Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Pell City, Alabama

Pell City was named in honor of George Pell, a financial supporter of the Pell City Iron and Land Company in 1890. The city experienced rapid growth in the subsequent years, evolving into a significant industrial center, recognized for its textile mills, mercantile establishments, and agricultural ventures including soybean, cattle, and cotton farming.

In the 1950s, Pell City integrated with neighboring towns Oak Ridge and Eden, followed by the construction of a lake and dam, which not only enhanced recreational opportunities but also promoted tourism and housing developments in the region.

Currently, remnants of Pell City’s past can still be observed in its architectural landscape and the surrounding countryside. Additionally, the city has become a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous lakeside parks, hiking trails, mountain biking routes, fishing spots, and water sports.

1. Pell City Lakeside Park

Situated opposite the Civic Centre in Pell City, this expansive 65-acre lakeside park serves as an ideal setting for leisurely strolls, picnicking, or fishing activities.

The park features multiple hiking trails, a woodland motor trail, and a children’s playground.

Visitors can bring a picnic to one of the pavilions, relax on the grass by the lake, fish from a boat or the pier, or take a refreshing swim on a warm summer day.

2. Coosa Queen Riverboat Cruise

The Coosa Queen is a 58-foot-long semi-paddle-wheeler riverboat that transports guests along the scenic Logan Martin Lake in Alabama.

Located merely 7 miles from Pell City, this boat accommodates birthday celebrations, dinner cruises, and other festive occasions, providing picturesque views of lakeside residences, wooded areas, and breathtaking shorelines.

Choose between a brief daytime cruise or a delightful evening cruise, approximately 3 hours long, featuring stunning sunsets accompanied by dinner and drinks.

3. Honda Manufacturing of Alabama

Automobile enthusiasts, particularly those interested in Honda’s designs and engineering, should certainly visit Honda Manufacturing of Alabama.

This facility, producing vehicles such as the Honda Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline, allows tours by appointment for groups of up to 50, providing insights into the manufacturing process and the vehicles themselves.

Typically, each tour lasts about 1.5 hours and is appropriate for adults and children aged 12 and older.

4. Talladega Superspeedway

Talladega Superspeedway is located adjacent to former airport runways on the premises of a decommissioned air base.

This track hosts various NASCAR events throughout the year, and you can even participate in a driving experience day! Whether visiting during a race or opting for several days of camping trackside with friends, the opportunity is available.

With a length of 2.66 miles, the oval race track accommodates approximately 175,000 spectators, ensuring that, whenever you attend, you are likely to connect with fellow race enthusiasts.

5. Butts to Go Diner

If you have yet to consider dining at a gas station, now is an excellent opportunity to try! Butts to Go Diner is located inside a Texaco gas station just north of Pell City, reputed to serve the finest BBQ in the area. Their ribs and lemon sesame smoked wings enjoy legendary status, and the setting is uncomplicated yet comfortable, surrounded by vending machines and merchandise.

This compact establishment may seem unconventional, but it does excel at delivering exceptional barbecue, making it a worthwhile place to visit for the best barbecue in Alabama.

6. Talladega National Forest

Should you find yourself surrounded by birdwatching paths, wildlife, hiking, and mountain biking routes, along with scenic waterfalls and lush forests, you are likely within Talladega National Forest! The forest occupies nearly 614 square miles at the southern periphery of the Appalachian Mountains and is abundant with flora, fauna, and endangered species.

Whether aiming for fishing, horseback riding, or trekking through verdant landscapes, all these activities are available here. Should you wish to camp beneath the stars with family and friends, Talladega National Forest promises a truly enchanting experience.

7. Treetop Family Adventure

For an enjoyable family outing near Pell City, consider visiting Treetop Family Adventure.

This amusement park is equipped with numerous attractions to entertain children, including go-kart tracks, laser tag, arcades, bowling alleys, and mini-golf.

If you wish to take a break from sightseeing in Alabama while ensuring both youngsters and teenagers remain entertained, Treetop Family Adventure is an ideal option.

8. DeSoto Caverns

You can enjoy a delightful day both above and below ground at DeSoto Caverns.

This venue boasts over 20 attractions, including a three-quarter acre Lost Trail Maze, Wacky Water Golf, and gemstone panning.

However, the main highlights are undoubtedly the underground caverns.

These caverns were once inhabited by prehistoric tribes and early traders and were also utilized for moonshine production during the prohibition era.

The cavern tour includes captivating laser light, sound, and water shows sure to ignite your imagination.

Spend time exploring the “Healing All Cathedral,” named for its soothing and restorative attributes, while discovering rock formations dating back millions of years.

9. City Market Grill & Buffet

If you are seeking a light lunch or early dinner, City Market Grill & Buffet in Downtown Pell City is an ideal destination.

This relaxed dining environment is popular with both locals and visitors, and the self-service model ensures you can select precisely what you desire to eat.

It is reasonably priced, offering a diverse array of southern comfort foods, salads, vegetarian options, and international dishes, along with a delectable dessert bar for those seeking a sweet indulgence.

Whether you crave macaroni and cheese, a fresh salad, or prime rib, City Market Grill & Buffet satisfies all appetites.

10. International Motorsports Hall of Fame

Located in Lincoln, Alabama, near Talladega Superspeedway, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame honors the individuals who have made significant contributions to the motorsports industry.

This exhibition showcases information, photographs, and displays on racing drivers, designers, race car manufacturers, and engineers, acknowledging both the public figures and those working behind the scenes to make it all possible.

Find insights on legendary motorsport figures such as Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna, Enzo Ferrari, and many others.

This venue is essential for anyone passionate about Formula 1, NASCAR, and motorsports in general.

11. The Outlet Shops of Grand River

The Outlet Shops of Grand River in Leeds, Alabama, offer a wide variety of products ranging from high fashion to sunglasses, jewelry, and fragrances at prices that undercut traditional retail.

With discount retailers and outlet stores like Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, Guess, and Polo Ralph Lauren, shoppers can immerse themselves in a fulfilling shopping experience. The mall also features several fast-food eateries, perfect for taking a break for lunch during your shopping spree!

12. Coyote Drive-In Cinema

The inaugural drive-in cinema debuted in New Jersey in 1933, and its success prompted the subsequent establishment of drive-in theaters throughout America.

Now, you can savor the outdoor cinema experience near Pell City at Coyote Drive-In.

Watch your favorite Hollywood blockbusters and the latest releases in an open-air setting while ordering refreshments to collect during intermission.

This provides a delightful evening for couples, groups of friends, and families with children of all ages, located just a 20-minute drive from Pell City.

13. Bryant Vineyard

If you appreciate tasting wines from the area in which you are residing, a visit to Bryant Vineyard, located 13 miles south of Pell City along the scenic shores of Logan Martin Lake, is highly recommended.

This vineyard is acclaimed for its award-winning Muscadine wines, produced from sweet grapes perfectly suited for pairing with rich chocolate desserts.

You may take a tour of the vineyard, select your own fruit, or purchase souvenir wine bottles from Bryant Vineyard.

During your visit, sample the Dixie Blush, a semi-dry muscadine rosé that is a favorite among wine enthusiasts, or enjoy a glass of Alabama Peach Wine, renowned for its rich candied peach flavors.

14. Train Escape

If you enjoy Escape Rooms but feel you’ve experienced them all, this version offers a unique twist.

It is situated in vintage railroad cars and features three distinct rooms, each presenting unique missions to solve.

Your team, consisting of between 2 to 6 participants, has just 60 minutes to attempt your escape.

Will you take on the “Sabotage” room, where you delve deep into enemy territory to thwart a missile strike threatening global safety? Alternatively, will you opt for “Classified,” attempting to decipher concealed clues to prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands? Regardless of your choice, expect an hour full of excitement, puzzles, and challenges, and should you successfully complete one mission, you may wish to return to conquer the others!

15. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Few establishments globally can showcase over 1,600 motorcycles, with approximately 900 on display at any one moment.

Located about 20 miles from Pell City, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum offers such an experience. The museum houses motorcycles from around 200 different manufacturers worldwide.

Its extensive collection encompasses both vintage and modern motorcycles, allowing visitors to gather information as they explore this state-of-the-art facility.

Additionally, the museum presents a remarkable collection of rare automobiles and over 50 stunning Lotus sports cars.

If you are an enthusiast of motorcycles, classic cars, or Lotus vehicles, visiting the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is highly recommended.