Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Hueytown, Alabama

Summary

Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure
High Ore Line Trail
Gip’s Place
Autobahn Indoor Speedway
RTJ at Oxmoor Valley Golf Course
John Wesley Hall Grist Mill
The Bessemer Hall of History Museum
Red Mountain Park
Doughboy Monument at DeBardeleben Park
Bright Star Restaurant
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
Cat-n-Bird Winery
Rickwood Field
Allison Bonnett Park
Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q

Located 14 miles southwest of Birmingham, Alabama features the inviting city of Hueytown.

This city possesses a rich heritage in coal, steel, and agriculture, offering numerous historical landmarks, museums, and mills to explore during your visit.

Additionally, Hueytown was the birthplace of the renowned NASCAR racing group known as the ‘Alabama Gang’. Consequently, a visit to the nearby Autobahn Indoor Speedway should be included in your travel plans while in the area.

With a variety of parks, hiking and cycling trails, museums, and its close proximity to Birmingham, Hueytown offers activities that cater to individuals of all ages.

As a local resident of Alabama who frequently visits Hueytown, I find it to be a well-maintained town, ideal for exploring other locations in the vicinity. Below is a compilation of the finest attractions in and around Hueytown:

1. Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure

Whether you seek thrilling adventures or peaceful days floating along the Warrior River, you can experience both at Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure.

Dare to plunge from a 5-story tower, dropping 216 feet into the awaiting pool below, challenge friends on the Wipeout Adventure Course, or take a refreshing swim in the 80,000-gallon Kahuna Waves Pool.

Individuals aged 16 to 60 can find enjoyment at the water park, along with numerous sunbathing areas and dining pavilions that offer snacks and beverages for those seeking refreshments.

Situated just 7 miles from Hueytown, it serves as a perfect day trip for those looking to take a break from touring or driving.

2. High Ore Line Trail

Active enthusiasts will enjoy a day cycling or walking along the scenic High Ore Line Trail.

This two-mile pathway was specifically designed for pedestrians and cyclists, linking the areas of Red Mountain Park and Jones Valley Trail.

As you traverse the trail, you will encounter notable landmarks, including the former High Ore Line railroad, previously utilized to transport coal from local mines to adjacent cities.

The trail is adorned with a canopy of trees, providing shade from the midday sun, inviting you to pause for a refreshment or picnic along the way.

3. Gip’s Place

Blues enthusiasts will surely appreciate an evening at Gip’s Place, located in nearby Bessemer.

Gip Gipson has been featuring the finest blues performances since 1952 when he initiated weekend parties in his garage.

This lively juke joint is the ideal venue to unwind, enjoy live performances, dance the night away, and connect with fellow music lovers.

Since its inception, Gip’s Place has welcomed countless celebrities; for instance, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page have performed here unexpectedly, along with Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones.

4. Autobahn Indoor Speedway

In case of inclement weather or if you desire a day filled with high-speed activities, consider visiting the Autobahn Indoor Speedway, located just 10 miles from Hueytown.

Inspired by Formula 1, the electric go-karts can achieve speeds of up to 50 mph, allowing you to compete against family and friends for 12-14 exciting laps.

There are opportunities for snacks and refreshments, and should you wish to acquire a new skill, you may also explore axe throwing.

5. RTJ at Oxmoor Valley Golf Course

Developed on reclaimed mining land, the Oxmoor Valley Golf Course is surrounded by beautiful forests, creeks, and elevated fairways.

With 54 scenic holes available on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, you will have a wide array of choices.

The Valley Course offers picturesque lakes and rolling fairways, while The Ridge Course presents more challenges with 150 feet of elevation changes amidst dense forests, catering to seasoned golfers.

Alternatively, consider The Short Course, an excellent 18-hole one-shot course featuring a gentle downhill slope against a backdrop of lush mountains.

6. John Wesley Hall Grist Mill

Gristmills historically played a crucial role in grinding cereal grains into flour during the early Industrial Revolution.

One of Alabama’s earliest grist mills was the John Wesley Hall Grist Mill and Cotton Gin, which functioned from 1867 to 1931. Although it was obliterated during the Civil War, a replica has been reconstructed in Tannerhill Historical State Park.

Within the park, visitors can observe a precise replica of the former gristmill that was operational in the area for over six decades.

7. The Bessemer Hall of History Museum

Housed in a former railway terminal, The Bessemer Hall of History Museum provides an excellent opportunity to explore the region’s past.

With a diverse collection of Civil War memorabilia, period furnishings, and early agricultural and mining equipment, it offers unique insights into daily life in Alabama. Devoting a few hours here is certainly worthwhile.

The historical railway depot itself is also intriguing to investigate; established in 1916, it served travelers going to and from Bessemer until the 1970s.

8. Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park encompasses over 1500 acres between Bessemer and Homewood, establishing it as one of the largest urban parks in the United States.

Once serving as the site of the Sloss Mines, which supplied iron ore to Birmingham, the mountain derives its name from the rich red iron ore extracted from the ground. Visitors can still observe remnants of these deposits while hiking through the trails and meadows.

At both the mountainside and the summit, visitors can find seven visitor sites, a 10-mile trail designated for hiking and biking, and even a zipline and ropes course adventure.

9. Doughboy Monument at DeBardeleben Park

The Spirit of the American Doughboy, crafted by E.M. Viquesney, was designed to honor the valiant soldiers of World War I. These statues gained immense popularity throughout the United States, leading to their mass production and installation in numerous cities nationwide.

A notable example of this iconic sculpture can be found in DeBardeleben Park, located a few miles from Hueytown. This park, situated in Downtown Bessemer, spans four blocks and is easily accessible from nearby shops and restaurants.

You can enjoy a stroll along tree-lined avenues, take a moment for a picnic, and appreciate this sculpture that pays homage to those who fought for liberty.

10. Bright Star Restaurant

It is impossible to visit Alabama without indulging in traditional Southern home-cooked cuisine.

A short drive from Hueytown will lead you to Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer, known for its extensive menu of seafood and Southern specialties that truly delight the palate.

During my visit, I savored their renowned homemade Seafood Gumbo, which was absolutely delicious and has received national recognition. For meat lovers, Bright Star offers Beef Tenderloin served Greek style, succulent hamburgers, and chicken dishes.

This restaurant predominantly caters to seafood aficionados, featuring a variety of catfish, crab, snapper, and lobster, making it the perfect destination for individuals who enjoy delectable fish dishes, seasoned with Southern spices.

11. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Covering 1500 acres and spanning three counties, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park provides a wonderful day out for visitors of all ages.

In addition to offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and various recreational activities, this historical park also sheds light on life during earlier periods in Alabama.

Visitors can explore a working blacksmith shop where artisans demonstrate their crafts, discover a restored pioneer cabin, a cotton gin, and a functioning gristmill.

The park museum features displays of 19th-century artifacts, while the remarkable stone furnaces used for smelting ore mined from the vicinity can also be observed.

I believe that Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park offers an exceptional excursion for anyone interested in the lifestyle of early settlers in this region.

12. Cat-n-Bird Winery

A short drive from Hueytown reveals Cat-n-Bird Winery.

This boutique winery produces handcrafted wine, using imported grapes from around the globe to create distinctive blends.

Guests are encouraged to reserve a spot for a ‘Wine and Cheese Pairing’, featuring six wines and six cheeses, or may browse the shop for a bottle to commemorate their Alabama journey.

For those seeking a unique experience, sampling a Wine Slushie, with flavors including Peach Bellini, FRose’, and Wine-a-rita, is also available.

13. Rickwood Field

Northeast of Hueytown is Rickwood Field, recognized as the oldest professional baseball park in the United States.

Established in 1910 by industrialist Rick Woodward, it became the home of the Birmingham Barons and the Birmingham Black Barons.

This park is the only remaining ballpark that hosted a Negro League World Series and is currently being transformed into an operational museum where baseball fans can learn about the sport’s historical journey.

A variety of events and college games are held throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule to engage with fellow baseball enthusiasts during your visit.

14. Allison Bonnett Park

Located in Downtown Hueytown, Allison Bonnett Park is a recreational area that caters to families, providing hours of entertainment for both children and adults.

The park features walking paths weaving through verdant woods, wildlife observation opportunities, and a softball field; making it the perfect spot to relax or enjoy a picnic on a warm summer day.

15. Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q

This iconic barbecue venue located in Bessemer was established in 1957. This family-owned establishment specializes in authentic Southern barbecue dishes that will keep you coming back.

Providing ‘pit to plate’ cuisine, diners can select from seasoned ribs, steaks, burgers, pork, and chicken, with their award-winning BBQ sauce recognized as the best in Alabama! Throughout the year, they conduct live events, including the renowned BBQ and Blues Festival, showcasing the finest food and music in the state.

Should you be a meat enthusiast yearning for tantalizing BBQ while in Hueytown, a visit to Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q is certain to be satisfying.

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