Background

Railroad Park: Birmingham's Downtown Oasis

Discover Birmingham's vibrant heart at Railroad Park: a blend of history, nature, and community in a revitalized urban space.

4.7
A question is required

Railroad Park, a 19-acre green space in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, is a vibrant blend of recreation, culture, and history. Opened in 2010, the park transformed a former industrial wasteland into a central gathering place, celebrating the city's industrial heritage and offering a space for community events, recreation, and relaxation.

A brief summary to Railroad Park Foundation

  • Monday 7 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-11 pm
  • Friday 7 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Check the park's event calendar for concerts, festivals, and free activities.
  • Enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the park.
  • Take a stroll or jog along the Magic City Loop or Rail Trail.
  • Visit the park in the evening for free metered parking after 6 PM and on weekends.
  • Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenic views of the Birmingham skyline.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), walk south on 9th Ave N towards 19th St N. Turn right onto 19th St N and continue south for approximately 0.6 miles. Turn left onto 1st Ave S. Railroad Park will be on your right, spanning from 14th Street to 18th Street. This walk is approximately 15 minutes and is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Central Station, several bus lines (100, 14, 25, 280, 31) will take you close to Railroad Park. Exit Central Station and board any of these buses. The closest bus stops to Railroad Park are Central Station (Ib) and 20th St S And 3rd Ave S, each a 4-minute walk to the park. A one-way fare is $1.50 for adults, $1 for students (grades 1-12), and $0.75 for seniors (62+) with valid ID, those with disabilities, military IDs, and Medicare cards.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in downtown Birmingham, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Railroad Park is readily available. Simply provide the destination address (1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233) to the driver. The ride typically takes 5-10 minutes depending on traffic and costs approximately $8-$15.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233. Metered street parking is available along 1st Avenue South and the surrounding streets. Metered parking is free after 6 PM and on weekends. During weekdays, expect to pay around $1.50 per hour. Several parking lots are also located within a few blocks of the park; rates vary but typically range from $6-$15 for a few hours.

Unlock the Best of Railroad Park Foundation

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Railroad Park Foundation

Railroad Park, often called “Birmingham's Living Room,” is a 19-acre urban park located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. Opened in the fall of 2010, the park has become a central gathering place for residents and tourists alike, offering a blend of recreational activities, cultural events, and natural beauty. The park's design incorporates elements of Birmingham's industrial past, with the topography structured around the eleven rail lines that intersect at the site. The park lies directly south of the Norfolk Southern and CSX rail lines through downtown Birmingham. Visitors can enjoy clear views of Sloss Furnaces, a historic landmark, and explore the Rail Trail, which allows for close-up views of trains in action. Railroad Park serves as a green space and recreation center, hosting music venues, charity walks, movie nights, and other city events. There is an amphitheater that seats 4,000 people. The park also includes a lake, streams, wetlands, and walking trails. It also provides a welcoming space where all can exercise, have walking meetings, meet a friend for a picnic, find solace amid nature, and feel a sense of community. The park is a public facility owned by the City of Birmingham and managed by the non-profit Railroad Park Foundation.

Popular Experiences near Railroad Park Foundation

Popular Hotels near Railroad Park Foundation

Select Currency