10 Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences You Can Only Have In Alabama

Here in Alabama, there are many great things to see and do. From visiting the country's only lost luggage store to taking a hike through one of the world's most beautiful canyons, the experiences one can have in Alabama are endless. Listed below are 10 once-in-a-lifetime experiences you can only have in Alabama. How many of these experiences can you relate to?

1. Attend the original Mardi Gras in Mobile.

The first official U.S. Mardi Gras was held in Mobile, Alabama in 1703. That's 15 years before it was ever held in Louisiana.

2. Walk across Selma's historic Edmund Pettus Bridge.

The Edmund Pettus Bridge, which spans the Alabama River, was built in 1940. It was the site of Bloody Sunday - a historic event that occurred during the Civil Rights Movement on March 7, 1965.

3. Take a hike to the top of Cheaha Mountain.

With an elevation of 2,407 feet, Cheaha Mountain is Alabama's highest natural point. This majestic mountain offers the most incredible views.

4. Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville.

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the world's largest spaceflight museum. It's also the home of Space Camp.

5. Watch a beautiful Dauphin Island sunset.

Because of its amazing sunsets, Dauphin Island, which is located on the Gulf Coast, is known as the "Sunset Capital of Alabama."

6. Visit the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro.

The Unclaimed Baggage Center is one of Alabama's top tourist attractions. This unique store, which purchases and resells unclaimed airline luggage, receives visitors from all over the world.

7. Take a hike through Dismals Canyon in Phil Campbell.

Dismals Canyon is one of Alabama's most incredible hidden gems. What makes this nature spot such a unique place is that it's one of the few places in the world where you'll find dismalites (glowworms) - a rare insect.

8. Observe the beautiful view from Vulcan.

Vulcan, which overlooks the city of Birmingham, is the world's largest cast iron statue.

9. Take a stroll down Orr Park's Tinglewood Trail.

Orr Park, which is located in Montevallo, is one of Alabama's most unique parks. It's most famous for its Tinglewood Trail, which is a trail that consists of whimsical tree carvings.

10. Take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico.

Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast beaches are some of the finest beaches in the world. People come from near and far to dip their toes in the sugar-white sand and take a dip in the turquoise-clear water.

If you've had any of these experiences, please share your thoughts with us. Also, what other once-in-a-lifetime experiences would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.

To get the quintessential Alabama experience, you'll want to visit these 10 places.