Things to Do in Montgomery

Historically, the town had a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement as home to the bus boycott. You’ll also find an U.S. Air Force base and several universities. The Montgomery Zoo and the Rosa Parks Library and Museum are two of the area’s most popular destinations.

Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

Get a feel for your place in history with a visit to Alabama's State Capitol building in the downtown area. Granite steps sweep up to the grand entrance where Jefferson Davis was sworn in as president of the Confederate States of America. Just a few generations later, the iconic civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery ended here with a powerful speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail stretches the entire 54 miles. If you don't have time for the full journey, take the family to the Lowndes Interpretive Center, a 40-minute drive west, where you'll find a wealth of images and artifacts that bring this important event to life.

Biscuits and Baseball

Go ahead and chuckle. The Montgomery Biscuits are used to it. They’re known as the best team name in minor league baseball, and when you join the local fans cheering at a home game, you might get the idea that it's also the greatest team in the entire league. There's plenty of parking within a five-block radius of the Riverwalk Stadium, where the games are played April through September. If your schedule allows, go on a Friday night when the game ends with a fireworks display.

Rowing on the River

Trade in the hustle and bustle of city life for refreshing tranquility and natural beauty in the nearby Coosa river region. Coosa River Adventures makes it easy—you don't have to haul your own boat around on your travels. Instead, make reservations and the staff will deliver you and your crew to the launch site, along with a rented kayak or canoe with paddles. Your journey down the river can take up to four hours, especially if you stop to play along the shore, so bring along snacks and drinks. It's a half-hour drive from Montgomery to the boat rental shop, and kids must be at least 6 years old to participate.

Country Music Legend

Learn all about the legendary singer-songwriter Hank Williams, famous for songs such as “Lovesick Blues” and “Why Don’t You Love Me,” at the Hank Williams Museum and Memorial. Tucked away in a brick building in Montgomery's historic district, the museum displays the country legend's memorabilia from his high school yearbook to his guitars, blue suede shoes and cowboy hats.

Industry in Action

Fascinated by cars? The Hyundai Motor Company features a guided tour of the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing plant and assembly line. Bring jackets if the weather's a little cool or breezy—the tram you ride alongside the production line goes outdoors between manufacturing areas. Plan to leave your camera in its case because photography is allowed only in the visitor center before the tour begins.

Take a Ride on the Wild Side

Treat the kids to a miniature train ride through the wildlife exhibits at the Montgomery Zoo. There's a nominal fee in addition to the regular admission charge, but children 2 years old and younger ride free. From African giraffes to South American jaguars, wild creatures from five continents make their home here. The kids will get a kick out of the lion-training sessions that happen each afternoon, and they can get up close and personal with fuzzy and furry creatures in the free petting area.

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