Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Road Trip from Calera, Alabama to Columbus, Mississippi
If you're looking for a scenic road trip through Alabama and Mississippi, look no further than the drive from Calera, Alabama to Columbus, Mississippi. This route features fascinating museums, stunning parks, and historic landmarks all along the way.
An interesting fact about this road trip is that you'll drive along the historic Old Selma Road, which was a major thoroughfare during the Civil War. You can still see the remnants of the roadbed in some spots, and it's a reminder of the area's rich history.
About halfway through the trip, you'll pass through Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This charming southern town is home to the University of Alabama and has plenty of shopping and dining options.
The entire road trip from Calera to Columbus is about 120 miles long and takes around 2 and a half hours to complete. The drive is easy and mostly on highways, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery while you drive.
Here are the top five places to visit on this road trip:
- Oak Mountain State Park (Pelham, Alabama) - This park is one of Alabama's largest and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. The park is also home to a golf course and a beach area. Don't miss the Alabama Wildlife Center, which rehabilitates injured animals and offers educational programs.
Point of Interest: Make sure to hike to the top of King's Chair for a stunning view of the Birmingham area.
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (Birmingham, Alabama) - This museum tells the story of the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham and features exhibits on the Freedom Rides, the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Point of Interest: Take a stroll around Kelly Ingram Park across the street from the museum. It features several sculptures and monuments related to the Civil Rights movement.
- Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park (McCalla, Alabama) - This park features a 19th-century ironworks with restored buildings and exhibits on the iron industry in Alabama. There are also hiking trails, camping areas, and a creek for fishing and swimming.
Point of Interest: Check out the Pioneer Farm to see original log cabins and farm buildings from the 1800s.
- Mississippi State Capitol Building (Jackson, Mississippi) - This historic building was completed in 1903 and is a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the history of Mississippi's state government.
Point of Interest: Visit the Mississippi Museum of Art, which is located just down the street from the Capitol building. It features a large collection of artwork from Mississippi and beyond.
- Columbus Pilgrimage (Columbus, Mississippi) - This annual event takes place in the spring and features tours of historic homes and buildings in Columbus. Visitors can also take a riverboat tour of the Tombigbee River and attend a parade and other events.
Point of Interest: If you visit Columbus outside of the Pilgrimage season, make sure to check out Friendship Cemetery. It's the burial place of both Union and Confederate soldiers and is a peaceful spot to reflect on the area's Civil War history.
In conclusion, the road trip from Calera to Columbus is a fantastic way to see some of the best sights in Alabama and Mississippi. From the lush forests of Oak Mountain State Park to the historic buildings in Columbus, this route has something for everyone. So pack up your car and hit the road - you won't regret it!