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National Monument · Alabama

Freedom Riders National Monument

National Monument in Alabama. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Monument
StateAlabama
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkGreat Smoky Mountains (195 mi)
Closest airportBHM (49 mi)
Colored Greyhound mural with historical information about the Freedom Riders
Greyhound mural at the Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot. Photo: NPS Photo

Freedom Riders National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Alabama.

Things to do

  • Explore the Freedom Riders Story (1 to 60 Minutes): Explore the indoor and outdoor exhibits that tell the stories of the Freedom Riders. Indoor exhibits are limited to open hours, but outdoor exhibits are always available.
  • Junior Ranger (15 to 60 Minutes): Explore the story of the Freedom Riders through the Junior Ranger Program in Anniston, Alabama.
  • Drive Through Anniston Civil Rights History (30 to 60 Minutes): The Anniston Civil Rights Heritage Trail project began in 2010. This nine-stop driving tour explores key sites and stories associated with Anniston's civil rights history.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Wed 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri Closed; Sat Closed; Sun Closed. The historic Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot, located at 1031 Gurnee Avenue. This is the Greyhound Depot the Freedom Riders attempted to integrate on May 14, 1961.

Getting there

Directions to the Bus Burning Site, from Atlanta and Points East: From I-20, take exit 179 toward AL-202 E/US-78/Coldwater. Merge onto Alabama State Highway 202. Turn right onto Old Birmingham Hwy. The Bus Burning site is located on the right. A gravel parking lot is available at the burn site with entry from the Old Birmingham Hwy. There is no authorized parking or pedestrian activity along State Route 202. For directions to the Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot, click on link below.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) Birmingham, AL No road route 49 Large hub
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Atlanta, GA No road route 85 Large hub
Huntsville International Airport (HSV) Huntsville, AL No road route 85 Regional

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot: Mon Closed; Tue 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Wed 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri Closed; Sat Closed; Sun Closed. Currently Open Tuesday, Thursday except most holidays. If you are visiting when the depot is closed, the outside exhibits remain open. Also, passport stamps, and brochures are available at the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce.
  • Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce: Mon 8:00AM - 5:00PM; Tue 8:00AM - 5:00PM; Wed 8:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 8:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 8:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat Closed; Sun Closed. The Visitor Vestibule offers passport stamps, brochures, and an interactive exhibit open Monday, Thursday 8 am, 5 pm and Friday 8 am, 4 pm.

Weather

Temperatures can soar to extremes of heat and humidity in the summer and fall to a damp, wet, cold in the winter. During the summer season visitors should dress in light, comfortable clothing, wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen. Drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration. In the spring and fall, visitors should have a light jacket available as temperatures can drop suddenly. Winter temperatures can be unpredictable, ranging from mild to extremely cold

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Great Smoky Mountains, about 195 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Freedom Riders National Monument?

No entrance fee.

Where is Freedom Riders National Monument?

In Alabama. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, about 49 miles away.

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