10 Museums to See in Alabama This Summer

Picturesque Alabama, where the Official State Insect is the majestic Monarch Butterfly, can provide amusement and cultural adventures for everybody. With a staggering mix of big city excitement and towns where the mail is still delivered by boat, Alabama is a winning combination. There is such a wide range of sights to see, art to enjoy, and history to learn. If the extent of your Alabama knowledge is NASCAR’s Talladega Superspeedway, you’re in for a surprising treat! Check out these 10 wonderful Museums to See in Alabama this summer!

Alabama Museum of Natural History

Alabama Museum of Natural History – Tuscaloosa, AL – Located in Tuscaloosa, the Alabama Museum of Natural History has been a source of pride in Alabama for over 150 years. Learn the history of the region through this incredible collection of plants, animals, waterways and geography. Guided Discovery Tours are available, and there is a Discovery Lab, too. Be sure to check their events calendar so you don’t miss a thing. And if you have any questions as you go through this museum, there are experienced Naturalists available at all times to provide answers and explanations.

Alabama Road Trips by Rick Bragg

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center History Office

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center – Huntsville, AL – Huntsville is sometimes referred to as “The Rocket City” because the Saturn boosters were built there. Without them, the astronauts might have never made it to the moon. When you tour the Marshal Space Flight Center you will learn all about their involvement in past, current and future NASA projects. The displays, models, and technology demonstrations are fascinating to all ages. You don’t have to be an astronaut to appreciate the work being done at the Marshall Center every day. These guys not only meet the challenges of space travel, they also improve life here on earth.

Alabama Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff by Andy Duncan

Mobile Museum of Art

Mobile Museum of Art – Mobile, AL – The goal of the Mobile Museum of Art in Mobile is to educate, engage, and enrich lives through exposure to the arts. Their permanent collection of art contains over 10,000 works from America, Asia, and Europe. Be sure to check their calendar of events for any traveling exhibitions which may be of interest to you. In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers regularly scheduled classes and tours.

Alabama’s Civil Rights Trail: An Illustrated Guide to the Cradle of Freedom by Frye Gaillard

Civil Rights Memorial Center

Civil Rights Memorial Center – Montgomery, AL – Like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Civil Rights Memorial Center provides visitors with a place of contemplation. Featuring the names of individuals who were martyred in the pursuit of freedom and civil rights, it is an opportunity to appreciate the struggle for equality which still continues. The goals of the memorial are to teach tolerance, seek justice, and fight hate. This important Center is available to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Natural History (Smithsonian) by DK

Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa

Children’s Hands-On Museum – Tuscaloosa, AL – The Children’s Hands-On Museum is lovingly called “CHOM” for short. It is the perfect place for kids needing to burn some energy. (And their frazzled parents!) It includes displays and exploration areas for children of all ages. It even has the only exhibition in Alabama designed for youngsters from newborn to 3 years! And if you’re hungry after your visit, there are a number of excellent dining choices within walking distance of the museum!

A Child’s Introduction to Natural History: The Story of Our Living Planet

Veterans Memorial Museum

Veterans Memorial Museum – Huntsville, AL – In Huntsville, Alabama, you’ll find one of the most outstanding military museums in the country. Military buffs can easily spend hours looking through the collection of historic and military memorabilia. Dating all the way back to the Revolutionary War, the aircrafts, watercrafts, and tanks will blow your mind. There are also a variety of jeeps and motorcycles, and an impressive number of weapons on display at this wonderfully-maintained facility.

Earth and Space: Photographs from the Archives of NASA by Nirmala Nataraj

Fort Conde Museum

Fort Conde Museum – Mobile, AL – Mobile has had a long and colorful history featuring Native Americans, Europeans, pirates, and more. This awesome place is the perfect opportunity to learn all about the earliest days of this now bustling metropolitan area. There are a number of permanent displays as well as fascinating traveling exhibits. Check their calendar for dates so you don’t miss any displays that you would like to enjoy. The Fort Conde Museum is a completely immersive experience that your family will be talking about for years!

Flight: The Complete History by R.G. Grant

Southern Museum of Flight

Southern Museum of Flight – Birmingham, AL – If you’re an aviation aficionado, you’ve landed on the right spot. This museum has been around for over 50 years. Fully-loaded with historic aircraft, photos, and displays, this 75,000 square foot space is a feast for the eyes. Beautiful dioramas tell you about the early days of jets during the Korean War. You’ll get to see some of the helicopters that played crucial roles in Vietnam. And the tribute to Alabama’s famous Tuskegee Airmen will touch your heart. With so much variety, it is a great opportunity for visitors of all ages to celebrate the history of aviation.

White House of the Confederacy: An Illustrated History by Malinda Collier

First White House of the Confederacy

First White House of the Confederacy – Montgomery, AL – To fully experience the history of Alabama and the Confederacy, a visit to this museum is a must. This beautiful home was the actual residence of President Jefferson Davis and his family. It has been lovingly rescued and restored so you can see it for yourself. Walking through ten rooms filled with original furnishings and settings will transport you back to the 1860s and the hope, and turbulence, of that period in history. When you’ve finished your tour of the house, stop by the gift shop and take home a few treasures!

Photography Poster – Fort Conde’ Mobile Alabama 24 X 20

McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center – Birmingham, AL – With four floors of interactive exhibits, this place has something for everyone. It is sure to inspire a lifelong love affair with science! A hands-on center, there is an abundance of activities available to enjoy. The McWane Science Center welcomes millions of guests every year. It is a wonderful place to explore and learn, with amazing things to see, hear, and touch. Don’t miss out on their IMAX dome while you’re there. Check in with their schedule through the summer (and all year long) to see what’s playing next!

Alabama-Travelogue by State: Experience Both the Ordinary and Obscure by Amber Richards

With such a wide range in diversity, you’re certain to find something enjoyable for every member of your family. Be sure to allow time to enjoy these 10 museums to see in Alabama this summer. Which one would you like to see first?