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
Tuesday, Feb 24
Sunny
High: 57.9°F | Low: 28.4°F
Humidity: 50%
Wind: 9.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1
Sunrise: 06:17 AM
Sunset: 05:36 PM
Moon: First Quarter (44%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 29.1°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Feb 25
Overcast
High: 52.7°F | Low: 39.4°F
Humidity: 83%
Wind: 11.9 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.7
Sunrise: 06:16 AM
Sunset: 05:37 PM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (55%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 42.8°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Feb 26
Overcast
High: 67.8°F | Low: 53.2°F
Humidity: 85%
Wind: 15.7 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.2
Sunrise: 06:15 AM
Sunset: 05:38 PM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (67%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 57.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (1)
Special Weather Statement issued February 24 at 12:34AM EST by NWS Peachtree City GA
Effective: Feb 24, 2026 12:34am
Expires: Feb 24, 2026 7:00pm
Relative humidities of 25 percent or less can be expected for 4
or more hours between 11 AM and 7 PM today. Winds will be
southwest at 3 to 9 MPH.
With dry fuels, high fire danger conditions can be expected.
Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities
whether you may burn outdoors. If you do burn outside,
use extreme caution.
Park Alerts
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