Seven things to do and see in Birmingham, Alabama as IndyCar visits this quirky track
Birmingham, Alabama is a lively metropolis with tons of history from industrialisation to railroads to the civil rights movement.
IndyCar visits Barber Motorsports Park from May 2-4, a track known for exciting overtakes and elevation changes.
Here, Travel News Blitz explores seven things to do and see in Birmingham, Alabama.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum houses the world's largest collection of motorcycles and Lotus race cars with 1,800 vintage and modern motorcycles on display.
Motorsport fans will love this attraction as they get to see notable cars such as 1964 Ferrari F-158 (the car that John Surtees won the 1964 Formula 1 Driver’s World Championship with).
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
This historic museum traces the journey of the civil rights advocates of the 1950s and 60s, who fought for desegregation and racial equality in the Deep South.
People will get to learn more about the Jim Crow laws in the 1800s to the freedom rides, sit-ins and demonstrations of the 1960s.
A significant part of the institute is the actual jail cell from where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. penned his famous “Letter From Birmingham Jail” in 1963.
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
These furnaces were once a part of iron and concrete manufacturing, but are now a landmark with rust coloured buildings and old fashioned signage.
The Sloss Furnaces were established in the late 19th century, where they extracted and burned raw materials in the area such as coal, iron ore and limestone.
Nowadays this landmark hosts all kinds of events such as Furnace Fest, Dia de los Muertos, Magic City Mimosa Festival and more - showing its versatility in the modern age.
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Watch the IndyCar Grand Prix of Alabama
Barber Motorsports Park is just outside of Birmingham and is a 2.3-mile permanent road course with 17 flowing turns.
The race track is known for its unique sculptures such as giant metal spiders, steel dragonflies, a pair of lions and a sisyphean figure pushing a boulder.
Indy NXT - the junior series - will also race at Barber meaning there will be non stop action on and off track with a ferris wheel, concession zones, fan zone, kids zone and more to enjoy.
Rickwood Field Park
If you’re looking to enjoy other sports, catch a baseball game at Rickwood Field Park - America's oldest baseball park and former home of the Birmingham Barons.
Since it was founded in 1910, the stadium also held the Negro Leagues - the all-black men’s baseball league (until the MLB allowed black players to join in 1947 due to Jackie Robinson signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers).
The Market At Pepper Place
This farmers market has been around since 2000, selling Alabama grown produce, meat, fruit and more for an affordable price.
Besides selling produce there are also live musicians, cooking demos, wellness days and more going on at the Market At Pepper Place.
Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events
The Autobahn Indoor Speedway’s main attraction is its race track and electric go karts that can reach speeds up to 50 mph.
Other than karting, sports fans can try axe throwing and have exciting VR experiences, either solo or multiplayer.
Summary
Birmingham is a city full of a variety of sites, from learning its rich history to exploring the many sports of the area in the Deep South.
Make sure to pack appropriately for the warm weather (the perfect time to visit just before the long and humid summer) as the average temperature ranges from 16°C - 28°C in May.
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