Three affordable day trips from Birmingham to enjoy with the family this spring
Old Cahawba— Just outside of Selma, where the Cahaba and Alabama rivers meet, lies Alabama's oldest ghost town. Serving as the capital from 1819 to 1826, Cahawba was a thriving river town until falling into disrepair after the Civil War.
Today, the grounds are managed by the Alabama Historical Commission as an archeological park. Visitors are free to explore the ruins, hike the nature trails, or bike around. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 6 to 18.
Orr Park— This 40-acre park in Montevallo is pleasant to walk around in, but it is notable for the artwork of Tim Tingle. In the past several decades, Tingle has been carving the trees in Orr Park into fantastical creatures and characters. Dubbed 'Tinglewood,' visitors can spot animals, faces, and various characters in the trees of the park. The park is open during daylight hours.
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge— Managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this stretch of the Cahaba River near West Blocton is free to enjoy. Visitors can hunt, fish, canoe, or hike more than six miles of trails. This includes the Piper trail, which was built into a former railbed and offers scenic views of the Cahaba River. The refuge is open during daylight hours.
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