Free Things to Do in Montgomery, Alabama

Last summer, ThemeParkMom and I attended Travel Media Showcase in Montgomery, Alabama. The last time I had personally visited this city was during my college search days and I must say, the place sure has changed! There are so many things to do and see in this southern US city, but for many of us who must watch our budgets, here are some free things to do in Montgomery, Alabama. – CajunMama

Montgomery, Alabama with its rich and tumultuous history, the Civil War and Modern Civil Rights Movement, is a wonderful city for tourist to enjoy.  The visitor can began their venture at the historic Union Station, which was declared a National Landmark in 1976 and houses the local Montgomery Visitor Center.  You can purchase a day pass for $1.00 and ride a trolley car with stops at all downtown attractions.  Among the many attractions that do charge a modest admission fee, there are 16 sites that are FREE and one that you may consider CHEAP ($2.00).

FREE ATTRACTIONS:

Blount Cultural Park – a 350 acre park is a lush oasis inthe middle of the city and is reminiscent of the English countryside.

Governor’s Mansion – built in 1960’s, this graceful mansionhas been home to the Govenor of Alabama since its purchase in 1950.

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama – the 2-million-square-foot manufacturing plant reside on 1,744 acres of land and includes a stamping facility, paint shop, vehicle assembly   shop,  a two-mile test track and an engine shop, where the all-new Hyundai 3.3 liter V6 engine is produced.

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts – This permanent collection includes examples of 19th and 20th century American paintings and sculptures, Southern regional art Old Master prints and decorative art.

Shakespeare Garden & Amphitheatre-Located within the Blount Cultural Park, is one of seven such gardens in the USA, which features plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.

Historic Union Station – opened in 1898 and declared a national landmark in 1976.

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association “Mooseum” – hands-on children’s educational center has a unique agricultural theme.

Alabama Department of Archives and History – This Archivesisthe oldest state-funded Archives inthe nation and is housed in a beautiful marble building completed in 1940.

Alabama Judicial Building – The Alabama Judicial Building houses the Alabama Supreme Coutr, Courts of Criminal and Civil Appeals, the State Law Library and the Administrative Office of Courts.

Alabama State Capitol-One of the only state capitols designated a National Historic Landmark.  The Alabama State Capitol is where Jefferson Davis took his oath of office as President of the Confederate States of America.

Court Square Fountain – The fountain was built in 1885 over and existing artesian basin and was the trading post for the buying and selling of slaves during the Civil War.

Civil Rights Memorial-Water flows over a table inscribed with the names of those who died during the modern Civil Rights  Movement.

First White House of  the Confederacy – the house served as Jeffererson Davis’ home while Montgomery served as the Capital of  the Confederate States of America.

Hank Williams Statue-a life-size statue of the famed country music  legend, Hank Williams, stands across from the old city auditorium, the  site of many of his performances and later the site of the his funeral.

The gravesite of the famed country music legend Hank Williams and wife Audrey Williams.

Riverwalk Amphitheatre – the Amphitheatre, a sprawling grassy area on the banks of the Alabama Rier, is  perfect for picnics, concerts, movies, plays productions and more.

St. John’s Episcopal Church –  St. John’s was built in 1885.  During the Civil War, Jefferson Davis worshipped here and his pew is still marked.

CHEAP ATTRACTION:

Civil Rights Memorial Center – the Civil RIghts Memorial Center  expands  the experience of the  Memorial that honors the memor of those who lost their lives  during the Civil Rights Movements.

This information was provided by Triple E Group Services who designs itineraries and schedules visits to all local attractions free and those who charge an admission. Appointments are required for group visits to the  above attractions. For official visitor information be sure to check out the Montgomery, Alabama Convention and Visitor website.