Lowndes Interpretive Center - Hayneville, Alabama

Address: 7002 US-80, Hayneville, AL 36040, United States.
Phone:3348771983.
Website: nps.gov
Specialties: Tourist attraction, Historical place.
Other points of interest: On-site services, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Toilet, Credit cards, Debit cards, Good for kids.
Opinions: This company has 479 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.6/5.

Location of Lowndes Interpretive Center

Lowndes Interpretive Center 7002 US-80, Hayneville, AL 36040, United States
3348771983

Open Hours of Lowndes Interpretive Center

  • Monday: 9 am–4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 9 am–4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am–4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am–4:30 pm
  • Friday: 9 am–4:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am–4:30 pm
  • Sunday: Closed

Lowndes Interpretive Center: A Beacon of Civil Rights History

The Lowndes Interpretive Center, nestled at 7002 US-80, Hayneville, AL 36040, United States, is a testament to the resilience and courage of the Civil Rights Movement. This historical landmark, a satellite site of the Selma to Montgomery March National Historic Trail, is a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the profound impact of the struggle for voting rights in the United States.

Main Services

  • Historical Interpretation: The center offers a comprehensive look into the events leading up to the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Marches, which were pivotal in securing the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
  • Exhibits: Interactive and informative exhibits help visitors understand the significance of the marches and the individuals who participated in them.
  • Educational Programs: The center provides educational programs and resources for schools and groups, making history accessible and engaging for all ages.
  • Bookstore: A well-stocked bookstore offers a variety of materials related to the Civil Rights Movement, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the subject matter.

Location and Access

The Lowndes Interpretive Center is located in Hayneville, Alabama, approximately 15 miles north of Selma. It is easily accessible via US-80, a major highway that runs through the state. The center is situated adjacent to the Lowndes County Interpretive Center, providing ample parking space for visitors.

Public transportation is limited in the area, but some visitors choose to combine their trip to the center with a visit to other historical sites in Selma, such as the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute or the Brown Chapel AME Church.

Featured Characteristics

  • Wheelchair Accessibility: The Lowndes Interpretive Center is fully wheelchair-accessible, with wide pathways, ramps, and accessible toilets. This ensures that all visitors can enjoy the exhibits and programs without barriers.
  • Museum Store: The on-site bookstore offers a variety of Civil Rights-related materials, including books, DVDs, and souvenirs. It is an excellent resource for visitors looking to learn more about the subject matter or to purchase unique gifts.
  • Outdoor Exhibits: The center features outdoor exhibits, such as a replica of the bridge where voting rights protesters were attacked in 1965. These exhibits provide a tangible connection to the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

Practical Information

The Lowndes Interpretive Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with the exception of major holidays. Admission is free, making it an accessible and affordable destination for visitors of all ages.

Visitors are advised to allow at least an hour to fully explore the center's exhibits and programs. The center's staff is knowledgeable and available to answer questions and provide additional context to the exhibits.

Food and drink options are limited near the center, so visitors may wish to bring their own refreshments or plan to dine at one of the nearby restaurants in Selma.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors frequently praise the excellence of the exhibits, which are described as informative and well-presented. The center's staff and rangers are often highlighted for their knowledge and enthusiasm, providing visitors with a rich and meaningful experience. The outdoor exhibits are also frequently mentioned as a powerful reminder of the events that took place in the area.

The bookstore is often commended for its wide selection of materials, allowing visitors to further explore the subject matter. The center's accessibility is also frequently praised, with visitors appreciating the wheelchair-accessible features and ample parking.

The Lowndes Interpretive Center is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement. Its informative exhibits, dedicated staff, and unique outdoor exhibits combine to create a meaningful and engaging experience that is not to be missed.

Frequently asked questions about Lowndes Interpretive Center

What are the main services offered by the Lowndes Interpretive Center?

The center offers historical interpretation, interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a bookstore.

Is the Lowndes Interpretive Center wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, the center is fully wheelchair-accessible with wide pathways, ramps, and accessible toilets.

What are the opening hours and admission fee for the Lowndes Interpretive Center?

The center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except major holidays, and admission is free.

What other historical sites are nearby that visitors can combine with their trip to the center?

The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute and the Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma are nearby.

Are there any outdoor exhibits at the Lowndes Interpretive Center?

Yes, the center features outdoor exhibits such as a replica of the bridge where voting rights protesters were attacked in 1965.

Reviews of Lowndes Interpretive Center

Lowndes Interpretive Center - Hayneville, Alabama
Brenda S.
5/5

This Museum highlights the Civil Rights movement in Selma, where the 1965 peace March took place. Excellent exhibits, great bookstore. Full of very important history. Recommended!

Lowndes Interpretive Center - Hayneville, Alabama
Tanya T.
5/5

Highly recommend. It's so informative and the ranger was a wealth of knowledge! Watch the 20 minute video, it's heart wrenching but everyone needs to hear this.

Lowndes Interpretive Center - Hayneville, Alabama
Fred T. I.
5/5

This venue is part of the National Park system. It provides a crucial piece of history as it highlights the Civil Rights movement in Selma, specifically highway 80 which is where the historic Selma to Montgomery march took place in 1965. The exhibits are fantastic and the book store is stocked with very nice items. There is plenty of free parking and restrooms are located in the venue.

Lowndes Interpretive Center - Hayneville, Alabama
Daniel
5/5

Great stop as you drive through the historic Selma-Montgomery route! It’s very informative as I definitely recommend watching the 25 minute video! The park rangers are very helpful and friendly! I highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area!

Lowndes Interpretive Center - Hayneville, Alabama
CHAOSNCHECK T.
5/5

Located on Highway 80 about 6 miles from the entrance to the Park. Very large building with a new sign out front SELMA to MONTGOMERY Interpretation Center and a National Park Service emblem. Another emblem is on the face of the building. Entry is from the parking lot side. If you have a National Park Passport the stamps are at the front desk in the gift shop. Plenty of parking for RVs and quite a few picnic tables offering a shady break. Entrance is free and the Museum is well laid out. Strongly encourage if you have time to step in and view the video. Quite a bit of history that is important to remember. What is interesting is the museum was built on its location for significant reasons. One being it has six acres that were used by the marchers to camp for the night on their march to Montgomery. The design of the museum is interesting - the front resembles the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and the dome symbolizes the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The bridge itself is 20miles to the right as you exit the Park toward Selma. There are statues and a small Park on the right at the bridge but parking is limited. More parking is available on the left side of the highway. The area with statues, plaques, etc. is to commemorate the Freedom Movement and those key leaders. However, probably due to city budget issues, the area is a bit worn out. Selma itself has fallen on hard times. However, if you have time you can use one of the handouts from the museum and drive past each of the churches where the marchers gathered and on Bloody Sunday sought refuge

Lowndes Interpretive Center - Hayneville, Alabama
Jesse J.
5/5

Another great NPS visitor center free to all that visit. Plenty of free parking and great exhibits. Bathrooms and park store on site. Helpful, knowledgeable park rangers and interns. A don’t miss when in the area.

Lowndes Interpretive Center - Hayneville, Alabama
Pam K.
5/5

It is a wonderful walk through museum about the Civil Rights and what happened on the walk from Selma to Montgomery. It is a reminder of what many have had to endure.

Lowndes Interpretive Center - Hayneville, Alabama
Lincoln M. P.
5/5

Be faithful to your charge (Luke 12:45-47). Every step you take can affect generations, for Better or Worse.