There are a lot of reasons to visit Huntsville, Alabama; a city with interesting attractions, friendly people, institutions, and sensational events, thus appealing to tourists of all ages and interest groups. Some of the town’s landmarks include Huntsville Botanical Garden, Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment, Delano Park, and U.S. Space & Rocket Center that are frequented by both locals and tourists. These attraction sites are also places to engage in fun leisure activities like bird watching, swimming, wine and food tours, shopping, and attending concerts, in order to pass time and create amazing memories. Being a lively city, there’s something for everyone to indulge in. Below are the top things to do in Huntsville, Alabama.
1. Admire the flowers at Huntsville Botanical Garden
Spread out over 112 acres (45.3 hectares), Huntsville Botanical Garden is a beautiful and serene place to get away from the busy city life. It is frequented by locals and tourists alike throughout the year and offers a wide variety of ornamental plants and unique species of flora. There is a walking trail through the garden, so you can enjoy a stroll as well as a butterfly house that protects some of the most popular butterfly species in the country. If you are traveling with children, this garden also has eight different play areas for them.
Huntsville Botanical Garden
Address: 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, United States
Website: Huntsville Botanical Garden
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
2. Immerse yourself in history at Burritt on the Mountain
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Burritt on the Mountain on Thursday, December 31, 2020
This magnificent open-air museum is located in the heart of Huntsville and features beautiful exhibits and buildings pertaining to the history of Alabama including William Burritt Mansion and Joel Eddins House. This museum used to be the estate of Dr. Burritt, who donated a majority of it to the city government. Other buildings include Chandler House, Balch House, Meals House, and Smith-Williams House. There’s free parking on the premises, and admission is completely free for the public.
Burritt on the Mountain
Address: 3101 Burritt Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Website: Burritt on the Mountain
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
3. Go for an energizing hike to Natural Well
If you wish to go out into the great outdoors and enjoy the fresh air instead of being cooped up in a shopping complex or a museum in Huntsville, there are few better places to visit like Natural Well Hiking Trail. Whether you wish to go mountain biking or simply walking, the choice is yours as you explore the walking trail at your own pace. At the end of the walking trail, you will reach a naturally occurring deep cave called Natural Well.
Natural Well
Address: Natural Well Trail, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Camp with friends at Monte Sano State Park
Don’t you miss old-school camping where you can make smores on a bonfire, sleep in a tent with your friends, and enjoy being cut off from the busy world? Monte Sano State Park offers amazing campgrounds where you can set up your own tent and enjoy the amenities that come with it. You have access to water and electricity sites where you can charge your devices. You can even find RV charging portals, in case you are camping in an RV. In addition, there are bathrooms with laundry facilities available as well as firewood.
Monte Sano State Park
Address: 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Website: Monte Sano State Park
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
5. Check out beautiful artworks at Huntsville Museum of Art
Nothing brings people together like art and culture. At Huntsville Museum of Art, you can enjoy viewing beautiful works of art created by world-famous artists. This is an ideal place to check out if you are looking for an elegant place for your romantic date or a cozy night in the city. This gallery also hosts a lot of amazing art events and festivals as well as special exhibitions and auctions by famous artists.
Huntsville Museum of Art
Address: 300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Website: Huntsville Museum of Art
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 5 USD
6. Explore the rich railway history at North Alabama Railroad Museum
Are you interested in locomotives and railways? North Alabama Railroad Museum showcases some of the finest exhibits on railroad history in the entire state. Featuring an amazing collection of rolling stock and train stations, along with a heritage railroad that actually allows you to get on the train, this museum is free for the public and is run entirely by enthusiastic volunteers. If you wish to ride any of the trains, you may have to pay a nominal fee.
North Alabama Railroad Museum
Address: 694 Chase Rd NE, Huntsville, AL 35811, United States
Website: North Alabama Railroad Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 12pm (closed on Sun)
7. Check out the railway and model villages at Huntsville Depot Museum
Located on Norfolk Southern Railway Line, Huntsville Depot Museum is another wonderful museum that features one of the oldest railway depots in the entire country. Offering guided tours where a narrator will explain the significance of each exhibit, this depot is a landmark building in Huntsville. The site, which used to hold imprisoned Confederate soldiers, is a part of the Earlyworks group of museums. You can find various steam engines here as well as a model village.
Huntsville Depot Museum
Address: 320 Church St NW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Website: Huntsville Depot Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
8. Learn more about local history at Weeden House Museum and Garden
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The lovely "Broadway House" will be shown on the Twickenham Homes and Luminary Tour on Saturday, December 14th. Located...
Posted by The Weeden House Museum and Garden on Thursday, December 12, 2019
Used to be the residence of the famous painter and poetess Maria Howard Weeden, this home has been renovated and converted to a museum that offers tours to educate tourists and locals alike about her life. Compared to a large museum, a house museum can be a more personal way to learn more about the local history as well as the actual everyday lives of its past residents. Weeden is well-known for her paintings of African-American people who lived in Huntsville at the time as well as beautiful landscapes.
Weeden House Museum and Garden
Address: 300 Gates Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Website: Weeden House Museum and Garden
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 1pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
9. Let your little ones frolic at EarlyWorks Children's Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
While museum-hopping can be interesting for adults, it can sometimes be boring for children. Earlyworks Museum, however, is one big exception in the city of Huntsville. Dedicated to children, it allows them to explore everything at their own pace and in their own style. This museum promises a truly interactive experience for your little ones with sections dedicated to different age groups such as toddlers, middle-schoolers, or preteens. So bring your kids to this museum and watch them have the time of their lives.
EarlyWorks Children's Museum
Address: 404 Madison St SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Website: EarlyWorks Children’s Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
10. Transport yourself back to the olden days at Constitution Hall Park
This museum will transport you back to olden times, with its real-life reenactment of life in the year 1819. The tour lasts for about one and a half hours and takes you through the magnificent and iconic buildings in Huntsville. A professional and friendly guide will explain to you how Alabama was founded as a state, what life was like back in the day, and how people spent their time without technology. You can also check out awesome old artifacts or grab a cup of coffee while here.
Constitution Hall Park
Address: 109 Gates Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Website: Constitution Hall Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
11. Explore the historic Redstone Rocket Test Site
The historic Redstone Rocket Test Site is a source of pride for the residents of Huntsville as it was used to test-fire the Redstone missile, the first missile that could detonate an atom bomb. It is nicknamed Old Reliable because of its sturdiness and contributions to astronomers all over the world, especially in the United States. This test stand was built primarily by the armed forces and about 362 static rocket tests were conducted here that really helped the defense forces.
Redstone Rocket Test Site
Address: 5298 Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL 35808, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Go on an exciting hike at Alum Hollow
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Alum Hollow is a hidden gem in Alabama, with beautiful waterfalls waiting at the end of a quick hike. Meant for novices, this trail is extremely easy and rewarding. This is also one of the hiking trails that is open all year round. During winter, hike at Allum Hollow and end it with a hot beverage.
Alum Hollow
Address: 13800 S Shawdee Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Crack open a cold one at Straight To Ale
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Cranberry Orange Seltzer is here! Stop by for another festive beverage to get you in the holiday spirit!
Posted by Straight To Ale Brewing on Tuesday, December 15, 2020
A trip to the South is incomplete without visiting a taproom or brewery where you can enjoy your favorite beverage with your friends or family. This huge craft brewery offers a free tour of its premises every Saturday, followed by a tasting tour that provides samples of craft beers. Aside from a huge selection of beers and cocktails here, you can also try some of the delicious snacks and meals available here.
Straight To Ale
Address: 2610 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805, United States
Website: Straight To Ale
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat: 11am - 8pm
14. Have the best steak at Ruth's Chris Steak House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Our New Fashioned cocktail is anything but old fashioned. ?
Posted by Ruth's Chris Steak House - Huntsville on Friday, January 8, 2021
If you enjoy steak, you know that the Southerners take pride in preparing a delicious steak that you will be dreaming about for days after you have eaten it. Head over to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which boasts the best steak in town, and treat yourself to a delicious steak burger that is sure to blow your mind. This is an upscale establishment so there is a minor dress code. The ambiance is truly elegant and perfect for a date.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Address: Twickenham Place, 720 Gallatin St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Website: Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 10pm
15. Sing along to your favorite tunes at Moody Monday's Inc
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Moody Monday's on Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Who doesn’t love karaoke? Singing along to your favorite tunes and pretending you’re in a concert has to be one of the most fun activities that you can engage in, drunk or sober. Check out Moody Monday’s Inc that offers delicious meals and karaoke, so you can have the best of both worlds. If you don’t know what to order on your first visit, consider getting a taco or a quesadilla.
Moody Monday's Inc
Address: 718 Church St NW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Opening hours: 10am - 2am (daily)
16. Walk down memory lane at this memorial park
Posted by Joe Ploucha on Monday, 13 May 2019
This gorgeous memorial park is endowed with informative walking trails and unique statues that you can admire. Additionally, it is clean and well maintained; adding to the relaxing ambiance. This memorial pays homage to Madison County’s veterans, honoring them for their bravery from World War I onwards. It’s ideal for an afternoon stroll as well as a history lesson as the park allows you to see and read its collections that include snippets from past publications. If you’re looking for a great self-reflection spot, make this place a priority.
Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial
Address: 200 Monroe St NW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Website: Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial
Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)
17. Relax at Southside Park
Sit by the picnic tables and enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Southside Park. This serene and well-kept park is home to amenities such as bicycle trails, disk golf course, and dog park, therefore, an ideal spot for people-watching. Enjoy the fresh air as you walk through the lovely park while the numerous trees provide you with ample shade. Interestingly, it is in a good location, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Southside Park
Address: 16159 Chaney Thompson Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803, United States
Website: Southside Park
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
18. Kids just wanna have fun
Posted by Catherine Elizabeth Ditto on Friday, 28 December 2018
Being a wonderful playground, Kid’s Space has an array of games for kids to indulge in. Because of that, you’ll enjoy seeing children climb stairs, sliding, running around and swinging. It also has plenty of trees and seating areas that are perfect for lazing around while watching the young ones and enjoying the environment. Apart from that, it’s clean, well maintained and fenced, thus appealing to both the young and the old.
Kids' Space
Address: 2010 Airport Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Website: Kids’ Space
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
19. Visit Purdy Butterfly House
Posted by Larissa Lentile on Monday, 9 September 2019
Get to learn about butterflies at Purdy Butterfly House. A tour around this establishment teaches you about various butterfly species, their life cycle, as well as their habitats in an easy to understand manner. You also get to see the butterflies roaming around the facility, providing a great opportunity to take multiple pictures of those multi-colored angels. Additionally, you’ll also see other animals like turtles, snakes, and frogs. It is a great placet to visit for people of all ages.
Purdy Butterfly House at Huntsville Botanical Garden
Address: Huntsville, AL 35805, United States
Website: Purdy Butterfly House at Huntsville Botanical Garden
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
20. Take in the breathtaking vistas at Madison County Nature Trail
Hiking at Madison County Nature Trail is both fun and engaging. Here’s why! The trail is well marked, in great shape, and boasts plenty of places to stop and take in its beauty, for a seamless exciting hike. In addition, the pathway offers gorgeous walks all year round and has beautiful landscape views worth capturing. Along the trail, you’ll see rarely seen plants and wild animals, making the experience scenic and picturesque. It’s also a pet-friendly trail, so bring your dog along to enjoy this hiking adventure.
Madison County Nature Trail
Address: 5000 Nature Trail Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803, United States
Website: Madison County Nature Trail
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 5:30pm; Sat: 7am - 6:30pm; Sun: 7am - 4:30pm
21. Feed animals at Harmony Park Safari
Posted by Christine Newsome on Tuesday, 4 June 2019
Harmony Park Safari provides shelter to exotic and endangered animals like zebras, cows, deer, and emus from different parts of the world. You’ll see these and other creatures inside this establishment and will also get a chance to feed them! Food for these beauties is bought at reasonable prices in cups and buckets. You get one-on-one interaction with the animals as they come close to you for food. It’s a fun place for the whole family. Worth noting, it’s advisable to visit in the morning or afternoon hours as a majority of the animals might be napping or tired in the middle of the day.
Harmony Park Safari
Address: 431 Clouds Cove Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803, United States
Website: Harmony Park Safari
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
22. Indulge in indoor activities at Altitude Trampoline Park
Situated in Westside Center, Altitude Trampoline Park is endowed with amazing sporting amenities like a foam pit, rock wall, trampolines, and trapezes, making it an ideal place for exciting fun activities. This spacious trampoline park has a seating area that is perfect for hanging around after having a go at some of the exhilarating activities. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making you feel valued. You can also chill at their TV area to watch entertainment shows from around the world. This park is ideal for both people of all ages.
Altitude Trampoline Park
Address: 6275 University Dr NW #14, Huntsville, AL 35806, United States
Website: Altitude Trampoline Park
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri: 10am - 11pm; Sat: 9am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
23. A museum of fun for kids and adults
Early Works Museum Complex is a museum for both kids and adults alike in the heart of Huntsville. On visiting the establishment, you see unique exhibits where your children can play and roam around; whether it is to learn new stories or having their go at building in the Kidstruction Zone. While kids are having the time of their lives, tour guides who are knowledgeable and kind take you around the facility, explaining the colorful exhibits showcasing Alabama’s history. These exhibits include photographs, maps, and furniture, and are creatively displayed in the large building with lots of walking space.
Early Works Museum Complex
Address: 404 Madison St SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Website: Early Works Museum Complex
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 4pm; (closed on Sun & Mon)
24. Mountain biking at Monte Sano Nature Preserve
Being among the biggest urban nature preserve in the US, you’ll be treated to fun outdoor recreational activities you’ll remember for days. One of these activities is mountain biking. Trails along this park are well marked and cared for, thus making cycling fun. It’s open all year round and with different routes to choose from. One thing is certain though, you’ll enjoy the fresh air and scenic landscape views.
Monte Sano Nature Preserve
Address: Monte Sano Nature Preserve
Website: Monte Sano Nature Preserve
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
25. Explore the U.S. Space and Rocket Center
There are numerous things to do and see for all ages at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center (Marshall Space Flight Center). Be prepared to learn about the history of airplanes, see breathtaking exhibits, and play thrilling games. Through self or guided tours, you’ll see things like airplanes, engines, and retired space machines - including rockets. There’s also a well-stocked gift shop with cool and unique items that is a perfect spot for buying presents and souvenirs. It’s a must-visit destination that’s both fun and informative at the same time.
U.S. Space and Rocket Center (Marshall Space Flight Center)
Address: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805, United States
Website: U.S. Space and Rocket Center
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Skip the Line: US Space and Rocket Center Admission Ticket
Duration: 6 hours
The 'hunt' begins now
You’ll have a different view of Huntsville, Alabama after engaging in the above leisure or exciting activities. Most of them are fun and educative, thus worth trying out. So if you are taking a solo trip or vacationing with your family, make sure to adhere to this list of things to do in Huntsville, Alabama.
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