Oak Park: Montgomery's Historic Green Heart
Discover Montgomery's historic Oak Park: gardens, trails, planetarium, and a legacy of community and civil rights in a 40-acre urban oasis.
Oak Park, a 40-acre park in Montgomery, Alabama, has been a landmark since 1899. Once featuring a zoo and swimming pools, it played a significant role in the city's integration history. Today, it offers gardens, walking trails, and the W.A. Gayle Planetarium.
A brief summary to Oak Park
- 1010 Forest Ave, Montgomery, Alabama, 36106, US
- +1334-625-2300
- Visit website
- Monday 7:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 7:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 7:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 7:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 7:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit the W.A. Gayle Planetarium for an immersive journey through space; check the schedule for showtimes and special events.
- Explore the Montgomery Botanical Gardens within Oak Park to discover diverse plant collections and serene garden spaces.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's sheltered picnic areas, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
- Take a walk along the paved trails to appreciate the park's mature trees, gardens, and historical landmarks.
Getting There
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Walking
From the intersection of Forest Avenue and Oak Park Drive, enter Oak Park and follow the paved paths to explore the gardens, historical areas, and the W.A. Gayle Planetarium. The park is easily walkable, with benches and shaded areas for rest. No costs are associated with walking within the park.
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Public Transport
Montgomery Transit (MATS) operates bus routes that serve the vicinity of Oak Park. Check the MATS website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From the nearest bus stop on Forest Avenue, walk a short distance into the park. A single bus fare costs $1.25.
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Taxi/Ride-share
From downtown Montgomery or other locations in the city, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to Oak Park typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on distance and demand. Request a drop-off at the park entrance on Forest Avenue.
Discover more about Oak Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tours of Montgomery
0.9 km
Discover Montgomery's unique culture through local crafts and souvenirs at Tours of Montgomery, a charming store filled with artisan treasures.
Alabama State University Historic District
1.1 km
Explore the Alabama State University Historic District, a vibrant historical site showcasing rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty in Montgomery, Alabama.
The Jackson-Community House
1.2 km
Explore the Jackson-Community House in Montgomery, a landmark of African American history and a center for civil rights activism.
Louis Armstrong Memorial Park
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Escape to this peaceful park in Montgomery's historic Capitol Heights neighborhood, offering walking trails, a playground, and a multi-purpose field for relaxation and recreation.
Flame of Freedom
1.5 km
A solemn war memorial on the Alabama Capitol grounds, honoring the state's veterans and their service to the nation.
Capitol Historic Building Tour
1.6 km
Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of the Alabama State Capitol, a must-visit landmark in Montgomery that tells the story of a state.
Confederate Memorial Monument
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Visit the Confederate Memorial Monument in Montgomery, AL, and explore a significant historical landmark commemorating the valor of Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
Vintage Year
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Montgomery's iconic fine-dining restaurant, offering exquisite cuisine, world-class wines, and unparalleled hospitality since 1984.
Vintage Cafe
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Unmissable attractions to see
W.A. Gayle Planetarium
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Montgomery Interpretive Center of Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
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Explore the final leg of the Selma to Montgomery march, student activism, and the fight for voting rights at this historic center.
Montgomery Tours
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Discover Montgomery's rich history, culture, and charm with Montgomery Tours, where every journey unfolds captivating stories of the past.
Dexter Parsonage Museum
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Walk in the footsteps of a civil rights icon at the Dexter Parsonage Museum, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived and led during a pivotal era.
The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
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The First White House of the Confederacy
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The MOOseum
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Discover Alabama's beef cattle industry at The MOOseum in Montgomery: a hands-on, educational experience for all ages, showcasing the journey from pasture to plate and the state's rich agricultural heritage.
Museum of Alabama
1.4 km
Explore Alabama's history from prehistoric times to the present day at the Museum of Alabama in Montgomery. A journey through time awaits!
Alabama Department of Archives & History
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Explore Alabama's past at the state's premier archive and history museum in downtown Montgomery. Discover stories, artifacts, and research resources.
AlabamaMosaic
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Explore Alabama's history and culture through digitized collections of photos, documents, and stories at this unique online repository.
Alabama State Capitol
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Cloverdale Park
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A charming neighborhood park in Montgomery's historic Old Cloverdale, perfect for relaxation, recreation, and community events.
Civil Rights Memorial Center
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Reflect on the Civil Rights Movement at this moving memorial and interpretive center in Montgomery, Alabama.
Civil Rights Memorial
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A moving tribute to Civil Rights martyrs, designed by Maya Lin, in downtown Montgomery, Alabama.
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
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Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr. at this pivotal landmark of the Civil Rights Movement in Montgomery, Alabama.
Essential places to dine
China Sea Kitchen
1.3 km
Savor authentic Chinese cuisine in Montgomery at China Sea Kitchen - where tradition meets taste in every bite.
Martin's Restaurant
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J.W. Beverette's Soul Food
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Derk's Filet & Vine
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Frenchie's
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Discover authentic French cuisine at Frenchie's in Montgomery—where every dish tells a story of tradition and taste.
Can a brotha get a slice
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Moe's Original BBQ - Montgomery
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Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Moe's Original BBQ in Montgomery—where every bite tells a story of flavor and tradition.
El Rey Burrito Lounge
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Gail's Down The Street Cafe
2.1 km
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Island Delight
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Cahawba House
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Experience authentic Southern breakfasts at Cahawba House, where each dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Davis Cafe
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Farmers Market Cafe
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Plant Bae
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D'Road Cafe
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Limitless Options Boutique
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Mystical Treasures Emporium
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Explore the enchanting Mystical Treasures Emporium in Montgomery, AL - a treasure trove of unique artifacts and mystical gifts for all.
Trenae's Boutique
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Painted Pink
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Chikodis World
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Discover Chikodis World in Montgomery, Alabama - a boutique that combines fashion, beauty, and personalized service for an unforgettable shopping experience.
Big Tee's Corner Store
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Staying Classy Boutique
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The Collective Boutique
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Heaven Jewels Boutique (The Collective)
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Sparkle In Grace Boutique
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Goat Hill Museum Store
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Welle Studio
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Cottage Collections
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New Hob Nob
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ExVoto
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
VIP Hookah Lounge
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KRU on Mt. Meigs
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Pine Bar Old Cloverdale
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Rob's Pockets
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Leroy
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1048 Jazz & Blues
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Dino's
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Macs Tavern
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The Statesman
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23 Court
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Bar Attico
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The Kove
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The Alley
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AlleyBAR
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Aviator Bar
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