Alabaster, AL

Alabaster takes its name from the mineral once mined here by the Alabaster Lime Company, and its history runs along Buck Creek, where a textile mill in the old Siluria community gave the area its start in the late 1800s. The city was incorporated in 1953 and merged with Siluria in 1971. Today it is one of the larger cities in Shelby County, a comfortable, family-centered place where high school football (the Thompson Warriors won four straight 7A state titles) and community events draw big crowds, and its spot on I-65 makes it an easy stop between Birmingham and Montgomery.

The parks are the main reason to linger. Veterans Park has paved trails, fishing ponds, a disc golf course and a dog park, the Buck Creek Trail follows the creek through town, and Limestone Park protects about 100 acres of wetlands and beaver marsh with hundreds of recorded plant and animal species, great for outdoor time. For meals, look for locally owned barbecue, Italian and burger joints along US 31 and near the I-65 exits. The first Saturday in June brings CityFest, with live music, food vendors and activities for kids.

Alabaster questions, answered

What is Alabaster known for?

Parks, community events and Thompson High School football. The city’s name comes from its mining past, and it grew around a textile mill on Buck Creek. Today it is known for Veterans Park, Limestone Park and the Buck Creek Trail, the annual CityFest in June, and a high school football program that won four consecutive state championships from 2019 to 2022.

How do I get to Alabaster?

Alabaster sits right on I-65 (exit 238), with US 31 running through the city. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is about 35 to 40 minutes north. Downtown Birmingham is roughly 30 minutes away, Montgomery is about an hour south, and Oak Mountain State Park is about 15 minutes north.

When is CityFest in Alabaster?

CityFest is held on the first Saturday in June. It is the city’s biggest event of the year, with live music, a kids’ zone, food vendors and local merchants. The Christmas parade in early December is another local favorite, with more than 100 entries.

Where should I stay near Alabaster?

Hotels are clustered near the I-65 interchanges in Alabaster and neighboring Pelham, putting you about 15 minutes from Oak Mountain State Park and half an hour from Birmingham. Browse our places to stay for locally owned options around Shelby County.

What is there to do outdoors in Alabaster?

Plenty for a smaller city. Limestone Park has trails through wetlands and one of the largest beaver marshes in the area, Veterans Park has fishing ponds, disc golf and a skate park, and the Buck Creek Trail is good for walking, biking or a stroll with the dog. Oak Mountain State Park is a short drive north in Pelham.