In addition to the indoor displays, the museum hosts events outside on the track. Throughout the year, Barber Motorsports Park welcomes the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama alongside a Vintage Festival catering to classic car enthusiasts.

9. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

At one time, Sloss Furnaces were the world’s busiest pig iron manufacturing blast furnaces, and today they stand in Birmingham much as they did in the late 19th century.

This distinct historical site, featuring towering stoves and intricate pipelines, serves as an interpretive museum chronicling Birmingham’s industrial history.

Visitors can engage in self-guided tours, attend food festivals, partake in haunted events, and enjoy live performances within this iconic national historic landmark.

If you plan to visit Birmingham, I highly recommend the Birmingham Area Multi-Attraction Pass, which provides admission to Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark as well as access to other top attractions.

10. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Those visiting Alabama will likely encounter a museum or monument linked to the Civil Rights Movement at some point.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute features exhibits that illuminate the experiences of various racial groups in Alabama from the late 1800s to the present.

It details the struggles that African Americans faced and recounts transformative events that impacted the city.

A standout element is the Processional Gallery, ‘Walk to Freedom,’ displaying life-sized representations from diverse races and ages, aimed at promoting awareness and advocacy for equal rights.

11. Kelly Ingram Park

Kelly Ingram Park is situated in the center of Birmingham’s Civil Rights District.

Throughout the 1960s, this park hosted numerous demonstrations related to the Civil Rights Movement, with one of the largest gatherings occurring in May 1963. During these protests, authorities employed hoses and police dogs to suppress demonstrators.

As images of the confrontations spread globally, a public outcry ensued, marking a significant turning point in the fight against public segregation.

The attractive park is adorned with monuments, sculptures, and walking paths, providing informative insights about the life-changing events that transpired in 1963.

12. Regions Field

This minor league baseball park in Birmingham is an ideal venue for enjoying a sporting event while in the city.

The Birmingham Barons initiated gameplay at this renovated facility in 2013. Offering a wide range of family-friendly entertainment, Regions Field features family fun parks, NAPA batting cages, and a mini wiffle ball field.

For visitors wishing to enjoy a sports game during their stay, attending a local game is a great opportunity to engage with the community—especially when supporting the home team.

13. Good People Brewing Company

In the southern states, those regarded as authentic and sincere are often referred to as ‘Good People.’ This brewing establishment embodies that sentiment, providing a casual environment for both locals and visitors to come together and sample a wide range of craft beers and pale ales.

With options such as Bearded Lady, Urban Farmer, or the seasonal Denim Downhiller Winter Ale, there is a diverse selection to enjoy.

While the brewery does not serve food, patrons are welcome to bring their own snacks or take-out from nearby restaurants.

If you are seeking a lively evening out and wish to sample an assortment of craft brews, you are sure to have a delightful experience at Good People Brewing Company!

14. The Outlet Shops of Grand River

For those in search of designer apparel and accessories at discounted prices, The Outlet Shops of Grand River is the perfect destination.

With outlets from well-known brands such as Coach, Guess, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and many others, visitors are likely to leave with several shopping bags. The complex also features dining options for fast food and beverages, allowing you to take a break from shopping, as well as a family fun center to keep the children entertained!

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