Freedom Riders National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: Alabama
📘 Park Overview
In 1961, a small interracial band of “Freedom Riders” challenged discriminatory laws requiring separation of the races in interstate travel. They were attacked by white segregationists, who firebombed the bus. Images of the attack appeared in hundreds of newspapers, shocking the American public and spurring the Federal Government to issue regulations banning segregation in interstate travel.
🌤 Weather Information
Temperatures can soar to extremes of heat and humidity in the summer and fall to a damp, wet, cold in the winter. During the summer season visitors should dress in light, comfortable clothing, wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen. Drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration. In the spring and fall, visitors should have a light jacket available as temperatures can drop suddenly. Winter temperatures can be unpredictable, ranging from mild to extremely cold
🚗 Directions
Directions to the Bus Burning Site, from Atlanta and Points East: From I-20, take exit 179 toward AL-202 E/US-78/Coldwater. Merge onto Alabama State Highway 202. Turn right onto Old Birmingham Hwy. The Bus Burning site is located on the right. Limited parking is available at the burn site with entry from the Old Birmingham Hwy. There is no authorized parking or pedestrian activity along State Route 202. For directions to the Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot, click on link below.
Images
Greyhound mural at the Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot at Freedom Riders National Monument in Anniston AL, site of an attack on Freedom Riders in May of 1961.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Saturday, May 9
Patchy rain nearby
High: 80.8°F | Low: 55.9°F
Humidity: 85%
Wind: 4 mph
Rain Chance: 87%
UV Index: 5.4
Sunrise: 05:48 AM
Sunset: 07:33 PM
Moon: Last Quarter (59%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 61.7°F
Cloud Cover: 87%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, May 10
Moderate rain
High: 79.8°F | Low: 62.4°F
Humidity: 86%
Wind: 6.3 mph
Rain Chance: 88%
UV Index: 8.6
Sunrise: 05:47 AM
Sunset: 07:34 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (49%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 66.6°F
Cloud Cover: 88%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, May 11
Patchy rain nearby
High: 70.6°F | Low: 52.1°F
Humidity: 80%
Wind: 11.2 mph
Rain Chance: 86%
UV Index: 5.2
Sunrise: 05:46 AM
Sunset: 07:35 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (39%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 59.3°F
Cloud Cover: 86%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
65th Anniversary @ Greyhound Bus Depot
Freedom Riders National Monument is excited to announce a commemorative event for the 65th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides. Join us in Anniston, Alabama, for this event or other events happening this day. Many details are still in the planning stage, so check our event page for more information in the coming months. We hope to see you at this event.
Greyhound Bus Depot (1031 Gurnee Ave, Anniston, AL 36201)
Speakers and park rangers will be at the Greyhound Bus Depot to talk about the Freedom Riders. Rangers will also lead groups from the depot to the Trailways Mural about three blocks away.
Location: Historic Greyhound Bus Depot (1031 Gurnee Ave, Anniston, AL 36201)
Date: May 9, 2026 12:00am to May 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
65th Anniversary @ Bus Burning Site
Freedom Riders National Monument is excited to announce a commemorative event for the 65th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides. Join us in Anniston, Alabama, for this event or other events happening this day. Many details are still in the planning stage, so check our event page for more information in the coming months. We hope to see you at this event.
Bus Burning Site (Corner of Highway 202 and Old Birmingham Highway outside Anniston, AL)Join the National Park Service for a commemorative event. Hear from the Superintendent and other speakers on the events of Mother’s Day, May 14, 1961. A bell ringing ceremony for the CORE riders will follow the speeches.
Location: The event takes place outside of Anniston, Alabama at the junction of Old Birmingham Highway and Highway 202. On site staff will direct parking.
Date: May 9, 2026 12:00am to May 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
65th Anniversary @ Zinn Park
Freedom Riders National Monument is excited to announce a commemorative event for the 65th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides. Join us in Anniston, Alabama, for this event or other events happening this day. Many details are still in the planning stage, so check our event page for more information in the coming months. We hope to see you at this event.
Zinn Park
The City of Anniston is hosting an event in honor of the Freedom Riders. Come for food, music, and to hear from people connected to the Freedom Riders Story.
Date: May 9, 2026 12:00am to May 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
Freedom Riders National Monument
1031 Gurnee Ave
Anniston, AL 36201
🏤 Mailing Address:
1302 Noble St.
STE 3G
Anniston, AL 36201
📞 Voice Phone: 205-679-0065
✉️ Email: frri_information@nps.gov