Top 15 Activities to Experience in Alabaster, Alabama

Alabaster is a delightful city situated in Shelby County, approximately 24 miles south of Birmingham, Alabama. This area provides an excellent opportunity to reconnect with nature through its various mountain parks, creeks, and wildlife trails that offer birdwatching experiences.

Moreover, Alabaster is conveniently located near the Alabama Wine Trail, where one can taste an array of the region’s robust red and aromatic white wines. Whether it involves boating on the lake, exploring the historical narratives of the Deep South, or enjoying an outdoor music concert, Alabaster presents a diverse array of activities.

As a local resident of Alabama and familiar with Alabaster, I have compiled a list of the most engaging activities in the city:

1. Buck Creek Trail

Buck Creek Trail links two parks in the Alabaster area: Buck Creek Park and Warrior Park. Spanning over 3 miles of cycling and hiking paths, Buck Creek Trail is an excellent venue for enjoying nature.

Visitors can meander along winding paths leading to the picturesque waterfall adjacent to the old Buck Creek Cotton Mill site, observe an array of flora and fauna, and savor a picnic by the stream. An abundance of wildlife can be seen; thus, it is advisable to bring a camera or binoculars.

Throughout the year, numerous events are hosted along the trail, including live music performances, the annual Fall Fest, and the Trick-or-Treat Trail.

2. Siluria Brewing Company

For those who appreciate craft brews and a vibrant environment, Siluria Brewing Company in Alabaster is an excellent destination.

This compact craft brewery, situated in the former Alabaster post office on 1st Avenue West, offers a diverse range of beers and wines. One of my favorite selections was the Quarry IPA, distinguished by its pronounced hop bitterness and notes of pine and grapefruit peel.

This venue is ideal for sampling unique flavors while fostering new friendships.

3. American Village

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of America’s historical sites, this interactive campus located just south of Alabaster may be the perfect choice.

As you stroll through the village, recognizable structures and parks including Liberty Bell Garden, the Oval Office, Founders Hall, and Colonial Garden come into view. Envision the conversations that occurred and the pivotal decisions that shaped the nation within these walls.

This venue offers an enriching experience for individuals of all ages to learn about American history, with opportunities to witness reenactments of Revolutionary War events when timed appropriately.

4. Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve

For nature enthusiasts, particularly ornithologists, a day spent hiking at Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve is highly rewarding. This upland hardwood swamp is home to the Tupelo Gum tree and provides vital habitats for various bird species.

Whether you’re searching for Wood Thrushes, Red-headed Woodpeckers, or the elusive Glossy Ibis, this location offers ample opportunities for observation. Prepare to bring walking shoes, a picnic, and binoculars to immerse yourself in this rich environment.

5. Veterans Park

This beautiful 90-acre park, located 5 miles south of Alabaster, serves as an excellent destination for family outings. Featuring two miles of illuminated walking trails, an Arbor, bluebird trail, and five baseball fields, the park provides numerous activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Amble among the flowers and trees to gain further insight into the region’s wildlife on the educational Nature Walk. Feel free to have a picnic, practice baseball at the batting cages, or explore the winding cycling trails.

6. Central Alabama Paintball Park

For those traveling with friends, family, or simply wishing to meet new people in a lively setting, Central Alabama Paintball Park offers an exhilarating day out.

The paintball matches are structured for two competing teams, where strategy, teamwork, and stealth are required for success. This activity suits anyone over the age of 6 and serves as an exciting alternative to traditional sightseeing.

7. Alabama Wildlife Centre

This wildlife rehabilitation facility, located just outside Pelham, provides care for Alabama’s injured and orphaned birds. Positioned near the scenic Double Oak Lake within Oak Mountain State Park, the center promotes awareness through themed days and events, showcasing nearly 100 different bird species.

The facility hosts almost 2000 birds, including owls, hawks, and various birds of prey, nurturing them until they are ready to return to their natural habitat. Visitors can engage in informative talks, nature trails, and educational experiences throughout their visit.

8. Oak Mountain State Park

Alabama’s largest state park draws visitors from throughout the Southeastern United States. The park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities for all age groups, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and golfing. Over 50 miles of trails invite exploration, each with distinctive scenery and historical landmarks.

Furthermore, resident birds can be spotted throughout the park, especially along the impressive boardwalk that meanders through the woods.

For those considering an overnight stay at Oak Mountain, various lakeside cabins and pavilions are available for family events.

9. Corbin Farms Winery

Corbin Farms Winery in Calera, established in 2005, is a prominent winery on the Alabama Wine Trail, attracting patrons from across the nation and internationally. The winery is renowned for producing acclaimed Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot wines.

Additionally, visitors can sample various local Alabama fruit wines, including Orchard Breeze, made from seven apple varieties without grapes! The winery offers tours, wine tastings, and the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch at the charming on-site bistro.

10. Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken

For those desiring traditional Southern cuisine, Champy’s is the ideal destination. The establishment prepares its signature golden-brown fried chicken fresh to order, complemented by a variety of dishes including hot wings and Southern-style fried green tomatoes, making it a local favorite.

Vegetarian options are available as well, featuring selections such as fried okra, green beans, and potato salad. With offerings for families, snacks, quality brews, and a warm Southern ambiance, it is a must-visit once you are in town.

11. Limestone Park

Scenic Limestone Park, located in rural Shelby County, encompasses over 100 acres of open grasslands, wetlands, and woodland trails. The park features a bird observation deck suitable for individuals with limited mobility and houses over 500 species of plants, birds, reptiles, fish, and wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

There are picturesque picnic spots, and for those interested in observing the changing foliage from a unique vantage point, boats are available for rent on the water.

12. Warehouse31 Haunted House

This chilling haunted house, located in nearby Pelham, features immersive 3D visuals and actors skilled at creating a terrifying atmosphere. It is recognized as one of the scariest attractions in Alabama.

The haunted house offers a thrilling adventure for daring individuals and horror film enthusiasts, including everything from high-energy clowns in mazes to chilling horror experiences. No wonder it draws visitors from all over the state.

For an extra thrill, consider visiting during Halloween and be sure to capture a ‘Freaky Photo’ with friends before you leave.

13. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre stands as the largest outdoor music venue in Alabama. If you appreciate bluegrass, country music, or the sounds of the Mississippi Delta Blues, consider attending a concert while in the area.

The amphitheatre features three tiers of seating that provide excellent sightlines. Annually, between April and October, many of the world’s top artists perform here. Renowned bands and artists, such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and Counting Crows, have taken the stage, and John Mayer notably recorded his 2002 CD/DVD ‘Any Given Thursday’ at this venue.

Combine your concert experience with a stay in one of the Oak Mountain State Park cabins and relish the natural beauty that Alabama has to offer.

14. Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington

Located a short drive from Alabaster, the Museum of George Washington in Columbiana showcases over 1,000 pieces of artwork and artifacts from the colonial period.

This impressive and surprisingly expansive collection includes Washington’s prayer book, a selection of 18th and 19th-century furniture, and well-preserved items from his family estate. Guests can view a diverse array of paintings, silverware, busts, and letters, highlighted by a walnut games table adorned with beautiful rosewood and tulip inlay.

15. Shelby County Museum and Archives

For first-time visitors to Alabaster, or those interested in their ancestry from Shelby County, a visit to the Shelby County Museum and Archives is highly recommended. Constructed in 1854 and located within the Old Shelby County Courthouse, the building exemplifies Jeffersonian architecture.

The museum houses extensive archives dating back to 1790, making it an ideal location for genealogy enthusiasts seeking to trace their family history.

Notably, the museum possesses a wealth of information related to this region of Alabama, including photographs, artifacts, rare books, family histories, and documents. Significant highlights include multiple Native American artifacts and an Alabama railroad engine bell.