Top 5 Layover Ideas for Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport
Whether you are waiting for a connecting flight or have some time to kill before your departure, Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained. Here are our top five layover ideas for Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport.
1. Riverchase Galleria
As one of Birmingham's must-see landmarks, Riverchase Galleria offers a unique shopping experience. With the largest skylight in the western hemisphere, over 200 specialty shops, and more than 30 eateries, it's the perfect place to spend a few hours during your layover. Don't forget to check out the indoor landscaping and fountains, arcades, a NASCAR simulator, and a merry-go-round.
2. Vulcan Park
Take a short trip from the airport to Vulcan Park, home to the second tallest statue in the United States and the tallest cast-iron statue in the world. The statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, offers an observation deck with extraordinary views of the city. Remember, the torch glows red if there has been a city traffic fatality in the previous 24 hours; it is green on other days. The admission is USD1 per person and free for children younger than 6.
3. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
If you're interested in history, Sloss Furnace is a must-visit. Constructed in 1882, it's the birthplace of the city of Birmingham and produced steel for more than 90 years. The site features an industrial museum, a sculpture garden, and a park. The furnaces are occasionally the site of concerts and festivals, but otherwise admission is free.
4. Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Enjoy the beauty of nature at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Thanks to Birmingham's warm climate, something is always blooming. Tour the extensive grounds or step inside the Southeast's largest clear-span glass greenhouse. Don't forget to visit the Japanese Tea House and Garden and the Southern Living Garden. Admission is free and all paths are wheelchair and stroller-accessible.
5. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Birmingham, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park is one of the most interesting destinations in the area. The park was the site of a large Civil War-era blast furnace and now features a museum, working artisans recreating rural Alabama life circa the 1840s, and several hiking trails. Admission is USD2 for adults and USD1 for seniors and children.