I didn’t come to Bessemer looking for stories—but that’s what I found. Nestled just outside Birmingham, this city carries its past with quiet pride and lets you wander between history and adrenaline without skipping a beat. One moment, I was reading old train tickets in a museum, and the next I was flying around a speedway track with my heart in my throat. Bessemer surprised me like that. It gave me room to learn, room to laugh, and a few solid reasons to stay a little longer than I planned.
Best Things to Do in Bessemer, AL
The Bessemer Hall of History Museum
I started my visit at the Bessemer Hall of History Museum, a quiet building inside the old Southern Railway depot. From the outside, it looked like a memory. Inside, it came alive. The space was packed with artifacts—from vintage typewriters and miner’s helmets to a beautifully restored train car that once pulled into this very station.
I lingered in the room dedicated to the city’s industrial roots, reading letters from steelworkers and postcards from another century. There was a weight to it, but it didn’t feel heavy. It felt real. I remember standing in front of an old switchboard and thinking, "We forget how much was built by hands, not machines."
Afterward, I headed to The Bright Star, just a few minutes away, for a meal that’s practically a rite of passage in Bessemer. I ordered their famous Greek-style snapper with sides of stewed okra and cornbread. The fish was buttery and lemony, the kind of dish that reminded me why old-school restaurants stick around—they get it right.
The Bessemer Hall of History Museum At a Glance
- Location: 1905 Alabama Ave, Bessemer, AL 35020
- Vibe: Historical, thoughtful, authentic
- Highlights: Local railroad history, vintage items, restored train cars
- Best Time to Visit: Midday when it’s quietest
- Cost: $2 suggested donation
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Doughboy Monument at DeBardeleben Park
I made a quiet stop at DeBardeleben Park, where the Doughboy Monument stands watch over the town square. The statue is a tribute to Bessemer’s soldiers who fought in World War I—helmeted, rifle in hand, caught mid-stride. It’s one of those places that doesn’t ask for your time, but earns it anyway.
I sat on a bench nearby, watching kids play and people wander through with coffees in hand. The monument is small, but it holds space. I found myself thinking, “Even a silent statue can speak volumes if you let it.”
Just across the way, I grabbed a cinnamon roll and coffee from Bessemer Coffee Company. Warm, soft, and sticky in the best way—the kind of sweet bite that keeps you grounded after something solemn.
Doughboy Monument at DeBardeleben Park At a Glance
- Location: 1623 2nd Ave N, Bessemer, AL 35020
- Vibe: Reflective, central, community-minded
- Highlights: WWI statue, shaded benches, walking paths
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for quiet reflection
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
Alabama Splash Adventure
That afternoon, I went in the opposite direction—straight into summer chaos at Alabama Splash Adventure. This place is all bright colors, water slides, and the sound of flip-flops slapping pavement. Kids were everywhere, laughing and shrieking with joy. And honestly? I kind of loved it.
I floated down the lazy river, rode the Rampage wooden rollercoaster, and even braved a two-story waterslide. For a few hours, I wasn’t an adult with a to-do list—I was just someone shouting with glee on a tube. I remember thinking, “It’s good to be reminded how fun feels when you don’t overthink it.”
Before leaving, I grabbed a chili dog and frozen lemonade from the park’s snack stand. It wasn’t fancy, but it hit the spot—fast, salty, and exactly what I needed with my hair still dripping.
Alabama Splash Adventure At a Glance
- Location: 4599 Splash Adventure Pkwy, Bessemer, AL 35022
- Vibe: Family-friendly, loud, pure fun
- Highlights: Water park, rides, lazy river, live shows
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings to avoid crowds
- Cost: ~$30–$40 per person
- Hours: Seasonal; open late spring to early fall
Red Mountain Park
Later, I took a short drive to Red Mountain Park, just outside Bessemer but well worth the detour. The trails here are long and quiet, cutting through forests once shaped by iron mining. I hiked up to an overlook where the skyline peeked through the trees, and it felt like the whole state of Alabama had exhaled around me.
The park also has zip lines, treehouses, and preserved mining structures—but even just walking the trails was enough. I remember thinking, “Sometimes nature heals best when it’s carrying a bit of history, too.”
On my way out, I stopped at Rusty’s Bar-B-Q for a pulled pork sandwich with baked beans and coleslaw. The meat was smoky and tender, the sides creamy and classic. It was the kind of meal you don’t rush—just like the park I’d come from.
Red Mountain Park At a Glance
- Location: 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211
- Vibe: Scenic, historic, peaceful
- Highlights: Hiking trails, zip lining, mining ruins, scenic overlooks
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon or early morning for cooler weather
- Cost: Free admission; activity fees vary
- Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events
I wrapped up my time in Bessemer with a serious adrenaline boost at Autobahn Indoor Speedway. Walking in, I could already hear the whir of electric karts zipping around the track. Helmets lined the wall like a dare, and I decided—why not? I suited up and took off.
The track was fast, the turns tighter than I expected, and I quickly learned that hugging corners was a whole art form. Racing with strangers turned into a friendly rivalry, and by the end of it, I was breathless and grinning like a teenager. I remember thinking, "There’s something about going full speed that reminds you you’re alive."
After racing, I cooled off with a cold soda and pretzel from the snack bar, still buzzing from the ride. It was fast, silly, and a perfect way to end a trip that surprised me at every turn.
Autobahn Indoor Speedway At a Glance
- Location: 5960 Greenwood Pkwy, Bessemer, AL 35022
- Vibe: Competitive, high-energy, modern
- Highlights: Electric go-kart racing, axe throwing, arcade games
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday evenings for shorter wait times
- Cost: ~$25 per race; combo packages available
- Hours: Monday–Thursday 12–10 p.m., Friday–Sunday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Travel Tips: How to Get to Bessemer, AL
- Driving in? I took I-20/I-59 and reached Bessemer in about 20 minutes from Birmingham. You’ll find I-459 handy for bypassing downtown traffic.
- Flying? I landed at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) and drove roughly 25 minutes. You’ll be on the highway before you know it.
- Prefer train or bus? I’ve used Amtrak and Greyhound into Birmingham, then rented a car. You can also grab local transit if you don’t mind a short transfer.
Where to Stay in Bessemer, AL
- I chose Hampton Inn Bessemer for its free breakfast and pool – You’ll appreciate the family-friendly vibe and easy highway access.
- Need business comforts? Best Western Plus Bessemer Hotel & Suites suited me well – You’ll get reliable Wi-Fi, a workspace, and quick drives to attractions.
- For clean, modern rooms, I liked Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott – You’ll stay near shopping and dining without sacrificing comfort.
Final Thoughts on Bessemer
Bessemer isn’t a flashy place—and that’s exactly its charm. It invites you in without a spotlight, then slowly hands you stories: some told through museums, some through barbecue sauce and rollercoaster drops. I didn’t expect to find so much variety here—quiet moments, big thrills, deep history—but that’s what makes it special.
I kept thinking, "You don’t need a major city skyline to make a place unforgettable—you just need heart, and Bessemer’s got it."