Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
Image credit: picture by Ron Cogswell licenced under Attribution License.

The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail is a significant historical site located in Alabama, United States. Stretching over 54 miles, this trail commemorates the historic 1965 voting rights marches from Selma to the state capital, Montgomery.

The location of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail is in Dallas, Lowndes, and Montgomery counties, running through various rural communities and historic sites.

The trail holds immense historical importance, as it marks the path taken by civil rights activists during the Selma to Montgomery marches. These marches were organized to advocate for African Americans' voting rights and to protest discriminatory practices that took place during that era.

Visitors to the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail can explore a wealth of attractions and activities. The trail itself allows visitors to walk along the same path as the activists who fought for justice and equality. There are also interpretive exhibits along the trail that provide detailed information about the marches and the civil rights movement.

Nearby, visitors can explore the Selma Interpretive Center, which offers a comprehensive introduction to the events surrounding the Selma to Montgomery marches. The center features exhibits, multimedia presentations, and personal accounts, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.

Another notable attraction in the area is the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute located in Selma. This museum showcases the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights movement and provides comprehensive insight into the fight for voting rights in America.

Overall, the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama offers an educational and immersive experience for visitors interested in learning about the civil rights movement. Whether walking along the trail, exploring the interpretive exhibits, or visiting nearby museums, this historic site provides a profound opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the ongoing fight for equality in the United States.

Location

The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail is located within the state of Alabama, stretching through the heart of the central region. The trail chronicles a significant civil rights movement, serving as a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs that took place during the Voting Rights March of 1965. Beginning in Selma, a small city situated on the banks of the Alabama River, the trail meanders through picturesque rural landscapes and historically significant towns, before reaching the state capital of Montgomery. Its geographical location in the central part of Alabama allows visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse natural beauty of the state while retracing the footsteps of the brave individuals who fought for equality and justice.

Address & Contact

7002 U.S. Highway 80 West
White Hall, AL 36040
Driving Directions
Phone: 334-877-1983
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail would be between March and May when the average maximum temperatures range from 71°F to 85°F. During this time, the average minimum temperatures range from 46°F to 61°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average monthly precipitation during this period is around 4-5 inches.

Things to do and learn in Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Volunteer Vacation

Topics

Learn about these topics at Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail: Trails African American Heritage Social Movements Voting Rights and Suffrage Civil Rights Reconstruction

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Temporary Location - Selma Welcome Center

We are open and located at 14 Broad St.; the parking lot is beside the building. The Selma Welcome Center, operated by the city of Selma, is our temporary space while the Selma Interpretive Center undergoes renovations. You can still find stamps, rangers, restrooms, and a bookstore at this location. The permanent center is located on the corner of Broad St. and Water Ave, and the temporary space is three buildings down. Look for the white "Open" sign on the sidewalk just past the construction fence.

Campsites within or near Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

Gunter Hill Campground

Campground near Montgomery, Al
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Paul Grist State Park

https://www.alapark.com/parks/paul-grist-state-park
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Prairie Creek

Alabama River Lakes Corp of Engineers
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Hotels within or near Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

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Luxury Inn and Suites

With a stay at Luxury Inn and Suites in Selma, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of National Voting Rights Museum and Museum of Slavery and Civil Rights. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1120 Highland Ave, Selma, Alabama 36703
Web: Link

Quality Inn Edmund Pettus Bridge Area

Located in Selma, Quality Inn Edmund Pettus Bridge Area is within a 5-minute drive of Old Depot Museum and National Voting Rights Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1812 Highway 14 E, Selma, Alabama 36701
Web: Link

Baymont by Wyndham Selma

A stay at Baymont by Wyndham Selma places you in the heart of Selma, within a 5-minute drive of National Voting Rights Museum and Museum of Slavery and Civil Rights. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2420 N Broad St, Selma, Alabama 36701
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Selma

With a stay at Hampton Inn Selma in Selma, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Vaughan Regional Medical Center and Yates Lake. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2200 West Highland Avenue, Selma, Alabama 36701
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Selma, an IHG Hotel

Located in Selma, Holiday Inn Express Selma, an IHG Hotel is within a 5-minute drive of Vaughan Regional Medical Center and Yates Lake. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2000 Lincoln Way, Selma, Alabama 36701
Web: Link

St. James Hotel Selma, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

With a stay at St. James Hotel Selma, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Selma, you'll be just steps from Edmund Pettus Bridge and National Voting Rights Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1200 Water Avenue, Selma, Alabama 36701
Web: Link

Selma Hotel

Located in Selma, Selma Hotel is within a 5-minute drive of Vaughan Regional Medical Center and Yates Lake. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1710 West Highland Avenue, Selma, Alabama 36701
Web: Link

The Venue at White City

With a stay at The Venue at White City in Prattville, you'll be 16.7 mi (26.8 km) from Confederate Memorial Park and 17 mi (27.4 km) from Peach Park. Featured amenities include express check-in, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1314 County Road 42, Prattville, Alabama 36067
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2024-08-23Barbara Tagger Named Deputy Superintendent of Selma to Montgomery and Tuskegee National Park Service Site
Barbara Tagger Named Deputy Superintendent and acting Superintendent of Selma to Montgomery and Tuskegee National Park Service Site More
2024-01-19Selma to Montgomery NHT and Tuskegee Airmen NHS to Open 6 Days a Week
Starting on January 29, the National Park Service (NPS) will open the visitor centers at the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site six days a week, Monday - Saturday. More
2024-01-06Selma Interpretive Center Closes for Major Construction
The Selma Interpretive Center will close after January 6, 2024, in advance of a major construction project to expand and update the center. More
2023-11-08Lowndes Countian Featured in "Ed Bell and the Piedmont Blues" Program
Join the staff at the Lowndes Interpretive Center at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11 for the program - Ed Bell and the Piedmont Blues. More