Founded in 1886 as a mining and steelmaking town, Bessemer is a bustling suburb in the south-west of Birmingham. It flourished on the back of its iron ore, coal and limestone deposits and was nicknamed the “Marvel City” for its thriving economy. Today, Bessemer attracts visitors wanting to discover its rich industrial heritage and wildlife-filled parks and reserves.
Things to do in Bessemer
You can learn about the people, industries and events that have shaped the city at the Bessemer Hall of History Museum, which occupies an old railroad depot. It exhibits everyday artefacts, 19th-century furnishings and black and white photographs, as well as objects dating back to the Civil War. Highlights of the collection include a 1911 Excelsior motorcycle and a detailed replica of Downtown Bessemer.
Travelling with kids? Visit Alabama Splash Adventure, a family-friendly waterpark home to themed pools, thrilling slides and children’s play areas. If you prefer to stay dry, you can ride the “Rampage” wooden roller coaster and get your adrenaline pumping on the “Drop Zone” or enjoy a leisurely ride on the “Royal Express”.
On the southern edge of Bessemer’s city centre is the Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 100,000 square kilometres of ponds, pine-hardwood forests and limestone springs. It was established to protect the endangered watercress darter, a unique species of freshwater fish. Eastern box turtles, northern leopard frogs and opossums also inhabit the refuge, together with a diversity of migratory songbirds and waterbirds.
Getting around Bessemer
Bessemer is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Birmingham and 25 minutes from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Buses connect to Bessemer while renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.