Located less than an hour south of Birmingham in Montevallo, American Village is one of Alabama’s most unique and educational attractions. This historical institution teaches all about America’s pursuit of freedom and self-government with an emphasis on programs for youth. In addition to school programming and tours, the Village offers seasonal events and activities that commemorate events in American history. You’re sure to have a great time visiting American Village this summer!
Why You Should Visit American Village this Summer
The immersive educational experiences at American Village bring American history to life. With a campus modeled after real places of historical significance, visiting the Village feels like stepping back in time. Notable sites include the Colonial Courthouse, Colonial Chapel, and Washington Hall, a replica of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, to name a few.
Adding to the drama, historical interpreters outfitted with colonial attire and props interact with visitors through performance and storytelling. Every element of the village paints a vivid picture of what life was like during the American Revolution and the foundational years as an independent nation. This summer, the Village offers several special events and programs that you don’t want to miss! Read on to learn more and plan your visit to American Village.
Memorial Day: May 26th
The men and women of America’s founding generation gave up their livelihoods, risked their lives, and even lost their lives, for a chance at independence and freedom. Remember those who have served America on Memorial Day with a meaningful visit to American Village. You’ll hear the stories of our veterans and celebrate what they fought for – our freedoms as Americans.
A service in the Colonial Chapel at 11 am will honor those who have served and fallen, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Veterans Shrine. Take a look at the day’s complete schedule here.
The campus is open from 10 am to 4 pm, and admission is free. Food trucks will be on site too!
Summer Season: June 3rd-August 2nd
For its regular programming, American Village will be open to the public this summer Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm (excluding July 3-5 for Independence Day activities). Take a tour of the 188-acre campus to see replicas of historical sites and experience the events of America’s founding as you march with the Continental Army, dodge the redcoat soldiers, meet patriots of the past, see a puppet show, play colonial games, and more!
Flag Day & the 250th Birthday of the US Army: June 14th
Visit on Saturday, June 14th, for a day full of family-friendly events. Enjoy patriotic music from the group Homeland, special Flag Day presentations, cupcakes for the US Army’s 250th birthday, reenactments from famous patriots of the past, food trucks, and more.
The Village is open from 10 am to 4 pm. Special celebrations begin at 10:30 am, so don’t be late!
Independence Day: July 4th
This year will be America’s 249th birthday, making it the last birthday before the big semiquincentennial celebration! Independence Day is a unique opportunity for all of us to learn more about our country and foster a renewed sense of patriotism and pride. What could be more fitting than celebrating America’s independence at American Village?
Gates open at 11 am for a day filled with family-friendly activities that conclude with fireworks at twilight’s last gleaming (9 pm). Please note that no entry is allowed after 8 pm. Admission is $10, but veterans, active military, and children ages 4 and under are free.
Here’s a look at what American Village has to offer this 4th of July:
Activities
Enjoy over 50 activities throughout the day, including music, dance, and games, to name a few! Encounter patriots of the past like George and Martha Washington, Alexander and Eliza Hamilton, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Samuel Adams. Special attractions for kids include a cornhole toss, hula hoops, Jenga, sidewalk chalk art, farm animal petting area, a face painter, and a balloon artist. 
Sites
Visit more than 20 historically inspired buildings such as Washington Hall (a replica of George Washington’s Mount Vernon), the Colonial Courthouse, the Colonial Chapel (a replica of Bruton Parish Church of Williamsburg), replicas of the President’s Oval Office and the East Room of The White House, as well as a replica of Concord Bridge.
Food
Over a dozen food trucks will be available, serving everything from hot dogs and burgers to po’boys and barbeque. There will be plenty of sweet treats too, including shaved ice, ice cream, lemonade, and root beer!
Plan Your Visit
American Village is one of our top summer must-visit spots for outdoor fun. It is open weekdays from 10 am to 4 pm and has great programming and events for all ages. Check their events calendar to learn more about these upcoming special events at American Village in Montevallo.
