17 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO NEAR MAXWELL-GUNTER AFB

Introduction

Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base is located in Montgomery, Alabama and is home to the Air University. Maxwell AFB was originally the site of the first flight school, opened and operated by the Wright Brothers. Today, the host wing at Maxwell-Gunter is the 42nd Air Base Wing. PCSing here will be a delight for airmen and their families with the base's rich history. With multiple nearby activities in Montgomery, AL, you’ll be spending a good deal of time seeing the sights and experiencing all that the area has to offer. Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to what you go: (1-2) Gyms (3-4) Movies (5) Bowling (6-7) Museums (8-10) Outdoor Recreation (11) Golfing (12-17) Nearby Attractions

Suggested Read:

Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center

Things to Do Near Maxwell-Gunter AFB

Maxwell AFB Gym

1. Maxwell Fitness Center

50 West Ash St Bldg. 841 Montgomery, AL 36112

Phone:

1 (334) 953-5953 The fitness center at Maxwell is a fully equipped gym with everything you’ll need to get in a great workout. There are tons of resistance and cardio machines, free weights, basketball and volleyball courts, an outdoor running track, four softball fields, 4 tennis courts, 7 soccer fields, wallyball courts, and more. Come by for group glasses, join an intramural league, or just put some reps in on your own routine.

2. Gunter Fitness Center

175 West North Drive Bldg. #800 Gunter Annex, AL 36114

Phone:

1 (334) 416-1250 On the Gunter side, the fitness center here is equally extensive. You’ll find a weight room with free weights, cardio equipment, resistance training machines, and more. You can also join an IM league, sign up with a personal trainer, check out the Alpha Warrior rig, or get in on group classes. Outside, you’ll find a softball field, tennis courts, and an outdoor track.

Maxwell AFB Movie Theater

Montgomery

3. Capri Theatre

1045 E Fairview Ave Montgomery, AL 36106

Phone:

1 (334) 262-4858 With the closing of the Maxwell-Weaver Theater in 2012, there’s no longer an on-base movie theater. Though the Capri Theatre nearby is a great option to take in independent films and culture.

4. AMC Festival Plaza

7925 Vaughn Rd Montgomery, AL 36116

Phone:

1 (334) 244-1355 AMC Festival Plaza is the closest theater to go to for the latest releases. You’ll find all the biggest commercial blockbusters of the season here.

Maxwell AFB Bowling Alley

5. Maxwell Bowling Center 45 E. Selfridge St. Bldg. 45 Montgomery, AL 36112

Phone:

1 (334) 953-5049 Currently closed due to Covid-19, the Maxwell Bowling Center is the place to go for fun with friends and family. Prices per game are extremely affordable, leaving plenty of room for multiple games and tons of time on the lanes. Bowling leagues are joinable here, too. Make sure to enjoy the snack bar, glow bowling nights, tournaments, and lessons.

Maxwell AFB Museum

6. Maxwell Air Force Base Historic Air Park

600 Chennault Cir Montgomery, AL 36112 Inside the gates of Maxwell you’ll find a historic air park that runs visitors through the history of flight at Maxwell and in the U.S. From the first foundings of the flight school on location by the Wright Brothers to the modern-day machines or aerial prowess, the air park will leave you in awe of the engineering capabilities of the human race.

Montgomery

12. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

One Museum Drive Montgomery, AL 36117

Phone:

1 (334) 625-4333 The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is an institution that aims to highlight human creativity and the contributions of citizens of the region. The museum originally opened in 1930, and now holds over 4,000 works of art from paintings to sculptures. Admission to the museum is free, and tours are available for those who are interested in a curated experience.

Maxwell AFB Outdoor Rec

8. Aviation Cadet Pool

Ash St Bldg. 89 Montgomery, AL 36112

Phone:

1 (334) 953-5956 The Aviation Cadet Pool is an outdoor pool with an affordable daily pass. It’s a kid and family-friendly location, with a splash zone, a water slide, a shallow end, and a rock wall. They offer family passes at monthly rates for those who want to bring the whole squad.

9. Maxwell AFB FamCamp

390 March Rd Montgomery, AL 36112

Phone:

1 (334) 953-5161 The FamCamp at Maxwell is an outdoor wonderland for those with nature in their hearts. At just $10 a night, you can bring a tent and enjoy the stars with loved ones. They also have RV sites with hookups, wifi at the office, laundry facilities, and more.

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10. Outdoor Recreation Center

206 West Selfridge St Bldg. 851 Montgomery, AL 36112

Phone:

1 (334) 953-6144 The Outdoor Recreation Center on base is the place to gear up for an adventure. You’ll find affordable equipment rentals in all areas of outdoor life. Stock up on tents, bicycles, grills, and more. This is also the place to go for your fishing permits. The Outdoor Recreation Center also runs events throughout the year like kayaking trips and skydiving, so check up on the latest offerings from time to time.

Maxwell AFB Golf Course

11. Cypress Tree Golf Course

1461 March St Montgomery, AL 36112

Phone:

1 (334) 953-2209 The Cypress Tree Golf Course is a convenient spot to hop on the green and practice your game. You can rent all the equipment you’ll need for the 18-hole course. There’s a pro shop on site, a driving range, and putting greens. They also offer lessons for adults and kids, and put on tournaments.

Montgomery Attractions

12. Old Alabama Town

301 Columbus Street Montgomery, AL, 36104

Phone:

1 (334) 240-4500 Old Alabama Town is a look at the history of the region from its earlier days. Visitors will find a town from the 19th century that thrives just as it did back then. They’ll experience life through the eyes of everyday citizens of the time. The recreated town also hosts special events throughout the year for the public. Old Alabama Town is currently closed due to the pandemic.

13. The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

919 Felder Avenue Montgomery, AL, 36106

Phone:

1 (33) 426-44222 The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum is a previous home of F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby, and his wife, Zelda. The historic house is filled with curated exhibits that detail the lives of the two American icons. You can even stay in the upper floor suites that the museum rents out to guests. Right now the museum is limiting its hours and visitors, so make sure to call for more information.

14. Wright Brother’s Park

544 Maxwell Blvd Montgomery, AL 36104

Phone:

1 (334) 625-2300 Wright Brother’s Park is a great place to stroll or jog along the water. Here you can find a reproduction of the original flying machine built by the Wright Brothers. Come by for a picnic in the grass and watch the various birds that call the park home.

15. W.A. Gayle Planetarium

1010 Forest Ave Montgomery, AL 36106

Phone:

1 (334) 625-4799 The W.A. Gayle Planetarium is managed by Troy University. It’s a fantastic center for public education in astronomy and multimedia performances. They put on programs for kids as well as adults for education in STEM standards and to inspire future careers in space exploration. The dome uses a 25,000 watt surround sound system and provides awe-inspiring views of the cosmos.

16. Blount Cultural Park

1 Festival Dr Montgomery, AL 36117

Phone:

1 (334) 625-2300 Blount Cultural Park is a huge outdoor space with duck ponds, trails, a dog park, and much more. It’s a great place for picnics, sunsets, outdoor workouts, and playtime with the family or your furry friends.

Maxwell AFB

17. Maxwell AFB ITT Office

206 West Selfridge St. Bldg. 851 Montgomery, AL 36112

Phone:

1 (334) 953-6351 The ITT Office at Maxwell is your guide to local attractions and discounts. They offer deals on admission to theme parks like Disney World and Six Flags, and other attractions of local interest as well. Browse online for the best-looking offers for you and your family.

Conclusion

Airmen who PCS to Maxwell-Gunter AFB benefit from the fact that Montgomery is a major city with a lot to see. The base itself provides countless amenities and opportunities for entertainment, but the city outside base is a great atmosphere for fun as well. You’ll find a ton of things to get into here for everyone from unaccompanied airmen to kids and families.  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.