Vulcan Park & Museum Reviews

Only $8.00 for the museum and to go to the top of the Vulcan statue! Beautiful views and a nice walking trail. We saw kids that brought a picnic lunch - lots of tables to sit and eat.

Great for a quick walk and view of the city. If you aren't afraid of heights, take a ride up the elevator. Music events very nice for Sunday afternoons.
Staff seems a little unfriendly at times.

Cool place to site see. The Statue of Vulcan was interesting also. You can go to an observation deck that over looks the park.

This is an interesting monument to the foundry industry in Birmingham. It has excellent interpretive signage helping to pinpoint where in the cityscape various important elements of the iron industry are located as you look out over the view.

Loved the views of Birmingham. Very reasonable ticket prices! Only $6 for a ticket that is good for morning and evening views! Gift shop has a little of everything!

A MUST see attraction when visiting Birmingham, Alabama!! The Vulcan Tower commands impressive views of the city. You do have to purchase a ticket to go up to the observation deck on top of the tower, but there is no charge to walk around the monument and visit the gift shop. FIVE CLAWS UP!!!!! Thanks for reading my review of Vulcan Park and Museum in Birmingham, AL. Joe G. Bear - Redondo Beach, CA

Once you reach the top the view of the city is amazing. The prices in the shop at the top are quite expensive which I guess is normal for a remote gift shop. Buy your gifts elsewhere.

Park has an excellent view of the Birmingham City, quiet area. An interesting monument and museum. You can learned a lot of iron works history, also suitable for children.

Great park and museum. When I went, due to Covid the only ticket booth open was inside the museum and not the one by the parking area. The day I went it had been raining so not many people were there. Great view of the city. Not so much of the statue. The museum also had an exhibit on women's voting rights when I visited. The staff there was great. Lots of neat items in the gift shop and the clerk was really excited to talk about the history of the place. I did not go up into the statue. Seemed scary. The view from the park was enough for me.

Great park - beautifully kept with helpful staff. Amazing view of the city- take your camera. Visit the little museum for great local history. Kids thought they would be bored but loved it. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for the Vulcan bobble-bum!!

Spectacular panoramic views for Birmingham , Great Music ,Museum and observatory .
Lucky to hear concerts in sept and oct. The artists are good and views are smashing ..

This is a great place to visit, with great views of Birmingham! There is a museum inside the visitor center that I would recommend going to-it tells the history of the statue, and gives a brief overview of the park. Then, you can take a short elevator ride to the top of the statue! If you are in the area, this is a great place to visit!

We enjoyed the museum, which has a LOT of interesting information about early Birmingham, including tidbits on coca cola rivals in the early days of the soft drink. We were able to get to the top of the tower even though the elevator was not working. It is 159 steps to the top with many landings to stop and rest. Once you get to the top there is a grating that surrounds the tower,so (unless you are uncomfortable with heights) you con see for360°.

The story of steel works in Alabama is well told in this very attractive museum. There were children everywhere the day of my visit. The inside is small, but the space is really well designed and tells a compelling story about early industry in Birmingham. The Vulcan statue is surrounded by a an attractive park and the statue itself is approached through an elevator. You can not climb inside the statue. There is a nice gift shop inside. There is a really good view of Birmingham looking toward UAB from the park. The museum is worth a visit if you are a history buff or appreciate adding to your knowledge of Birmingham or the Vulcan built for the 1904 St. Louis Fair. Interesting story about it lying in pieces for years until saved. Younger children will enjoy the park or the view from the elevator's glass. Older children will enjoy reading about and seeing the huge Vulcan. It is an appropriate visit for all ages.

We got into Birmingham a few hours early, so we checked into our hotel, and proceeded to explore. My wife saw this statue on a big hill overlooking the city. We started looking for it and navigated our car to it. It was amazing. The statue was amazing and there is a platform that you can access via elevator or stairs. The view of the city was great. The museum was also very cool, well laid out, and informative. Do not miss this attraction.

I would say this is definitely something you want to do on a sunny day. The view of downtown Birmingham at the top of the statue is beautiful. The grounds are kept very nice as well. There is a museum you don't want to miss that tells all about the history of the statute and how it was moved to Birmingham. If you are in the Birmingham area this is worth a stop.

I had read about this and wanted to see it. I didn't take the time to go up but did walk around the plaza below and into the museum. I thought it was worth the time to visit

This place really gives you a glimpse of how Birmingham became such a great city in the past and how it declined. Sad to see, but lecturing without doubt.

We enjoyed our overnight trip to Birmingham. The Civil rights Institute was impressive and well worth a visit. It was made even more memorable by the testimony of two docents in their late 70's and 80's who took the time to talk about their experiences during the civil rights movement. We enjoyed exploring the art nouveau buildings and found some delicious food, which can sometimes be a challenge for vegetarian travelers. Checking out different neighborhoods we found great lunch at Ampersandwich, a welcoming neighborhood spot for a delicious casual dinner at Rojo and a fun immersive experience for cocktails at The House Of Found Objects. The Tutwiler Hotel was well located and comfortable, convenient for exploring the city and served a good breakfast to start the day.

I had read about this statue in the Southern Sisters mysteries & had to see it. The view of Birmingham is gorgeous!

Very Unique Park Overlooking the city. We were staying close by so decided to check this park out and I am so glad we did, it is beautiful. It was $6 a person do see the museum and ride up to the top of Vulcan Tower. The views of the city from here are incredible. The museum is small and we did this in 20 minutes, the history on the park was very interesting. Everything is very clean and well maintained here. Worth a trip if you run the area.

Very beautiful venue and the staff was very friendly. Make sure to take the elevator up to see the view!

Extremely well maintained grounds and tower with a very well done museum. Excellent view, good parking and easy access.

We went after doing some other city exploring. The view of the city is amazing. We only spent about 30min here total

Great views of the city from a pretty park on a hill overlook. We did not go up in the tower, or check out the museum, but enjoyed visiting the park for free and taking in a panorama view of Birmingham.

This museum provides the historical background of the “Magic City” and a context in which the civil rights movement took hold here.
The staff are super friendly and more than willing to help.
Make sure you go up the tower.

Amazing fireworks for the 4th of July and light show on the status. We were pleasantly surprised at the shoe. We had an opportunity to watch.
From our bedroom window at the hotel. It was fabulous and my teens and small children alike enjoyed it!

This is really quite cool and worth the drive up to the top of the mountain. Great story behind the statue.

This park is amazing! There is a great walking path and you have an awesome view of the city down below. We had our dogs with us so we didn't go to the top if the Vulcan statue, but that's an option!

Windy at the top but felt very secure. Beautiful views and well-run facility. A must-do when visiting Birmingham.

We were interested to hear about some of the history of the area. The park is so pretty and going up in the elevator to the top of the Vulcan was very cool. Such a wonderful view of the city. Took the stairs down. Would highly recommend this place to go while in Birmingham!

Beautiful way to see the city. Price of a mission is six dollars which gives you access to the museum and to the Tower. Plenty of places to see the views even if you don't go to the top of the tower. Pretty cool experience if you just want to relax and see some cityscapes

We heard about this place from our Lyft driver. We arrived whole the museum was still open and went through it in 30 minutes to learn more about Birmingham and vfc the statute. Of course we left with a t-shirt! Then we went up the elevator to the observations deck. It is built on the highest point of the city and the view on our sunny day was awesome. We ccx waited until sunset and got some great picks of the city at right and the setting sun.

Had no idea that this was even in Birmingham until reading vacation book, so we had to check it out. The view from here of downtown Birmingham is awesome, and I highly recommend going to the top. I have vertigo and high places cause me problems but I just had to see the view and I don't regret it for 1 minute.

Vulcan is always on our list when we visit Birmingham. Great cityscape view! In December, lights cast on the monument are synchronized to festive music. Great night-time activity!

Great visited the civil rights museum.an several other things.visited the vulcan statue it was great u can see over birming my kids loved it

Our first impression here was excellent with a lovely lady (Emily we think) greeting us at reception, giving us lots of information about the tickets and the park.

Vulcan itself is really impressive and interesting to read about. The view from the observation deck is a really good introduction to Birmingham as you can see what the main attractions are to visit from up there.

The museum is also interesting and gives a good mixed introduction to the city and it’s history.

Definitely worth a visit.

Worth the visit!. Even though the Vulcan is just a site that you take an elevator to see a beautiful view of Birmingham, the museum inside the ticket building is fantastic. The grounds are well kept and there is adequate parking. It is an hour of interesting and historic time.

I loved this park. There was a nice visitor center that incorporated the full story of Birmingham, The Magic City, into its display. There were really nice hands on activities for kids. The park is peaceful with a nature walk, that I did not have time to explore. However, I did go up into the observation deck, next too the amazing statue the park is named for. The statue is stunning and looks out over the city. The center has a great history of the why and how it was built. But the observation deck is for the views of the city.I have a healthy aversion to heights. But the view of this park tempted me and I am glad I walked the 157 steps(they give stickers to those who walk up or down) to see the amazing view of "The Magic City.

Visited the park and monument at sunset recently. The views were great. You could see the entire city from the base of the monument and even more could be seen from the walkway at the top of the monument. I went after the museum had closed for the day. Can't speak to the exhibits, but it appeared to be small.

Today we had only a very short visit, read a few of the informasjon panels and enjøyed the views. We did not go all the way to the topp or to the museum.

This was a really fun stop. The tower with the statue offered amazing views of Birmingham and can be reached by stairs or elevator. The small museum was very informative. It had a scavenger hunt for kids and there was also a well-priced gift shop, clean bathrooms, and water fountains inside that building. However, don't do the trail later in the day. When we left, the gates to the trail were open, but they were closed at our return (maybe half an hour to 45 minutes later). We had to hop over two different gates to get back to our car. Other than that, we had a great time and admission is free if you're on SNAP (food stamps).

Make this your first stop while in Birmingham! It’s a must see! A fair warning if you are scared of heights though. It’s a bit unnerving- the balcony is see through so don’t look down. The museum was fantastic. Staff were all very friendly!

We did not have time to visit the museum and the elevator was not functioning that day due to weather. We walked around the monument, read the description placards and photographed the structure. The city view was great. Unfortunately, the weather not cooperating. Perhaps a return visit in the future we can spend additional time.

Great views. A small museum. I did not go up to the top due to fear of heights. Not a must visit in my opinion.

A must for all visitors and locals! Great Statue and museum. Lots of interesting information about the city fantastic view!

Nice museum giving a history of the statue and the area in general. Toilets are available. No cafe so I really think they are missing a trick.
Friendly staff. Great views across the area. This is a popular park and is ideal for a picnic

This was an interesting stop in Birmingham as we were driving through on our way to Chattanooga. We visited with children 8, 11, and 15. We enjoyed the small museum that has information about women's suffrage and civil rights. The tower was exciting for the children and we enjoyed the grounds as well. It took us about an hour to visit the tower and the price was reasonable.

We visit here a lot! Its fun to see the view of Birmingham from so high up! If your'e afraid of heights you may not want to go up to the top of the Vulcan, The flooring is see-through. I love it, though. Also, if you take the stairs instead of the elevator, its a great work out!

This fella is big and you get a great view if you drive up there. We didn't pay to go up the tower or into the museum but there is plenty of free info on the boards.

This was a very cool place and one that I want to visit again at night. You'll learn at the museum that Birmingham used to be "the Pittsburg of the south" (OK, I made that up, but you'll agree with me after seeing the exhibit ha, ha). The statue is amazing and the trip to the top is a must, where you'll get an amazing view of the Birmingham skyline. They do offer AAA/Senior/Military/Veteran discount and even without the discount, it's very fairly priced.

You have to go if you visit Bham. Iconic cymbal of Birmingham and a history lesson thrown in. Fabulous view.

Vulcan Park has undergone a massive facelift since we visited 15 years ago and it's 10 times better.
A very romantic place that overlooks the Magic City. Great location showing the history of the city and the steel & iron industry that spawned the moniker "Pittsburgh of the South".
Saw what Moon Over Homewood was about as well!

We took a quick ride out to Vulcan Park prior to going to dinner. Prior to going, I was not aware at just how tall and large this sculpture/display actually was! It is quite breathtaking and a very well-kept park. There are a lot of informational plaques throughout as well. The overlook over the city is well worth the drive there alone! We didn’t have time to take the elevator to the observation deck, but would recommend it.

Lots of history about the area & how Vulcan came to be. A good way to view the beautiful Birmingham area. Worth the trip.

Very nice view of the city. There’s a museum and gift shop and it’s decently priced. I was delighted to find some postcards for my collection.

We attended Vulcan Park in the evening to see the Christmas Light show. There is a small fee for tickets but we thought it was a great little activity to get us in the holiday spirit! The lights shine on the tower and change with the beat of the Christmas classics played all around at the top of every hour for about 15 minutes. There are amazing views of Birmingham, and it was gorgeous at night. We went to the top of the tower and that gave us an even more incredible view. (you can take the stairs or ride an elevator to get to the top) There is also a cool little museum with information on Vulcan Park and the history of Birmingham. Included in the tickets for the Christmas show were hot chocolate and some fun games set up to play with your family. The whole experience took about 45 mins to an hour. It was a great Christmas activity and we thoroughly enjoyed it!

The staff is kind of rude, they seem a little put out when you ask questions. Espe2 the older lady at the bottom of the observatory.

We found this park via Roadtrippers app. This is a clean park with gorgeous views! I recommend as a nice pit stop to get out and stretch your legs. We didn't pay for the elevator ride. I don't think the views would be that much of a difference but I am sure you are supporting the park....

Start your trip to Birmingham with a real overview! Incredible city vista. Historical museum that helps explain the development of the Steel Capital of the South.

I asked someone in town if there was a place to get a view of the city, & they sent me here! I had no idea what to expect. Alas, I got there too late to see the exhibits -- plus, the night I was there, the elevator was broken down in the tower. Still, I enjoyed a great view of the city and a beautiful sunset.

Nice place to visit for a great view of Birmingham. Vulcan provides a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Great for a couples or family picnic. Don't forget to visit the museum and brush up how the steel industry begin in Birmingham.

I had never heard of this prior to visiting Birmingham but once we saw the Vulcan statue while driving around and then reading about it, we had to go. Going to the top, where the statue is, offers great views of the city, although not so great views of the statue. The museum is great, and very informative when it comes to the history of the statue and Birmingham. My children loved it!

Worth your time. Excellent views of the city. Museum has the history of Birmingham and the Vulcan statue. $6 gets you an elevator ride to the observation tower and into the museum. The open bar grating on the floor deck at the top of the tower has you clutching the handrail.

Unique history for the statue and its environment. Minutes from downtown. Its great to see the tower supporting the statue restored to the deco look and the beautiful sandstone. Statue itself is lovingly restored. Great views of Birmingham and surrounding area from the tower and park. An hour here is more than enough or you could bring a picnic and spend longer.

Great way to learn about the history and reason our city exists! I have lived here all my life, and I learned about things I didn't know.

The museum was a good history if Birmingham and the importance of iron. The views are outstanding from the various outlook points. It is not easy to find though. The only downside was the cost.

This was a stop on our annual summer office outing and everyone enjoyed it. Between the history and the great views of Birmingham, I would highly recommend it. We did it in about an hour. The grounds are beautiful. You could bring a picnic.

What a beautiful park.
Whilst Vulcan and the observation tower are closed for restoration at present the park is most certainly worth a visit.

The museum is interesting, the views of the city unrivaled and the grounds are so well manicured it is amazing.

The sandstone stairs towards the statue alone are worthy of the visit.

Beautiful and serene setting.

A wonderful view of the city. I would like to return a night for a view of the city lights. Parking was convenient.

VULCAN is a great introduction to Birmingham’s history, geology and economy. Take time to see the museum, go to the top of the statue and take a hike on the VULCAN Trail.

You get such a nice view of Birmingham from the top. I also enjoyed the walking path there. Birmingham is a nice city to explore, so definitely stop here for an aerial view!

Museum - visually interesting, but not practical,
The museum is very interesting telling about the history of the city and vulcan. There are beautiful displays, however, the printing on plaques is quite small and very difficult to read . Also, the lighting is horrible. There’s no reason for such low light as there are only a few pieces that are of value that could be damaged. The sounds are competing with each other. I got a horrible headache.

Park - beautiful
Other than the ugly trees that block the main walkway, the park is well maintained. Great picnic area. The views are spectacular.

Old mine - not much to see, but be sure to take a peek at the entrance to the mine

Trail - a few relics
There are a few old stone remains, not worth walking to. However, the trail is good for a nice stroll or jog.

Vulcan - worth the climb
We chose to climb the stairs, but there is an elevator. Views are wonderful.

View was beautiful and history very informative. Looks like it would be a nice park to visit Spring-Fall.

The big "Vulcan" overlooking the park was Birmingham's entry in the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition, or St. Louis World's Fair. There is a very informative museum that displays much Birmingham history and the complete story of Vulcan's birth in Birmingham, entrance to the World's Fair, and return to Birmingham, even after another city offered to buy it from the city of Birmingham. There are also presentations on commerce, the Civil Rights Movement, and the founding of the city of Birmingham.

You are able to either climb stairs or take an elevator to the top of Vulcan where a panoramic 360-degree view of Birmingham can be enjoyed.

Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and military, children 5-12 $4, and 4 and under free.

We went to visit the Vulcan in the evening. My eight year old is scared of heights so we climbed the stairs. It was worth all 159 steps to get up there. A great view of the city and a very unique experience. Very reasonably priced it’s an easy fun family activity to do while in Birmingham.

Rode the elevator to the top. What a wonderful view of the city of Birmingham and surrounding areas. The museum also was great.

The statue is amazing and view on top fantastic. The WPA project is a wonder not to be missed. The benches are a great rest.

Had out-of-town relatives for a 3 day visit. We were all born & raised in Bham but their lives took them away after high school. We’ve all been to Vulcan -50 years ago- but first trip to Museum. It brought back great memories! Well done & very interesting. The weather was perfect, the view fantastic!!! Just GO!

Take advantage of a visit to the city overlook during nice weather. We bring all of our family and friends here when they are visiting!

Did a mini get-away and stayed with socially distance activities. We did the overlook and the museum. Great views! We did the museum since there weren't many people, it is very well done and I look forward to going back when it is safer to be around people. We didn't do the observation deck because we weren't comfortable around that many people so close. The kids had a ball playing on the grass and rolling down the hills. Great place to get out and stretch and learn a little about Birmingham.

Really great to go somewhere without all the gizmos. just like when I visited
as a child, almost 45 years ago. Interesting little museum and some cute items in the
gift shop. Park was nicely landscaped. A showplace of civic pride.
Glad it's been restored.

Great views of Birmingham! Hopefully your not afraid of heights, just don’t look down! Very fun to look at the city from great heights.

You still get charged full price with or without the museum. They should change that.

But walking up (or choosing the elevator if you like) to the top was a lot of fun for my teenage sons to burn some energy.

Great view of Birmingham. Helped us understand the layout of the city before our next day of exploring it.

If you are in Birmingham and only have a limited amount of time to relax, this is the place. This is a relatively small park with walking trails and ample parking. The highlight is the Vulcan statue at the top of the hill and the adjacent museum. The largest cast iron statue in the world, Vulcan was made to be featured in the St Louis Worlds Fair over 100 years ago. He celebrates Birmingham's heritage as a producer of iron and steel. Great views from the tower Vulcan perches on. An all around great experience.

Best views of Birmingham. As a new resident of Birmingham, Vulcan Park provided a beneficial overview of the unique neighborhoods in the area, as well as a history of their formations. Well worth a visit, and a walk/elevator ride to the top

Really nice view, you can see all the city, and is a nice place to walk. There is a big statue and also you can take an elevator.

Vulcan Park is awesome! It's great for date-night as well as family fun and inexpensive. It offers spectacular views of the city as well as a museum and gift shop. If you don't have a phobia of heights, you must take the elevator or stairs up the 56 foot statue; the view is amazing!

This was a spur of the moment decision to stop and we are glad that we did. It was an interesting place. The statue of Vulcan was impressive as it is the world’s largest cast iron statue. Do not miss the wall of iron inside the visitors center!

We visited here while in B-Ham. The statue was ok kinda cool I guess. The viewing tower had a nice view of the surrounding area. Not much to see here except the view.

Took the family to the park underneath the statue. We did not use the museum or observation deck, which cost money. From the base of the pedestal, you get a great view of Birmingham. The statue itself is difficult to see from directly underneath. Worth a quick trip to see.

Wonderful view of the city both on the terrace as well as on the top of the statue. Pleasantly surprised by the museum as it provided both the history of the city and the geology of the area.

$6 for adult
$4 for kids
$0 under 5
The Price included the observation deck. The grounds are well maintained and it’s Great for some photo opts! The Museum was little but impactful! There is a walking trail and steps so tennis shoes are best. Observation deck has an elevator. The stairs to the observation deck is closed due to Covid. If you don’t want to see the Observation deck or museum, the grounds are free to walk around and you get a great view of Vulcan.

Seems like they put more money into the new "visitor center" with the historical displays than the statue access. Was a disappointing trip and some of the areas up top did not feel safe at all.

Only $6 to get in. A good museum with the history of the iron and mining in the area.
The highlight though is a lift, or steps, to the top of the Vulcan monument for great views over the city

We came to the statue because it was listed on the blue star museums sight and you can visit for free. We got there after the museum closed but still went up the elevator to the top. You can walk the 195 stairs up and down but we chose the elevator because of the heat. It was also very warm in the tower. It's pretty cool to be at the top and see the city below. Its apparently pretty historic and well known. It made for a fun little outing while visiting Birmingham. But just a one time visit.

Easy to find, plenty of parking, and mostly free. There are charges to view the museum, which you should do at least once, and to go up into the Vulcan statue. But the view and the hiking trails are free. The trails are wide and safe, and you’ll see things you would never see in your car.

This a nice park area and cool statue. Even before going up into the tower, you get beautiful views of Bham from the ground since it's up on a hill. When you pay it gets you into the little museum that tells you about the Iron Man and some of the backstory about Bham's beginnings; the cost also covers going up in the tower. You can pay just to go up into the tower but it's only a dollar difference than going into the museum which is kind of ridiculous. But it's something cool to at least experience one time.

We always visit Vulcan on our trips. We love to just see the Birmingham skyline. The admission price is a bit much for a large family, but you should do it all at least once.

I've visited twice, each time it's an impressive monument. I'd recommend going to the top, the view is incredible and it's a great place to watch a sunset.

We had a little time to kill before the J. Clyde opened for lunch, so we decided to check out Vulcan Park. It's about a mile from the J. Clyde and just over $5 to get in (Discount with AAA card). What a spectacular view of the city. The museum is very informative of Birmingham and the creation of the Vulcan statue. To top it off (literally) we rose up in the elevator to the Vulcan statue for an even more incredible view of the city. I can only imagine how it looks at night. A great stopover in a magic city.

A beautiful little park! The views of Birmingham are fantastic, and the museum is quaint and educational. The small fee is totally worth it!

We got there too late to go through the museum. We did go observatory but the only part of Vulcan that we could see was Vulcan's bare behind. You can see the statue of Vulcan better from outside the park. We will go back again so we can enjoy all of the museum. Seeing the lights of Birmingham from the observatory is breathtaking.

Had not been to Vulcan in about 35 years, despite living in Birmingham. Visited as a child a number of times. Wow, what a nice layout! Took our granddaughter (12 years old) and she had a great time. The exhibits were very well done and the views fantastic as we watched a storm come in before the top was cleared. We will be back more often.

My wife and I thought it would be fun to visit on our "iron" anniversary. This was a very enjoyable stop (despite my problem with heights). The museum itself does more than talk about the statue. It's does a good job of showing how the Iron Industry shaped the city and it's citizens.
Facilities were very well kept and the staff was friendly. Minimal fee for entry into museum and ride up the elevator.
Worth a visit.

This has a beautiful view. It is a $6.00 fee and you can take the elevator to the top. If you want to climb, it is a 10 story climb. Nice museum telling the history. The Vulcan is awesome. Definitely should be seen when in Birmingham.

The view from the top is worth it, and the park grounds are fine, but there's nothing extraordinary about this place. The Vulcan statue history is interesting, but the statue itself is just weird and rather unattractive. A quirky "i've been there" experience.

Vulcan has a nice but small museum. Going up to the Top of Vulcan is the best, you can see all of downtown Birmingham. They have nice meeting spaces you can rent out, as well as, they have many wedding there.

The top offers quite a spectacular view of the city and is well worth the trip. There is a visitor center with a museum and shop as well that are interesting.

It was cold and windy on our visit which doesn’t lend itself to lingering over the sweeping views. Still completely worth the price of admission even for a brief stop. What humankind can accomplish is awe-inspiring. To what lengths some humans go to build great accomplishments at the expense of others is heart-breaking. The museum gives equal prominence to both which provides context for understanding the history.
Climb the 159 steps in the Vulcan tower and ride the elevator down. Best of both options.

Worth a quick stop but nothing to plan a vacation for. Stretch your legs and enjoy. We didn’t have to pay during coronavirus. We didn’t try to go to the museum but I don’t think it’s open.

After visiting Birmingham about 6 times, finally made it to see the statue of Vulcan. Definitely worth the trip. The view of Birmingham from the observation deck is wonderful. Loved the little museum that that shows the history of the mining industry.

It is interesting and the views of Birmingham are great from the statue. We walked from downtown Birmingham to the park. It was uphill most of the way and very enjoyable until the last half mile, where the side walks end and there is not much of a shoulder on the road.

Beautiful open space and great view to see a panorama view of the city. Different stations with plaques that educate you on the history of Birmingham. There is a walking trail along a peaceful green forested area. You can pay to go up to the observation deck and there is also a library or shop there. If you need an activity check this place out.

Nice little museum with great views of the City of Birmingham. Grounds are well kept, staff is friendly and the history of the site is interesting. Make sure to take a trip to the top of the structure.

The Park has been totally renovated and they did a first class job. Great little education experience and the views are great. Plenty of space for picnics and it doesn’t seem crowded. There is a really good walking trail along the top of Red Mountain and a really interesting museum about the city’s origins. Cost virtually nothing, most everything is free. This is a good spot for visitors.

It was a rainy day, and this was still so fun. We have 4 kids, ages 1, 4, 9, and 10. They loved the scavenger hunt in the museum. It was low key and interesting too. They loved the high view, as did we, of the the city. The staff were very kind and welcoming. We learned a lot and really enjoyed ourselves. It was less than $20 for all 6 of us. The gift shop is also really cute with some neat souvenirs. We bought mug.

If you are in Birmingham and you need to stretch your legs, take a hike up the hill to Vulcan Park and Museum. You will get your workout in for the day! You will enjoy the views of the city and an up-close view of the Vulcan Statue!

This park is well worth the trip and short walk to statue. It is free or charge to walk around the statue and read information boards. But you will want to explore the interesting museum and see the view from the top of the statue. So buy the $12 ticket.
The museum traces the history of Birmingham from the time of Indian settlements to the Industrial Age to the present.
The elevator will take you to the top of the tower where you can access the statue across a short secure bridge. Or there are steps in the statue to avoid the glass elevator and get some exercise. The view is beautiful. So glad we spent time at the Vulcan Park.

We saw the statue from I-65 & were intrigued. Vulcan (Roman God) was created for 1904 Expo in St Louis. The museum chronicled the st as the as well as some of Birmingham's history. The museum is small but interesting. The grounds are well kept & provide fabulous views of Birmingham. You can climb stairs or take an elevator to an observation deck below the statue.

Alrhough Vulcan can be seen from many vantage points in the city, a visit to Vulcan park is a must do when in Birmingham. The story behind the statue is interesting and the park is beautifully landscaped and open until 10pm daily. The museum and gift shop close at 6 and are very informative. The fixed telescopes consume coins for a very brief viewing but on a good day its quite easy to see many of the landmark buildings and factories in Birmingham from Vulcan park. I couldn't see Electra on the Alabama Power building though, and she is reputedly Vulcan"s girlfriend. Maybe frim his higher elevation he can see her. There is an elevator to the base of the statue and a walkway around it - grest views.

The Museum about early Birmingham history and old Birmingham pics are very intersting and informative.

Lovely way to spend a couple of hours. The top of Vulcan provides a beautiful view of Birmingham. The surrounding grounds are also nice.

The park has free parking. If you want to go to the statue and museum, you must ascend about 50 stair steps. There is an elevator inside "Vulcan" which leads to the observation tower which must have a fabulous view of the city. I only went to the visitor center (which houses the museum and gift shop) and that provided a breath taking panorama of Birmingham. Admission to the museum is nominal (I paid $5.50 as a senior). The museum gives a good history of Jefferson County. It also has a section on the civil rights movements for both minorities and women.

Beautiful & so historic.. next to the Statue of Liberty, Vulcan is the second largest statue in the United States. Take time to learn about the history of the Magic City when you walkthrough the museum. If you love adventure, go to the top, venture out, and let your heart race. You will not be disappointed.

We brought five children to visit The Vulcan. I’d say it’s grrst for ages 5 and up. Out 3 year old struggled. A little boring for her! Otherwise it’s a great quick two hour something to do for kids! Clean and unique views!

On a whim my daughter and I stopped by and were totally surprised by what we found. The view of the city is wonderful. Although we didn't go into the museum, there were plenty of informational signs describing the area and the historical value of the statue and the surrounding area.
The overall care and dedication of statue and grounds were great. It was clean and neat. I partially enjoyed the art deco architecture of the tower and the museum.

ATTENTION URGENT : TO ALL HADDICAP PEOPLE !!!! IF YOUR HADDICAP, THE ELEVATOR IS OUT TO SEE VULCAN SO YOUR WASTING YOUR TIME AND MONEY GOING BECAUSE IT'S NOT HADDICAP ACCESSIBLE. THEIR ELEVATOR HAS BEEN OUT FOR 2 MOS. BUT YET THEY SAY IT'S HADDICAP ACCESSIBLE. NO IT'S NOT. IT'S VERY DISAPPOINTING TO DRIVE THE DISTANCE & NOT BE ABLE TO SEE. WASTE OF TIME & MONEY. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED IN BIRMINGHAM AL.

A friend of mine was in town from NC, I took her to Vulcan Park, what an incredible visit! The view with turning leaves was incredible! The people working at the park were so nice and well mannered. Even though we are afraid of heights, we went to the top and observed an incredible view of Birmingham. I highly recommend this attraction!

The view of the surrounding area is beautiful but the statue itself is pretty creepy looking. Take a car up there; it is a grueling walk if you endeavor that by foot.

Our family with 2 kids (7 and 10) liked to visit this museum and Vulcan's view. It's short visit (1h) where we can have general explain about Birmingham town. With NARM membership it's free access.

It had been decades since we visited the Vulcan. Since the Museum did not open till 1981 it was my first visit. The museum does a great job to inform how Birmingham developed from June 1, 1871 with it's rich mineral deposits of iron ore, limestone & coal. The Civil Rights Movement is also highlighted. The University of Alabama began as an extension of the University's School of Medicine until its relocation from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham in 1945. If you enjoy learning about history you will not be disappointed.

We had a few hours to kill in Birmingham and decided to go to the Vulcan museum really nice history story in the museum -easy and quick to get to the top of the tower -gives you a nice view of Birmingham

Smaller park but nice views over the city and surrounding area, even without riding up the elevator to stand with Vulcan.

Really nice view from atop the tower, friendly and informative staff, well-maintained and ample parking.

this whole experience was very good. The views of Birmingham from the walkways were incredible, but then we went up to the sky walk and it took my breath away (in a good way). The museum was informative and pleasant to visit. Again, the VIEWS of BIRMINGHAM awesome.

I can’t think of anything more beautiful than being at the top of the Vulcan at night and looking around the lights of the city of Birmingham. We loved the museum and learning about the history of the iron business here.

My friend was showing me around Birmingham and decided I could see almost the whole city from Vulcan Park he was right!!! It’s very high up so if your afraid of heights I don’t recommend it. The view is beautiful and I took many pictures.

There is a little museum that gives you a short and sweet history of the formation of the city great for kids but there are a bunch of steps from the parking lot below that may be tiring for some of the older folk. The entry fee I think it was under ten and it was another nice thing to do while visiting Birmingham

There is a charge to go up in the elevator and see the sculpture up close. No charge for viewing from the ground. The grounds were clean and spacious with a shady area designated as a picnic area. Enjoyed reading about the history and viewing the city from the catwalk.

For $6 dollars this is a wonderful value. Fun historic site and educational experience. Staff was welcoming and available to answer questions. Highly recommend.

Unfortunately, we arrived just as the museum was closing, so I can't comment on that. But the grounds are beautiful and allow views of the city. Well worth seeing. Also, there's lots of fascinating history here. Read about the area and the Vulcan stature before you arrive, or plan to read the placards in the park. Either way, this location is worth an hour of your time.

We enjoyed our visit. The museum was interesting and the view from the top was neat. I am glad my family took the time to visit.

Enjoyed my visit to Vulcan Park. Rode the elevator up to the top of the statute and could see all over Birmingham. Even before taking the trip to the statute top, the park itself provides a great view of Birmingham. I had never heard of this before. A must see for Birmingham.

Having seen the status from the interstate over the years, the opportunity to see the park provided the opportunity for an excellent view of the city, and a lot of information about the history and makings of Birmingham and the area.

We went to see Vulcan. The views over the city are beautiful when you get to the park. You can either climb steps or take the elevator up to the observation deck to get a closer look at Vulcan. There is a very informative museum about the history of the iron industry in Birmingham. Also, the history of Vulcan. There is a gift shop as well. I believe there are hiking trails in the park, we were limited on time. We recommend visiting Vulcan.

This is a free attraction with a wonderful view of the city
The Vulcan is a large statue which a one time was in a worlds fair

Vulcan, is the largest cast iron statue in the WORLD!
It stands proudly atop column of crafted local stone on high point overlooking Birmingham. A grabnd vistais provided all who visit.

Best view of Birmingham and surrounding area. Truly impressive statue of the god of fire and anvil. Make sure to visit display that tells the story of Iron in Birmingham

We went during Christmas time.. the lights, music was awesome. Loved every bit of it. We went to the top n the view of Birmingham was very good. Glad that v paid a visit there. Thoroughly enjoyed.

It was okay. The view is nice, but it can get crowded. The little museum is a good touch. If you were tight on time this could be skipped.

This is so well-worth doing! Birmingham is a jewel, its Art Museum beyond missing, and this story and event of Vulcan adds to a great tour of a substantial American city.

We seem to always go to the sites offering views. The view from Vulcan is good, but not very interesting. If you are interested in the history of the city (or history in general) the museum, although quite small, was worth $6.00. If you do not have a car, the cost of the ride to and from plus admission may be a bit high... as we were staying in Mountain Brook we walked from the hotel which required walking on grass (people's yards) for a short stretch, but otherwise sidewalks all the way from Grand Bohemian/Botanical Gardens

OK. I admit. I thought it was just a statue in a park. But it's so much more. The museum itself is worth the trip. Great history that lays out a lot of why Bham is Bham. Then the statue itself, of course, is fun to see. Nice facility. Highly recommend for a short outing.

This place is a tourist trap. Really nothing to see here but a statue. It does have a view of Birmingham but it's trees cover most of it. I really wouldn't recommend it.

Definitely worth a visit. The Vulcan trail is wonderful. I enjoy walking the trail with friends. The park provides a history of Birmingham and the early mining industry that was so important for the area. Also— a great view. Go to the museum and walk to the top of Vulcan.

Drove up to this local landmark at dusk. Huge statue lit up was beautiful and you can take elevators to the top catwalk for great views. Go at dusk to see it in sunlight and sunset. There’s a small but informative museum and gift shop at the base. Small admission and free parking. Worth it.

Vulcan has been a landmark for many years and is worth a visit on its own. The renovation and redevelopment of the visitor's center has added considerable value to a visit. While the tower that forms the base for Vulcan provides great views of the whole metro area, the visitor's center provides perspective and depth to a visit. There are exhibits that summarize the complex history of Birmingham and the steel industry - the good, the bad and the ugly. It represents a willingness to own the past, but also a commitment to claim the future. 'Good for kids and adults - plan to spend at least an hour.

Vulcan Park is great for its scenic views, history, and laid back atmosphere. The new light shows on the statue are fun and impressive. I think the schedule for those can be found on their website. The new walking trails are really great too. The museum is interesting & engaging. This is also a good venue for events.

It’s a low cost activity that’s very informative and enjoyable. You get great views of the Birmingham area. We watched a few planes approach and land at Birmingham’s airport. I had fun picking out landmarks.

We need to return after dark to see the city all lit up.

This place was on my Bham experience bucket list. My daughter now lives in Bham, so I want to do all the "stuff" I can do there to familiarize myself with it. On my 1st visit there, it was cold and a bit late in the day. However, the older gentleman at the ticket booth was kind and encouraged me to go on and look around. It was worth it! Such history told. Additionally, I took the advice of another employee and took the stairs to the top instead of the elevator. Awesome! It isn't for those who struggle with breathing issues, and can be a reminder of how much one needs to exercise, but, especially at night, it was SO cool to look out the occasional opening and see the view! I have been again, recently, and still found this to be a great place.

My boyfriend and I really loved it! The view is amazing. The museum is okay, but it nothing compared to the gorgeous view of Birmingham. Absolutely lovely.

This statue, and museum, celebrate the true steel industry that was present during the boom of Birmingham. The museum has plenty of information, amongst the exhibits. The grounds around the park are clean, and well lighted at night. The view from the top of the Vulcan, is the best of the city skyline. Being open until 10pm, provided us with beautiful daytime, and night views, of the Magic City.

We visited Vulcan Park while in Birmingham, visiting family. The grounds are a beautiful spot for a picnic if you simply wanted to spend an hour or so. They also have a great walking trail that offers great views. You can pay to go into the museum and climb the tower. It was very inexpensive and well worth the views. Taking the stairs is a great workout, but not a choice for “grandma”. There is an elevator for those not in stair climbing shape. There isn’t a lot of room up top, but the view of the city is truly amazing. Great stop if you are looking to spend an hour or 2.

We started our trip to Birmingham with this park. It was very pretty and cheap. Just a warning, I'm not afraid of heights but the observation deck is grated and that freaked me out.

Another great place to visit in Birmingham. Loved the fact that when you go up to the top of the Vulcan statue, you have an unobstructed view of the city. Well done! Nice gardens. Extremely friendly people.

This is a great place to go to see a great view of Birmingham. There is a lot of history there about the city and all the mines around it.

This is definitely a must-see for anyone coming to Birmingham. From the top of the Vulcan, you can clearly see the whole city and then some. It gives you a great prespective of the city and is a good place for families, children, and everyone. After you see the Vulcan, it is so awesome to learn about the project and the inner workings. To me this is one of the best things to do in the city of Birmingham. Every person needs to see this once. It is very inexpensive and well worth the visit. It is easy to find and you will love it. I have been many times and always take friends from out of town. Two thumbs up. It is safe and clean and alot of fun.

Surprisingly beautiful grounds. Elevator to top affords a great view of Birmingham. The museum is also very interesting for providing a history of Birmingham.

During a trip visiting my son, he took me to here. The view was amazing and the history was very interesting. We just walking around, but did not buy a ticket to go into the museum. Great place to go walk around and maybe bring a picnic. It was amazing to see!

Nice museum and park and can get up to almost the top of the vulcan - ticket valid all day and vulcan statue open till late so can go back at dusk...

We joined a group of 5th graders and rode the elevator to the foot of the Vulcan statue. The views are impressive and there are many docents and markers to learn more about the city. The museum focuses on the history of B’ham and its start as a mining and ironworks center. It was a fun 1.5 hours.

The statue is interesting. Note that access to the observation deck is closed within 30 minutes of hearing thunder for safety reasons. It’s best to visit on sunnier days. Regardless there are good views of Birmingham from the museum level. The observation deck is still below the level of the statue. I thought the smallish museum did a fabulous job of telling the Birmingham story in a few rooms.

The Vulcan Museum and History center is a great place to visit. Lots of Birmingham history here. Lots of fun, interesting facts and artifacts. Fun ride or hike to the top of the Vulcan statue. 149 steps. Great view of historic Birmingham.

We enjoyed the park and tower. If you just want a quiet stop and enjoy overview of Birmingham this is it. We enjoyed the Musuem also. Your ticket is good all day, so see in the daytime and comeback and see the beautiful night view.

We absolutely loved this. You can see for miles. The day we went the winds were strong but not strong enough for them to shut the attraction down. It is sooo awesome. Well worth the stop.Just loved it.

This is "a must see" when exploring Birmingham. they also have a great gift shop with some cool T Shirts.

Amazing deck to see Birmingham and great statue ! Some great trails to walk around as well that overlook the city.

we did not go inside, we just pulled up and took pictures of the statue. very nice lookiing park and great view of Birmingham.

Fantastic views and a huge statue, but the look of Vulcan can scare anyone from ever visiting Birmingham again. If you need to see Birmingham then do visit.

We paid a quick visit here and sadly didn’t have time to visit the museum. It’s free to enter the park (you do pay for the museum or to go up the statue). The views from the park over the city are fantastic. The huge statue of Vulcan is very impressive too. There is plenty of free parking at the park. The park area is quite small.

Interesting history of the Vulcan statue and the homage it pays to the Iron ore miners in the early day s of Birmingham. Statue made a trip to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, MO. You can take an elevator up to almost the top of the statue and view the city of Birmingham.

My husband and I just walked up to the base of the statue and took in the sights from there. We also did not tour the museum, as we were short on time, but wanted to check out the statue. The park has information boards scattered throughout so we were able to glean some information on our quick walk through, while seeing the view of Birmingham. We were impressed with the park itself, as it cost us nothing to get in and we had an enjoyable time.

Worth a quick stop. Takes about an hour total. Quick history & a nice view. The elevator was out so we took the stairs to the top of the tower- a little sweaty but relatively easy, even with a toddler. The museum is kid friendly. Nice grounds, lots of stairs.

One cannot go to Birmingham without going to the Vulcan museum. The $6 admission includes both the museum (small, but very informative) and a view from the top of the Vulcan statue (can climb the stairs or take an elevator, we had a baby stroller with us and opted to take the elevator). The museum includes how Birmingham was founded and the rich mining history in the area, the origins of the Vulcan at the 1904 world's fair, a brief overview of Birmingham's role in WWII (emphasis on the iron contributions in the war) and a room dedicated to Alabama NASCAR/Talladega speedway. We enjoyed it so much we bought a membership and hope to go back soon! Also a good giftshop!

Built for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair to promote Birmingham's iron and steel industry, Vulcan is the largest cast iron statue in the world - weighing in at 100,000 pounds (120,000 pounds if his accoutrements - anvil, sledge, etc. - are included) and standing some 56 feet tall to the tip of the spear point in his outstretched arm.

He moved to his present home atop Red Mountain in the late 1930s, being set atop a 126 foot tall pedestal built by the WPA. Several renovations to the statue and the surrounding park have been made over the years, including the addition of the observation deck, museum, and most recently a two-mile foot and bike trail. The museum is quite interesting, covering not only the history of the statue and park, but also Birmingham itself from its origins just after the Civil War through the civil rights movement.

For $6 (plus tax), visitors can tour the museum and either climb the 100+ steps or ride an elevator up to the observation deck to get some great views of the city and the surrounding forest covered hills. We visited on a sunny Saturday afternoon and enjoyed both the museum and great views. There's even a nice little gift shop with souvenirs, history books, etc.

It's worth a short drive to the statue and outlook. Optionally visit the museum for $6. Also a well-stocked gift shop.

If you don’t have much time, but want to get a good sense of Birmingham past, present and future, head to the Vulcan Oark and Museum. The small museum provides a great introduction to the manufacturing history of Birmingham, with usually a small special exhibit (currently featuring the long-lost majestic passenger train station). Walk out and across to the statue of Vulcna, looking down along the way for a map of the surrounding mining towns. Whether you take time for a trip to Vulcan’s 360 observation deck or just walk around the base, you will get a great view of Birmingham’s present and future, the homes, churches, skyscrapers and highways, as well as the ever-changing UAB campus. Come back for a wedding or special event. There’s always something happening at Vulcan!

To climb the Vulcan it is 159 stairs, but there is also an elevator. There are some lovely walking paths on the property. The museum looks small but it goes on and on. Pick up a scavenger hunt map for children - it made an adult visit even more fun.

The Vulcan Park and Museum provide a lot of information on the history of Birmingham. You can take the elevator up to the Vulcan. There are great views. The elevator is all glass, so if you don’t like heights, this may not be for you.

We visited on a clear day and enjoyed the nice views over Birmingham. We spent about 15 minutes inside the small museum, learning a little bit about the statue's history. Then we went out to the statue itself. We chose to walk up and down the stairs for a little exercise instead of taking the elevator. At the top, you can walk all the way around the statue's base, and get nice views of Birmingham in all directions. It was a nice way to get a little overview of the city. We spent about 30 minutes here in total.

If you are in Birmingham, Alabama, you don't want to miss this awesome work of art. A definite must see!

Neat park. The museum has a lot of history. If your up to it, climb the stairs to the top of the Vulcan. It’s a great workout on the calve muscles or just jump in the elevator and soar up to the top. The views are beautiful. Great family times.

My fiancee and I enjoyed this museum. This place has such awesome history and a great view with the exception of the wind. Highly recommended!!!

Vulcan Park features the city's iconic statue, an observation tower, and a good local history museum as well as hiking trails. The view alone is worth the drive up Red Mountain

Short activity but so cheap that it is worth going. The view is impressive. There is plenty of parking.

There is a great view from the top of the monument across the entire city. An interesting little museum to give a lot of history of the area as well.

I was curious to see Birmingham, but I was a little bit nervous to visit it due to the high crime rates within the city. Red Mountain was a very peaceful, safe, and enjoyable place to visit. The museum really taught me a lot about Birmingham’s history and it had a very cheap price for admission. Included within the admission price to see the museum was the chance to go to the top of the tower where one is delighted with great views of the Birmingham skyline. One can ascend the tower by stairs or by an elevator. There was a large parking lot, but I initially struggled to find it as I drove up the mountain. I also checked out some of the mines below the tower. The staff who worked at this site were friendly. Afterwards, I checked out downtown Birmingham and it was a nice place to take a stroll.

What a neat place. The Vulcan statue above Birmingham was originally made for the 1904 World's Fair. The park is lovely with a great view of the city. We paid the $6 to see the museum and go up to the top of the statue. The museum was great, telling the story of the history, art and science behind the creating and restoration of Vulcan.

I was fortunate to be a part of a special Alabama 200 celebration on the evening of July 4. The patio below the statue of Vulcan make a great location for the picnic with a view of the city of Birmingham spread out behind us. When the fireworks started at 9 a.m. it was magical, with the effect that Vulcan himself was making it all happen at the tip of his outstretched arm. Many citizens were parked along the road viewing the fireworks as well so I knew I was part of a community celebration. I highly recommend a visit to this historic location for visitors to Birmingham or those passing through Alabama.

Went there for the statue and views, but the museum provided a lot of interesting information about the Vulcan Park history and industrial history of Birmingham.

This is a classic Birmingham must-see. The museum is very informative. A grated floor makes it hard for the faint of heart to enjoy the view from the top.

This is a nice, inexpensive attraction to visit while in Birmingham. The view from the observation deck offers a grand panoramic view of the landscape. The statue of Vulcan which is the world's largest cast iron statue is something unique to see. Museum is adequate to learn a little history of the area. Park offers picnic tables for eating and there's enough outdoor space to let kids run around. A good spot for pictures. They also have event space for rent from what I hear. Total spent time there was a couple of hours at a very leisurely pace.

We rented out the meeting facility with a large group and it was a great use of space with a great view. The coordinator was very accommodating and the technology worked well! We got an awesome group picture with the city in the background and enjoyed the view from the Vulcan.

Vulcan park is interesting for the views, the statue and the museum. You may just visit the park for free but if you want to visit the museum and go to the top you may buy your admission near the parking area or at the museum. To reach the viewing area, you may use stairs or a gentle ramp. There are a few picnic tables available.
The museum is a worthwhile visit with information about the history of Birmingham, the history of the Vulcan statue and civil rights.
You may want to climb the stairs to a platform for a better view…the elevator may not be working.

We didn't even know this existed, and it was a great afternoon stop. We had a great time and the best view of the city. Beautiful!

Great little park with an historic landmark. On a clear day, views are great. Neighborhood with old houses are beautiful.

Family trip to Birmingham, Alabama and we had to visit Vulcan. The history of the Statue is woven with the story of Birmingham. We learned a lot and really enjoyed the view of the city below. Go to the top of the tower...it is worth the view.

We were in town visiting friends. This was one of our stops. We did not go into the statue, but enjoyed the walk up to it and the view from the mountain. The gift shop was nice and the displays very well done. we did not go into the museum, but there were displays outside of it. A nice free stop if you don't do the extras.

If you really want to combine seeing the very best view of Birmingham as well as visiting a beautiful park and museum, you just have to take the time to go visit the Vulcan Park and Museum. Once you get there, start by going up the tower at the base of the Vulcan statue and ride the elevator to the floor where you can see a panoramic, 360 degree view of Birmingham. It is without a doubt the best view possible. Look at The Valley where Birmingham was built. Awsome! You can see everything and everywhere. You can also step outside on a circular veranda, and take the same impressive sight, with the prevailing wind on your face. Then, go back downstairs and go through the Museum, and read all about the creation of Birmingham, the Steel Mills, the factories and stores, the Civil Rights history and view the current, dynamic and exuberant new Birmingham. Enjoy! It is a grand place and a fantastic way to see the City!

The elevator to the top of the tower was broken and will be for a long time according to management. It wasn’t mentioned that access would be limited on website. I could have used my time more wisely had I known it was closed, and still had to pay full price for the ticket although it was a reasonable 8 dollars.

For first time Birmingham visitors, the Vulcan Park Museum and Observation deck on the top of Vulcan is a good place to learn out the founding and history of Birmingham and to observe the city and its surroundings from the highest vantage point. It is always on our tour to guests from out of town and can be done in 30 minutes!

Nice nod to Vulcan the museum and tours were closed otherwise it may have been a higher rating. It was a great vantage point to look over Birmingham. Worth a trip. I preferred Samford campus which was more architecturally interesting.

You need to be here. Stop reading reviews and just buy the very reasonable ticket ($6) that includes admission to the museum and entry to the observation deck. I recommend walking UP and DOWN the interior staircase if you are able (at least once in your life) but if that isn't an option there is a fully functional elevator that will take you in both directions. Go on a clear day and the view will be your reward. This park and museum is absolutely one of my favorite places in the world and Birmingham is beyond blessed to have this park and its' staff.

The park itself is so pretty and clean. The view of downtown Birmingham is just stunning even if you don’t go to the top of the statue.

Had a great time visiting the Vulcan and touring the exhibit and climbing to the top of the statue. Beautiful view of the city. Also enjoyed a nice walk on the trail at the foot of the statue. A great afternoon.

Hubby took his 80 year old second cousin here. You must take your visiting relatives here to show off Birmingham!

If you want to know about the history of Birmingham you need to visit the museum. Go all the way to the top of the statue and get a wonderful view of Birmingham. If you’re afraid of heights be prepared for the metal see through grates at the top. My eleven year old kinda freak out (Afraid of hights). The history of Birmingham is rich and runs deep in this old steel city. Everyone should take a some time to enjoy this place.

My primary reason for stopping at the Vulcan Park was to get a set of their elongated pennies. Once that was accomplished, I took the time to enjoy the exhibits and take the elevator to the observation area of the statue. (There is are stairs to the top if you want some exercise)

The views of the city are great and your ticket is good for a whole day if you wanted to see Birmingham at night.

Even better were the volunteers. The lady in the gift shop let me take a couple of t shirts into the rest room to try on since I was from out of town. The guy at the elevator tried to give me restaurant recommendations, but most places were closed since I visited on a Monday.

We went by the park on Sunday morning and it was impressive. Great views of the city and nice walk for a nice day.

The weather was beautiful, which made this visit even better. It’s worth the admission price to go into the museum and up the statue to the top. The museum has a great exhibit about how the statue was built and refurbished, and learning about Alabama‘s industrial history was interesting as well. Evidently there is an elevator to the top of the statue, but it was broken. If that’s the case, don’t be deterred. It’s not a big deal to walk to the top.

Great attraction and interesting location to visit if your wanting to better understand the origin and history of the city of Birmingham with regards to what brought immigrants and Americans to settle in the area. Museum presents a documented and easy to follow path of the iron and steel industries and the role they played in the development of the city.

Views from the Observation Deck are phenomenal and on a clear day offered a panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas. On the day we visited the elevators were down; however the steps while many -will lead you to the top. While visiting the Park, you can view the largest cast iron statue in the world. Recommend planning to spend at least 4 hours if not longer.

March 15th 2023 My (now) Husband Brandon surprised me with a trip to Vulcan Park. We took the stairs all the way to the top of the Vulcan because my son has a fear of elevators. When we got to the top he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was such a surprise and amazing experience. Saying the views are beautiful would be an understatement…the word beautiful does not do this place justice. It is breathtaking. We will always come back to visit. Beautiful memories here. We are now married since August 8th 2023…and will be visiting New Year’s Day to come back to the place in time we will always remember❤️

The view is amazing!!! We went to see Vulcan but didn’t realize that the view of Birmingham would be the star of the show. The museum is really good as well

Impressive location with very interesting exhibits in the visitor center. The visitor center also has a great gift shop. Spend the time (and the fee) to ascend to the top for great views of Birmingham and surrounding area. Clean, very managed site.

Unfortunately there was a thunderstorm approaching so the Vulcan tower was closed, but the ability to watch the storm approach the mountain was interesting. While the storm raged outside we toured the museum and gift shop. Worth the visit.

It’s only $6 to get in and you get to go through a museum and go up a tower with great views. The tower has stairs or elevator. For the cost good to see.

Since we by chance visited on the 115 birthday celebration of Vulcan, it was pretty crowded and hectic, but I imagine that normally it provides a serene peaceful atmosphere. Museum is small and a bit perfunctory, but not bad for the price. Nice view of the city below, and I'm sure gorgeous at sunset, but we visited earlier in the day.

On a cold December day we made our first visit to see the statue of Vulcan which overlooks Birmingham from Red Mountain. He was created in 1902 for the St Louis World's Fair to promote the iron industry then flourishing in the city. Now he is a symbol of its past glory because the furnaces are long closed.

But he is a fun stop. An admission ticket will buy you entrance into a small museum that documents his and the city's history. Then you can take an elevator ride up to Vulcan's level which is about 10 stories up. Visitors can alternatively climb the stairs to the platform.

This would be a fun activity for kids.

Well worth the stop. Impressive statue, a pretty park, and lots of interesting history. I'd recommend it highly.

Great place to take a stroll & just sit & look out on the city!! So very beautiful & a great place to take pictures. You could have a picnic too if you wanted to.Rich history here as well!

A simple yet wonderful afternoon trip for the family. Iconic statue in Birmingham, with beautiful views. An interesting story, with connection to our beloved Statue of Liberty. A must visit.

The tour was pretty cool. Took a quick look at the top of the Vulcan which was pretty high up there. Great pinto take of the city.

Cool Historical monument and beautiful park overlooking downtown BHM. Great place for photos at sunset.

We stopped by on a rainy day to check this out. It's really cool and you can ride the elevator to the top (which we did not do). The park is very pretty and they have plenty of parking. We walked over and took a few pictures but honestly after 30 minutes there's not much left to do. They do have a nice overlook with a view of downtown.

Okay, yes, it is funny that there is a set of giant metal buttcheeks glaring over the back side of red mountain, but novelty aside, this is an amazing place to visit and learn more about the history of Steel City while taking in an incredible view of the city! Highly recommend!

Road to the top of this park overlook to see the Vulcan statue and see the city lights. It was freezing the night we went, so we only stayed briefly, would liked to have seen more and spent some more time here. Definitely worth a visit if in the area!

So well kept and an awesome view from the top of the statue. Hubby was brave and did the steps, I took the elevator and walked down. It’s a long way up!! The museum isn’t big but very informative. If your in the area definitely pay a visit. It’s not expensive think it was $6 and you can spend as little or as long as you want.

Living in Birmingham it’s always such a neat sight to see while driving through the city. It’s for sure a fun outing to view the city from the best point of view.

Came for the lights and visit with Santa. It was wonderful. Line to ride the elevator took awhile, my advice is to wait till about 7:30 and the line is less than 10 people. Music was great and enjoyed pictures and visit with Santa. Didn’t make it in time for the hot chocolate, but it seemed very popular. We went inside and enjoyed learning about the history of iron in Birmingham.

This was my first trip to the Vulcan but my husband has been visiting since he was a child. Only the elevator was open to access the top. Great view but we would have enjoyed the hike to the top.

I visited this museum with a fourth grade class. It was a little difficult to manage such a large group in such a confined space. Would recommend going as a family or small group.

We're unaware of the significance of Vulcan Park. After doing a walking tour inside and looking at the history of Birmingham Downtown Development and history we had our eyes opened as to all the things that went into building the city. We toured to the top of Vulcan and got a beautiful view of the Birmingham area.

We walked up the hill to this park from 5 points. Museum was small but had a lot of info so we were in there about an hour. Interesting and educational. The tower and statue are both unique and cool! We took the elevator up and stairs down. Very windy at the top and you stand on aluminum grates so not for those with height fears! Excellent views of Birmingham, even watched a plane come in. Employees here were awesome, friendly and funny. A very small fee to enter, absolutely worth it!

For a first visit to Alabama, this was a great place to start. We arrived at BHM and, with our rental car, drove straight to Vulcan Park. There is a great view of Birmingham from there. In addition to the history of the Vulcan statue, the park’s modest-size museum describes the iron ore mining and steel production history of the city, including labor struggles and civil rights demonstrations related to that industry. There is an elevator as well as the original stairs to get up the tower to the platform under the massive 1904 statue of Vulcan. Even better views of the city can be accessed from up there. Below the area of the tower and museum is a room from an original iron ore mine, seen through a barred opening.

We weren’t expecting much beyond great views at the park. So we were very pleasantly surprised to discover quite a nice little museum about the history of Birmingham, including the iron industry and the creation of the Vulcan statue. As for the statue itself, well, he looks like a big-headed cartoon character to outsiders but I appreciate the place he has in locals’ hearts. And the views from the observation platform, which is accessible by steps or elevator, are excellent.

We made our first visit to Vulcan park and it is very well done. The grounds are clean and well kept and the museum is small but very interesting. It was a very foggy day so we didn’t go up in the tower but imagine that is a neat experience. There are ample trails and picnic spots and it is a great place to spend a couple of hours

This is definitely worth a stop! The statue is really interesting, and the views are great! We didn't go up into the statue or look at the museum because we didn't have time, but we are glad we stopped to see it!

Spent an hour or so here on a sunny and crisp afternoon. It’s a nice walk up to the observation deck although the deck itself can be a bit disconcerting for those with a fear of heights. There’s an elevator to the deck and picnic tables down the hill. A small but cool gift shop has Vulcan socks available! Kids may enjoy rolling down the grassy hills under the statue. All in all a nice place to spend an hour or two.

We had some time so decided to drive up to the park. We took a little walk around the grounds and around the Vulcan. Yes, it's big. Then we went up to the top for the view, which was nice. The small museum is nothing special. Staff was great. We had a nice conversation with both the person who sold us the tickets, and the person in the gift shop.

I am glad I finialy made this a stop. We enjoy walking around, the museum and especially the deck. We did a afternoon visit and saw the city in the day light. Went and ate at a Restraunt downtown and went back for the night view. Save your same day ticket and use it all day. The night visit is the best. Worth th visit.

Climbing to the top of the tower. approx 160 steps but it was a cool day and felt good. Elevator was nice to have if needed. The view of Birmingham is fantastic from there. Great views from below as well as along the paved trail. The museum is small but very educational. Great to learn the history of The Vulcan and Birmingham...The Magic City!

We went up at night and found free parking however we needed to pay $6 to go up the tower. This is $0.60 cheaper then during the daytime (not much of a saving). You have two options to get up the tower, the stairs (takes about 3 minutes) or the elevator. At the top you can see the city lights. The struggle is the light on the statue are quite blinding and so if you look down in the slightest the lights will blind your face. The Vulcan (statue itself) is very difficult to take a picture of at night as the lighting makes him glow white.
During the day for the extra 60 cents, you can get into the museum as well...so go during the day and come back later so you can enjoy the tower at night...otherwise it is NOT worth the $6.

A ticket will get you access all day so you can see the views during the day and at night.
We have a 3 and 6 year old and they loved it! We had so much fun with the scavenger hunt in the Vulcan museum. It isn’t large but we spent close to an hour in there. The elevator ride is fun-the sky walk was a bit much for my kids, you can see through the walk way. The view is fantastic wherever you go. You can bring a picnic and then hike the trail. If you are in the Ham it’s a must see!

If you want a good view of Birmingham then this is it. Something to do in Birmingham that in unique to Birmingham.

Vulcan, the God of Fire & Forge, overlooks the City of Bham, protecting us from harm. Natives to the area love our "Man of Steel". But, beware, his behind is not covered! Vulcan Park is a quick, inexpensive trip not to be missed while in Bham. It allows you to see the City from a Mountain view and visit the museum that tells the story of Bham's birth as the "Iron & Steel" capital of the South. It's good for all the family. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the park. Recently, they have added a walking trail under the Park that you might explore if you like a little hiking. Bham is home to me so I have been many times and it is always a beautiful site!

When the statue of Vulcan was hastily (and incorrectly) assembled in St. Louis for the World's Fair in 1906, it appears that Vulcan is giving the finger to the people of the town and the world (there is a picture of this in the gift shop!). I don't imagine people were too pleased. The park is beautiful and the view of Birmingham is great. Restrooms were clean.

Great history of the steel city of the south. Beautiful view of Birmingham. Nice museum that is well kept. Great for family outing.

This was a very interesting place to go to. I'm sorry I didn't take my iPhone to take pictures. I forgot it in the car. It is very educational to those who don't know the area regarding the coal miners of this area a lot of history and worth the stop.

I was at Vulcan for a professional event so I missed some of the museum. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. The observation deck was my favorite. It's a fun thing to do on a clear day and you can see all around downtown and Homewood. The little bit I saw of the museum looked well put together and informative.

You should take time to visit Vulcan; learn some history about Birmingham and its people. Check it out!

This place is certainly worth the visit as you will find it's history to be very intriguing. Great view from the top of the vulvan park; you also get to walk up to the top of the statue-fun and again great history-wear flat comfortable shoes. Then be sure to visit the on-site museum. Cool place! Enjoy the Vulcan!

Visited this park after a kids sporting event with various families. It was close by, easy to get to and a great activity for families with kids of all ages. The views were awesome and the kids had a blast rolling down the hills and hiking

Vulcan Trail is located on the north side of Vulcan Park and Museum. There is a separate parking lot there as well; no charge for the parking lot or trail. The level and well/mostly shaded trail is approximately 2 miles each way from end-to-end, and should take you about 35 +/- minutes each way. The eastern side of the trail is asphalt, while most of the western side of the trial is small crushed gravel. There are some photo opportunities along the way as well. While an easy hike for everyone, I would recommend it for experienced walkers/hikers as well.

Attended nephew’s rehearsal dinner at restaurant & their food was really delicious. Bartender, Madison, displayed outstanding service with a friendly attitude. Her smiling personality made everyone feel welcomed.

We walked the trail this afternoon and found that it is a pleasant experience. We are proud of the Kiwanis Centennial Plaza and Fountain. Visiting Vulcan has been a family tradition and it is really enhanced with the museum and renovated plaza and trail system.

After visiting my friends and I joked that we paid $6 to climb wet semi-slippery stairs (the tower leaks and it was raining).

Somehow I had the idea that this was just an old big bronze on a stand!
This is a beautiful park with great views. Grounds are really very impressive. Staff were very friendly. We enjoyed going up to the top of the statues base. The adjoining museum is worth a visit.

This big statue is worth seeing, but even better is the great view from the top of Red Hill. You can see most of Birmingham from the top. It's a great view. There are other things to do up there too--even take an elevator ride to the top of the statue.

Neat little museum that tells the history of Birmingham, specifically as it was tied to the making of iron. Also, why/how the Statue of Vulcan came about. Going to the top of the tower is just so/so. You get a good view of Birmingham, but can't actually see Vulcan! Definitely worth a stop.

My sister visited Birmingham for the first time and we took her to the park as one of the things to see. We all enjoyed the history lesson. Most we didn’t know. Also, the view from Vulcan was great.

Second trip in 15 months. This time the weather cooperated with no rain and amazing views of Birmingham. Professionally maintained ground, a nice if not small gift shop, and friendly staff. Very enjoyable.

It won’t take you long to visit the Vulcan statue and museum, but it will be time well spent. The tower is for brave souls, but the view of Birmingham is worth it! The museum will give you an overall history of the area. The Supreme Court exhibit covered a number of fascinating cases still relevant today.

Museum was closed but the statue was very interesting and huge. Several trails to walk around and can get a view looking down onto Birhamingham .

The museum was really well done, telling the story of an industrial city that I had no clue about. The view from atop the tour is pretty cool. The stairs really aren't that bad - good walk. It was a nice reprieve from the otherwise depressing history of the City and Alabama, in general, but it's past still haunts them even in this museum.

Money is needed to be able to walk around the huge statue. I didn’t bring money with me. I did find a parking lot below that I could actually get better pictures from. It was dark outside so the parking lot below was closed. My pictures still looked okay.

I was fortunate to have beautiful weather. If you buy a ticket in the daytime, you can come back with the same ticket in the evening. Which is exactly what I did! To climb the Vulcan statue is 159 steps, and then you have lovely views over Birmingham and the surrounding trees and woods. At night, the lights shimmer in different colours and the Vulcan shines even brighter. The museum gave a great history to Birmingham, starting with industry, building Vulcan, and some aspects of the civil rights movement. It would be a lovely spot for a picnic but alas I was on a schedule with a conference. Walk around the paths for different views of the Vulcan too!

Vulcan Park and Museum is a awesome place to visit when you’re in Birmingham Alabama, great location great atmosphere awesome view, very interesting and unique

Not for people afraid of heights. 6.00 gets you access to the museum and the Vulcan. Friendly staff, very clean restrooms and park grounds. They were setting up for a wedding.

In Chicago, you go to Sears (Willis) Tower. In Birmingham, you go to Vulcan. It’s more than the worlds largest cast iron statue. You’ll see information on the era when Birmingham was the Pittsburg if the South. With coal, limestone, and iron all in close proximity and with the intersection of two major railroads, investors built Birmingham for the purpose of making steel. Today, we’re a diversified city, with the new name: The Magic City.

Had such a good time at Vulcan. The view is stupendous and you learn about the history of Birmingham.

Cam here on a recommendation of a local. The place has beautiful views of Birmingham. The museum has the history of mining in Birmingham and how the statue came to be. You can then take the stairs or elevator to the top. The views are awesome here. While looking towards downtown, there is an area of trees just at the foot of the statue that is beautiful.

When you absolutely, positively must get your eyeballs on a husky, naked, and bearded statue, without all the pomp and circumstance of those silly art museums, Vulcan Park is just what the doctor ordered.

My husband & I decided to check this out to kill some time, and we were glad we did. The park was lovely. The view from the top was a cool sight to see. The museum was nice too, it was very educational & eye opening.

We walked here from our hotel downtown which was about a 1.2 mile hike up 20th. There were t sidewalks for a small portion of the walk so be careful. The views from both the museum and statue are amazing 360 views. The cost to go to the top of the statue and the museum was very affordable and worth it. Would definitely recommend going here if you’re in the area.

What a very cool statue made from cast iron. When you go up to the top of the tower you get an excellent view of Birmingham. There is not a lot to do up at the top, other than look. The park is nicely maintained and the exhibit about Birmingham and the making of the statue are very well done. Definitely worth stopping for an hour.

Before visiting Birmingham for a church conference, I read about this place. I am so glad my friend and I decided to visit! The views of Birmingham are spectacular! We also enjoyed the museum which contained the history of the Vulcan and Birmingham.

The view of Birmingham is really great from here. Did not go to the top but the statue is bigger then it seems in the picture. Worth the cost to see the park.

This "short" visit to see a local landmark turned out to be really interesting and informative! The museum was small, but full of fascinating tidbits about Birmingham itself, the steel industry, and the unique statue and its origins! Although I wasn't brave enough myself to walk around the viewing platform at the base (still five or so stories high) of the statue, I got some pretty cool pictures and a great start to our trip to this intriguing Southern city!

We still bought a discounted ticket to see the small museum. Before going up the summit, we hiked an hour on the nearby Vulcan Trail. It is a nice overlook of the city and level to walk. Docent in the gift shop was delightful. Museum was average.

We enjoyed a beautiful view of the sunset over Birmingham from the top of the platform. The price was reasonable. There was adequate parking. Snacks were available at a street vendor nearby. You can use either the elevator or stairs to get to the top of the platform. A nearby overlook was also available. The bathrooms were not readily available due to the museum being closed for a private event.

VULCAN is the largest cast iron statue in the world. The views of Birmingham are awesome. The history of Vulcan And Birmingham are spelled out in the Museum. Definitely worth a visit. Beautiful grounds surrounding.

Enjoyed visiting Vulcan Park! Staff was friendly and the grounds were very clean. At the recommendation of the staff, we went and enjoyed a good lunch at The Fish Market. The museum was interesting. Who knew that the Vulcan Statue was the largest cast iron statue in the world? Would recommend checking it out at least once!

We stumbled upon this park and glad we did! We saw an incredible view of Birmingham and surrounding area! The tickets to go through are inexpensive and worth it!

Built on Red Mountain which was mined for iron ore, the Vulcan Park Statue is a symbol of the mines and factories in and around Birmingham, Alabama. Built for the 1904 St. Louis Exposition, this statue of Vulcan, god of fire and metal, found a home when Vulcan Park was created during F.D. Roosevelt's New Deal in 1938.
Unfortunately, large antennas rise up behind him, which mar the grandeur of Vulcan against the sky.

This is always a fun stop because you get to see the “Iron Man” that is standing guard over the city. There is a great museum that tells about the history of the city and how the steel industry put Birmingham on the map. The short elevator ride to the base of Vulcan is always fun because of the view of the city that is spectacular!

Visited with husband and 8 year old. Scavenger hunt for kids kept kid engaged. Museum exhibits relate Birmingham's history to present day audiences. Took stairs (159) up to Vulcan. Would recommend same if you are able to do it.

This was a neat place to visit. It’s a fairly quick visit but has some nice views. It costs $6.60 per adult to see the small museum and go up in the statue. Fun for kids but there’s not much to it.

First time I've been there in years.I loved all the renovations that were done. A must see if you're in Birmingham.

Even though the observation tower is closed for renovation, the view from the park and the museum are worth the admission price. I especially liked the short but detailed picture I got of the iron industry here. Maybe a quarter of the exhibits were about the Vulcan statue. There were also a couple of special exhibitions.

This is one of the places that accepts the NARM (North American Reciprocal Museums) card for free admission. You can join at a museum near your home or almost any of the 1,000+ museums. Note that different museums charge different prices for the same NARM membership.

I’ve been to the park and museum 3-4 times now. It’s always worth a visit, and you can learn a lot about the history of Birmingham and how it has shaped the city the way it is today. Remember to see the city from the to of the monument.