Old Alabama Town, Cahaba Valley Travel Guide

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Discover Alabama's heritage in a living history museum in downtown Montgomery. Explore restored buildings and experience the stories of early Alabamians.

Step back in time at Old Alabama Town, a living history museum in Montgomery, Alabama, showcasing restored 19th- and 20th-century buildings that depict life in early Alabama. Explore homes, workplaces, and community buildings to experience the state's rich heritage.

A brief summary to Old Alabama Town

301 Columbus St, Montgomery, Alabama, 36104, US
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Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old Alabama Town.

Visit on the second Saturday of the month for free admission [3, 5, 16].
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces throughout the six-block area [5, 16].
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the site and take in all the exhibits and historical information [5, 8, 16].
Check the Old Alabama Town website for special events and demonstrations [5, 16].

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Explore Old Alabama Town on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Old Alabama Town, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Alabama State Capitol, walk north on N Hull St for approximately three blocks [5, 8, 15]. Turn left onto Columbus St. Old Alabama Town will be on your left [5, 8, 15]. The entrance and visitor center are located at the Loeb Reception Center, 301 Columbus Street [5, 8, 15]. This is about a 10-15 minute walk [8, 15]. Consider the weather, as there is minimal shade along the route [8, 15].
Public Transport

Montgomery Area Transit System (The M) offers bus service near Old Alabama Town [5, 8, 15]. Check the M's website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules [5, 8, 15]. Several bus routes stop within a few blocks of the attraction [5, 8, 15]. From the nearest bus stop, follow the walking directions to reach the entrance [5, 8, 15]. A single ride on The M costs $1.50 [8, 15].
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery [5, 8, 15]. Request a ride to 301 Columbus St, Montgomery, AL 36104 [5, 8, 15]. The fare from downtown Montgomery typically ranges from $8 to $12, depending on traffic and demand [5, 8, 15].
Driving

If driving, navigate to 301 Columbus St, Montgomery, AL 36104 [5, 8, 15]. Limited street parking is available on N Hull Street and N Decatur Street, as well as in the Old Alabama Town parking area [5, 15]. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around $5-$10 for a few hours [5, 15]. Free parking is available on the site across from the Loeb Reception Center [3, 15]. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak tourist season and special events [5, 15].

Discover more about Old Alabama Town

Old Alabama Town, located in the heart of downtown Montgomery, is a captivating historic district that transports visitors to 19th- and early 20th-century Alabama [6, 8]. This unique living history museum encompasses six city blocks and features over 50 carefully restored buildings, each with its own story to tell [3, 9].Founded in 1967 by the Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery, Old Alabama Town began with the acquisition of the Ordeman-Mitchell-Shaw Townhouse, an elegant Italianate residence dating back to the 1850s [6, 8, 9]. Since then, the collection has grown to include a diverse array of structures, reflecting the social and economic fabric of the time [3, 8].As you stroll through Old Alabama Town, you'll encounter everything from grand townhouses to rural pioneer cabins [12]. Explore the Lucas Tavern, the oldest surviving building in Montgomery County, where General Lafayette was once entertained [6, 8, 9]. Visit a one-room schoolhouse, a working cotton gin, a blacksmith shop, and a corner grocery store to get a sense of daily life in early Alabama [3, 9, 10].Old Alabama Town is more than just a collection of buildings; it's a place where you can engage with the past through interactive exhibits and demonstrations [8]. Knowledgeable guides bring the stories of early Alabamians to life, sharing insights into their daily lives, challenges, and triumphs [8].