Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

The many aspects of science come to life in a truly fun and interactive way at Birmingham's McWane Science Center. Plenty of interactive exhibits encourage visitors to reach out and touch while offering a close-up view of some of the world's most fascinating scientific principles. The museum houses an amazing collection of dinosaur fossils, an aquarium filled with colorful fish, and a multi-tiered playground. And don't forget to check out a science-themed or Hollywood hit feature at the center's IMAX theater.

While the name may echo the classic television show Star Trek, there's nothing otherworldly about the Vulcan, the world's largest cast-iron sculpture. This visually compelling structure was created to pay tribute to the city's early iron industry. It weighs over 60 tons, stands over 55-feet-tall and was originally constructed for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Today the attraction stands next to an observation tower in the center of Vulcan Park that allows a somewhat closer look at this fascinating piece of history.

See some of the earth's most amazing natural beauty from the inside out when you visit the Rickwood Caverns. Located in western Blount County, it contains some of the most massive and visually arresting underground formations in the state. If you visit during the summer, you can even go for a dip in the swimming pool and enjoy a ride on the miniature train. Year-round camping is available.

The stories, the struggles and the triumphs of the people who lived through the era of segregation in Birmingham are all respectfully remembered at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The galleries in this impressive facility are filled with multimedia exhibits and attractions that vividly tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement both in Birmingham and other cities. This museum is also a research facility that focuses on human rights issues and presents various programs and seminars on a regular basis.