For a local perspective on the top tourist attractions in Alabama, we asked our Only In Alabama readers for their top picks. Their must-sees around the state range from the raw beauty of natural wonders to the echoes of history in iconic landmarks and museums. These picks invite you to learn about where we've come from and how it's shaped where we are today and consider how we're positioned for the future.

1. Moundville Archaeological Park, Moundville

This top Native American heritage site is 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa on the Black Warrior River. Once America's largest city north of Mexico, what is known today as Moundville got the nickname of “The Big Apple of the 14th Century” from National Geographic. The park preserves 29 earthen mounds that once provided elevated platforms for ancient structures. Today, it offers panoramic views, a museum, a nature trail, picnic spots, and a campground.

2. Dismals Canyon National Natural Landmark, Phil Campbell

Meet North America's exclusive glow worms at Dismals Canyon, a hidden gem with waterfalls, lush landscapes, and the Dismalites. The tiny bioluminescent creatures make the rock walls seem to sparkle at nightfall. The canyon was home to Native Americans 10,000 years ago and also served as a refuge for outlaws Jesse James and Aaron Burr.

3. DeSoto Falls, Mentone

See one of the state's tallest waterfalls, DeSoto Falls in Mentone, Alabama. The falls are part of DeSoto State Park - both named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto - and are situated atop Lookout Mountain. Flowing year-round, the waterfall is accessed by a paved path from the DeSoto Falls Picnic Area just off Lookout Mountain Parkway.

4. Cathedral Caverns State Park, Woodville

Marvel at one of the world's largest caves and other wonders of Cathedral Caverns in Cathedral Caverns State Park. The cave's colossal entrance, measuring 25 feet high and 126 feet wide, sets the stage for an awe-inspiring underground adventure. This underworld is otherworldly with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The setting includes Goliath, one of the world's largest stalagmites.

5. Ivy Green, Helen Keller Birthplace, Tuscumbia

Experiencing the story of Helen Keller will inspire and astound you at her birthplace and home, Ivy Green in Tuscumbia. Known as America's "First Lady of Courage," Keller became the first deaf-blind student to graduate from college. You can tour the 1820 home, which is filled with period antiques and interpretive displays. On the grounds, you'll see the well-pump where Keller had her breakthrough moment with teacher Anne Sullivan.

6. U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville

Take a giant leap into Alabama's space legacy at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Engage in exhibits and roam among rockets as you discover the captivating stories of space exploration. From astronaut simulators to interactive displays, visitors get a taste of what it’s like to embark on a mission themselves. For a greater value, you might consider a Huntsville & North Alabama Multi-Attraction Pass which covers admission here and at several other excellent attractions around the region.

7. Vulcan Park & Museum, Birmingham

Pay a visit to Vulcan, the world's largest cast-iron statue, which is 56 feet tall and weighs over 100,000 pounds. Crafted by sculptor Giuseppe Moretti in the early 1900s, Vulcan symbolizes Alabama's iron production supremacy. Perched on Red Mountain with a 124-foot pedestal, the statue overlooks Birmingham, providing breathtaking views. Explore the statue's significance to the city’s history at Vulcan Center. You can also get great city views along the 1.7-mile Vulcan Trail.

8. Cheaha Mountain, Delta

Sightseeing hits the peak at Cheaha Mountain, Alabama's pinnacle at 2,413 feet. The mountain is located within Alabama's oldest state park since 1933, Cheaha State Park. Surrounding the park are Talladega National Forest's nearly 400,000 lush acres. Campers and hikers will love this area, which has great amenities and trails with stunning scenery and jaw-dropping overlooks.

9. Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, Tuskegee

See where Booker T. Washington established a long-lasting legacy in the Tuskegee Institute. The site is now home to Tuskegee University, a private and historically Black land-grant university. Washington founded his institute here in 1881 and recruited luminaries like George Washington Carver to teach. Carver's many agricultural innovations elevated the institute's stature and benefited the state economy. Note that while Washington's home, The Oaks, and the George Washington Carver Museum are closed until 2025 for renovation. Until then, you may still explore the open park grounds and tour the Tuskegee University campus, a designated historic district with many student-built buildings designed by Robert R. Taylor, the first African-American MIT graduate.

10. Civil Rights Memorial & Trail, Montgomery

Take a powerful journey through Montgomery's civil rights history by visiting sites along the US Civil Rights Trail. Stops include The Legacy Center near Riverfront Park, Court Square, where many important events occurred, including Rosa Parks boarding the bus the fateful day she refused to give up her seat. People especially appreciate the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Dexter Parsonage Museum, and Martin Luther King Jr. home. The Civil Rights Memorial Center is a must, as is the Freedom Rides Museum. Consider purchasing and downloading a self-guided walking tour to enhance your experience.

11. Fort Morgan State Historic Site, Gulf Shores

Explore Fort Morgan, a renowned masonry star fort completed in 1834 and once a pinnacle of military architecture. This National Historic Landmark guarded Mobile Bay for 110 years and continues to be a stopover for migrating birds. Visitors can tour the grounds, artillery batteries, a military history museum, and find unique items in the gift shop. The site is accessible to people with physical disabilities.

12. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile

Step aboard the USS Alabama, a 35,000-ton South Dakota class battleship commissioned in 1942. Once home to a crew of 2,500 brave Americans, this historic vessel played a crucial role in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans during World War II before retiring in 1962. Schoolchildren raised money to save it from being scrapped, and it found a new home in Mobile Bay. The ship has operated as a World War II museum since 1964. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1986, it draws thousands of visitors annually. This attraction is one of several available using the Mobile Area Multi-Attraction Pass.

13. Gulf Coast Beaches

The white-sand beaches of Alabama’s Gulf Coast are a hands-down, must-do, according to many of our readers (and seconded by this writer). Our main beach towns are Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Enjoy sun-soaked relexation along turquoise waters. Savor fresh seafood and make new memories at the many family-friendly attractions.

14. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

Uncover the poignant history of Horseshoe Bend near Alexander City, where a decisive battle on March 27, 1814, ended the Creek Indian War. Tennessee militia, U.S. Infantry, and 600 Cherokee and Creek Indians secured victory, leading to the Trail of Tears and the forced relocation of Native Americans to Oklahoma. Explore this solemn chapter at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, where the 2.2-mile Horseshoe Bend Trail guides you through the battlefield and along the Tallapoosa River.

15. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park

You'll step all the way back to the state's earliest days at Old Cahawba, Alabama's first permanent capital from 1820 to 1826. Now an abandoned town in Dallas County, it's embraced as "Alabama's Most Famous Ghost Town." Operating as Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, this historic site draws visitors yearly to explore the remnants of a bygone era.

Which of these must-see destinations have you visited? Do you agree they are the top tourist attractions in Alabama? We'd love to hear about your experiences visiting any of these places. And most definitely let us know what other spots you'd add.