Explore 30 Unexplored Hidden Gems in Alabama

Dubbed as the Yellowhammer State after the state bird, Alabama is situated in the southeastern part of the United States. Montgomery is the state capital, while Mobile is recognized as the oldest city in Alabama, founded in 1702 as the capital of French Louisiana by French colonists.

With around 1,500 miles of inland waterways, which constitutes 3.2% of the total state area, Alabama boasts the second-largest inland waterway system in the nation. It ranks as the 24th most populous state and the 30th largest by area in the United States.

Named in honor of the Native American Alabama Tribe, the state is celebrated for its scenic landscapes and vibrant outdoors. Alabama is divided into four primary regions: metropolitan centers, mountainous areas, inland waterways, and the Gulf Coast.

Bordered by Tennessee to the north, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, Georgia to the east, and Mississippi to the west, Alabama is well-known for its southern hospitality. Beyond this welcoming nature, the state also contains numerous hidden treasures waiting to be explored.

Let us explore some of Alabama’s concealed gems and dive into the enchantments of the Cotton State.

1. Spectre Set Ruins, Millbrook

Located near Millbrook, Alabama, Jackson Lake Island along the Alabama River features the decaying remains of Spectre, a fictional town constructed as a set for Tim Burton’s imaginative film, Big Fish (2003).

The lead character, Edward Bloom, visits the town multiple times during his life—once as a child and again when the town is nearly in ruins. His final visit to the town is to witness its restoration.

After the film’s conclusion, Spectre was left abandoned, comprising movie set remnants and Styrofoam trees. Regrettably, over time, some structures have succumbed to collapse.

Currently, Spectre includes six homes, a church, two trees from the forest, and the columns of Jenny, the mayor’s daughter’s residence. Visitors are encouraged to add their own shoes to the collection of many others displayed.

2. Alabama’s Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge

Situated adjacent to the William Bankhead National Forest, the Natural Bridge is a splendid rock formation extending 148 feet in length and rising 60 feet high—considered one of Alabama’s most exquisite natural wonders.

The area was designated as a National Park in 1954; however, it is documented that both the bridge and its adjacent lands were utilized by Native Americans for centuries. Just beyond the Natural Bridge lies a curious carving of an Indian Head, which bears a striking resemblance to a buffalo nickel.

It is believed that this carving depicts a chief of the Native American tribes that inhabited the region, but conclusive evidence remains elusive.

To ensure visitor safety (as a 200-million-year-old bridge may not withstand heavy foot traffic) and to protect this ancient natural asset, access to walk on the bridge is restricted. Fortunately, visitors may roam freely around the bridge and park.

3. The Museum of Wonder, Seale

An Alabama artist and former taxidermist, Butch Anthony turned a ten-year-old boy’s fascination with collecting discarded objects into a robust hobby following a fortuitous incident in which he mistakenly sold a painting of a turnip.

Recognizing the potential for revenue generation from his eclectic collection amassed since childhood, he repurposed his taxidermy store into a magnificent exhibit, containing peculiar items such as animal bones, jars filled with various dead creatures, peculiar paintings, lost-and-found objects, and an assortment of curiosities.

Within a short span, Anthony transformed his 500-square-foot cabin in Seale into an extraordinary display space, thus giving birth to the Museum of Wonder.

Notable items include several signature creations by the artist—impressionistic skeletons traced over vintage portraits complemented by additional illustrations.

4. The Grave of Miss Baker, Huntsville

Among the many “test subjects” involved in America’s early space program, Miss Baker stands out as the first primate to safely return after a sub-orbital flight.

Although initial successes involved fruit flies, ensuring the safe return of primates proved more challenging. Tragically, many succumbed to rocket explosions, accidents, or became lost in space along with their capsules.

Miss Baker and her companion Miss Able were the only two surviving squirrel monkeys selected for the mission aboard a Jupiter rocket. While Miss Able passed shortly after their arrival, Miss Baker lived until the age of 27, married Big George, enjoyed a fulfilling life, and passed away from kidney failure in 1984.

Her remains were interred at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Alabama beside her beloved husband, with a dignified headstone marking the spot.

5. Dismals Canyon, Phil Campbell

This captivating canyon in Phil Campbell comes alive at night as thousands of miniature bio-luminescent organisms, scientifically known as “North American Orfelia Fultoni” and colloquially referred to as “Dismalities,” illuminate the darkness with their natural glow.

These larvae, which belong to the gnat family, are notably rare, found primarily in the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau. The bluish-green light they emit serves as a strategy to attract insects for nourishment.

Dismals Canyon, named for these unique inhabitants, provides the specific environmental conditions necessary for the larvae to thrive: humidity for web-building, a sufficient insect population, darkness to enable their glow, and a calm atmosphere that prevents their webs from tangling.

Additionally, the canyon is home to two significant features—one of the last surviving twin Canadian Hemlocks, towering at 138 feet, considered the largest of its species in Alabama, and the world’s largest Deumaria vine.

The optimal time to witness this mesmerizing phenomenon is at night.

6. Neversink Pit, Fackler

The exact classification of the Neversink Pit—whether a sinkhole or cave—remains uncertain; however, this striking 162-foot deep sinkhole with a 40-foot wide opening is among the most photographed sinkholes in the United States.

Its interiors, as seen by abseilers, exhibit dramatic transformations across seasons—lush ferns during summer, cascading waterfalls in spring, and glacial formations in winter.

Managed by the Southeastern Cave Conservancy since 1995, entry into the pit and rappelling to the floor is restricted to proficient climbers and requires a permit.

7. F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, Montgomery

Numerous museums worldwide have been established to honor F. Scott Fitzgerald, the distinguished novelist; however, the only museum dedicated to both him and his wife, Zelda, is located in Montgomery, Alabama.

The Fitzgerald family, including their daughter Scottie, took residence in the house, which has now become a museum, in 1931. Sadly, Zelda experienced a mental breakdown and was subsequently transferred to a clinic in Baltimore, while Scott and Scottie continued to live there until April of that year.

In 1986, Julie and Leslie McPhillips intervened to save the historic structure from demolition, transforming it into the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum.

8. Cheaha Mountain, Delta

As the highest point in Alabama, Cheaha Mountain towers at 2,407 feet above sea level, situated within Talladega National Forest. Regarded as one of the most beautiful locations in the state, the mountain was nearly deforested until President Roosevelt established the National Forest in 1936.

The name “Cheaha” derives from a Creek Indian term meaning “high place,” and the area was once characterized by rugged terrain and unattractive logged farmland surrounding the peak.

Remarkably, the regrowth facilitated by the park system has transformed the area into a lush, attractive environment.

The Bunker Tower, built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is situated atop the mountain and serves as a visitor center offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

9. Alabama Booksmith, Homewood

Initially a modest shop nestled within the streets of Homewood, Alabama, the Alabama Booksmith is a remarkable bookstore that specializes in used and rare books.

Located behind a veterinary clinic, this unique establishment is managed by Jacob Reiss, who only stocks signed copies of books! Remarkably, every single book in his inventory is autographed by its author.

While operating his previous used book store, Reiss discovered a profitable niche in selling signed works, as they not only sold rapidly but also cultivated a loyal customer base. Most of the titles in the store (with few exceptions) are available at cover price.

10. Dead Children’s Playground, Huntsville

Typically, burial grounds, death, and related themes are kept at a distance from children; however, this is not true for Alabama’s oldest and largest cemetery. Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville contains a small playground situated adjacent to its century-old burial grounds.

Although frequented more by ghost enthusiasts and teenagers than by young children (for understandable reasons), the modest playground features a few swings and a contemporary jungle gym. Aptly named the Dead Children’s Playground, this small play area was nearly removed when city officials determined insufficient space for graves.

There are countless graveyards associated with alleged ghost sightings. Reports of swings moving on their own and mysterious floating lights have surfaced repeatedly.

Would you dare to take your little one for a day under the sun here?

11. Goldie 1971 – The Fallen Robot, Tuscaloosa

Sloss Blast Furnaces once ranked among the premier producers of Pig Iron during Birmingham’s industrial period. Upon its closure in 1971, Joe McCreary, a University of Alabama alumnus, drew inspiration from the company’s illustrious history to create “Goldie 1971.”

Presently, Goldie resides peacefully in the sculpture garden at the University, which acquired the rusting giant in 2010, permanently installing it as part of its collection.

While Sloss Blast Furnaces transitioned into a museum and received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1981, Goldie continues to serve as a symbol to students of the timeless message that art can express a multitude of stories.

12. Ave Maria Grotto, Cullman

Brother Joseph Zoettl, a hunchbacked man experiencing hardships, sought a better life at the age of 14 by joining St. Bernard Abbey. His conditions remained challenging as he dedicated long hours to the Abbey’s pump house for almost 30 years. Subsequently, the monotony of the same routine led him to embark on a personal project, constructing miniature grottoes. What began with tens grew into hundreds, ultimately culminating in thousands.

Brother Joseph maintained larger models at the Abbey while selling the miniature creations, which eventually resulted in the development of Ave Maria Grotto, also known as Jerusalem in Miniature—a four-acre miniature village housing around 125 notable religious locations.

His final creation, Basilica in Lourdes, was constructed when Brother Joseph was 80 years old, in 1958.

13. Frank Lloyd Wright-Rosenbaum House, Florence

Frank Lloyd Wright is a revered figure in American architectural history, celebrated for his remarkable designs. The Rosenbaum House, located in Florence, Alabama, is recognized by architectural critic Peter Blake as one of the most exquisite constructions to date.

Built in 1940 for Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum, the property was donated to the City of Florence in 1990. Frequently considered the quintessential example of Wright’s Usonian style, the house combines functionality with a harmonious relationship to its natural surroundings.

Features such as ample glass windows, cantilevered roofs, and a carport highlight the significant characteristics of Wright’s Usonian masterpiece.

14. Tinglewood Carvings, Montevallo

Orr Park in Montevallo, Alabama, serves as a delightful location for family picnics, offering various outdoor activities, including six baseball-softball fields, a soccer field, a football field, a walking trail, two playgrounds, and a creek suitable for wading.

Nevertheless, the park’s most captivating feature is a collection of dead trees that succumbed to a storm in 1993. What renders these dead trees remarkable, you might inquire?

Mr. Tingle, a local resident, endeavored to save the aged and lifeless trees by intricately carving them.

As a result, over 30 carved depictions of alligators, squirrels, human figures, and others now coexist harmoniously with visitors, adding an enchanting aura to the park.

15. Africatown, Mobile

Although the slave trade was legally abolished in America by 1808, wealthy businessman Timothy Meaher sought to circumvent the law, attempting to smuggle 32 African slaves into the country in 1860.

His efforts were thwarted by authorities, and as a result, the enslaved individuals were granted a small section of land in the area, forming the village of Africatown—an important chapter in Alabama’s history.

The African community established homes in the area and appointed leaders, including a chief and a medicine man, especially as former slaves joined the new settlement.

Over time, the original inhabitants of the town passed away, and their descendants gradually assimilated into American society, leading to the eventual abandonment of Africatown.

A small history museum at Mobile’s Count Training School remains to commemorate this unique community.

16. The Drive-Thru Museum, Seale

This drive-thru museum, recognized as the first of its kind globally, is situated in Seale, Alabama. It is the imaginative creation of Butch Anthony—the same artist behind the Museum of Wonder—who sought a means to alleviate the crowds at his other museum.

The museum, constructed from repurposed shipping containers, features strategically placed windows that showcase an eclectic collection of items collected or created by Anthony.

Among the notable exhibits are a large gallstone accompanied by poems, two-headed ducklings, and Anthony’s signature art—skeletons painted over old portraits.

17. Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham

As Alexander Graham Bell wisely stated, “When one door closes, another door opens.” The Sloss Furnaces, a leading producer of pig iron that operated for nine decades and closed in 1971, was designated a National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1981, marking a decade since its shutdown.

The site today serves as an interpretive museum and hosts various recognized metal arts courses. Furthermore, Sloss Furnaces stands out as a remarkable venue for concerts and festivals.

Named after Colonel James Withers Sloss, one of Birmingham’s founding figures, the two furnaces were erected on 50 acres of land, rising to 60 feet. These historic furnaces were once among the largest globally and continue to be preserved to this day.

18. Hank Williams’ Death Car, Montgomery

Hiram “Hank” Williams, regarded as one of the foremost American songwriters and singers of the 20th century, recorded 35 singles, five of which were released posthumously. The most captivating aspect of his life remains the circumstances surrounding his demise.

Touring through Ohio and West Virginia, Williams and his driver, Charles Carr, encountered a pivotal moment after crossing the West Virginia state line when Carr stopped for gas. It was then that he discovered Williams unconscious in the back seat—a discovery that would change the course of music history.

As reported by his physician, Williams had a penchant for alcohol and had just requested a morphine injection to alleviate his back pain. Despite extensive speculation surrounding his lifestyle, the exact cause of the musician’s untimely death at the age of 29 remains ambiguous.

Though the actual cause of death is still debated, the Cadillac where Hank Williams reportedly took his last breaths is currently the centerpiece at the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery, Alabama.

19. Bamahenge, Elberta

The phenomenon of Stonehenge has captivated Americans, particularly Mark Cline from the Enchanted Castle Studios, who is renowned for creating two of the nation’s Stonehenge replicas. Among them is Foamhenge in Virginia (2004) and Bamahenge in Elberta, Alabama (established in the spring of 2013).

An innovative architect, Cline was commissioned by George Barber—a wealthy Alabamian—to construct various dinosaur models for his property, which include a T-Rex and a brontosaurus positioned at the Marina’s edge.

Impressed by the sculptures, Barber subsequently commissioned Cline to create a fiberglass replica of Stonehenge.

While Bamahenge stands impressively at the Marina, Foamhenge faces potential relocation due to development threats on its current site in Virginia.

20. Moundville Archaeological Site, Moundville

Located not far from Tuscaloosa in the town named Moundville, notable earthworks provide a glimpse into pre-Columbian culture.

The Moundville Archaeological Site encompasses 29 mounds crafted over a millennium ago by the Mississippian culture, a Native American society of the era characterized by various chiefdoms with distinct religious beliefs.

Each chiefdom was led by appointed leaders who held both religious and political significance within their community. Under their supervision, these mounds served as foundations for ceremonial buildings, residences, and council chambers.

Regarded as the second largest of its kind, the mounds fell into disuse by 1500 B.C. and underwent thorough excavations beginning in the early 20th century.

21. Berman Museum of World History, Anniston

The intriguing tale of an American GI marrying a French spy features a remarkable offspring: one of the world’s most engaging museums!

Farley Berman and his spouse established the Berman Museum of World History while based in North Africa. This husband-wife team traversed the globe for four decades, amassing a diverse collection of artifacts, antiques, and weaponry.

While Berman never shared specifics regarding the acquisition of some exceptional items in the collection, he humorously suggested that they might have unintentionally accompanied his belongings following World War II, with the rest appearing as if by magic.

Curiously, how did the couple manage to obtain Hitler’s tea service remains a mystery?

22. Civil Rights Memorial, Montgomery

The American Civil Rights movement spanned from 1954 to 1968, comprising numerous social movements aimed at eradicating racial discrimination against African Americans nationwide. This movement involved not just strategies and activism; many individuals lost their lives fighting for justice alongside notable figures like Martin Luther King, Jr., a key leader of the Civil Rights Movement and Nobel Peace Prize laureate!

The Civil Rights Memorial, located opposite the Southern Poverty Law Center, serves as a tribute to the 40 individuals who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of harmony and justice.

Designed by Maya Lin, this memorial is a gathering place for civil rights activists globally, and a guard is present to protect the site from any vandalism.

While it attracts numerous visitors daily, it still does not receive the recognition worthy of its historical significance.

23. Holmes Medical Museum, Foley

The Holmes Medical Museum may not stand out as the most captivating medical exhibit worldwide (nor is it related to Sherlock Holmes), but it serves as a testament to the sterile, occasionally daunting legacy of antiquated medical tools.

Housed within Foley’s first hospital, which operated from 1936 to 1958, the museum allows visitors to explore its original operating theater. Furthermore, guests can walk through some patient rooms and observe an array of unusual, nearly brutal-looking instruments displayed in the glass cases.

Alongside these unsettling displays, visitors can also view birth certificates for children born in this hospital, accompanied by historical insights about its operations.

24. African Village in America, Birmingham

Differing from Africatown, established by formerly enslaved individuals, African Village is the brainchild of Joe Minter, who draws inspiration from his faith and belief that discarded items can be transformed into something meaningful.

This village is comprised of an eclectic mix of discarded materials—such as toys, kitchenware, lawn decorations, and sports equipment—reimagined into art. Notably, five large satellite dishes spell out “J-E-S-U-S” across Minter’s backyard.

Minter maintains an open-access policy, inviting visitors to explore the village freely. Items such as DVDs are also available for purchase.

As Minter continues to expand African Village, he has garnered the title of “African Warrior” for his thoughtful contributions.

25. Anniston Museum, Anniston

Commonly referred to as the Anniston Museum of Natural History, this establishment was founded in 1930 and features seven permanent exhibitions: Dynamic Earth, Alabama Sand to Cedars, Attack and Defense, Environments of Africa, Ancient Egypt, Nature Discovery Room, and Birds of the Americas—the latter being the origin of Anniston Museum’s inaugural collection.

Housing one of the nation’s most historic taxidermy collections, the Birds of the Americas was gathered and established by William H. Werner in the 19th century. After Werner’s passing, H. Severn Regan bought the compilation and relocated it to Anniston, featuring over 1,000 dioramas of birds, eggs, and nests.

The display comprises over 400 species of birds, including the passenger pigeon, which once thrived across North America but is now extinct due to hunting and habitat loss. It is believed that these migratory birds gathered in flocks so vast that they could obscure the sky for days at a time!

26. Tolstoy Park, the Unusual Home of Henry Stuart, Fairhope

Diagnosed with tuberculosis at the age of 65 in 1923, Henry Stuart sought a change in climate to alleviate his condition. Despite doctors predicting he had only a brief time to live, he purchased a ten-acre plot of land in Alabama, embarking on a 2,500-mile journey.

In pursuit of tranquility during what he believed would be his remaining days, he constructed a circular, hurricane-resistant hut measuring only 14 feet in diameter. Within a few years, he deemed his unique dwelling “Tolstoy Park” in honor of the renowned author Leo Tolstoy and astonishingly lived another 22 years.

Though Stuart lived in relative seclusion, he received many visitors to his peculiar residence, totaling around 1,200 as indicated in his visitor log.

The “home” is currently recognized in the National Register for Historic Places, and Stuart’s unusual story has been commemorated in Sonny Brewer’s “The Poet of Tolstoy Park.”

27. Henry Wells’ Lightning Portrait, Carrollton

Henry Wells’ Lightning Portrait

The Pickens County Courthouse, established in 1820 and named after General Andrew Pickens of South Carolina, has endured destruction by fire on two occasions—initially in April 1865 when troops led by Union General John T. Croxton set it ablaze, and subsequently, presumably due to the actions of Henry Wells, a former slave confined within the courthouse garret.

The narrative recounts that Wells was safeguarded within to protect him from potential violence, yet this didn’t deter town residents from forming a mob to protest outside the Courthouse for days.

On one of those fateful days, amid the chaotic scene outside, a terrified Wells stood near a courthouse window when an abrupt bolt of lightning struck the very glass, leaving an indelible imprint of his face on it!

Amazingly, this glass has endured through the years and remains intact—the only piece of glass preserved in the courthouse’s history.

28. The Hodges Meteorite, Tuscaloosa

The Hodges Meteorite

While the Hodges Meteorite may not be the largest or most visually appealing meteorite, it stands out as one of the few fragments to have reached Earth while still intact and is unique for having struck a human being!

Named after Ann Hodges—who was bruised by its impact—the meteorite fell into her rental home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on November 30th, 1954, while she was napping on the couch.

The meteorite first impacted her radio cabinet, then ricocheted to her side, causing her a minor bruise. However, the incident was far from her primary concern.

According to established rules, ownership of such objects generally goes to the person who discovers them. However, as Hodges was renting at the time, the property owner claimed ownership and initiated a legal dispute.

Ultimately, Hodges emerged victorious, yet seeking to avoid unwanted attention, she chose to donate the meteorite to the Alabama Museum of Natural History.

29. Peanuts on Parade, Dothan

Dothan is recognized not only for producing approximately half of the peanuts in America within a 100-mile radius but is also hailed as the “Peanut Capital of the World.”

Each autumn, the community unites to celebrate the National Peanut Festival, which honors the town’s historical connection to peanuts, the harvest season, and local farmers. This two-week festival features a Peanut Parade, livestock exhibitions, rides, agricultural displays, and a plethora of peanut-themed foods.

Even if you miss the festival, Dothan showcases its peanut heritage throughout the year. Originally initiated as a public art project to enhance the town’s appeal and draw tourists, “Peanut Around Town” has resulted in various painted peanut statues placed across the city—some notable examples include fireman peanut, doctor peanut, military peanut, and a peanut holding a breast cancer awareness banner!

Now referred to as “Peanut on Parade,” this public art initiative has led to the installation of over 60 painted peanut sculptures throughout Dothan.

Don’t forget to collect a brochure from the Visitor Center to pinpoint all the locations and enjoy a whimsical day ahead!

30. Little Nadine Earles Doll House Grave, Lanett

Little Nadine Earles Doll House Grave

Though she was just under four years old when she sadly passed away in December 1933, Nadine Earles expressed a heartfelt wish for a dollhouse. Tragically, her father Julian and mother Alma were unable to complete her dream project before her passing; nonetheless, they persevered in building it as a tribute to her.

Consequently, the Doll House was erected beside little Nadine’s grave in Oakwood Cemetery, Lanett, Alabama. Crafted as a replica of a real house, Nadine’s dollhouse features a front porch, mailbox, striped awnings, flower boxes for summer decor, and festive Christmas lights with an evergreen wreath for winter.

Moreover, her parents adorned the house with toys, dolls, a high chair, a baby buggy, and a small bed—all awaiting Nadine’s playtime in the afterlife.

Now managed by the city of Lanett, this enchanting Doll House remains well-kept and ready for “Little Nadine.”