Location: Bessemer
Top Things to do in Bessemer
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Bessemer, United States
Bessemer is a city southwest of Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States, and about 8 miles (13 km) west of Hoover. The population was 27,456 at the 2010 Census. It is within the Birmingham-Hoover, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area, of which Jefferson County is the center. It developed rapidly as an industrial city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Restaurants in Bessemer
1. Alabama Splash Adventure
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 203 reviews
Under new ownership since 2014, Alabama Splash Adventure has added 9 new attractions and has restored the Rampage wooden roller coaster. The park offers free parking, free soft drinks, free sunscreen, and free inner tubes.
Reviewed By MW66325 - Calera, Alabama
We had an amazing day at this park. I cannot say enough good things about it: loved the free parking, the clean facilities, the nice changing rooms, the free fountain drink stations. The price to get in was reasonable and because we bought our tickets...MoreGosh, we are working so hard to make this into the greatest family owned and operated park in the South and the World. Than you so much, we will continue to improve!
2. Aldridge Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By Ms_Pat - Northwest Florida
Wanting a break from interstate traffic, my husband and I decided to pause for a peaceful walk in Aldridge Gardens. Our first visit here, we found it to be an oasis in an otherwise busy city. A very short distance off the interstate, it is a convenient stop whether traveling on I-459 or I-65. The grounds are lovely with whimsical sculptures, flowers, and a lake. A bonus -- admission is free. I would highly recommend.
3. Western Hills Mall
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By gidget0949 - alabama
This is not a place I would visit often. The atmosphere is off and the stores are not that great!! Bottom line I was skeptical of visiting due to the number of fights that have occurred especially when there's a sale at footlocker which is also housed within the mall.
4. Breakout Games - Birmingham
Overall Ratings
5 based on 898 reviews
This isn’t your average outing or everyday experience—Breakout is for those who would rather solve mysteries than watch someone else have all the fun. With different rooms that follow unique story-lines, you and your friends will have 60 minutes to escape your adventure of choice by cracking codes, solving puzzles and following clues. Part problem solving, part adrenaline, end-to-end fun!
Reviewed By Donna U - Gardendale, Alabama
We did this for the first time with family members. We had 5 in our group and a young couple was added. So we had 7 people for Mystery Mansion, which had a max of 8.
Everyone worked well together and all contributed. We made it out with only a couple of minutes to spare.
An evening of fun!
5. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Overall Ratings
5 based on 992 reviews
This historic museum traces the journey of the civil rights advocates of the 1950s and 60s, who changed the course of American history. The struggle for equality for Black Americans is chronicled here, from the Jim Crow laws in the 1800s to the freedom rides, sit-ins and demonstrations of the 1960s.
Reviewed By Joan P - Damariscotta, Maine
We spent the afternoon exploring the Birmingham Civil Right Institute and I found it a very moving and powerful experience. Being old enough to have lived through the 1950s and 1960s, I already knew the history, but the audio, video, and photographic displays brought it all to life again. It is our history.
The building itself is organized in a circular fashion which progresses chronologically from the 1950s to the present time. There is enough variety in the exhibits to keep you interested. Lots to read, lots to learn. Lots to watch.
I would recommend that all Americans go to this Museum. And probably non-American visitors should go there to get some understanding of the Civil Rights movement in America.
6. Riverchase Galleria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By Robert R - Helena, Alabama
When I visit this mall (rarely) I REALLY try to have a good experience, but always get disappointed. When I visited this mall yesterday I waited until 10 AM to make sure all of the stores were open. As usual, they were not. Some of the unsightly bizarre-like center free-standing shops were not open and several of the shops opened at least 45 minutes late. The shops are generally run by very young sales persons who tend to pay more attention to their cell phone than taking care of customers. And the free-standing shops still have their sales people shouting at shoppers ("sir, sir come here try this sample" etc). Instead of taking my time to shop and walk around and have a nice lunch, I went directly to the store where I had business and departed. This mall has seen its better days. If you want vendors from center isle stores shouting at you, if you want stores not opening on time, if you want to compete with a cell phone for the attention of a salesperson, then this mall is for you. This mall is one of the reasons why shopping on Amazon is so popular.
7. Gip's Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By thefluss - Birmingham, AL
Gip's is unique. Started 50 years ago in the segregated South Gip's has always been a place where race and social standing never mattered. Mr. Gip is 94 and you'll love him the minute you shake his hand. A great diverse crowd sharing, music, song, dance and drinks. Just a really fun time. If your from the Birmigham area you'll want to go back again and again. If you have guests from out of town give them an experience they'll talk about for years.
8. McWane Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 820 reviews
Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX(R) Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder - from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. The energy and excitement of discovery spring to life through an extensive lineup of science demonstrations performed daily by talented educators. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX(R) Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers.
Reviewed By ekkerb - Franklin, Tennessee
Good science center experience. Nice compact museum with something for everyone. Kind of a combination children's museum with a traditional science museum. Our kids had a fun time. Takes a few hours to see everything. It was helpful we were able to use our reciprocal benefits with the Adventure Science Center in Nashville.
9. Moss Rock Preserve & Waterfalls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By ksC3328ZN - Alabama
This is a fun place to wander around in. Lots of rock formations, lots of hiking options. If you're a rock climber, there are mild bouldering options. If you seek them out, there are fun semi-hidden locations. A good deal of harmless hippie graffiti. A nice place to spend a morning or afternoon.
10. The Bessemer Hall of History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By travelwriter52 - Conyers, GA
It is only basically two rooms but it has lots of history items from the city's past. No charge to visit but donations accepted. Across the street is a boxcar with a model train representing the city in its heyday but you have to ask the volunteers at the museum to open it for you. Beautiful historical depot. Good place to watch trains also.
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