freedom-riders | AL | Find park

Colored Greyhound mural with historical information about the Freedom Riders

Greyhound mural at the Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot.

street view of a yellow brick bus depot, with a black awning and NPS sign, and an alley entrance.

The Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot at Freedom Riders National Monument in Anniston AL, site of an attack on Freedom Riders in May of 1961.

Physical Address:

Freedom Riders National Monument

1031 Gurnee Ave

Anniston, AL 36201

Mailing Address:

1302 Noble St.

STE 3G

Anniston, AL 36201

contact-details

Phone Number: 205-679-0065 Voice

Email Address: frri_information@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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.

park designation:National Monument

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Interim Visitor Center

Please visit the Freedom Riders National Monument Interim Visitor Center, located at the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitor Center (1330 Quintard Avenue). 24/7 access to interactive kiosk, passport stamps, brochures and junior ranger books in the Chamber vestibule.

Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot

The historic Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot, located at 1031 Gurnee Avenue

Exceptions:

Christmas Closure (December 23, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

New Year's Closure (December 31, 2024 - January 1, 2025)

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