Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, 1,500 acres, has something for everyone, especially on trade days — the third weekend of all but the winter months. Visitors may sit on the creek banks to picnic, campers may enjoy their friends and family, shoppers can find a treasure or two at the flea-market trade days and historians will enjoy the 45 historical buildings at the park. There is more: a welcome center, an iron and steel museum, a candy kitchen, a working grist mill, a country store, crafts cabins, a working train, a pioneer farm, a campground and historic houses. An event schedule available to visitors. It lists a variety of events such as shows, competitions, festivals and 5k runs.

I recently visited Tannehill on trade day and shopped for around 30 minutes, and barely visited even a third of the booths. I looked at the food offerings at a concession stand (French fries, barbecue and other treats), but, I opted for snacks at the country store — parched peanuts, candy and packaged ice-cream treats. I walked along the creek bank near a waterfall where children were wading. My favorite part of visiting the park, though, was the ironworks furnace area. One can see the original furnaces and several old historical buildings there. Areas are well-marked with signs and memorial plaques that tell the history of Tannehill Ironworks.

The Rundown:

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla

Park hours: Sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, 365 days a year

Visitor center hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays

Cost: Main park, adults (12 and older), $3; senior citizens, $2; children 6-11, $1; under 5, free. The museum, train rides (round-trip) and fishing are $2 each.

For campground and museum costs, visit www.tannehill.org.

Location: Off Interstate 59, 12 miles southwest of Bessemer

Contact: www.tannehill.org or 205-477-5711