The Yellowhammer State has a rich musical heritage, fascinating history and beautiful beaches. It’s also home to a few offbeat attractions. Below are just a few of the most unusual attractions to consider in Alabama.
7 Alternative Attractions In Alabama – Dismals Canyon
Located in Franklin County, Dismals Canyon is a stunning sandstone gorge boasting rock formations and waterfalls. However, what truly makes it special is its ‘Dismalites’ – a species of bioluminescent glowworm-like bugs. Visit the gorge at night on a guided tour between May and October to see the whole canyon lit up like a starry night sky. There are several cabins and campsites located nearby.
7 Alternative Attractions In Alabama – Alligator Alley
Alligator Alley in Summerdale is a sanctuary entirely dedicated to alligators. There are 450 of them roaming the park that you can observe from raised boardwalks. There’s even the opportunity to feed and hold baby alligators. This RV park in Foley could be an excellent place to stay when visiting this attraction.
7 Alternative Attractions In Alabama – The Museum of Wonder
This museum located in the tiny roadside town of Seale is the ‘world’s first drive-thru museum’. It’s made of us various curiosities including local folk art, weird taxidermy and novelty antiques curated by local artist Butch Anthony. These exhibits are placed in stacked shipping containers with windows in them so that you can see inside them from your car.
7 Alternative Attractions In Alabama – The Rattlesnake Saloon
Fancy a bite to eat? The Rattlesnake Saloon is one of the most unusual restaurants in the US – it’s built into a cave under a large protruding rock. Located outside Tuscumbia, the restaurant is accessible via a pickup truck taxi or by hiking there (be warned that the route is quite strenuous). Enjoy a burger and a cold drink while taking in the magical atmosphere of this rustic watering hole.
Cathedral Caverns
Cathedral Caverns State Park boasts one of the largest cave entrances in the world. Guided tours can take you inside this cave, where you can see ancient fossils, gargantuan stalactites and otherworldly frozen waterfalls. It’s the perfect attraction to visit on a hot day due to the cave’s cool temperature. Several cosy motels and rural cabins are located nearby that you can stay in when visiting the caves.
Barber Marina
Along the shore of Mobile Bay in Elberta you will find the whimsical Barber Marina. Scattered near and around the docks of this marina are various quirky sculptures including dinosaurs, a faux stone circle (called ‘Bamahenge’) and the ‘Lady of the Lake’ (damaged by a hurricane, but now thankfully restored). You can drive here from Elberta where you’ll find several hotels and restaurants.
7 Alternative Attractions In Alabama – The F Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Home
Located in Montgomery, you will find the historic home of famous literary couple F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald (known for authoring The Great Gatsby and Tender Is The Night). It has been turned into a museum full of artefacts from the Jazz Age and offers a fascinating insight into the couple’s party-loving lives. There are a few budget hotels in the area where you can stay while visiting this unique attraction.