Alabama sculpture park makes list of standout American experiences

An Alabama landmark known for its profound artistic impact has earned national recognition. As part of a celebration for America’s 250th birthday, Travel + Leisure recently released a curated list of 50 standout experiences—one for every state—and Montgomery's Freedom Monument Sculpture Park was highlighted as Alabama's must-see destination.

A Powerful Reflection on History

Developed by the Equal Justice Initiative along the banks of the Alabama River, the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park opened in March 2024. The site offers visitors a space to engage with art and historical exhibits that honor the lives and experiences of those who were enslaved in America.

The park's crown jewel, situated at the conclusion of a winding trail, is the four-story National Monument to Freedom. This structure pays tribute to the millions of formerly enslaved Black people who secured their freedom after the Civil War.

National Recognition

Travel + Leisure writer Taryn White noted the site's sobering significance, stating that the 17-acre park is located on a riverfront where tens of thousands of enslaved people were once trafficked. The monument itself features nearly 120,000 surnames from the 1870 census engraved on its walls, while the park grounds also acknowledge Indigenous history, specifically Muscogee connections to the land.

Expanding the Legacy

This park serves as the third major component of the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Sites. It joins the Legacy Museum, which explores the broader history of slavery, and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which has honored victims of lynching since 2018. The park was also previously recognized by Southern Living as one of The 25 Best Places To Go In The South for 2025.

To view the complete list of national destinations featured by the publication, visit the Travel + Leisure website.