Calera is a city in Chilton and Shelby counties in Alabama, USA. The fastest growing city in the state offers many attractions to see and do in the vicinity. The local history-rich museums are great ways to delve deep into the past. There is a myriad of parks, wineries, fitness centers, you can explore here.
So, when the time is right, embark on a journey to the colorful city of Calera with your friends and family. Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Calera, AL. Hopefully, these fine attractions will make your trip a more delightful experience!
1. Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is the official state railroad museum of Alabama. This is a historically significant museum. Regularly scheduled excursions and historic preservations make the museum one of Alabama’s biggest attractions.
The museum features the 19th century’s a wide range of locomotives, cars and other railroad equipment. Visitors are able to see two depots that are approximately 100 years old. To learn more about their collection, you may visit their website.
In Halloween and Christmas, the museum operates several excursions. And from March to December, on every Saturday, the museum operates a heritage railroad that offers two excursion trains. Many other small fun activities are held here throughout the year. So, must visit Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum with your family and kids when the time is right for you.
Address: 1919 9th St, Calera, AL 35040
Phone: (205) 668-3435
2. Big Peach Water Tower
How can you miss Alabama’s giant roadside peach tower? Big Peach Water Tower is a large water tower resembling a peach. It was constructed in 1992. The gigantic peach is 120 feet tall, and holds 500,000 gallons of water.
The iconic peach tower was constructed by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company. But Clanton’s big peach is not the largest. The “Peachoid” in Gaffney, SC, is larger and holds 1 million gallons of water.
Still, Clanton’s big peach’s popularity is not less. Must visit this roadside attraction while you are exploring the nearby attractions.
Address: 86 Peach Tower Rd, Clanton, AL 35045
3. Sage Bar & Grill
Sage Bar & Grill is a locally owned restaurant, bar and grill. There is live music and other fun things always happening here to add the much-needed spice to each customer. The family-friendly restaurant offers amazing fun events which make it a worth visiting restaurant!
Make sure to visit Sage Bar & Grill for lunch, dinner and drinks. A variety of beers on tap is available. The relaxed atmosphere along with fresh and delicious food make Sage Bar & Grill a great hangout spot.
Address: 4979 US-31, Calera, AL 35040
4. Orr Park
Orr Park is one of the busiest and popular parks in the city and in the vicinity too. The park is a wonderful place for family outings and small gatherings. The park is open daily from dawn till dusk.
Though Orr Park offers all the amazing facilities and unique activities, the park’s craze still lies for its two biggest attractions, the Tinglewood Trail and the Tinglewood Festival. This is the largest park in the area.
Visitors can enjoy an excellent walking trail through trees. Look attentively, and you’ll find many trees are carved with animals and faces. Your kids will love it. Many families come to enjoy their weekends through picnicking, bike riding, playing soccer or frisbee in Orra Park.
The park has still some other facilities like a small playground area, covered picnic tables and a beautiful gazebo.
Address: 277 Park Dr, Montevallo, AL 35115
Phone: (205) 665-2555
5. Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington
Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington is only 15-20 minutes driving distance from Calera. The fine museum is located in Columbiana, Alabama. Karl C. Harrison, a Columbiana banker, founded the museum in 1982.The museum is preserving a fantastic collection of Washington family replicas.
Admission to Harrison Museum is free and it’s available to the general public. Harrison Museum is one of the best places to learn a little about the local history. There is a library where any book lover and history digger can spend more than one hour while turning over the pages.
Surprises await in every corner of the museum. The oldest collection in the museum is the handwritten will of Colonel Daniel Parke dated 1710. Guided tours are available. Visitors need to take appointments for a group tour of more than five people.
The museum is open Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Address: 50 Lester St, Columbiana, AL 35051
Phone: (205) 669-8767
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6. Central Alabama Paintball Park
Central Alabama Paintball Park in Shelby County is a major crowd puller. The place is a huge energy booster and is packed with great fun and amazing facilities. To experience Alabama’s premier paintball fun, Central Alabama Paintball Park is a perfect pick.
The Paintball Park offers great family fun. The environment, staffs, customer services, all are first-class. Must bring your whole family to this family-friendly fun place! The engaging activities include Paintball, Dart Tag, Gellyball, Airsoft and a Shooting Gallery.
There are five spectator safe playing fields, including two with stadium lights for Night Play, and open and private play sessions, both are available. It’s an amazing place for group fun. Moreover, Paintball Park can accommodate any size group just for you!
Address: 55 Rosebud Ln, Calera, AL 35040
Phone: (205) 837-4177
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7. Limestone Park
Limestone Park is located in Alabaster. The park is nearly 12 miles from Calera. Don’t worry. Your driving path is going to be a smooth journey and enjoyable, too. So, must come to explore the 100-acre popular park.
The park is home to one of the largest beaver marshes in the area. Visitors get the opportunity to be up and close with locally rare habitats, and the featuring amenities like walking trails and picnic areas, make Limestone Park a fascinating treat for the senses of diverse age groups.
The park is a featured site on the Alabama Birding Trails system. This is one of the best birding locations in the greater Birmingham metro area. There is more to explore here. A birding observation deck is also there. The attraction is truly a worth visiting place.
Address: 2280 US-31, Alabaster, AL 35007
Phone: (205) 664-6840
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8. Ozan Winery & YH Distillery
Ozan Winery is located in the heart of Alabama’s Wine Community. It’s the place where you can enjoy award-winning handcrafted wine. Must walk in the winery with your friends, and it will serve you great wine along with breathtaking views.
Ozan is truly a relaxed vineyard and could be a nice travel break when you’re exploring the surrounding area. The tasting room holds uniqueness because of its European design along with classic stone and open beam architecture.
YH Distillery was opened in 2017. Since the opening, it crafts small batch whiskey, vodka and gin. Sounds interesting? Then also explore it. YH Distillery is also available with a complimentary tasting.
Address: 173 Co Rd 301, Calera, AL 35040
Phone: (205) 668-6926
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9. Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve
The nature preserve in Shelby County is one of the best things that each visitor must explore! Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve offers huge outdoor adventures. The elevated walkway provides easy access to the preserve.
The Ebenezer Swamp is made for the hardcore nature lovers. It’s an upland hardwood swamp on Spring Creek, built and maintained by the University of Montevallo.
A variety of birds make the preserve their home. It’s a popular birding trail also. Wildlife watching is another fun activity in Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve.
Address: Montevallo, AL 35007
Phone: (205) 665-6463
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10. Timberline Golf Club
Timberline Golf Club offers premier courses in the state of Alabama. From beginners to experts, the golf course suits all skill levels. Timberline Golf course has been rated by Golf Week Magazine as one of Alabama’s Top 10 Courses visitors can enjoy.
The golf club is great for outings. Member and non-members both are welcome. You’ll get a glimpse of the picturesque vistas of the area. The 7,900 sq. feet clubhouse includes extensive golf shop, dining room, bar and grill, locker rooms and two conference rooms.
Designed by PGA Tour star, Jerry Pate, the superb par-71 course plays at almost 7,000 yards from the tips. The courses are great fun!
Address: 300 Timberline Trail, Calera, AL 35040
Phone: (205) 668-7888
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11. Peach Park
Peach Park is a Farmers’ Market in Clanton. The fruit market has been providing the best peaches and locally produced products since 1984. There is a nice playground, a gift shop and beautiful adjoining gardens. With homemade ice cream, fresh fruit bar, homemade cobblers, fried pies, your visit to Peach Park is going to be a joyful experience!
Peach Park is open from March to November, from 9 am-8 pm.
Address: 2300 7th St S, Clanton, AL 35046
Phone: (205) 755-2065
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12. Corbin Farms Winery
Set on 5 acres, Corbin Farms Winery is a winery and restaurant located in Calera, Alabama. Also, the winery is a popular event venue. Many private dinners, corporate events, weddings and parties are hosted here.
No doubt, the atmosphere is very good and offers great food and services as well. Their food menu varies on rotating options. One of the Southeast’s oldest wineries is perfect for having top notch wines while hanging out with your dear ones!
Corbin Farms Winery is open from Thursday – Sunday, from 12-6 pm.
Address: 800 Co Rd 87, Calera, AL 35040
Phone: (205) 685-0655
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13. Calera Downtown Historic District
Downtown Calera attracts visitors for many reasons. There are many events, shops, restaurants and community engagement make the downtown a year-round bright place to visit and enjoy. The historic district offers many family-friendly dining and shopping places, also.
The paths are so colorful and beautifully decorated that a simple stroll through downtown is enough to enjoy your visit! When you’ll explore the place through walking, there are many small unique shops and other little attractions you might check out!
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14. Tin Top BBQ
The barbecue restaurant in Calera is a good stop to relax and enjoy the best barbecue in the area. Tin Top has both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a favourite place among many passer-by.
Don’t miss out the restaurant. This is really a good place to enjoy with family. The delicious dishes will not disappoint you.
Address: 3477 Co Rd 33, Calera, AL 35040
Phone: (205) 668-1409
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15. Shelby County Museum and Archives
Shelby County Museum and Archives is a perfect place to step back in time through the museum’s excellent art and history trails. Admission to the museum is free. The museum is located in the Old 1854 Courthouse of Columbiana, AL.
The Old Shelby County Court House, built in 1854, features a lot of information and artifacts well-preserved. The museum holds a large collection of local artifacts. It’s a worth visiting museum.
Address: 1854 N Main St, Columbiana, AL 35051
Phone: (205) 669-3912
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16. Carousel O Breeds
Carousel O Breeds offers amazing horseback riding services in Shelby County. The place is great to learn about horse riding. It’s a place for all ages, kids are also welcome. The place will give you a unique experience to hold back!
Carousel O Breeds is a family-owned full service horse facility and has been providing impressive services for more than 40 years. Along with horse riding, Carousel O Breeds also offer lessons, trail rides, boarding, training, horse care and many other horse-related educative lessons. So, make this horse-land your next destination for the whole family fun!
Address: 95 Albright Farm Rd, Montevallo, AL 35115
Phone: (205) 533-0432
FAQs
1. What are the top sights in Calera AL?
Calera, a city in Chilton and Shelby counties in Alabama, is home to multiple opportunities for visitors to come and enjoy some of the most beautiful and hidden places in the region. The top-rated tourist attractions in Calera include Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Central Alabama Paintball Park, Orr Park, Corbin Farms Winery and Timberline Golf Club.
2. What is there to do in Ebenezer Swamp?
Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve in Shelby County offers elevated walkways, boardwalks above the swamp, and the trail is most popular for birding and hiking. The attraction is maintained by the University of Montevallo.
