Oakmont Presbyterian Church

Nature lovers are not the type of people who can just admire natural beauty from afar—they enjoy getting as close as possible to various sites and areas in the great outdoors that attract their interest. One such place is Ruffner Mountain. This is a 1,000-acre nature preserve that is located just five miles from the center of Birmingham. This unique urban forest features 10 miles of hiking trails over ridgetops and through valleys that provide for stellar views of nature all along the way. The trail ends at a point that offers a spectacular view of the city. The forest not only features native plants and animals but also a small nature center with exhibits and a gift shop.

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.

Jazz is truly America's music. Some of the most iconic musical entities have their inextricable link to American popular culture. That is what is celebrated at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Learn more about the lives and music of such performers as Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and more. Several multimedia exhibits are presented, as well as various programs and classes designed to bring the art and appreciation of jazz to music lovers of all ages. The museum is located inside the historic Carver Theatre.

The rumble of a motor is a sound that we may take for granted today, but when motorcycles first appeared, the noise attracted lots of attention in more ways than one. When you visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, you can travel back in time and retrace some of the most significant aspects of the history of these vehicles. The museum is the home of the world's largest motorcycle collection that now features over 1,200 vintage and modern bikes. These range in age from a motorcycle that dates back to 1902 to the current models produced this year. Also, see common street bikes as well as rare Gran Prix race machinery when you visit this highly engaging facility.