Hoover is a busy city in Alabama's Jefferson and Shelby Counties. The city was established in 1953, when a businessman named William H. Hoover bought land along Highway 31 in the area. Five years later, Hoover relocated the company he owned to the area and sold plots of land to many of his employees. The new community grew gradually over the next few years, and on April 22, 1967, it was officially incorporated as a city. At that time, the population of Hoover was approximately 400. In 1972, the Hoover Mall shopping center opened in the area, helping Hoover become a popular hub for retail.
As of 2020, the population of Hoover was around 92,700. The city is still known for its shopping destinations, and one of the most popular spots is the Riverchase Galleria. There, you'll find a top-tier collection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Hoover area also offers many outdoor recreational opportunities. For example, visitors can hike around the scenic Moss Rock Preserve & Waterfalls or explore the tranquil Aldridge Botanical Gardens. During your visit, you could also attend a baseball game at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex or have a picnic with the family at Veterans Park.
If you're up for some live entertainment, consider visiting the Library Theater to attend an excellent performance. You should also stop by other popular landmarks around town, such as the Don Kresge Memorial Museum and the historical Grace Community Church. Another fun option is to catch a hilarious comedy show at the StarDome Comedy Club. Then, when you're ready for a delicious dinner, you could head to Front Porch or Jubilee Joe's, both of which are popular amongst locals.
Campgrounds Near Hoover, Alabama
One campground worth considering in the greater Hoover area is the General Lee Marina & Campground. The quiet campground features full-hookup RV campsites and is surrounded by lovely scenery. Located right beside a placid lake, the park offers great opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, and there are boat rentals available for campers. If you need to restock on supplies, you can do so at the on-site convenience store.
Another fantastic campground to check out is the Logan Landing RV & Cabin Resort, which has 67 full-hookup RV campsites available for $37.95 per night or $400 per week. The campground is home to a sizable lake, where visitors can enjoy fishing and boating. There's also a private beach where you can go for a swim during your stay. Additionally, the campground is family-friendly and provides guests with many great amenities.
You could also stay at the Inspire Communities Carson Village. This RV campground offers a great selection of amenities, including a clubhouse, a community kitchen, billiards, and a playground. The campsites, which are surrounded by mature shade trees, are available for between $27 and $30 per night. Pets are allowed at the campground, and there are two on-site bus stops.
State Parks Near Hoover, Alabama
Comprising nearly 10,000 acres, Oak Mountain State Park is the largest state park in Alabama. In addition to being a great destination for outdoor fun, the park contains popular attractions like the Alabama Wildlife Center, the Oak Mountain BMX Track, and the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking and horseback riding along the 50 miles of trails, golfing at the championship golf course, and hitting targets at the archery range. There are also several lakes and beaches in the area, offering quality opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Cheaha State Park covers 2,799 acres and is the oldest state park in Alabama. The park is home to several impressive landmarks, including Cheaha Mountain, which is the tallest peak in the state. If you're interested in having a wedding or conference in the beautiful area, you can do so at the lovely Bald Rock Group Lodge. While exploring the park, you could also browse the Walter Farr Native American Relic Museum and partake in activities like hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and rock climbing.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Martin, Wind Creek State Park is a wonderful destination for family camping trips and water-based recreation. The park is revered as a premier fishing location, regularly hosting fishing tournaments and providing excellent opportunities to catch crappie, striped bass, and bluegill. For those who want to explore the land, there are 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park and offer plenty of lovely scenery.
National Sites Near Hoover, Alabama
One of the most interesting national sites in Alabama is the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. There, you can learn all about the struggle that African Americans went through while fighting for equal rights and against segregation. During the 1960s, Birmingham, Alabama played a major role in these events, and the national monument commemorates those who battled against oppression. The monument features a variety of fascinating historical landmarks, including life-size sculptures and educational plaques. You should take the time to stop by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, where you can browse many immersive exhibits.
Another national site relating to the fight for civil rights is the Freedom Riders National Monument. The site pays tribute to the victims of a terrible act of violence that occurred in 1961. When 13 "Freedom Riders" made an effort to challenge the segregation policies of the times, they were attacked by an angry mob, chased through the city, and physically assaulted. The monument is located at the Greyhound bus station where the horrible events unfolded. Today, the site is a stop on the Anniston Civil Rights Trail.
If you visit the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, you can learn about the events that led up to African Americans being granted equal voting rights. The trail features many historical landmarks worth exploring, such as the Selma Interpretive Center, where you can see artifacts and photographs relating to the 54-mile march that took place in March 1965. You should also stop by the Lowndes Interpretive Center and the Montgomery Interpretive Center. There are other fascinating historical trails to explore in the area as well, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Walking Trail and the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.
National Forests Near Hoover, Alabama
Located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, Talladega National Forest is a 392,567-acre forest spread across several counties in Alabama. The forest, which is known for its many sloping ridges, is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. While visiting the natural area, you can go fishing in Payne Lake, take advantage of the dark skies for stargazing, and hike beautiful trails like the Coleman Lake Loop and the Chinnabee Silent Trail. As you explore, be sure to watch for foxes, deer, black bears, hawks, woodpeckers, and other wildlife.
Another tranquil national forest to explore in Alabama is William B. Bankhead National Forest. The forest is nicknamed the "Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," and it certainly lives up to the name. In addition to its many majestic waterfalls, the area is home to the Sipsey Fork Wild and Scenic River, several smaller streams, various wildlife species, and many miles of scenic hiking routes. If you want to do some fishing during your visit, head to Lake Lewis Smith and cast your line for bass, crappie, catfish, and trout.
Although Tuskegee National Forest is the smallest national forest in the country, it has plenty to offer visitors. Within its 11,000 acres, you'll find opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, camping, target shooting, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, there are several ponds in the forest where you can spend an afternoon angling or paddling. Of the many lovely hiking routes in the forest, a couple of the most popular are the Pleasant Hill Trail and the Bold Destiny/Bedford Cash Memorial Trail.
