Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Trussville, AL

Trussville is a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, located 15 miles northeast of the city. It is consistently recognized as one of the top 100 places to reside in the United States, and stands out as one of the premier towns in the state for young families.

Trussville was named after the first European settler in the area, Warren Truss, who came to establish a grist mill alongside his brothers. The locale remained predominantly rural until the construction of the Alabama – Chattanooga Railway following the Civil War.

In contemporary times, Trussville has evolved into a vibrant district featuring nature preserves, parks, museums, and a variety of shopping and dining options.

As a local of Alabama, I take great pleasure in exploring the state’s diverse offerings. What I appreciate about Trussville is its close proximity to Downtown Birmingham, allowing access to numerous urban attractions within a short 20-minute drive. Below is my compilation of the best activities to partake in while visiting Trussville:

1. Cosby Lake Park

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Cosby Lake Park is located just 10 minutes to the north of Trussville, Alabama. This serene lake area near Clay City is encircled by lush forests, providing opportunities for walking trails, cycling, and bird-watching.

It is advisable to bring walking shoes, a picnic, and a camera, as visitors might encounter beavers and Canada Geese nestled in the mini-wetlands.

The park is also a popular destination for local anglers seeking to catch bass, catfish, and crappie.

During my visit in fall, the vibrant foliage and landscapes rendered this park a magical location for exploration.

2. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

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Located a short distance from Trussville in Pinson, Alabama, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve spans 466 acres, featuring exquisite creeks, waterfalls, woodlands, and diverse wildlife.

Its heritage extends back to prehistoric times when the surroundings were inhabited by Native Americans, and it also played a significant role during the early industrial phase of the city.

The preserve offers an array of activities ideal for all ages, including swimming, hiking, and picnicking. Numerous mountain biking and hiking trails meander through woodlands that shelter endangered species. If time permits, I highly recommend tubing down the creek, as I found it to be an enjoyable experience with friends.

Your visit can be tailored to either a leisurely or an active outing, making it an ideal location for a day with family and friends.

3. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

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The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum initiated its collection of motorcycles in 1988 and has since expanded to exhibit over 1,600 motorcycles, some dating back more than a century.

The museum showcases bikes from over 216 manufacturers across 20 countries, presenting a wide array of models, including nearly 100 Harley Davidsons and a noteworthy collection of Lotus sports cars.

Among the standout exhibits is the classic AJS E95 “Porcupine,” a motorcycle released in 1952.

4. Trussville Antique Mall

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Trussville Antiques and Interiors feature an expansive 33,000 square-foot shopping venue situated in the heart of the city.

Housing 80 antique dealers under one roof, this extensive store offers a plethora of collectibles, antiques, furniture, and memorabilia.

Whether your interest lies in vintage coins, porcelain dolls, toys, or antique jewelry and furniture, you are likely to find great deals while browsing through this remarkable mall.

5. Paint All The Things

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Paint All The Things in Trussville provides an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere where individuals of all ages can learn to paint in the style of renowned artists like Monet or Picasso.

At the studio, instructors provide guidance, teaching essential skills and techniques to encourage artistic expression.

Once you grasp the fundamentals, you can create your own canvas, pottery piece, or wall hanging as a keepsake of your experience.

6. Grand River Drive-In Movie Theatre

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On pleasant summer evenings, watching a Hollywood blockbuster outdoors is a delightful experience.

Simply drive in, set up your picnic table and chairs, and enjoy the latest films projected on one of four large screens.

A restaurant and bar are available on-site for purchasing snacks, along with a children’s play area and mini golf to entertain younger guests before the feature begins.

This offers a unique movie-watching experience suitable for all ages, and discounts are available for those wishing to see multiple films, allowing you to make an entire evening out of the outing.

7. The Outlet Shops of Grand River

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Located less than 10 miles south of Trussville, the Outlet Shops of Grand River feature a multitude of popular retail brands with various discounted offerings to accommodate all budgets.

Spend time exploring designer outlets including Banana Republic Factory Store, American Eagle Outfitters, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, and many more.

For those interested in cosmetics, sportswear, and accessories, a variety of options are also available.

While shopping, you may work up an appetite; fortunately, several fast-food outlets and diners are located within the mall for a well-deserved break.

8. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

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Ruffner Mountain was historically notable for its vast deposits of iron ore, which were mined in this region from the late 19th century until the 1950s.

The ore extracted here was transported to Sloss Furnaces in nearby Birmingham, where it was melted down for use across various industries.

Presently, visitors can explore and traverse 14 miles of trails weaving through the mountainous terrain.

During your visit, you can learn about the iron ore industry while exploring an on-site Nature Center that houses native species, including turtles, fish, and snakes.

9. Southern Museum of Flight

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The Southern Museum of Flight ranks as one of the largest aviation museums in the United States. Visitors of all ages can enjoy an interactive learning experience detailing the history of flight.

The museum showcases aircraft from the inception of aviation through to World War II and the Vietnam War. Encompassing 75,000 square feet, the facility houses over 100 exhibits, including dioramas, model collections, artifacts, and various aircraft engines.

In addition to indoor displays, outdoor areas feature helicopters and military aircraft for exploration.

Alternatively, if you are eager to learn how to fly yourself, the museum offers flight simulators, where you can experience take-offs and landings as pilots do.

10. Porsche Sport Driving School

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If you are an enthusiast of Porsche vehicles and wish to indulge in your automotive passions while visiting, consider spending a day at the Porsche Sport Driving School near Trussville, Alabama.

Regardless of your experience level, as long as you have a penchant for fast cars and a willingness to learn, you will have the opportunity to take the wheel of various Porsche models in no time.

Your day begins with a brief instructional session followed by track time, where you can partake in an adrenaline-filled experience driving all the latest Porsche models.

11. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

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Birmingham, Alabama, is recognized for its iron and steel industries, and there is no better venue to learn about this legacy than the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark.

These imposing furnaces were once the world’s leading producer of pig iron, and although they are no longer operational, they serve as a poignant reminder of the industrial revolution that transformed Birmingham.

Visitors can engage in self-guided tours to gain insight into the materials, individuals, and processes that contributed to the furnaces’ historic success.

The landmark also hosts evening ghost tours, concerts, and various community events, making it an essential attraction while in the area.

12. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

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Numerous visitors to this region of Alabama seek to understand the narrative of the Civil Rights Movement.

If you aspire to learn more about the significant historical events that shaped Alabama, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is an excellent starting point.

Featuring 58,000 square feet of galleries, exhibits, photographs, and archives, this self-guided experience transports you through the pivotal moments of the 1950s and 1960s Civil Rights Movement, prompting reflection on ongoing societal issues.