tannehill ironworks historical state park

This park is one of the finest, most educational historic parks ever constructed. It's historical value alone, added into the mystique and ambiance of the surrounding hills, teleports one or a family or group, back to a time in our nation's not too distant past. The volunteer re-enactors (when present) add imeasurably to the surrounding atmosphere. The little shops throughout the community, a working society, hand making, hand farming and selling their items, is a virtual reality of when times were simpler, albeit physically demanding. Wildlife is abundant in every direction.The numerous handhewn log buildings, strategically arrayed around the park, portray the past Traditional Family society in detail. Many donated structures including active churches, mills and forges, complete the realistic atmosphere. Group facilities, rental homes, cabins add to the features. Bring bicycles and be prepared for hiking. This Campground takes time to fully explore. We spend many days camped in our RV at this choice location. Our campsite becomes our base of operation for our 'Toad' forays into Birmingham and other surrounding areas.Three streams converge in this campground. It is advisable to obey flood warnings. Fishing is encouraged by tournaments. Trade Days in the large common area near the Iron Forging shacks, attract locals from miles around, on scheduled time periods. Riding the little train around the large campground, adds to the mobility during Trade Days.Forging of iron objects is welcomed during evening demonstrations. Hand made items are available from the several iron working blacksmiths busily creating works of art. All at various times, depending on weather and season.The historic Bessemer designed forges creating pig iron, were restored and fired in 1976, to commemorate our nation's birth. Still in place today, they are worth the time to hike and explore. A small store providing basics, is inside the office. Laundry, restroom facilities and a restaurant with periodic entertainment during tourist season, make the days even more enjoyable.Tannehill was so important, supplying iron for the Confederacy, that the Union Army sent a Cavalry unit to destroy it during the Civil War. It's remnants lay as a ghostly reminder of what the federal govt is capable of when provoked. Restoration by volunteers and investors, in close association with the State of Alabama, have kept ongoing projects, making this historic site one of the best in the nation. Restored for use by the public, the gates have, in addition to Rangers and security staff, are kept locked during the night. Excellent Museum of period systems and rare machinery, faithfully restored to operating condition, , is another great feature. Descriptions and photography from the past, impress on the mind what the self motivated, survival driven people of that time, were remarkably capable of accomplishing. Their creativity, intelligence and perseverance are exemplified. Details of the entire system to create Iron from raw resources, of which Tannehill is located near, one of the scant few geologic locations on the earth where all ingredients are at hand, is described in the museum.

Birmingham Alabama is closest city. Shopping centers, small towns are a few miles away. Tannehill was a civil war confederate iron producing town that was so important, that the Union army sent a cavalry to destroy it. It lay as a ghostly site of ruins for long many years. Everything needed to make Iron is located within a few mile radius. One of only a scant few places like it in the entire world. Now restored to historical realism with a wonderful little museum of working machinery. Reenactments are held in season. Call for reservations if desiring a camp RV site with electric and water. Iron is forged, allowing you to design your own item. Bessemer blast furnaces were some of the first of their type in the USA. Blacksmiths work in the shops alongside university of Alabama apprentices. A park train transports visitors to weekend attractions near the Trade Days common. This is a very large campground. Bring bikes and lots of kids. A restaurant and entertainment is seasonal.Countless Historic buildings, including waterwheel granaries, have been donated and assembled in the surrounding hills. Each building and depicted production, fits right into the atmosphere of the 1800's. Churches hold services, Group functions are ongoing, make reservations. Three streams converge requiring bridges and fishing is good right in the campground. Store headquarters offer basic needed camp site items, wood and reasonably priced souvenirs. 1800's day by day lifestyle is demonstrated in many buildings, manufacturing products throughout the season. This is a 'Do Not miss' family oriented campground, a unique historic location that takes days to hike and explore.

We rented a cabin for two nights. We were not ready to leave. This is such a beautiful park. We took our girls on a few trails. We woke up to deer's outside of our cabin.

For the 6th year in a row, our family volunteered at the Baby Steps Memorial Run 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run, which my son and daughter-in-law and another couple started after losing children. (Funds raised go to the Amelia Center, a counseling center for parents who have lost children, children who have lost parent or siblings, etc.) As usual, Tannehill was a very scenic location for the fundraiser and there were 720+ runners signed up for the race! The natural landscape and wildlife are beautiful, and the overall facility is impressive. Parking seemed to be no problem, even with the large crowd. The staff there is pretty good at accommodating the race (though they did have a bit of an issue getting the ice for the coolers and with a group of bicyclers who had also arranged for activities on the same date, but that was resolved and the event was a success).Whether you are having a fundraiser or enjoying a family outing or camping trip, Tannehill is a lovely park and has an enjoyable, relaxing family atmosphere. If you want to participate in the race or fun run, watch the Baby Steps Memorial Run 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run or Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Facebook pages and websites (links below). The race will likely be in August 215 but the park is there year-round!http://www.babystepsal.org/ http://www.tannehill.org/

I have been visiting Tanniehill Park before it was a park!! I am 58 and have loved it a long time! I have 2 nieces that were married in the little church. One 30 years ago and one 15 years ago. My niece a photographer, uses it for many of her photo shoots! We have had parties there, family reunions, school reunions, car shows, Halloween festival, moon pie eating contest, school field trips etc. I just ran a 5k there Saturday! It's also great for a quiet walk in the evening to see the deer with your hubby! Come for the day or the week, you won't be disappointed!

Tannehill Park is a nice break to get away. There are civil war iron furnaces and a museum. There's also trails to hike or bike, a creek to fish, campgrounds, a small train on weekends that children love, trade days once a month and craft cabins open on weekends. We love to take our grandchildren for a picnic, a hike & to play on the playground. It's worth the time to visit.

So much to do we stayed an extra day and went to the horse section and resaw the park in a whole new way on horseback. Well worth the stop over. it was hot muggy but beautiful, kids loved the horseback riding, with the trails at tannehill.

museum within state park. plenty of displays on iron works history in the Birmingham area. very enjoyable.

Visited as a day outing with family from out of state. This would be a great place to camp. Stuff for everyone to do from Hiking to biking to history to relaxing by creek. Noticed there is also trade days on the weekends, would love to come back and check that out. Spent some time just relaxing by the creek talking with my grandparents today while kids and other family hiked. Very peaceful park with plenty to do. I did also notice there are many geocaches within the park as well, did not have time to find any today. Just another reason for another visit soon in the future.

We camped with our travel trailer for one night and ended up staying 6. We had been on a trip out west and were tired of KOA and Good Sam disappointments so decided to give this a try. We paid 22/night after a 15% discount. We easily found a shady spot next to the creek. Creek sites were plentiful but we came in on a Tuesday. The facilities were clean. Shower floor could have been better but we always use shower shoes. They also have a laundry. The sites were fairly level and gravel. The roads are paved. They have 50 and 30 amp hookups and everything worked great. There is WiFi but it wasn't working. Couldn't get any TV with my antenna but it might have just been me. Lots of trees so don't know how satellite would work. History and buildings on site are very interesting. Very quiet at night if you don't count the creek noise and the tree frogs. Recommend this highly for tired interstate travelers. Easy on and off 2 truck stops at exit for gas and a town about 10 miles away for groceries.

I have been going to Tannehill for about 25 years and have experience with every event and ecomodation (excluding the RV park). If you're planning to visit be sure to check the Trade Days schedule, the craft cabin schedule, as well as cabin and camp site availability. Expect to pay $90 a night for cabins, and variable rates depending on what type of campsite you choose. If you don't wish to spend a night or two, you can do most of everything in a few hours. The only activity that may take awhile is the hike to the slave graveyard. Be sure to see Bubbling Springs, as you may miss it next to the rail road station. On my most recent visit I stayed in Stewart Cabin. It sleeps five, has a bathroom, ac, and full kitchen. Do note that you must bring your own sheets and entertainment. Cell and data signals are also spotty there.

This park has a fee of $3 per person to get in, they have a train that drops people off from one side of the park to the other if you are not the walking type. There is tons of trails and there is even sidewalks to walk that go up hill from one of the park to the other. They have camping for RVs here which is a HUGE thing here. They have a HUGE bridge that goes over the creek that runs though the park. They have a ton of old history all through this park and you are allowed to go in all the other buildings and check them out. They have tons of little shops and a homemade Candy shop as well that you have to check out before you leave! The creek peaks in and out of some of the hiking trails and there is a lot of beautiful tiny waterfalls and rapids all the creek. ALSO they have tons of events going on each month here too. DONT miss TRADE DAYS which Is the largest event here at the park that comes very 3rd weekend!!. GREAT PLACE!!! HIGH RECOMMANDED!!!

My family has yearly passes and we enjoy hiking, biking, and just enjoying the history of Tannehill.

We live close to the park and visit sometimes. It's very lovely and historical. Beautiful scenery with it's streams and trails. Very bike friendly. I think it's nice for a day visit and picnic, although they could use more picnic tables and water access. The tables were falling apart, there were not many of them and there were just a few faucets staggered around.It has changed a lot. From what I see, it seems whomever is in charge is more concerned with making money than the education and history. There is now an extra charge for the museum, but it's worth a one time visit. We haven't camped there since I was a little girl, so I can't say much on that. It seems crowded and the campsites are very close together so if you're okay with that then I guess it's okay. That would be the main thing for us, we like privacy. SO, the nutshell - if you're passing through, it's worth a stop. Check it out, make your kids read the plaques, let them walk barefoot through the shallow creek, take your picture by the old grist mill. A memory that can't be beat.

We live within 15 minutes of the park. We take our small kids and enjoy the playground and riding bikes around the park. The natural beauty is just amazing. I fish in the creek that runs through the park and know of many who catch nice bream and trout. The historical value is obvious, as so much of the ironworks have been maintained. There are bicycle trails for the serious rider, but plenty of paved space for the casual rider. Grills and tables are available as well as pavilions. Our family has utilized them more than once and find it very convenient. We are grateful for the area and hope to use the campgrounds in the near future also. Safe and clean too.