A park is usually a park, and a history exhibit is usually a history exhibit. Usually, that is. When the two mix together, you’ll find yourself at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, located just west of Birmingham. Tannehill is the birthplace of Birmingham’s iron industry which prospered so much during the 19th century. The park has one of Alabama’s most pleasant blends of scenery and history to be found anywhere, but most importantly -- it’s just a fun place to visit. For starters, you’ll want to stop by the Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama (weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The museum houses one of the largest collection of iron/steel artifacts in the d.

South, and provides a fascinating look at how this metal industry works. The newest addition to the museum is also one of its oldest pieces -- a 200-year-old length of wooden water pipe used near London, England to carry water to the forges back in the 1780 time frame. The museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, so be sure not to miss the area behind the main building.

Just a short walk from the museum, you’ll come to the Tannehill Furnaces, among the nation’s best preserved Civil War period furnaces. It was here at Tannehill that much of the Confederacy’s "tools of war" were forged. As much as 20 tons of iron per day was produced by the three furnaces during their peak production period.

When it comes to being talented, the craftspeople who display their skills on weekends between March and November will surely amaze you. Located at the "craft cabin" area of the park, they are skilled in making baskets, weaving, quilting, pottery and blacksmithing. You can watch them work and ask questions -- kind of like your own personal link to the past.

With Tannehill’s picturesque setting amid the tall pines, hiking is a favorite activity for many park visitors. The park has eight hiking trails, none of which require training similar to that done for mountain goats. However, some are a tad more strenuous than others, so know your limitations. And as for distance, the trails (one way) range from around 3/4 of a mile to about 2 1/2 miles. You won’t find any vending machines along the trails either, so be sure to carry some snacks and plenty of water in your backpack. Actually, the Tannehill Trail Map provides a list of nine helpful hiking tips in addition to identifying the trails -- be sure to pick one up before you start out.

On the third full weekend of each month from March to October, the park becomes a bargain hunter’s paradise when several hundred vendors arrive for the highly popular Trade Days. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, it probably doesn’t exist. From crafts to produce, from antiques to collectibles, there are surely a trunkfull of flea market treasures waiting to be discovered.

For visitors who want to try their hand at the "cowboy life," the Tannehill Trails stables will provide the chance for you to become a cowboy or cowgirl for the day. Who knows, maybe someone will do a remake of the old Bonanza television series -- you could become the next Hoss or Little Joe Cartwright. You will need to make reservations, however, which can be done by calling (205)477-HOSS. And for the really adventurous riders, overnight trail rides can be arranged.

If you like to ride, but just not on a horse, you can enjoy a pleasant trip around Tannehill on their "Miniature Train Ride." It will give a nice overview of the park without the threat of saddle sores, and the train is handicap accessible. A lot of visitors like to take the train ride as one of their initial activities, helping them plan which areas of the park they want to head to first.

Visitors who want to spend the night at Tannehill are in for a treat, as they can do so in one of the four rustic cabins. These are not your ordinary cabins -- they were built in the 1800s and have been restored to accommodate modern guests. Rates range from $60 to $75 per night for up to six people, and all of the cabins except the Belcher House (maximum of 6 people) can accommodate eight guests. A fifth cabin, the Nelson House, is more modern in design, should you choose not to sleep in the 1800s’ setting.

And for those with a yen for sleeping in the great outdoors, there’s a 195-site campground set amid the forest of tall pines. All sites have water and electric, and several also have a sewage hook-up. Site fees run $14 for the standard site, $3 additional for the full hook-up.

With so much to see and do at Tannehill, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Fortunately, there’s a large picnic pavilion for those who like to enjoy some tasty treats from the grill, and for those who prefer a little down-home country cookin’, well, just stop by the Furnace Master’s Restaurant. Tasty food at affordable prices -- a hard combination to beat.