Previously known as the Sin City for gambling and prostitution culture, Phenix City is now a bustling tourist place, and anyone can experience bustling city life here. There are many things to do in Phenix City, Alabama. The city attracts visitors from around the state for its history-rich culture, civil war history and exquisite architecture and scenic places, as well.
Today’s Phenix City is very different from the past gambling addiction and if you visit on the weekends, you’ll love to explore fun things with family and friends in this rapidly growing city. The best part is, the city offers many budget-friendly things to explore to its visitors. Morning riverwalk, historic site exploration, going to multiple admission free parks, and watching one of the best museums, are some of these most popular free things to do in Phenix City Alabama.
So, here are some of the best things to do in Phenix City, AL. Visit as many places as you can in the weekend and make your family getaway a great experience!
1. Whitewater Rafting on Chattahoochee River
Looking for adventurous and fun things to do with friends in the weekend? For that, go with river rafting. Chattahoochee River white water rafting is one of the best things to do to sooth your adventure seeking mind!
Whitewater rafting is going to give you and your crew a thrilling adventure! Travelers from around the state come to Chattahoochee River to explore one of the best white water rafting. I’m sure your friends will not say ‘no’ to you when you’ll say about rafting on the Chattahoochee River. This activity is indeed one of the best things to do in Phenix City, AL.
RushSouth Whitewater Park, the south’s premier whitewater park, on the Chattahoochee River, is the longest urban whitewater rafting in the world! Must visit this spot with your adventurous friends. You may also take their guided whitewater rafting tours and guided kayak tours.
From beginners to experts, all can enjoy water rafting on the river. For families, the Classic Trip is the best one. It takes approximately two hours to complete. So, Chattahoochee Whitewater Rafting is truly one of the fun things to do in Phenix City, Alabama.
2. Fort Mitchell Historic Site
Fort Mitchell Historic Site, built in 1813, is one of the great places to visit in Phenix City. Among history diggers, Fort Mitchell is truly a great place to explore.
Among all the historic sites in the city, Fort Mitchell is some of the most famous historic sites as it played a very important role in Alabama settlement and statehood. This historic location can’t be miss when you’re in the city.
Visit the fort and go for tours with your family. Here visitors get to know about rich history of the Creek Indian Nation.
Fort Mitchell is adjacent to the National Cemetery. You may also visit this nice location.
Several events are hosted here throughout the year. Fall Festival at the Fort Mitchell is one of the biggest attractions. If you visit at that time, going to the festival is definitely one of the fun things to do with friends.
Furthermore, the Visitors Center upon the entrance, features numerous attractions including a museum and a theatre.
All together, visiting Fort Mitchell Historic Site with children and families in any weekend is definitely one of the fun things to make your trip a memorable one!
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3. Lake Oliver
Phenix City is located at the south end of the Lake Oliver. The reservoir is a nice day-trip destination among many families for its recreational facilities. The 2,150-acre man-made lake was created in 1959 through the Lake Oliver Dam.
During summer times, the lake is very popular for recreational sports. In the remaining seasons of the year, Lake Oliver is perfect for anglers.
There are scenic places to enjoy picnic with your family on the banks of this lake, and it is going to feel you like Heaven! The surrounding area is peaceful. If you are a serenity lover, Lake Oliver is a perfect pick for you.
Though the reservoir is a popular year-round destination, it never gets too crowded during any season. So, go to the lake and have it all to yourself!
Lake Oliver is stocked with smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass and crappies. If you love fishing, definitely spend some time in this fun game. Boating is another some of the fun things to do in this reservoir.
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4. Phenix City RiverWalk
Get ready to experience one of the most scenic things of Phenix City. Phenix City Riverwalk is a scenic 1.21-mile walk on the western bank of the Chattahoochee River. The riverwalk begins at the open air amphitheater. You can enlist the Phenix City Riverwalk activity as one of the free things to do in this joyful city.
While exploring the riverwalk, you’ll encounter different surroundings. The beauty is not only limited to scenic views, visitors can also explore a great location for wildlife viewing. Wildlife viewing scope is truly great here. Your kids will love to watch wildlife in front of them which is of course better than watching wildlife in screens!
The riverwalk will give you different experiences during day time and night time. Any time you choose, is perfect to get lost in the natural beauty. The riverwalk is also some of the romantic things to do with your girlfriend.
You’ll encounter many bikers are making this path a fun game. Peaceful strolling is another fun thing to do. Several benches, lights and fountains are placed beautifully to make the visitors’ activities and movements more delightful!
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5. Idle Hour Park
Idle Hour Park is one of the most family friendly destinations in Phenix City. Opportunities for doing fun things are literally endless. Amenities are manifold, as well. For example, lakes, trails, playgrounds, restrooms, all are present in this premier park destination.
Weekend picnics in the picnic areas of Idle Hour Park are quite popular. Grills are available here. Users need to clean the grills properly after their use to make the after users’ experience a good one.
The natural playground is a great place for children as well. If kids are with you, take them to the children’s learning trail. Kids’ another one of the favourite places to go inside the park is the splash pad area.
Other useful amenities include public restrooms, pavilion, nature trail, jogging path and the beautiful Moon Lake. No one should miss this fun place when they are exploring the Phenix City. Fishing on the Moon Lake is one of the fun things to do with your little ones and other family members, also.
Anglers need to have a valid fishing licence to catch fish. You’ll see some toddlers are enjoying this fun game with their dads. For bird watching Idle Hour Park offers one of the best birding trails in Alabama.
Visitors must remember, dogs are not allowed in the park or inside Idle Hour Park Community Center, and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in Idle Hour Park.
Open daily from dawn to dusk, going to Idle Hour Park with family or group of friends is really a good way to celebrate a pleasant and small vacation in Phenix City, AL.
6. Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Centre
Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Centre is another family fun place and perfect for a day trip. This is the place to know about the early history of the Creek Indians and their neighbours.
Alabama has always been a very interesting destination to learn a little history of the Creek Indians. Going to this heritage center is one of the best things to do in Phenix City, Alabama if you’re interested in history of Creek Indians and history of Phenix City.
Chattahoochee Heritage Centre features a famous sculpture and some other historic installations. The location of Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Centre is in Russell County and adjacent to the Fort Mitchell National Historic Landmark.
Once, this location was the homeland of Creek Nation. After many years of their tragic removal, the area was transformed into the heritage center. Now the center has grown to become a popular cultural heritage center and is administered by the Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Association.
This is an interesting place to go not only for history lovers, but for children as well. Many families choose the quick trip to Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Centre as one of the fun things to do on the weekend.
You’ll surely love the Sacred Fire Sculpture. This is the biggest attraction here. The sculpture is 21-foot high and is made with bronze and steel.
Several interpretive trails are also available to explore in this heritage site.
For providing so many educative and fun things for all ages, going to Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Centre is one of the must-to-do things in the city.
7. East Alabama Motor Speedway
East Alabama Motor Speedway is a family entertainment center in Phenix City. If you are still thinking of fun things to do when getting bored, this family fun place can be your saviour in Phenix City.
Must visit the premier entertainment venue with your whole family. The speedway is truly one of the great places to visit for ultimate family fun. Also, it’s a perfect place among couples as well. You can easily say the speedway one of the couples’ best hangout destinations in the city. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do with your girlfriend, look no further!
Moreover, East Alabama Motor Speedway is not only a racing place. It offers many best things and fun things to explore. Several events make the speedway a popular destination among all ages. There is always something happening to engage more visitors.
The parking spot is free to access. Indoor seating is available where you can enjoy unique things with friends. Race fans can purchase tickets at the ticket office on race night. Online ticket purchase option is also available.
Pets are not allowed here. You can only take your leashed pet in the parking lot and the pit areas. A concession stand is available. You may buy canned beers from here. Buyer must be 21 years of age or older. Alcoholic beverages are permitted in the speedway. Please be responsible for your beverages.
8. Coca Cola Space Science Center
Coca Cola Space Science Center is a great tourist attraction and the place allows visitors to engage with some really unique things. The science museum exploration is one of the most fun things to do outside the box.
The space science center is located in Columbus, Georgia. A day trip to the science museum is a fantastic way to celebrate getaway from the daily hustle and bustle!
Get ready to experience an incredible astronomy night in Coca Cola Space Science Center. The center is a premier space museum in Alabama. Going there is one of the cool things to do with family.
Your little space explorers are going to love this museum. Take them to the sky tour and planetarium show, presented in Omnisphere Theater. The Westrock Observatory is one of the biggest attractions here.
Coca Cola Space Science Center is open to the public once a month. If you visit in this time, don’t miss their astronomical viewing show. That exploration would definitely be your one of the best fun things to do in Phenix City Alabama.
9. Columbus Museum
Columbus Museum, in Georgia, has everything to please any heart! It’s a destination for everyone. From American art collection to regional history, all you can experience here. The museum is free to the public.
Columbus Museum serves more than 90,000 visitors annually. Several educational programs, for both children and adults, are conducted here. There is an interactive gallery. Moreover, changing exhibitions, and related activities keep happening on a daily basis.
Founded in 1953, Columbus Museum contains many artifacts for visitors to explore through both its permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions. Also, the museum is the place where you can closely observe the natural beauty.
So, Columbus Museum is a great place to enjoy nature, art, culture and history. A visit to this fantastic destination is indeed some of the best things to do in Phenix City AL.
10. National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center
Going to the National Infantry Museum, one of the best army museums in Columbus, Georgia, is one of the best free things you can do in Alabama. The 190,000-square-foot museum was opened in June 2009.
The museum features so many state-of-the-art exhibits, priceless artifacts to honor soldiers from 1775 to today. Heart-touching stories and services of these real-life heroes are also served in a fantastic way.
There are interactive galleries and memorials to the Vietnam War and the Global War on Terrorism. Opportunities are many. History lovers must explore the place. They’ll get the chance to know the past with more clarity through the National Infantry Museum’s artifacts from all eras of American history, and also from interactive multimedia exhibits.
11. Phenix City Amphitheater
Phenix City Amphitheater is truly a fantastic destination to go and enjoy with your family or crew. The amphitheater with 3,000 seating capacity features some amazing fun and exciting activities. Featuring musical performances and films are just few among them.
Located along the banks of the beautiful Chattahoochee River, exploring this riverside amphitheater will take you very close to natural beauty and to peace of mind as well. Many concerts, weddings, and civic functions are celebrated here as well.
Want to get the best views of Phenix City Amphitheater? Go to the place after sunset when the natural night lights, of course moon and countless stars, as well as man-made lights coming from the bridge, make the river, the amphitheater and the entire surroundings a captivating sight to behold!
12. Ma Rainey House and Blues Museum
Ma Rainey House and Blues Museum, a historic museum in Columbus, Georgia, is the place where you can learn so many interesting things of the blues tradition when exploring the featuring local blues history exhibits & artifacts of this historic landmark.
The exhibits also interpret the life and career of the legend Ma Rainey. Ma Rainey was a musical revolutionary, incorporating various styles of blues, and jazz. And she is widely regarded as the “Mother of the Blues.” She started showing her musical talents from the very young age.
So, going to this amazing place with your people and enjoying the exhibits and tours are definitely some of the most fun things to do in Phenix City Alabama.
Tours are offered by appointments only. The admission charge of Ma Rainey House and Blues Museum is free to the public. It’s a year-round destination. You may choose going there any day except Sundays.
Both self-guided and group tours are available. groups over 6 should make reservations in advance.
Conclusion
Things to explore along with free things to do in Phenix City AL are endless. The best part is the city still can be great weekend vacations when someone wants to enjoy cheap family vacations and plan a trip to the city! Be it family fun places, or, crazy things to do with your girlfriend, or, fun things to do when hanging out with friends, Phenix City can fulfil all these desires to all heart! So, embark on a journey to Phenix City and celebrate your weekend peacefully with your near and dear ones.
