Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Rainbow City, Alabama

Rainbow City is situated 6 miles south of Gadsden, Alabama. The origin of the city’s name has been a subject of debate among locals for many years, with some attributing it to Rainbow Drive—a highway that traversed the city—while others assert it was named after the “Rainbow Division,” which was a component of the U.S. Infantry.

The city began attracting settlers in 1818 when families migrated from the eastern seaboard, drawn by the burgeoning opportunities in Alabama.

Today, Rainbow City boasts a rich historical heritage and proximity to remarkable parks, wildlife trails, riverside activities, and art centres, each embodying the unique character of this region of Alabama.

1. Noccalula Falls Park

Noccalula Falls Park is located approximately 8 miles north of Rainbow City.

For those seeking a connection with nature, this is an ideal starting point.

The park features hiking trails appropriate for walking, mountain biking, and jogging. Furthermore, there is a charming miniature train and a Pioneer village for those preferring a more leisurely experience.

The main highlight of the park is the spectacular waterfalls that cascade 90 feet down into Black Creek Gorge below.

Visitors have the opportunity to admire the falls up close, as paths allow walking beneath them or along a bridge above, offering panoramic views of the picturesque countryside.

2. James D. Martin Wildlife Park Trail

Situated in the heart of Gadsden, James D. Martin Wildlife Park provides a scenic area for hiking, biking, and picnicking, overlooking the Coosa River and the backwaters of Neely Henry Lake.

This area is particularly favored for birdwatching, thanks to elevated boardwalks, park benches, and waterside trails surrounded by wooded areas.

Enthusiastic birdwatchers may catch glimpses of herons, cormorants, and egrets during their visit, making it essential to bring binoculars or a camera.

3. Back Forty Beer Co.

Named after a traditional Alabama agricultural term, Back Forty Beer Company is a delightful brewhouse located within a 1940s red-brick warehouse in Downtown Gadsden.

With an impressive selection of craft beers and fresh food offerings, this establishment is a favored location for both locals and visitors to unwind.

Award-winning beer selections, such as Naked Pig, Truck Stop Honey, and Freckle Belly, make it worthwhile to stop by and sample these uniquely titled ales.

4. Gadsden Mall

For those interested in retail, Gadsden Mall provides an excellent venue to explore for a few hours.

Located in proximity to James D. Martin Wildlife Park, the shopping centre features various department stores, boutiques, perfumeries, and even hair salons.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options, ranging from American delicatessens to steak and seafood restaurants and Japanese Cajun grill establishments.

5. Imagination Place

Imagination Place provides an ideal day out for families with children aged ten and under, offering a space where young visitors can engage with interactive exhibits.

The KidsTown USA area features a child-sized town, complete with shops, construction sites, and Grandma’s house, among others. Children can also experience the Imagination Express train ride, sail on a pirate ship, or visit a farm.

Regardless of the weather, Imagination Place encourages children to express themselves and nurture creativity through its exhibits.

6. Gadsden Museum of Art

Gadsden Museum of Art first opened its doors in mid-January 1965. Over the years, the museum has relocated several times, and now it proudly resides on Broad Street in Downtown Gadsden.

The exhibits rotate throughout the year, providing individual artists, creative collectives, and photographers from the region with opportunities to present their work.

The museum’s permanent collection encompasses over a thousand prints, paintings, exhibits, and sculptures, primarily created by artists from southern states.

This collection features Civil War art, artifacts, Victorian furniture, and pieces that reflect local history.

7. Lookout Mountain Parkway

Located less than an hour’s drive northeast of Rainbow City, Lookout Mountain Parkway is celebrated as one of the most scenic drives in America.

This destination draws visitors from around the globe, offering breathtaking views of canyons, waterfalls, and charming towns situated within the national park.

The parkway is a picturesque destination to explore in any season, showcasing wildflowers, autumn foliage, and the unique illumination of rock formations during the winter sun.

8. Dive Land Park

For those interested in acquiring a new skill, scuba diving at Dive Land Park, located approximately 13 miles from Rainbow City, is an excellent option. The park provides scuba diving and refresher courses suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experienced divers.

Diving occurs in a nearby quarry, offering visibility ranging from 20 to 70 feet and depths reaching up to 150 feet. Visitors will discover that diving in the heart of Alabama provides a different experience from traditional seaside diving.

9. Coosa River Kayaking

The Coosa River is an excellent location for canoeing and kayaking.

Visitors can navigate along peaceful water stretches near Gadsden and Rainbow City, taking in the scenic shorelines, or engage in fishing as they journey along the river.

Whether seeking a brief outing for a few hours or aiming for a multi-day adventure complete with sustenance and camping provisions, Coosa River offers various options to suit every preference.

10. Top O’ the River Restaurant

Visitors cannot leave this part of Alabama without sampling some traditional home-cooked cuisine.

Top O’ the River restaurant, positioned at the mouth of the Coosa River on the edge of Gadsden, offers stunning views downstream toward Rainbow City.

The restaurant is renowned for its seafood, as well as chicken and steak dishes for those seeking variety.

Guests can indulge in fried whole catfish, Creole boiled shrimp, or a delightful River Boat Special among other offerings.

11. Silver Lakes Golf Course

Alabama is home to exceptional golf courses, and Silver Lakes Golf Course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is one of the most notable.

This course features challenging fairways enveloped by lush forests, wetlands, and varying elevations, making it a suitable choice for avid golfers.

There are four courses available: the Mindbreaker, set amid woodland and wetlands, is perfect for players with limited time; the Short Course offers scenic views and great practice greens for beginners and intermediate golfers; while the Backbreaker and Heartbreaker courses pose significant challenges due to wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and water features, catering to seasoned golf enthusiasts.

12. Mary G. Hardin Centre for Cultural Arts

This fascinating non-profit arts centre is hard to overlook.

The brightly colored, glass-fronted cylindrical entrance in Downtown Gadsden invites visitors to explore the diverse exhibitions, events, and performances that occur regularly.

The centre supports various visual arts genres across three galleries and boasts an outdoor courtyard styled like New Orleans, complete with murals, fountains, and vintage gas lamps.

This charming courtyard serves as a picturesque setting for al fresco concerts, scheduled from April to September each year.

13. Little Bridge BBQ

Little Bridge BBQ is a recent addition to Rainbow City but has already gained a reputation for its delicious fare among locals and visitors alike.

The menu includes a variety of favorites, such as macaroni and cheese, BBQ quesadilla, and mouthwatering ribs, ensuring there is an option to satisfy every palate.

The outdoor seating provides a unique experience, allowing diners to enjoy their meals outdoors or sip a beer while watching the sunset and the shimmering lights from boats on the Coosa River.

14. World’s Longest Yard Sale

For individuals passionate about antiques, vintage items, and bargain hunting during their travels, the World’s Longest Yard Sale is a must-visit.

This extensive yard sale occurs annually in July or August, spanning four days.

The event begins at Noccalula Falls Park just north of Gadsden and extends over 650 miles across six states: Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan. There is no shortage of bargains to be found.

With over 5,000 vendors participating, attendees should ensure their vehicles are fueled and ready with cash, as it is unlikely they will leave without a souvenir or two! Please verify the specific dates prior to travel, as the event occurs on varying dates each year, representing a unique shopping opportunity that should not be missed.

15. Wills Creek Vineyards

Part of the North Alabama wine trail, Wills Creek Vineyards is located less than 20 miles from Rainbow City.

Guests can participate in a tour of the winery to gain insight into the winemaking process, and the vineyard hosts special events throughout the year for aspiring wine enthusiasts.

The vineyard produces sweet muscadine wines, locally sourced fruit wines, and a variety of dessert wines that pair exquisitely with cheese or indulgent chocolate cakes.

One of their most popular offerings is Vatani’s Mane Merlot—a refreshing blend of red cherries, herbs, and toasted oak, inspired by the enduring bond between humanity and nature.