Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham (must see)

Vulcan Park and Museum (VPM) features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham's story, a premier venue for private events and a beautiful 10-acre urban green space for visitors and locals to enjoy. Vulcan Center Museum serves as the primary educational component of VPM and tells the story of Birmingham’s “magical” creation and storied past.

VPM’s most important artifact is the 56-foot tall statue of Vulcan that stands proudly outside Vulcan Center Museum. It is the city symbol of Birmingham, Alabama, reflecting its roots in the iron and steel industry. The statue depicts the Roman god Vulcan, god of the fire and forge.It was created as Birmingham's entry for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904 World's Fair) in St. Louis, Missouri. It is the seventh-tallest free-standing statue in the United States. Vulcan Park and Museum offers a variety of educational programs and has become a popular destination for school field trips.