Freedom Riders National Monument
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The Freedom Riders National Monument commemorates a horrific act of violence against those engaged in an incredible act of bravery. In 1961, 13 "Freedom Riders" set out to challenge the segregation policies implemented at places like lunch counters, restrooms, and even bus travel. When the group arrived in Alabama, they encountered a mob of angry white citizens. The driver decided that stopping was unsafe and continued driving. The mob chased the bus in automobiles, catching up with the bus when the slashed tires finally blew. At that point, someone in the angry crowd tossed a bomb onto the bus, and the riders were forced off the flaming bus and into the surrounding mob, where they were assaulted with pipes, fists, and other makeshift weapons. Today the Freedom Riders National Monument is a work in progress that encompasses the Greyhound bus building and the site where the violence erupted.
Things To Do Near Freedom Riders National Monument
The Freedom Riders National Monument is a new site within the National Park System, but the original bus station still stands. Visitors can see where the riders first encountered the angry mob and the spot where they bombed the bus. The Greyhound bus station is a stop on the Anniston Civil Rights Trail. The trail also includes nearby Anniston Memorial Hospital, where several of the injured riders attempted to seek treatment, and the Trailways Bus Station. In addition to a rich civil rights history, the area offers stunning vistas, hiking and biking trails, and activities for the whole family.
Hiking Trails
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Chief Ladiga Trail
Alabama's first rail trail, this 33-mile trail stretches from the Georgia-Alabama state line to Anniston, Alabama. The Chief Ladiga Trail is a wide, paved trail that utilizes a converted railroad bed, making it perfect for hiking and biking. Because it follows the old railway, the pathway is predominantly flat and takes visitors through changing landscapes, from towns to picturesque farmland and forests.
Location
Holly Farms Road, Anniston, AL 36206
Length
33 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Chinnabee Silent Hiking Trail
Constructed in 1977 by Boy Scout Troop 29, the Chinnabee Silent Hiking Trail winds through the Talladega National Forest. The trail begins at Lake Chinnabee and leads visitors past stunning views of streams, rock formations, and waterfalls.
Location
Chinnabee Silent Trail Parking Lot, AL-281, Lineville, AL 36266
Length
6 miles
Intensity
Difficult
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Lakeshore Trail
Located in Talladega National Forest, the Lakeshore Trail is a gentle loop around Lake Chinnabee. The 17-acre lake is settled in a scenic mountain valley and offers ample opportunities for observing wildlife, particularly waterfowl.
Location
1001 North Street, Highway 21 North, Talladega, AL 35160
Length
1.9 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Desoto Caverns Family Fun Park
Stop by to take a cave tour, see the impressive onyx-marble formations, and take in the stunning Kymulga Cathedral room, a section of the cave that rises as high as a 12-story building and stretches over more than a football field. The park also offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities above ground, including magic shows, jugglers, blacksmith demonstrations, mini-golf, and more.
Location
5181 DeSoto Caverns Parkway, Childersburg, AL 35044
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Cherokee Rock Village
Set atop Lookout Mountain, Cherokee Rock Village is a 200-acre public park site best known for its incredible sandstone boulders and massive rock formations. The park offers 14 miles of hiking and running trails as well as equestrian and mountain biking trails. Stop by and take in the stunning views of Weiss Lake, or if you like a challenge, engage in some rock climbing.
Location
2000 County Road 70, Leesburg, AL 35983
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Talladega Superspeedway
At 2.66 miles long, the Talladega Superspeedway is the longest NASCAR racing oval. Sitting on a 2,000-acre site that was once home to abandoned airfields, today the complex hosts up to 175,000 race fans for such key NASCAR races as the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Location
3366 Speedway Blvd., Lincoln, AL 35096
Museums
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Anniston Museum of Natural History
Take a trip to explore the wonders of nature and the world around us. Explore the habitats and habits of animals from around the world. Then, stop by the Ancient Egyptian exhibit to learn about the 2,300-year-old pair of mummies on display. The museum is located within a park setting and even offers several walking trails designed to showcase or attract specific species of flora and fauna.
Location
800 Museum Drive, Anniston, AL 36206
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Berman Museum
The Berman Museum was founded by Farley and Germaine Berman, two WWII-era spies sent to spy on each other to root out a double agent. Fortunately for the Bermans, neither was the rogue agent, and the two ended up marrying in 1945. Throughout their marriage, they traveled and collected bits of unique art and historical artifacts. Today, that collection featuring unique spy weaponry and historical artifacts is on display at the Berman Museum.
Location
840 Museum Drive, Anniston, AL 36206
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Calhoun Pickers
Wander over 3,800 square feet of sales area to find the perfect piece to add to your collection. Calhoun Pickers features over 180 vendors offering everything from antiques and vintage items to jewelry and crafts.
Location
801 Wilmer Ave., Anniston, AL 36201
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White Oak Vineyards
Nestled in the scenic Choccolocco Valley, White Oak Vineyards is a small winery that focuses on growing and producing local wines under the Southern Oak Wine label. Stop by and discover your new favorite wine or do a little shopping. The winery also offers an assortment of other goods like gift baskets, homemade jams and jellies, and candles.
Location
1484 Dry Hollow Road, Choccolocco Valley, Anniston, Alabama 36207
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Cooter Brown's Rib Shack
This hidden gem is in a run-down old bar building, but don't let that fool you. The food is freshly prepared, and the service is top-notch. Cooter Brown's Rib Shack offers delicious southern grilled and smoked meats but is best known for its award-winning ribs.
Location
8464 Alabama Highway 204 Jacksonville, Alabama 36265
How To Get To Freedom Riders National Monument
From the East: Follow I-20 West to exit 185/Alabama State Hwy 21 North, and turn left at East Eighth Street. Then, go right onto Gurnee Avenue. The station is on the corner of East Eleventh and Gurnee Avenue.
From the West: Follow I-20 to exit 179. Take exit 179. Turn left onto Alabama State Hwy 202. Then, turn left on Gurnee Avenue.
From the North: Take US 431 South. Turn right onto Alabama State Hwy 21 North. Then, turn right on East Eleventh Street.
Address
1031 Gurnee Ave., Anniston, AL 36201
Fee: Entry fee $0
The Freedom Riders National Monument is a new and developing National Monument site that is part of the Anniston Civil Rights historical trail. The area offers visitors the opportunity to reflect on the deeper meaning of what occurred during those tensely violent moments in American history. Surrounded by stunning scenery and offering many activities, traveling in an RV is a great way to explore the Freedom Riders National Monument.
