So you want to visit a labyrinth in Alabama. I can help. I have selected 5 of the best (there are over 40) that are accessible to the public from around the state, focusing on large population areas. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
8 Labyrinths to Visit in Alabama
1. United Church of Huntsville / St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Labyrinth
A 7 circuit labyrinth made of bricks and pavers that is outdoors and open at all times. This labyrinth is shared by the 2 churches as a joint venture 501c3 Non-Profit (called Healing Steps Inc) The United Church has a page on it’s website dedicated to the labyrinth. Contact healingstepsinc@gmail.com if you would like to arrange a teacher to speak about the labyrinth.
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Address:
7906 Whitesburg Drive SE
Huntsville, Alabama 35802
2. All Saints' Episcopal Church Labyrinth
A classical 7 circuit labyrinth with brick lined walls on rock/earth, this is open during daylight hours (it is unlit). It can be found across the parking lot from the main entrance to the church.
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
Address:
645 Coliseum Boulevard
Montgomery, Alabama 36109
3. Saint John's Episcopal Church Labyrinth
Located in the courtyard of the church. Made of stone pavers. A sign just inside the gate reads “The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool that can be used in many ways. For some it is a walk of prayer. For others it symbolizes the journey of life and faith. Historically it represented a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This labyrinth garden is a place of prayer and rest to be used and enjoyed by all”. Pictures from the waymarking site.
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
Address:
113 Madison Ave
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
4. Independent Presbyterian Church Labyrinth
The logo on the church website features a labyrinth which ends with a cross ! I suggest you check out the dedicated webpage to see the beautiful 7 circuit octagonal labyrinth made of Tennessee sandstone that was inspired by the Amiens Cathedral in France.
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Address:
3100 Highland Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35213
5. Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church Labyrinth Memorial Garden
A beautiful labyrinth that sadly came about from a tragic event. This 5 circuit octagonal labyrinth is made from concrete and blue stone. You can read about the labyrinth on the church website, and see an overhead photo of it. The site also includes very good Step-by-step instructions on How To Use The Labyrinth that I recommend.
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Address:
3775 Crosshaven Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35223
6. The Capstone College of Nursing at The University of Alabama The Meditation Labyrinth
This labyrinth is located in the inner courtyard of the school of nursing, is made of a mixture of pavers and bricks and is in a 7-circuit, Chartres style labyrinth. Always open. You can read about the labyrinth in the news and find some wonderful additional pictures of it. As you can see from the plaque at the entrance, the labyrinth celebrates the memory of a student, Marilyn K Mitchell.
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Address:
650 University Blvd E
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
7. Village Christian Church Labyrinth
This brick labyrinth with gravel walkway is a Chartres replica and is open every day. You can find information about the church at their website.
Location: Auburn, Alabama
Address:
700 East University Dr.
Auburn, Alabama 36830
8. Episcopal Church of the Nativity Labyrinth
This large (45 foot diameter) labyrinth is located in the cloister of the church. The 7 circuit pathway in Chartres style is made of bricks/pavers with grass turf. The center stone is granite and the labyrinth is always open ! The Nativity Labyrinth was designed by Frederic Recut of Headland, Alabama. It was installed and dedicated in 2006. If you have a minute check out the satellite view of the church/labyrinth on maps !
Location: Dothan, Alabama
Address:
205 Holly Lane
Dothan, Alabama 36301
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
Some Maze art from Alabama I have made:
Alabama Theatre Sign Maze (Birmingham)
And other maze art you might like:
Pro Football HOF Maze (Canton, Ohio)
Santo Domingo Maze (Oaxaca, Mexico)