12 of the Best (and Most Offbeat) Attractions in Alabama!
If you find yourself and Alabama in search of an off-the-beaten-path kind of a day, we’ve got plenty to offer you. In the department of unusual, Alabama has everything from strange museums to spooky unclaimed baggage centers. Here are the 12 most unusual attractions in Alabama.
Spectre Set Ruins, Montgomery, AL
In 2003, the film “Big Fish” became a hit across the country. The story took place in the fictional town of Spectre, the main character’s home which he visits throughout different points in his life. The set for Spectre was built on a private island in Alabama, and now exists as a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the film. Visitors can walk through the now abandoned set and feel the essence of a ghost town.
Alabama’s Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge, AL
Within the green foliage of Natural Bridge lies a sandstone and ironwood bridge that formed over two million years ago. Though too fragile to walk on, visitors can stand and gaze up into the natural wonder.
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, Montgomery, AL
Tucked away in the city of Montgomery, the museum is the only in the world to commemorate the relationship of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, an intoxicating and enigmatic Alabama native. The museum, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2014, hosts annual galas and other events throughout the year.
Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham, AL
Now a National Historic Landmark, the Sloss Furnaces were operated as a pig iron producing furnace from the 1880s until the 1970s. Today, the furnaces serve not only as a beautiful outdoor venue for events, but also a museum to the industrial south.
Rosenbaum House, Florence, AL
Built for Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum in 1940, the house is the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in the state of Alabama. Mildred Rosenbaum lived in the house until 1999, at which she donated the architectural wonder to the city of Florence.
The Auburn War Eagle, Auburn, AL
Since the inspiring story of an eagle soaring over the field during the Georgia game in 1892, the rallying cry of Auburn University has been “War Eagle.” In present day, the university is home to Nova, the seventh War Eagle the university has claimed. Visitors can see Nova at the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Southeastern Raptor Center.
Holmes Medical Museum, Foley, AL
Hidden away in Foley, there’s a museum that chronicles the history of medical tools. The museum sits atop a still functioning drug store and houses antique medical tools from as early as 1930.
Bamahenge, Elberta, AL
Can’t fit a trip to Europe in your budget? Head to Elberta for a replica of the famed Stonehenge in England.
Moundville Archaeological Site, Moundville, AL
Situated on a bluff overlooking the Black Warrior River, the site holds 29 mounds constructed by the Native American society known as the Mississippians. The site contains the Jones Museum, which commemorates the people of the ancient society and their history.
Unclaimed Baggage Center, Scottsboro, AL
Ever wondered where your lost luggage ended up? The Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro not only serves as a resale store for items lost at airports across the country, but acts as a museum to some of the most interesting items. The little spot hosts a wide range of items like a violin dating to the 1700s, Egyptian artifacts, and the gatekeeper from Jim Hensen’s “Labyrinth.”
Grave of Miss Baker, Huntsville, AL
As the first animal from the United States to fly into outer space and return alive, Miss Baker the squirrel monkey has the honor of being buried on the property of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Just two years old at the time of her epic travel excursion in May of 1959, Miss Baker lived a long life until her death in November of 1984.
Boll Weevil Monument, Enterprise, AL
Initially built to persuade farmers to grow crops outside of cotton, the Boll Weevil Monument is the only statue in the world to be dedicated to an insect pest. The monument sits at the heart of downtown Enterprise and can be seen on a quick drive through town.
