Welcome to Alabama

Where else but Alabama can one find civil rights monuments and statues of Confederate soldiers within walking distance of each other? Montgomery, Alabama's capital, is home to the church where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. first preached and to the first White House of the Confederacy. Alabama's rich, turbulent history isn't, however, its main attraction. Many visitors head to the northern part of the state for the state and national parks around the southern tip of the Appalachian Mountains and for the Marshall Space Flight Center. The state's southern portion offers pleasant beach towns and, in February, the country's oldest Mardi Gras celebration.

www.touralabama.org

The Alabama State Capitol was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962. Not only is Alabama State Capitol a revered symbol to thousands of Alabamians but a significant monument in American history. A major effort to rehabilitate the Capitol began in the 1970s. While most of this work was finished in 1992, efforts to restore and enhance the historical character of the building are ongoing by the Alabama Historical Commission. More about the Alabama State Capitol

Tourists annually choose to visit Cherokee County because of the diversity of recreation activities, history, and interesting wonders. The county offers water sports that include white water rafting, swimming, skiing, and fishing. Nature lovers can hike along Little River and experience one of the largest gorges east of the Rocky Mountains or explore an Indian Village on Shinbone Ridge with some rock formations rising 150 feet, upon which are breathtaking views of Alabama and Georgia. More about the Cornwall Furnace Park

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame honors all of this state's notable music achievers with visual and audio showcases, a "Walk of Fame," a portrait gallery, life-sized plaster casts and real life wax figures. You will be amazed at the personal memorabilia on display from these talented individuals as you listen to the many hit recordings, in all fields of music, made by Alabamians. The Popular Music Section is marked by a 12 foot jukebox playing tunes from Alabamians. More about the Alabama Music Hall of Fame

No matter how much, or how little, you like to rough it, Alabama's wide range of scenic camping grounds has you covered. From Bear Creek Lakes in northern Alabama to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge along Alabama's Gulf Coast region, many sites offer both cabins and campsites with every amenity necessary to make your visit an enjoyable one. For you real outdoor types, Alabama has plenty of hiking trails and winding rivers complete with all sorts of unique wildlife for you to explore. More about Camping in Alabama

Visit Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge is just two miles from the existing 54-hole complex at Oxmoor Valley in Birmingham but it is light years away from the expected or ordinary. A big, muscle-bound course, its 18 holes sprawling over 330 acres and stretching almost 8200 yards from the back tees, the new Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge is big and brawny, yet inviting to golfers of all skill levels. More about the Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

Fishing In Alabama

Whether you want to spend quality time with family and friends by fishing one of the Alabama reservoirs or enjoy the beauty while fishing an Alabama mountain stream or quiet wetland, Alabama is the place for fishing. The Alabama State Public Fishing Lakes are great places to experience the thrill of catching big largemouth bass or bream in a secure setting. The sport of Alabama bass fishing will challenge the most ardent competitor. More about Fishing In Alabama

Watchable Wildlife

Alabama is a birding paradise. Forests, mountains, meadows, swamps, and beaches dot the landscape, creating a plethora of avian habitats. From the majestic bald eagle, symbol of our nation's heritage, to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, to the crowd-pleasing painted bunting, over 400 species of birds grace the blue skies above Alabama. More about Watchable Wildlife

Experience Alabama's Gulf Shores

Something magic happens when you visit the Alabama Gulf Coast. The moment you arrive, the world starts to fade away. Maybe it's the sound of waves gently lapping the shore or the smell of coconut oil. Perhaps it's our white sand beach and sparkling emerald water. Suddenly building sandcastles moves to the top of your "to-do" list. You remember just how much fun your spouse is. You find yourself laughing at your son's "knock-knock" joke, even though you've heard it a zillion times. You linger over a succulent, fresh seafood dinner where nobody rushes to get away from the table. More about Alabama's Gulf Shores

Edward T. Douglass Nature Trail

The trail winds through one-half mile of scenic Alabama woodlands. Experience the natural history of this part of Moundville Archaeological Park along this meandering boardwalk. Here you will find traces of a thousand years of human activity at Moundville. Beginning about A.D. 1000, the Mississippian Indians cleared the site and began building the mounds. More about the Edward T. Douglass Nature Trail