Old Alabama Town, Central Alabama Travel Guide

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Discover 19th-century Alabama life in Montgomery's Old Alabama Town, a captivating open-air museum with historic homes, workplaces, and cultural landmarks.

Step back in time at Old Alabama Town, a living history museum in Montgomery, Alabama, showcasing 19th and early 20th-century life. Explore restored homes, workplaces, and landmarks across six blocks, offering a glimpse into the lives of early Alabamians [9, 13].

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 [5, 8, 19].
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces throughout the six-block area [8, 16, 19].
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the site and take in all the exhibits [6, 8, 16].
Check the Old Alabama Town website for special events and demonstrations for a more interactive experience [8, 19].
Consider a guided tour of the Ordeman-Mitchell-Shaw Townhouse for an in-depth look at 19th-century family life [6, 8].

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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, head north on N Hull St for approximately three blocks [6, 8]. Turn left onto Columbus St. Old Alabama Town will be on your left [6, 8]. The entrance and visitor center are located at the Loeb Reception Center, 301 Columbus Street [6, 8]. This is about a 10-15 minute walk [6, 8]. Consider the weather, as there is minimal shade along the route [6, 8].
Public Transport

Montgomery Area Transit System (The M) offers bus service near Old Alabama Town [6, 8, 19]. Check the M's website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules [6, 8]. Several bus routes stop within a few blocks of the attraction [6, 8]. From the nearest bus stop, follow the walking directions above to reach the entrance [6, 8]. A single ride on The M costs $1.50 [6].
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery [6, 19]. Request a ride to 301 Columbus St, Montgomery, AL 36104 [6, 19]. The fare from downtown Montgomery (e.g., the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center) typically ranges from $8 to $12, depending on traffic and demand [19].
Driving

If driving, navigate to 301 Columbus St, Montgomery, AL 36104 [4, 6]. Limited street parking is available on N Hull Street and N Decatur Street, as well as in the Old Alabama Town parking area [4, 6, 16]. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around $5-$10 for a few hours [4, 6, 16]. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak tourist season and special events [4, 6, 16]. Free parking is available on the site across from the Loeb Reception Center [6].

Discover more about Old Alabama Town

Old Alabama Town, located in the heart of downtown Montgomery, is a captivating journey into Alabama's past [13]. This unique open-air museum encompasses six city blocks and features over 50 authentically restored structures from the 19th and early 20th centuries [7, 20]. These buildings, carefully relocated from across central Alabama, represent a cross-section of life during that era, from grand townhouses to rural cabins [7, 13].Founded in 1967 by the Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery, Old Alabama Town began with the restoration of the Ordeman House [5, 7, 8]. Today, it offers visitors an immersive experience, showcasing the architecture, culture, and lifestyles of early Alabamians [13, 20]. Explore the Working Block with its operational cotton gin and gristmill, or wander through the Living Block with its one-room schoolhouse and charming homes [7, 20].Highlights include the Lucas Tavern, the oldest known building in Montgomery, where General Marquis de Lafayette was entertained in 1825 [7, 9]. Don't miss the guided tour of the Ordeman-Mitchell-Shaw Townhouse, offering an in-depth look at urban life in the 1850s [6, 7, 8]. Costumed interpreters are available to answer questions and provide insights into the daily lives of those who lived and worked in Old Alabama Town [20]. The Shaffer Garden, with its replicated well and native plants, illustrates how a yard might have looked in 19th century central Alabama [15].Old Alabama Town is not just a collection of buildings; it's a place where history comes alive, offering a deeper understanding of Alabama's heritage and its place in American history [16].