Top 15 Attractions in Selma, Alabama You Can’t Miss

Summary

Edmund Pettus Bridge
National Voting Rights Museum
Brown Chapel AME Church
Selma Interpretive Center
Selma to Montgomery Scenic Drive
Old Cahawba Archaeological Park
Jackson Home Historic Site
Old Live Oak Cemetery
Slavery and Civil War Museum
Old Depot Museum
Tally Ho Restaurant
Sturdivant Hall Museum
Old Town Historic District
Historic Riverfront Park
Alabama Scenic River Trail

Selma, Alabama has a long history, with Native Americans, European settlers, and American colonists all contributing to its development. However, Selma is predominantly recognized for its pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement.

Before the movement, African Americans in Alabama faced significant challenges in exercising their voting rights. This situation culminated in 1965 when citizens led by Martin Luther King Jr. marched to Montgomery, the state capital, advocating for voting rights.

Today, Selma remains a symbol of the fight for equality, featuring museums, churches, bridges, and routes that commemorate this significant era in American history. Visitors can traverse trails, explore historic landmarks, and delve into the intriguing legacy of this remarkable Alabama city.

As a local, I have visited Selma numerous times and found the city adorned with sites worth exploring. This is my curated list of essential activities in Selma, Alabama:

1. Edmund Pettus Bridge

Situated in the heart of Selma, the Edmund Pettus Bridge spans the Alabama River. The historical context of this bridge is particularly captivating.

This bridge was the focal point of the Bloody Sunday incident in 1965, during which armed police confronted Civil Rights Activists who were marching to Montgomery to advocate for equal voting rights.

Although their objective was initially hindered, the activists persevered and later that month successfully crossed the bridge, led by Martin Luther King Jr., ultimately reaching Montgomery’s Capitol Building.

2. National Voting Rights Museum

The National Voting Rights Museum, located near Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, chronicles the historical journey undertaken by thousands of African Americans seeking the right to vote.

The museum encompasses democratic speeches from the Founding Fathers to the struggles faced during the Civil Rights Movement, showcasing an array of exhibits and artifacts related to “Bloody Sunday” and the Selma to Montgomery March. This site offers an exceptional opportunity to spend several hours learning about this remarkable period in global history.

3. Brown Chapel AME Church

In line with the narrative of the Civil Rights Movement, Brown Chapel AME Church served as the starting point for preparations leading up to the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march.

This National Historic Landmark also provided refuge for those harmed during the march, acting as a safe haven for healing and regrouping.

For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the church’s history, architecture, and current activities, a guided tour can be arranged in advance.

4. Selma Interpretive Center

Selma Interpretive Center serves as the starting point for the National Historic Trail within the city.

Positioned close to Edmund Pettus Bridge, the center features informative displays that elucidate the struggles for Civil Rights and voter rights.

The three-story facility houses artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations from individuals who experienced these pivotal moments in Selma’s history.

5. Selma to Montgomery Scenic Drive

Memorial marker for the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March, Montgomery

Following the 2014 Hollywood film “Selma,” awareness of the historic 1965 Selma to Montgomery march significantly increased.

Though most individuals do not walk the trail today, fortunately, it is still possible to drive it. The route commences at Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, meandering across Edmund Pettus Bridge and the Alabama River.

Upon leaving the city, the path takes you through White Hall and Lowndesboro until reaching the Capitol Building in Montgomery.

The landscape along the drive is scenic, characterized by lush trees and greenery, punctuated by historical markers that provide context.

Make a stop at Lowndesboro Interpretive Center midway through your journey to explore Civil Rights exhibits, Tent City, and information regarding the arduous journey undertaken by the marchers.

6. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park

Episcopal Church at Old Cahawba Archaeological Park

At a glance, it is difficult to imagine that Cahawba once served as Alabama’s state capital. This former vibrant river community transitioned into a ghost town following the American Civil War.

Today, it functions as a significant archaeological site for visitors to explore.

The park features historic buildings, wooden cabins, and a stunning ancient Episcopal church.

Visitors can embark on a self-guided walking tour through these remnants, along pathways and nature trails. The local Visitor Center provides ample information to enhance your exploration.

Although many of the structures are adorned with Spanish moss and vegetation, the park is a must-visit for those interested in regional history.

7. Jackson Home Historic Site

The Jackson House in Selma is another historically significant location associated with the Civil Rights Movement.

Numerous prominent figures in the Civil Rights Movement stayed at this house during turbulent times to strategize and organize subsequent actions.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dr. Ralph Bunche were among those who resided in the house, which has preserved its 1960s aesthetics.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their imagination to better perceive the profound discussions that transpired within these walls during the height of the Movement.

Often overlooked by visitors, it is recommended to schedule an appointment to enhance your experience at this historical site.

8. Old Live Oak Cemetery

Part of the historic cemetery landscape, Old Live Oak Cemetery holds significant historical value within Selma.

Established in 1829, it is the resting place for numerous governmental figures and prominent state representatives, including Edmund Winston Pettus and William Rufus King, who served as Vice-President of the United States for six weeks in 1853. The cemetery also memorializes many Confederate Soldiers from the Civil War.

The graveyard is surrounded by trees draped in Spanish moss, and the Gothic-style headstones evoke an almost ethereal ambiance.

For those with an interest in cemetery exploration, this site is certainly worthy of a visit.

9. Slavery and Civil War Museum

This interactive museum provides visitors with an immersive experience of the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on Alabama.

This tour is recommended for those prepared to confront difficult narratives about the treatment of enslaved people in America, followed by accounts of resilience and progress from their descendants.

The museum also hosts a rich collection of artifacts, short films, and displays related to the Civil Rights Movement.

10. Old Depot Museum

The Old Depot Museum, housed in an 1891 train station, is an exemplary place to explore local history.

The museum chronicles the area’s history across multiple eras, from the American Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement and into contemporary times.

Visitors can view rare local artifacts, such as fire trucks and medical equipment, as well as various clothing styles. Moreover, venturing into the backyard reveals a charming old railway caboose for exploration.

11. Tally Ho Restaurant

Tally Ho has been serving traditional Southern cuisine for over six decades, and the menu extends beyond just grits and cornbread. In my experience, I’ve consistently left satisfied.

The restaurant caters to culinary enthusiasts, offering time-honored Southern dishes alongside eclectic European and International influences.

Begin your meal with Fried Green Stack – a delightful ensemble of fried green tomatoes, sautéed crab, and hollandaise sauce, or indulge in a plate of Gulf Crab Claws drizzled in garlic butter.

Main course options include chicken, beef, pork, and seafood, enhanced with Asian, French, and Italian flavors.

12. Sturdivant Hall Museum

Sturdivant Hall Museum is housed in a Greek Revival Antebellum mansion, originally constructed between 1852 and 1856 for Colonel Edward T. Watts.

This historical structure has undergone various ownership changes throughout the following century, ultimately being acquired by the city in 1957 to operate as a museum.

The museum features collections of porcelain dolls, artwork, and antique furniture that vividly display the lifestyle of Selma’s elite.

Additionally, the mansion has been referenced in numerous ghost story publications and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

13. Old Town Historic District

The Old Town of Selma is the largest historic district in Alabama, containing numerous structures listed in the National Historic Register.

This expansive 323-acre site encompasses buildings and residential homes dating back to the early 1800s.

Among these neighborhoods, Fairoaks Square features 12 meticulously restored Victorian cottages constructed between 1870 and 1920. These charming homes exhibit architectural elements from the Carpenter Gothic, Greek Revival, and Italianate eras, many retaining their original characteristics.

Notable structures within the Old Town Historic District include Sturdivant Hall, Weaver Castle, and the Mabry-Jones House.

14. Historic Riverfront Park

Historic Riverfront Park, perched along the Alabama River, offers a serene setting for relaxation, leisurely walks, and picnics.

This 12-acre park features a timber bridge, providing a beautiful view of Edmund Pettus Bridge while remaining adjacent to several city museums.

Enjoy breathtaking views, ample shade from the trees, and captivating vistas of the cityscape. Be sure to bring your camera to capture lasting memories of Selma.

15. Alabama Scenic River Trail

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the Alabama Scenic River Trail near Selma offers excellent opportunities for water-based recreation.

If you are looking for thrilling water sports or simply wish to view historic towns and cities from a novel perspective, this trail is fitting for you.

Activities available include paddling, white-water rafting, tubing, fishing, and overnight camping, making it an ideal family adventure.

Conversely, if you prefer to stay on land, numerous riverside walking paths, hiking, and mountain biking trails await exploration.

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