Location: Helena
Top Things to do in Helena
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Helena, United States
Helena (pronunciation hel-LE-nah) is a city in Jefferson and Shelby Counties in the state of Alabama. Helena is considered a suburb of Birmingham and part of the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 16,793. Helena is highly regarded as a place to live and raise children; Business Week named Helena the 13th "Best Place to Raise Your Kids" in 2007. It has the eighth-lowest crime rate per population in the U.S., and the city was ranked in Money magazine's 2007 list of "Best Places to Live: Top 100" in the U.S., placing at number 91. The Alabama League of Municipalities awarded Helena the 2008 Municipal Achievement Award (population 10,001 to 20,000).
Restaurants in Helena
1. Helena Amphitheater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By NetaVee - Helena, Alabama
This is the venue for many events in Helena, from the Buck Creek Festival on Mother's Day weekend to a variety of outdoor activities. It is nice and shady, with Buck Creek running through the adjacent park. Many people enjoy wading/swimming in the creek below the dam.
2. Oak Mountain State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
Reviewed By maloney1969 - Wallingford, Connecticut
My wife and I visited Oak Mountain State Park in October, 2017. I've hiked at many state & National Parks across America, and this park had some of the best marked trails I've encountered. We began our hike at the North Trailhead located on John Findlay Drive (a short distance from the entrance gate). We followed the White trail to the White-Blue Connector and then hiked the Blue Trail back to the car. The hike was about 11miles through and across heavily wooded terrain. I would rate both of the trails as moderate, nothing that an average hiker would have trouble with.
3. Buck Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By firetater - Walnut Hill, Florida
Needed a place to walk of some energy (while driving the interstate) on a beautiful day and looked this place up. Nice gravel trail thru the woods to the ball park. They keep it up nice.
4. 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.
5. Kenneth R. Penhale City of Helena Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Doctormonty - Birmingham, Alabama
Helena was born from coal and steel. The complex mining system still remains under this beautiful city; however, mining is no longer an active endeavor. Subsequent to the coal and steel the railroads identified a new stop in Helena, named after the station master's daughter. The museaum has collected a detailed number of period located in the old Masonic Hall. The only problem is it is not situated for the physicaly disabled and parking is poor. Operated by volunteers it's a shame the city, county, or state offer no support funding. These artifacts are everyone's legacy and should be preserved.
6. The Blue Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Chuck_Streets - Alabaster, Alabama, United States
My wife and I love to stop in The Blue Building and peruse the antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, jewelry and trinkets! We've not only made many purchases at The Blue Building but have sold (consignment) a few items there as well. If you're passing through Alabaster on Hwy 31, then take some time to stop in. . . you won't be disappointed.
7. 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.
8. Joe Tucker Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By luv2travelfromAR - Charlotte, North Carolina
This is a nice enough park with several sets of playground equipment. One set of the equipment is quite old and metal and very rusty. I would hesitate to let my child play on that equipment. However, the other playgrounds looked well-kept. There is a half mile walking trail around a small lake. There are many geese and ducks to see and feed. (The seem to be very accustomed to getting fed, as they were following us around practically begging.)
This isn't the nicest or best kept park I've ever been to, but it seemed to be in a safe area and have several options for fun activities for a family.
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. Alabama Wildlife Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
The Alabama Wildlife Center is Alabama’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility, caring annually for almost 2,000 wild bird patients from more than 100 species. AWC is a nonprofit organization with a dual mission: (1) to provide medical and rehabilitative care for Alabama’s injured and orphaned native birds in order to permit their return to the wild, and (2) to educate people in order to heighten awareness and appreciation of Alabama’s native wildlife. Founded in 1977 as a small, home-based, all-volunteer organization, the Alabama Wildlife Center has grown to be Alabama’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center and a leader in the rehabilitation of wild birds. Some of the methods developed here are now used in rehab facilities all over the world. Since AWC's inception, well over 50,000 native Alabama wild animals have been helped because of the center's efforts. The organization has been in continuous service 365 days a year for over 30 years. Our hallmarks are rehabilitation excellence and innovation in reuniting baby birds with their families. We also engage people of all ages in learning about birds and protecting Alabama’s native wildlife. AWC’s Wildlife Help Line provides free advice and information on how to deal with all kinds of wildlife problems and emergencies. It has been in continuous operation 365 days a year since 1981 and receives thousands of calls each year. More than 100,000 Alabamians have been helped over the years! The center has five full-time permanent employees who care for the animals, provide educational programming, and manage the business affairs of the organization. In addition, AWC relies heavily on its volunteer staff of more than 200 generous, dedicated people to carry out its various animal rescue, rehabilitation, and public education services. The Alabama Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1) nonprofit organization and receives no public funds. All current cash income is derived from membership dues, individual donations, local business donations, and corporate and foundation grants. For each dollar contributed, AWC receives approximately two dollars in donated goods and services from individuals, businesses, and the State of Alabama. Our vibrant community includes our volunteers from all walks of life and more than 1,400 bird enthusiasts of all ages who follow the touching and inspiring stories of our new patient rescues, reunites, and releases. We invite you to join us as part of the AWC community. Become a member, attend education events, and visit our facility to view our wild bird patients and learn more about our unique rehabilitation methods. As an AWC member, you’ll help in our work to preserve our natural heritage and make Alabama a better place for wildlife and for people.
Reviewed By gifthorsley - Pelham AL
The Wildlife Center rehabs injured and orphaned wild birds. You can walk through the building and learn a bit about the birds in the area. They have a nursey where they care for birds and you can watch through windows.We appreciate your review! We're glad you found your visit educational, and we hope you were able to catch some high-quality nursery action through the observation windows. If not, please come back soon for another chance. We'd love to see you!
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