Background

Helena Penhale Museum: A Glimpse into Helena's Past

Discover Helena's heritage at the Penhale Museum: artifacts, photos, and stories of a historic Alabama town. Open Saturdays and by appointment!

4.7

The Helena Penhale Museum, located in a historic building in Old Town Helena, Alabama, showcases the city's rich history through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. From its days as a coal mining town to the devastating tornado of 1933, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the past.

A brief summary to Helena Penhale Museum

Local tips

  • Call ahead to schedule a tour, especially if you're visiting outside of regular Saturday hours.
  • Allow at least an hour to explore the museum's exhibits fully.
  • Check out the museum's Facebook page for a glimpse of the exhibits and special events.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Helena Penhale Museum is located at 4000 Helena Rd in Old Town Helena. If you are already in the Old Town area, the museum is easily accessible by foot. From most points in Old Town, it's a short walk along Helena Road.

  • Public Transport

    While Helena has limited public transportation, the Jefferson County Transit provides bus services throughout the city. Check the BJCTA MAX line 31 schedule for service from nearby Birmingham. From the bus stop, you may need to walk or take a short taxi ride to the museum. A single bus fare is $2.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services are available in Helena. A ride from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to the museum is approximately 25 minutes and could cost $45-$55. Local taxi services can provide transportation from other locations in Helena.

  • Driving

    The Helena Penhale Museum is located at 4000 Helena Rd, Helena, AL 35080. From I-65, take the Valleydale Road exit and head west. Turn left onto Helena Road. The museum will be on your left. Parking is available at the museum. Parking in Helena costs $1.00/hour with a maximum charge of $8.00 daily.

Unlock the Best of Helena Penhale Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Helena Penhale Museum

The Helena Penhale Museum, formally known as the Kenneth R. Penhale City of Helena Museum, is a treasure trove of local history located in Helena, Alabama. Housed in a building dating back to the late 1800s, the museum's exhibits tell the story of Helena from its early days to the present. The museum's collections include artifacts and photographs related to the city's coal mining and steel production past, its role as a railroad stop, and the devastating tornado that struck in 1933. One popular exhibit commemorates the old Helena Drag Strip, which operated in the 1950s and 1960s. Another exhibit honors Helena locals who served in the military. The museum also features Native American artifacts and exhibits about local wildlife, including the redhorse fish. Founded in 2011 by Helena native Ken Penhale, the museum has grown over the years to encompass the entirety of a two-story building. Penhale's passion for history is evident in the museum's carefully curated exhibits, which offer visitors a comprehensive look at Helena's past. The museum is open on Saturdays and by appointment, with Penhale himself often providing tours.

Popular Experiences near Helena Penhale Museum

Popular Hotels near Helena Penhale Museum

Select Currency