Vulcan Park and Museum
Vulcan Park and Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
The largest cast-iron statue in the world created for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair placed on top of Red Mountain with a beautiful view of downtown Birmingham. Also, inside Vulcan Center, is an interactive museum that contains the historical timeline of the city of Birmingham.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,400 reviews
Excellent
696
Very good
543
Average
147
Poor
11
Terrible
3
Noel78
Tennessee573 contributions
Dec 2022
On a cold December day we made our first visit to see the statue of Vulcan which overlooks Birmingham from Red Mountain. He was created in 1902 for the St Louis World's Fair to promote the iron industry then flourishing in the city. Now he is a symbol of its past glory because the furnaces are long closed.
But he is a fun stop. An admission ticket will buy you entrance into a small museum that documents his and the city's history. Then you can take an elevator ride up to Vulcan's level which is about 10 stories up. Visitors can alternatively climb the stairs to the platform.
This would be a fun activity for kids.
But he is a fun stop. An admission ticket will buy you entrance into a small museum that documents his and the city's history. Then you can take an elevator ride up to Vulcan's level which is about 10 stories up. Visitors can alternatively climb the stairs to the platform.
This would be a fun activity for kids.
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdyrtr99
Saint Louis, MO47 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Interesting history of the Vulcan statue and the homage it pays to the Iron ore miners in the early day s of Birmingham. Statue made a trip to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, MO. You can take an elevator up to almost the top of the statue and view the city of Birmingham.
Written May 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
livelife h
Atlanta, GA3,913 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Beautiful way to see the city. Price of a mission is six dollars which gives you access to the museum and to the Tower. Plenty of places to see the views even if you don't go to the top of the tower. Pretty cool experience if you just want to relax and see some cityscapes
Written March 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mirtle2
Saint Louis, MO261 contributions
Sep 2020
What a neat place. The Vulcan statue above Birmingham was originally made for the 1904 World's Fair. The park is lovely with a great view of the city. We paid the $6 to see the museum and go up to the top of the statue. The museum was great, telling the story of the history, art and science behind the creating and restoration of Vulcan.
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ransom007
Anaheim, CA1,206 contributions
Oct 2020
The park has free parking. If you want to go to the statue and museum, you must ascend about 50 stair steps. There is an elevator inside "Vulcan" which leads to the observation tower which must have a fabulous view of the city. I only went to the visitor center (which houses the museum and gift shop) and that provided a breath taking panorama of Birmingham. Admission to the museum is nominal (I paid $5.50 as a senior). The museum gives a good history of Jefferson County. It also has a section on the civil rights movements for both minorities and women.
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cynthiab
Los Alamos, NM2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
For a first visit to Alabama, this was a great place to start. We arrived at BHM and, with our rental car, drove straight to Vulcan Park. There is a great view of Birmingham from there. In addition to the history of the Vulcan statue, the park’s modest-size museum describes the iron ore mining and steel production history of the city, including labor struggles and civil rights demonstrations related to that industry. There is an elevator as well as the original stairs to get up the tower to the platform under the massive 1904 statue of Vulcan. Even better views of the city can be accessed from up there. Below the area of the tower and museum is a room from an original iron ore mine, seen through a barred opening.
Written March 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
genglertNorfolk_VA
Greenville, NC161 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We enjoyed the museum, which has a LOT of interesting information about early Birmingham, including tidbits on coca cola rivals in the early days of the soft drink. We were able to get to the top of the tower even though the elevator was not working. It is 159 steps to the top with many landings to stop and rest. Once you get to the top there is a grating that surrounds the tower,so (unless you are uncomfortable with heights) you con see for360°.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting! The views from the top are unmatched!
Written December 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steff S
111 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
This was a neat place to visit. It’s a fairly quick visit but has some nice views. It costs $6.60 per adult to see the small museum and go up in the statue. Fun for kids but there’s not much to it.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ladye A
Saraland, AL530 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Came for the lights and visit with Santa. It was wonderful. Line to ride the elevator took awhile, my advice is to wait till about 7:30 and the line is less than 10 people. Music was great and enjoyed pictures and visit with Santa. Didn’t make it in time for the hot chocolate, but it seemed very popular. We went inside and enjoyed learning about the history of iron in Birmingham.
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HBH2336
Leesburg, VA561 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
We walked here from our hotel downtown which was about a 1.2 mile hike up 20th. There were t sidewalks for a small portion of the walk so be careful. The views from both the museum and statue are amazing 360 views. The cost to go to the top of the statue and the museum was very affordable and worth it. Would definitely recommend going here if you’re in the area.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WANDERERflorida
Clearwater, FL13 contributions
What is the cost to ride the elevator to the observation deck?
Stclair1958
Collinsville, MS289 contributions
$6 for adults and that includes park
tsciort904
Mobile, AL
Is there a restaurant in the vulcan?
Amber
Trussville, AL112 contributions
No. Just a gift shop.
Would this be a good spot to stop for a picnic during a road trip? We only want to spend an hour and a half or so eating, stretching our legs, and exploring something new.
DrMarc9491
Franklin, KY4,143 contributions
Hi Lucrisha, you would have an enjoyable time at this location. There are picnic benches in the area. The View would be worth while also. Don't forget to bring your camera and you can also go up inside the tower for an outstanding view of the city.
this is also a wonderful location to sit and gather your thoughts. Hope this information is helpful. Enjoy your picnic and have a wonderful time. Doctor Marc PS 63:7
TravelingHeart6
Mount Pleasant, MI
Is this a safe area?
Lifetraveler1
Atlanta, GA1,315 contributions
it is safe at night too. many come to watch the sunset from the platform at the base of the Vulcan statue. there is a ticket agent who has a clear view of the parking lot as well as an attendant at the base of the elevator to take you up to the Statue platform.
Maxine D
Hot Springs National Park2 contributions
Can you Bike at this Park?
2013teach23
Columbus, GA56 contributions
The paths in this park are very steep and not too long. You,d be better off riding somewhere else. There were several cars in the parking lot with bike racks attached. The bikes were in the racks, none were in use,
Where can someone park to walk around Vulcan Park?
Michelerichards
Birmingham, Alabama26 contributions
They have a parking area where you can park. It is not hard to get to.
Daniyahmom
Alabama769 contributions
Would this be a good place to take a 9 year old?
Gary32417
Memphis, TN148 contributions
yes, if you want to learn the history of Birmingham, and Vulcan.
Vulcan Park and Museum (Birmingham) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Vulcan Park and Museum
- Vulcan Park and Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- We recommend booking Vulcan Park and Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Vulcan Park and Museum tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Vulcan Park and Museum:
- (0.42 mi) Birmingham Tree House
- (0.74 mi) Valley Hotel Homewood Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (0.67 mi) Homewood Suites by Hilton Birmingham Downtown Near UAB
- (0.35 mi) #3 UAB KING SUITE+2 MIN WALK TO RESTAURANT
- (0.58 mi) Hassinger Daniels Mansion Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Vulcan Park and Museum:
- (0.21 mi) Scott's Koney's
- (0.62 mi) Highlands Bar & Grill
- (0.62 mi) Chez Fonfon
- (0.44 mi) Dreamland BBQ
- (0.81 mi) Bottega Restaurant
Vulcan Park and Museum Information
Excellent Reviews | 679 |
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Very Good Reviews | 531 |
Vulcan Park and Museum Photos | 777 |