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Huntsville is a city located in the Appalachian region of northern Alabama. It is the county seat of Madison County and is the fourth largest city in the state that is home to 215,000 people. The town was incorporated as a town in 1811 with the help of LeRoy Pope and John Hunt. LeRoy Pope is considered a “Father of Huntsville,” but the city got its name after revolutionary war veteran John Hunt.
It is best known as the home of Redstone Arsenal, a chemical weapon manufacturing facility established during World War two by the U.S. Army. In the modern-day, the city of Huntsville is best known as “Rocket City” because of its affiliation with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The area was developed due to its proximity to rivers and waterways, making it a perfect location for manufacturing and transportation.
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting weekend getaway, consider visiting Huntsville, Alabama. This bustling city has plenty of things to do; let’s look at the top 23 things to do in Huntsville Alabama that are worth visiting
Alabama Constitutional Park
Alabama Constitution Hall Park, situated in the Downtown area of Huntsville, is the historical open-air museum that commemorates the drafting of Alabama’s Constitution in 1819.
The Alabama Constitution Hall Park is a great place to learn about the community and see demonstrations of how people survived without our modern conveniences. In addition, the park has a museum with historical artifacts dating back to 1811.
Visitors can tour the cabinet shop, where delegates signed Alabama’s Constitution. You can also see the practical demonstrations of traditional woodworking techniques from 1811.
Alabama Constitutional Park is home to many artifacts from John Coffee’s land surveying office. Visitors to the park can see Coffee’s original surveying tools and examples of the maps he created. In addition, several displays explain how Coffee’s work helped shape Alabama into its state today.
The park also features a replica of a blacksmith shop used back in 1811. Visitors can learn a brief history of blacksmiths’ tools and items to create. You can watch the live demonstrations from the staff as the shop is in full working condition.
There are plenty of event spaces in the park, suitable for private and professional events. The park offers many educational programs as well.
Big Spring International Park
Since its inception in the early 1800s, Big Spring International Park has been a popular tourist destination and a cherished green space for the people of Huntsville.
Often known as “The Big Spring Park,” the name was given by the indigenous tribes of Cherokee and Chickasaw.
Big Spring played a significant role in developing the nation’s first public water system west of the Appalachian Mountains.
The park’s centerpiece is the fountain, which bubbles up from the ground to form a large pond. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll around the pond or take a break on the many benches that line the path.
The park is home to the city’s iconic red bridge, a gift from Japan, and beautiful cherry trees that were also a gift from our friends across the Pacific.
In addition to the trees, Big Spring International Park features a playground, a walking trail, and several gardens. In addition, the park hosts several events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals.
Check out Big Spring Park when you’re in Huntsville – it’s one of the city’s treasures!
Bridge Street Town Center
There’s no need to venture far from Huntsville for a good time. Bridge Street Town Center offers everything from upscale shopping and dining to blockbuster movies and community events. Developed by O&S Holdings and designed by TSArchitects, Bridge Street Town Center came into life in 2007.
The center is spread over 550,000 sq ft of area and anchored by its main attraction Cinemark Cinemas and features more than 80 specialty stores and restaurants. It also includes a 232-room hotel by the Westin, an upscale hotel chain owned by Marriott international. So whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or want to catch the newest blockbuster, Bridge Street has got you covered.
In addition to shopping and dining, Bridge Street also hosts various community events throughout the year. From concerts and car shows to Easter egg hunts and Santa visits, there’s always something happening at Bridge Street Town Center.
So if you’re looking for an enjoyable day or evening out, be sure to check out Bridge Street Town Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Burritt on the Mountain
Burritt on the Mountain, situated on a magnificent 167-acre site overlooking the city of Huntsville, Alabama, is an open-air museum and holds an important cultural and historical attraction in the heart of North Alabama. The mountain top park was originally built as a home by Dr. William Burritt in the 19th century.
Dr. Burritt was a homeopathic physician, and he lived for 51 years. As he had no heirs, he wanted his estate to be used for educational purposes. So, it was handed out to local authorities in 1955, and it became Huntsville’s first museum.
Today, The Burritt on the Mountain has been expanded with several rural structures from the 19th century. The additions were made both for historical preservation and life re-enactment.
The museum offers visitors a variety of interesting displays and attractions, including gardens, nature trails, Dorothy Davidson Rosenwald Schoolhouse, Dr. Burritt’s mansion, barnyard, gift shops, and much more.
If you want to see what farm life was like in the 1800s, check the barnyard in Burritt on the Mountain. There are demonstrations of blacksmithing, spinning, and other traditional crafts and exhibits of old tools and equipment.
Named in honor of Dr. Burritt’s wife, the gift shop at the museum offers an array of unique gifts to take as souvenirs. There’s something for everyone at Josie’s Gift Shop, from toys to home accessories.
The site offers special events throughout the year, including weddings and personal and professional events.
Cotton Row Restaurant
If you’re looking for a place to tempt your taste buds, head to Cotton Row Restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama. The Cotton Row Restaurant is located on the southwest corner of Courthouse Square in Huntsville. The three-story brick building was built in 1821.
This award-winning restaurant serves up classic Southern dishes with a modern twist. From shrimp and grits to chicken and waffles, there’s something for everyone on the menu. In addition, the restaurant offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
The Cotton Row Restaurant was founded in 2006 by Chef James Boyce. After working for more than 20 years as a chef in America’s finest restaurants, he decided to open his own restaurant in Huntsville. Since its inception, the Cotton Row Restaurant has been awarded numerous accolades, including featured in America’s highly acclaimed magazines.
The Cotton Row Restaurant can be one of the perfect places for anniversary celebrations. From private dining to catering, they provide everything you need to make your event a success.
EarlyWorks Children’s Museum
The EarlyWorks Children’s Museum is designed for children as a hands-on, interactive history museum. The exhibits are designed to help children learn about their world through play. There are plenty of exhibits covering Alabama history, natural sciences, and world cultures. The museum also offers special programs and activities for children and families.
Each exhibit has its own theme. Like The Talking Tree in the museum is a fascinating attraction that tells folk tales of Alabama history, Native American cultures, and noted educator and inventor George Washington. Visitors can listen to the Talking Tree for hours, learning about Alabama’s rich history and culture.
Experience all the sights and sounds of nineteenth-century life on the water with 46ft keelboat. It features a large open deck that allows plenty of space to move around. Visitors are encouraged to explore every aspect of this unique mode of transportation. They can climb up into the cabin, take the helm, or just relax on the deck.
The museum is also home to the Passages exhibit, which celebrates the African American culture in the state. The exhibit features artifacts from that period, including a beautiful mural that tells the story of African American culture in Alabama.
There are plenty of event spaces in the museum used for private and professional events. The admission fee is affordable, and the museum remains open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Harmony Park Safari
In the heart of Huntsville, Harmony Park Safari offers a unique and affordable family attraction that remains open from the summer months of March to November (including holidays). With 30 acres of land Harmony Park is a federally licensed wildlife preserve that is home to a variety of free-roaming exotic and endangered animals.
Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy viewing the bison, zebras, ostrich, llamas, goats, deer, donkeys, camels, gators, antelope, buffalo, peacocks, giraffe, snakes, iguanas, ducks, kangaroos, turtles, lemurs, and many other species in their natural environment.
A 2-mile driving trail is set up in a closed-loop design. Once you get into the park, you can drive around it for as long as possible. Animals like a tortoise, deers, llamas, etc. roam freely, and tourists can feed them snacks they caught
It is an amazing experience to be so close to these animals and watch them interact. The Harmony Park Safari is definitely worth visiting for anyone who wants an up-close animal experience.
Harrison Brothers Hardware
There’s a reason Harrison Brothers Hardware is a Huntsville staple – it’s because the store has been around for over 100 years! Established in 1894, Harrison Brothers Hardware is one of the oldest operating stores in Alabama.
The Harrison Brothers Hardware store was once a go-to destination for hardware tools.
But today, it’s more of a gift shop than a hardware store.
The store was originally founded by three Harrison brothers. Later, after the passing of the last surviving brother, the store fell into disrepair. But, thanks to a non-profit organization known as Historic Huntsville Foundation, which bought the place, the original historic site still stands in downtown Huntsville. In addition, it has been renovated to maintain its classic feel.
There is a wide variety of art and fine crafts at Harrison Brothers Hardware. Most of which are handcrafted by regionally and nationally renowned artisans and artists. This includes painting, pottery, handcrafted furniture, glassware, jewelry, etc. Many of the items on display are for sale, making it the perfect place to find unique gifts for any occasion.
While strolling for gifts, you can also glimpse original ledgers that were once used by the Harrison brothers 115 years back.
The store also has a good line of kitchen tools, cookbooks, and gourmet foods. The shelves are stocked with local flavor, with an assortment of regional spices, jam, honey, bread, and ingredients from local artisans. The shop remains open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm.
Hays Nature Preserve
Huntsville’s largest undeveloped parkland is the Hays Nature Preserve, featuring more than 10 miles of trails that go through wetlands, bottomlands, and sloughs, providing hiking or mountain biking opportunities.
The road proceeds alongside a tributary of the Flint River along with its oxbow lakes and flows through old fields, riparian habitat, and a golf club.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, birding, and nature photography in a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition, the preserve features a natural playground that has been seamlessly blended into the surrounding trees, providing an immersive experience for kids of all ages.
A large area for kids with various wooden seesaws, a play kitchen, a swinging bridge, and Swamp Moat will provide your children with a joyful experience. In addition, the preserve has a free library box where you can read books and several small picnic tables.
The tables are in a shaded area near the nature center, making them the perfect place to enjoy the snacks with the family. Many events occur in the nature reserve, such as the Yoga by the river. There are no admission fees, and the reserve remains open year-round.
Huntsville Botanical Garden
The Huntsville Botanical Garden is one of Alabama’s most popular tourist destinations, welcoming over 350,000 visitors annually. The garden features 127 acres of themed gardens, nature trails, and various activities, making it an ideal spot for plant conservation, education, and celebration.
One of the garden’s main attractions is the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house, home to hundreds of butterflies worldwide. The butterflies are free to flutter as they please, and it’s a sight to behold. Alabama is home to an abundance of native plants, some of which can be seen while strolling along the nature trails at this botanical garden.
The Gardens has an extensive collection of Alabama natives, including red buckeye, Climbing aster, White prickly poppy, American blue hearts, and many more. In addition to the beautiful flowers, the gardens also have a variety of trees and shrubs that make for an enjoyable stroll any time of year.
There are acres of gardens and nature trails to wander, a children’s garden with a play area, a storybook trail, etc. The park is open every day except for Christmas Day, so there’s no excuse not to visit.
The garden has something to offer everyone, with additional events, exhibits, and programs throughout the year.
Huntsville Museum of Art
The Huntsville Museum of Art (HMA) has been a staple of the Huntsville community since its inception in 1957. HMA is one of the largest art museums in Big spring park. The museum is spread over 75,034 sq ft of area, out of which fourteen galleries cover 20,000 sq ft.
The museum was formed to grow the city’s cultural landscape, and it has certainly done that, serving as a magnet for cultural activities.
The Huntsville Museum of Art (HMA) is home to one of Alabama’s most comprehensive permanent collections. The collection comprises over 3,000 objects and is focused primarily on 19th and 20th-century American art.
Some of the HMA’s permanent collection highlights include works by James McNeill Whistler, Reginald Marsh, John Sloan, Robert Rauschenberg, and many more.
In the past 20 years, the museum has added more than 70 contemporary new pieces to its collection, including glass sculptures, metal, clay, and fiber art by artists like Chihuly, William Morris, and Philip Moulthrop.
Travel collection in HMA includes an exhibit of The Rebel with a Cause collection, Jon James Audubon that includes paintings of scientifically accurate animals that are now extinct, Vietnam: the real war that depicts the battle from all sides of the conflict with authentic images dating back to that time.
The HMA offers visitors a variety of exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs throughout the year. The museum remains from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Intuitive Planetarium
Looking up at the stars has been a pastime of humans for millennia. However, the Intuitive Planetarium offers visitors a chance to experience space exploration in an entirely new way. The theater has 250 seats and uses advanced projection technology to allow visitors to travel through the galaxy virtually.
The dome-shaped theater has a 360-degree screen that immerses the audience in the virtual world. The virtual world is a realistic 3D environment that can be customized to show any part of the space.
The Evans & Sutherland Christie 4K RGB laser system is one of the most advanced projection systems in the world. It’s the first to be installed in a planetarium theater.
This new system offers a level of clarity that is truly exceptional. The images are so clear and bright that they seem to jump off the screen. It’s an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re there, in the middle of space.
Utilizing raw data collected by space probes and telescopes, experts create ambient sounds that give visitors a real sense of what it’s like to be in space. It’s so realistic that you can almost feel the weightlessness of space and the chill of the vacuum.
Whether you’re a seasoned space enthusiast or just looking for an interesting new way to spend an evening, the Intuitive Planetarium will amaze and enthrall you. So come on out and explore the universe – your eyes and ears will thank you!
Lowe Mill Arts
In the heart of Huntsville, Alabama, you’ll find Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. This former cotton mill has been converted into the largest privately owned arts facility in the South of the United States. With over 171,000 square feet of space, Lowe Mill is home to various art studios, galleries, and performance spaces.
More than 150 working workshops and 200 artists at Lowe Mill are constantly pushing the boundaries of their craft. You’ll find everything from paper flowers, watercolor, soap, candles, kombucha, Coffee, etc.
In addition to the art studios, Lowe Mill also features seven art galleries that showcase local and regional artists. For events, there is a multi-use theater, four performance venues, and restaurants that you can use for private and professional events. In addition, visitors can enjoy live music events at the place.
The hallways are lined with studio spaces, which visitors are encouraged to explore. In addition to the opportunity to view the art, there is also a shop where guests can purchase art and other items made by the artists. There is also a learning center where classes are offered on various subjects related to the arts.
If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, check out Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. This one-of-a-kind facility is sure to inspire creativity in everyone who visits.
Madison County Natural Trail
The Madison County Nature Trail is a beautiful and serene park in Huntsville, Alabama. The 72-acre (29 ha) park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace.
It is located above the surrounding area and has several hiking trails, picnic pavilions, and playgrounds. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and offers a great view of Huntsville.
A 1.5-mile loop of easy nature walk won’t wear you out. The trail also has additional side trails, making it perfect for beginners. In addition, the trail is relatively flat and has a wide footbed, making it easy to navigate. There is also plenty of signage, so you’ll never get lost.
The Madison County Natural Trail crosses the Cambron Covered Bridge. The bridge is named after Madison County bridge foreman Joe E. Cambron, who worked from 1958 to 1974.
The bridge is exceptionally photogenic in black and white, and it makes for a beautiful backdrop for photos of your friends and family. Be sure to explore the historic log cabin that’s open to the public; the cabin was originally built in 1810, and it’s a great place to learn about local history.
There’s also an A-frame chapel, outdoor classroom, picnic area, and accessible restrooms. The trail remains open year-round from 7 am to 30 minutes before sunset.
Monte Sano State Park
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Monte Sano State Park is a place of natural beauty and health. The park gets its name from the Spanish word, which means “Mountain of Health.”
With over 2000 acres of land, the park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Fourteen miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of mountain biking are popular pursuits, and several scenic trails wind through the forest. In addition, the park also has event places for professional meetings, weddings, birthday parties, etc.
The Monte State Park rustic cabins are a must-see for anyone visiting the area. There are fourteen cabins in total, eleven of which were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The cabins are perched on the side of the Mountain and offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.
The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and Memorial takes you back to history and tells the story of young men who left their homes during the great depression to take part in one of the most ambitious and successful public works. There are also about 89 campsites available in the park with a primitive campground and a camp store.
Monte Sano State Park is a great place for the whole family to visit. The park is well-maintained and has plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied.
North Alabama Railroad Museum
The North Alabama Railroad Museum (NARM) is a railroad museum located in Huntsville, Alabama. The museum was incorporated in 1966 and is an all-volunteer organization. NARM has a collection of rolling stock, a small train station, and a small heritage railroad named Mercury and Chase Railroad.
The North Alabama Railroad Museum offers visitors the chance to see and experience how railroads have impacted the history of North Alabama. The museum displays locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, cabooses, and other railroad equipment from various eras.
There are many train depots to explore in the museum, including the Chase Depot, one of the smallest union stations in the history of The United States.
It specifically served the railways in the South along with Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway. In addition to depots, there are three locomotives, namely ALCO S-2 and S-4 units and an ALCO RSD-1, that are kept on display. Many of these locomotives, such as the RSD-1, were used in the closing months of World War 2.
The North Alabama Railroad Museum houses a select portion of the museum’s artifacts on display. The focus is on the history of railroading in the region, emphasizing the development of locomotives and rolling stock.
NARM also offers educational programs for school groups and special events throughout the year. The museum remains open year-round, and the admission fee is waived.
Redstone Arsenal
Redstone Arsenal is a United States Army post and a census-designated place in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama. It was established during World War II as the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Corps home.
The Arsenal continues to be a vital part of the U.S. Army. It is the center for research and development for the Army’s missile programs. Also, it houses the Army Materiel Command, responsible for developing and acquiring weapons systems and other equipment.
Something that may not be as well known is that Redstone Arsenal is also a garrison for various tenants across the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and NASA. This means a constant flow of people and activity at the Arsenal.
The Redstone Family and MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) team are committed to providing quality events and activities that offer a variety of entertainment and cultural experiences for Soldiers and their Families.
From outdoor recreation to holiday celebrations, the Redstone Arsenal MWR team works hard to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy themselves.
Sports and fitness enthusiasts have plenty of options at Redstone Arsenal. The fitness center offers a variety of cardio and weight equipment, while the bowling center provides 32 lanes of competitive play.
Whether you’re looking for a place to work out, play some sports, or relax in nature, Redstone has something for you.
Rocket Center
The Alabama Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, is a museum operated by the government of Alabama. The center showcases rockets, achievements, and artifacts of the United States space program.
The center was founded in 1970 as the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. The center is home to several important artifacts of the United States space program, including a Saturn V rocket and an Apollo capsule.
The Rocket Center is home to more than 1,500 permanent rocketry, space exploration artifacts, rotating rocketries, and space-related exhibits. The museum traces its history back to the early days of the American space program and is today one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
An extensive collection of U.S. rocketry offers both indoor and outdoor display access to visitors. The Davidson Center for Space Exploration is a must-see stop on your itinerary when strolling in Rocket Center. The museum offers an up-close look at various artifacts from past Apollo missions, but it also provides a comprehensive overview of the Apollo program.
The center also offers bus tours to the Marshall Space Flight Center. The Space & Rocket Center also provides a range of educational programs for school groups and aspiring astronauts alike. The center remains open year-round from 9 am to 5 pm.
Space Camp
Huntsville’s Space Camp is an educational camp on the grounds of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Museum near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
The camp offers children and adults the opportunity to learn about aviation, robotics, and space exploration. Run by a government-operated agency, Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission has attracted 9 million campers since 1982. This figure also includes people who later went on to become astronauts.
The center runs four programs, Space Camp, Space Academy, Advanced Space Academy, and Advanced Space Academy Elite. The Space Camp program is offered to kids under the age of 9 and 11 for six days. Whereas Space Academy is for kids under the age of 12-14 years.
The Advanced Space Academy program is for 15-18-year-old teenagers and the Elite program is for Advanced Space Academy graduates with added features such as scuba diving.
Space Camp awards merit-based academic scholarships for students with certain disabilities, special skills, leadership abilities, or financial needs.
Twickenham Historic District
The Twickenham Historic District, located in Downtown Huntsville, Alabama, was the first historic homes district designated in Huntsville. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 4, 1976. The district is significant for its association with the early history of Huntsville and for its architecture.
One of this town’s first surveyors was John W. Leake, who aided in the early design of this historic district. Early Twickenham was largely bounded by Holmes Street, Lincoln Street, Williams Avenue, Gallatin and Henry Streets, or present-day Church Street. And all of these were approximately in the center of the courthouse.
The district contains 527 buildings, structures, and sites, of which 360 are documented as historically significant. The district is mostly composed of homes, commercial buildings, a YMCA, a public park, a school, a masonic lodge, and churches built between the 1810s and 1960s.
The architecture in the district is a mix of vernacular styles, including Queen Anne, Folk Victorian, Federal style, Gothic Revival, Italianate, and many more. Notable buildings in the district include The Greek Revival Thomas Bibb House (ca. 1823), LeRoy Pope (Founder of Huntsville) Estate (ca. 1814), Weeden House (ca. 1819), and many more.
There are several walking tours available that will take you past all of the district’s highlights.
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum
The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum is one of the premier military museums in the United States. It is located in Huntsville, Alabama, and contains many items from World War I through the Vietnam War. The museum was established in 2001 to commemorate the patriots who served in the United States.
Run entirely by volunteers, the museum offers a forum to educate the public about the country’s military relics. The museum has a large collection of aircraft, artillery, vehicles, and other artifacts on display. It also features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what it is like to be in a war zone or a military vehicle.
It has a big collection of more than 800 military uniforms and accessories, including gas masks, guns, documents, and other relics. The exhibit also showcases 30 vehicles ranging from World War I to the Vietnam War, including the Ford Pygmy, the oldest U.S. Military remaining vehicle.
The museum offers tours and educational programs for students of all ages. It is designated to the Alabama house of representatives and runs entirely on donations. The memorial remains open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Weeden House Museum
The Weeden House Museum is a historic house located in the Twickenham district in Huntsville, Alabama. The two-story house was built in 1859 by Henry C. Bradford in the Federal architectural style.
The Weeden house got its name from nationally renowned poet and artist Maria Howard Weeden. The Union Army occupied the home during the Civil war, forcing the Weeden family to move from Huntsville. They later relocated to Tuskegee, Macon County, where her eldest daughter and her husband lived.
The home’s interior has been decorated with authentic 19th-century furniture and antiques purchased through donations. The structure was built in line with the Federal style of American architecture, which expressed the elegance and light of the renowned Scottish architect Robert Adam.
Weeden’s famous enslaved people watercolor portraits and some of her lesser-known oil paintings are on display at Weeden’s home. Townscapes painted by other painters, including William Frye and John Grimes, can also be seen at Weeden’s home.
The museum consists of 6 rooms with two parlors and a dining room. All of these rooms remain open for guided tours. The museum remains open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Summing it Up
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Huntsville, Alabama! The city has a rich history, and it is home to some of the best places and attractions in the deep South. So whether you are looking for outdoor activities, arts, culture, or family fun, Huntsville has something for everyone. So don’t miss out on all that this Rocket city offers – plan your next trip to Huntsville today!
