1) Montgomery Whitewater
Nose and toes. If there’s one thing to remember in whitewater rafting — whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first timer gripping the paddle for dear life — it’s those two words. I recited them in my head with my fingers locked on the “T grip” of the paddle as I braced for impact just around the bend.
BAM! A wall of whitewater smacked me square in the face as the first icy-cold rapid greeted me head on. Well, no turning back now.
Nothing compares to the thrill of plunging headfirst into a whitewater rapid. And when you’re sitting at the front of the raft, there’s nowhere to hide. For better or worse, you have an unobstructed view of the river’s wonder and chaos: no escape, no time to overthink, just pure adrenaline. Waves started hammering the raft from all sides as our guide barked commands: “All forward!” “All back!”
We attempted paddling in sync as we twisted and turned down the channel, fully at the mercy of the roaring rapids and our guide’s direction. I never imagined I’d experience something like this in Alabama.
Whitewater 101
In Coastal Alabama, flatwater runs through our veins. It’s our comfort zone — the Delta, Bay and many surrounding rivers and creeks that flow between. Flatwater offers a more laid-back, lazy river-like, sunset-cruise-friendly alternative to its more domineering counterpart, whitewater, a foreign concept for many Mobilians.
My closest childhood “whitewater” encounter was inhaling Gulf waves from the seat of my Alvin’s Island boogie board while my parents anxiously supervised from their beach chairs, ensuring I didn’t drift too far or get swept by the undertow. A decade later, my parents and I encountered our first real whitewater adventure on Wyoming’s Snake River, where my dad, a self-proclaimed “avid indoorsman,” clung to the straps of my life jacket for dear life when we charged down the aptly named “Big Kahuna” Class III rapid. We have a framed photo in our family kitchen to prove it.
Though you might say I was a rafting late bloomer, my 20-year-old self was hooked after my first whitewater excursion. Since then, I’ve gone rafting on the Ocoee in Tennessee, the Nantahala and French Broad in North Carolina, the Kennebec in Maine and even the Soca River in Slovenia. But whitewater in Alabama? “No way,” I thought. Much less in the heart of our state’s capital.
“We’ve found there is often a learning curve to whitewater in Alabama for many first-time visitors,” said Megan McKenzie, chief marketing officer at Montgomery Whitewater, who graciously welcomed me to the park for a pre-season visit on a sunny March Friday afternoon. “No matter your rafting skill level, there’s truly an activity here for everyone on water and land, from rafting and kayaking to the ropes course, running and walking paths, or enjoying our restaurant and bar.”
Given the sheer scope and size of the facility, it was no surprise to learn that Montgomery Whitewater was nearly a decade in the making. Modeled after a similar concept in Charlotte and one of only three facilities of its kind in the country, Montgomery Whitewater was born from Project Catalyst, a 2014 initiative designed to transform the surrounding area. Built adjacent to the Alabama River in West Montgomery, the site was intentionally chosen to serve as a neighborhood anchor that could spur future investment. The park’s central location, right between I-65 and I-85, also makes it a convenient pitstop for interstate travelers and Southbound beachgoers passing through Montgomery.
Rafting Orientation
After a nice visit with Megan, I changed into my rafting gear: a long-sleeve dri-fit shirt, pair of Vuori shorts and close-toed Teva sandals, an essential for any whitewater trip. Chase, the rafting manager, greeted me with a warm smile and introduced two other staff who accompanied us on the rafting journey. As we sized up our paddles and life jackets, Chase ran through the safety demo, mixing in helpful reminders before dusting off a few tried-and-true raft guide puns before the onslaught of peak season.
The golden rule of rafting? “Nose and toes.” If you fall out, float on your back with your nose and toes pointed up to avoid trapping your feet under rocks. Fortunately, this was less of a concern in a whitewater park than on a natural river, but still an important safety precaution.
Chase’s story captivated me. A California native, he spent the last decade river-guiding in Idaho before moving to Montgomery in March to take on this full-time role. In addition to leading trips, Chase will be tasked with developing the park’s Swiftwater Rescue training program for first responders. After guiding for the last several summers and working construction jobs in the fall and winter, he now has year-round employment in Montgomery. It struck me that Montgomery Whitewater wasn’t built solely to boost tourism or neighborhood revitalization, it’s also about creating outdoor recreation jobs and attracting people from across the country like Chase to put down roots in Alabama.
Taking the Plunge
Soon enough we launched our raft at the bottom pond, an open area for flatwater paddling, before making our way across the pond to the conveyor belt, our gateway to the rapids. As we inched upward, I felt that familiar nervous pit in my stomach, like cresting the first incline of a roller coaster or stepping up to the podium to give a public speech.
“All forward!” Chase called, and we veered right into the 2,200-foot-long Creek Channel, a gentler introduction to the course featuring a mix of Class II-III whitewater rapids. It felt like a lazy river on steroids — gradually meandering, but with just enough punch to keep you on edge. A perfect introduction for beginners easing into whitewater.
BOOM! First came the initial icy shock, which then faded as adrenaline took over. No matter how many times I’ve rafted, the rush and sheer childlike joy never cease to return. I was soon grinning ear to ear and shouting with every new rapid that challenged our mighty boat of four.
If the Creek Channel was an adrenaline warm-up, the 1,600-foot-long Competition Channel was the main event. The site of major paddling events like the Olympic Trials and Pan American Championships, this stretch of Class III-IV rapids is steep, narrow, and relentless with little time to gather yourself between rapids.
Chase grinned. “This one hits you head-on.” He wasn’t kidding. The moment we entered, a gauntlet of Class III rapids greeted us. I soon lost whatever filter I had initially as my early “Whew!” quickly escalated to full-blown profanity through each subsequent rapid that tossed us from side to side.
Unlike the creek channel, which eased into its twists and turns, this section wasted no time. We paddled through the chaos, barely catching our breath between each drop, before finally coasting back into the calm of the bottom pond and finishing our adventure.
Rafting Reflections
Once I dried off, I found my way to the bar at Eddy’s for a Hazy IPA on the patio overlooking the whitewater course. My outdoor rule of thumb? Any adventure must be followed by a delicious meal or a cold drink (ideally both).
As I reflected on my rafting experience, my conversation with Chase took me back to my early 20s. I was once a seasonal employee myself during a three-year stint in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, after college. What would life be like today if I had stayed? Would I have become a rafting guide chasing summer year-round from Wyoming to New Zealand as some of them do? It seemed like a great idea at the time. However, I don’t think I realized how many outdoor adventures were available in our own Alabama backyard.
Letting nostalgia and the IPA take their course, I soaked in the scene around me. Adirondack chairs lined the whitewater course with each bay of chairs warmed by a crackling fire pit. Bar food sizzled on the grill. Music played over the speakers as March Madness cheers erupted from nearby TVs. Families walked their dogs while young parents strolled babies along the path. It was the perfect way to unwind after an action-packed afternoon.
So, do you think you’re ready to become a rafting enthusiast? It might be time to take the plunge. And you don’t even have to go far — a quick day trip or overnight stay to Montgomery Whitewater will do the trick. Just remember “nose and toes” and you’ll be fine.
Montgomery Whitewater
1100 Maxwell Blvd., Montgomery. montgomerywhitewater.com
OTHER MUST-TRY ACTIVITIES AT MONTGOMERY WHITEWATER:
New Aerial Ropes & Zipline Course
Opened last November, the Aerial Ropes Course offers a wooded setting for a thrill with scenic views of the Alabama River. Put yourself to the test with an adventure along the Canopy Ridge Traverse, an aerial high ropes course with a series of various obstacles such as ziplines, swinging bridges and cargo nets.
Activities For All
Try a variety of activities on land and water, including ropes and ziplines, mountain biking, running and walking trails, whitewater rafting and kayaking, SUP, kayaking camp, multisport camp and much more.
Shop and Relax
Visit the Outfitter Store for the latest outdoor gear and then unwind from your shopping spree at Eddy’s Restaurant and Bar.
2) Grand River Motorsports Park
One of the best kept secrets of living in Coastal Alabama is our prime location between the water and the woods. If you’re ready to swap the rapids and slides for an off-road adventure, head to Grand River Motorsports Park in Robertsdale.
Conveniently located off I-10 between Mobile and Pensacola, this 2,000-acre motorsports playground is a dream for off-road enthusiasts. With over 100 miles of trails, the park caters to all types of thrill-seekers, from motorcycles and ATVs to UTVs, Jeeps and trucks. Pick your poison between a scenic ride through the woods or a challenging, mud-filled excursion.
If you’re not afraid to get down and dirty, be sure to explore Grand River’s dedicated mud areas, bounty holes, dirt drag strip and turbo track to put your vehicle to the test. Just be sure to dress down for the occasion.
After a full day of riding, unwind at one of the park’s sandbars along the Styx River, offering a refreshing break with scenic views. And for night owls, Grand River stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, so the adventure doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down.
Come for rugged trail rides and mud-slinging adventures and stay for a relaxing afternoon by the river soaking up the charm of Central Baldwin County.
Grand River Motorsports Park
25859 Motorsports Parkway, Robertsdale. grandrivermotorsports.com
WHY GO
Sloshing mud, flying dirt, revving engines and oversized tires make for an exhilarating off-road experience.
COST
Adult day passes range from $13-$33
Annual $15 membership required for all visitors
3) Alabama Safari Park
Most Alabamians are all too familiar with just about every Interstate 65 exit on the 240-mile stretch between Mobile and Birmingham. While the straight and narrow route can put even the most heavily caffeinated driver to sleep, I’ve learned that many stops along the way offer unique small-town charm — if you know where to look beyond the gas stations and fast-food chains.
Just 20 minutes south of Montgomery Whitewater and two hours north of Mobile, a wild Alabama adventure awaits road-trippers looking to spice up their journey. Tucked away in Hope Hull, only two miles off Exit 158, Alabama Safari Park spans 350 acres and offers family-friendly wildlife encounters unlike anything else in the state. The best part? You don’t even have to leave your car.
The drive-thru safari allows visitors to get up close and personal with more than 800 free-roaming animals from around the world, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes and llamas, which wander the rural landscape and aren’t afraid to greet your car with hungry curiosity. Fortunately, guests can purchase feed buckets for a more intimate hands-on safari experience.
If the drive-thru isn’t your speed, The Village Walk-Thru offers more interactive wildlife encounters for the interstate road warriors who need their daily step count. Climb up the Giraffe Tower to stand eye-level with these graceful giants or lay low in the petting area for bonding time with farm animals. Guided wagon rides are available to see the park’s full expansive array of wildlife.
Since opening in 2018, Alabama Safari Park has been committed to conservation. The park cares for endangered species, participates in breeding programs, and supports global wildlife efforts — all while offering a family-friendly escape into nature.
The next time you’re driving between Mobile and Montgomery, take a quick detour to explore this hidden wildlife gem in the heart of Alabama
Alabama Safari Park
1664 Venable Road Hope Hull. alabamasafaripark.com
WHY GO
African wildlife a little closer to home, up close and personal at an easy drive-through venue!
COST
Adults: $26
Seniors (65+): $24
Kids: $19
$6 for optional feed bucket or $20 for 4 buckets
4) Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark at OWA
Has the looming summer heat already got you beat? Let’s face it, Gulf Coast summers are no joke — blazing heat, stifling humidity and sudden afternoon storms can derail even the best-laid plans.
But if I let our unpredictable weather dictate my activity schedule, I’d never leave the house. For Type A planners who don’t want to obsess over the weather radar, indoor excursion options offer a healthy dose of adventure and predictability.
Located in Foley, Tropic Falls at OWA is a must-visit for adventure seekers craving a year-round tropical escape. This unique destination offers thrilling rides, water attractions and family-friendly entertainment under one roof. Alabama’s largest indoor water park features 75-foot slides, a spacious wave pool, a surf simulator and 23 rides for all ages, all beneath a convertible glass roof. Rain or shine, the fun never stops.
Adrenaline junkies can tackle the Rollin’ Thunder coaster or take on the high-speed drops of Piranha Plunge. Competitive spirits can race friends down three parallel slides on the Aqua Chaser, while those looking to recharge can float aimlessly down Castaway Creek, a lazy river lover’s paradise or unwind in a private cabana.
You won’t go hungry at Tropic Falls, either. Foodies can indulge in tropical bites at Baja Grill or cool off with a sweet from Tiki Treats. After drying off, explore everything else OWA has to offer.
OWA’s Theme Park boasts 23 different attractions spanning across 520 acres, from the Alabama Wham’a and Air Racer to the Flying Carousel and Gully Washer. Adjacent to the park, Downtown OWA offers a buzzy main street vibe with shopping, dining and entertainment options lining the downtown streets.
Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding thrills or a relaxing tropical oasis, Tropic Falls at OWA delivers a full day of fun, no matter what the Gulf Coast weather may bring.
Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark at OWA
101-N South OWA Blvd., Foley visitowa.com
WHY GO
Wet and wild adventures in an indoor setting make a big splash no matter the weather!
COST
General Admission to Tropic Falls and Theme Park: $70
Seniors: $56
5) Surge Entertainment
Without an official NFL team to call our own, Mobilians often adopt the New Orleans Saints as ours, thanks to our Gulf Coast proximity, shared cultural roots and fierce Mardi Gras rivalry. While former Saints quarterback Drew Brees may have retired from throwing touchdowns in the Superdome, he hasn’t lost his competitive edge. Instead, he’s built a family-friendly Superdome of his own.
As a father of four, Brees set out to create an entertainment experience that brings families and friends together for nonstop fun. With more than 15 locations nationwide, his Surge Entertainment and Surge Adventure Park concepts offer thrill-seekers a go-to destination, especially for those rainy days when kids (and adults) need an escape from the house.
Located on Airport Boulevard at the Shoppes of Bel Air, Surge Entertainment is a one-stop indoor adventure center packed with activities for all ages. An afternoon or night out at Surge makes for an action-packed experience for your next family outing, date night, birthday party or work event. Map your DIY activity plan and let the games begin.
Whether you’re into bowling, mini golf, laser tag or racing on a multi-level go-kart track, there’s no shortage of competition here. For a next-level gaming experience, the XD Dark Ride delivers a thrilling 7D interactive adventure.
Have you caught the pickleball craze? Sports enthusiasts can take the pickleball courts or test their skills on a variety of high-tech sports simulators, while the youngsters can tackle the soft play areas or the ropes course.
Once you work up an appetite, enjoy a meal at Bistreaux. Surge’s on-site restaurant serves family-friendly fare alongside Gulf Coast seafood and Cajun-inspired bites like Crawfish Egg Rolls, Cajun Candy Bacon and Louisiana Meat Pies. Adults can wash down their seafood indulgences with a myriad of cocktail options at the full-service bar while the kids head out for round two activities.
No matter your adventure style, the great state of Alabama contains all the fun you can ask for and more. From crashing waves, thrilling rides, wildlife and beyond, the sky’s the limit for all your outings great and small. The best part? These experiences are ones you don’t have to travel far for. They’re all sitting right in your backyard, ready to be explored.
Surge Entertainment
The Shoppes at Bel Air, 3201 Airport Blvd., Mobile. surgefun.com
WHY GO
The options are truly endless at this indoor play place for all ages.
COST
Prices vary based on activity — cash not accepted
