Top 12 Things to Do in Huntsville, AL
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With so many places to choose from to make my top 12 list, it sadden me to not mention all of the best things Huntsville has to offer, therefore let me briefly mention a couple, one being the brewery tours. It is a must if you like beer or just want a fun place to socialize with friends and family. With over a dozen breweries, you’ll enjoy the vast selection of our local craft beers while relaxing and nibbling on their yummy appetizers. Also, come out and learn about the art of brewing and watch the meticulous process it takes to make an outstanding beer. You’ll love the atmosphere, so come out, be responsible and enjoy Huntsville at its best.
Also ranked high on my list are the great restaurants in Huntsville, but they just didn't quite make the final cut. With so many places to eat, you’ll have trouble choosing between the many great and delicious venues. Our local restaurant businesses are something we hold very dear. From a long list of multicultural cuisines to southern comfort food, our cafes, bakeries, and restaurants are a major cornerstone to the city and makes Huntsville stand out among the rest of Alabama. The choices they offer are from healthy vegan restaurants to delicious street tacos. Or for those who enjoy the traditional American foods, try our tasty burger joints, pizzerias and many food trucks which are out of this world and are found throughout the city. From popular franchises to our own local eateries, you haven’t experienced Rocket City until you have gone out and experienced these incredible places.
So here are my top 12 places to visit. Starting off with number 12.
12. Burritt on the Mountain
Burritt on the Mountain is a historic mansion overlooking the spectacular views of Huntsville, Alabama. With the 167-acres of rich history that will take you back to the early times, this “Jewel on the Mountain” is a must. Spending the day or evening with the entire family at Burritt is something that everyone will enjoy. Located on Round Top Mountain, lies history with views everywhere you turn. If you enjoy exploring, hiking and sightseeing, then this place is one of those unique places. Here are opportunities to learn about its ecology and stepping back in time recollecting the lives of farmers from the 1800’s. Guided tours are offered along with self-guided if you wish. Also, you’ll learn about the founding Dr. William Henry Burritt himself and the unique history behind the 1938 mansion.
11. Early Works Museum/Train Depot/Constitutional Hall
Early Works Children's Museum was designed for children to learn and explore! Hearing stories from the Talking Tree to exploring Biscuit's Backyard, the kids will have fun being kids at this hands-on museum. Don’t forget about the Train Depot, an active passenger station until 1968, the Huntsville Depot Museum played a major role in our transportation and is now a place to learn and enjoy! For all the train hobbyist and those who want to learn about the history of Huntsville, it's definitely a place to visit! While you’re downtown the Huntsville Constitution Hall Park has history tracing back to 1819! Take the guided tour and learn the rich history and roots of the state. The park sits among open green spaces with several retail outlets close by, including Piper and Leaf Artisan Tea Company, a must if you enjoy a great cup of tea. The tour allows you to explore the building and the many historical treasures, so bring a picnic or just sit back and relax from your busy schedule and enjoy the peaceful setting of Downtown.
10. Huntsville Museum of Art
Art never goes out of style! The Huntsville Museum of Art sits in Big Spring Park, the center piece of this vibrant and growing city. The museum has gone through a large expansion the past few years with many new items being added to the museum’s collection. It is a wonderful place to visit if you are a student of the arts or just interested in seeing some of the Nation’s finest “on loan” art displays and exhibits. Come out and visit the museum for the day or pick up an annual pass so you can enjoy the rotating art and exhibits that are seen throughout the year.
9. Green Mountain
There are plenty of picnic tables so bring your fur babies on a leash and enjoy the nature at Green Mountain, located south of Downtown Huntsville. Here you'll enjoy the lush green and easily navigable trails with views of the scenic 17 acre “sky fed lake,” positioned on top of the mountain. The ducks and geese will welcome you, and expect to see more wildlife while you make your way through the trails. Don't forget to bring your camera as Green Mountain’s old covered bridge makes a great photo shoot. So come out, get some exercise or bring a picnic and enjoy the fresh air. Hiking has never been so much fun! Oh, did I mention the park is free!
8. Harmony Park Safari
Wanting to take a safari tour? Huntsville has that too! Get ready for an up-close encounter with safari animals at Harmony Park Safari, which is home to many amazing exotic and endangered animals that you don't typically find at a petting zoo! It’s fun for the family and the animals love it too! Drive through and feed the animals from your car window with food Harmony Park provides. For those who love reptiles, come and see the largest salamander specie, it’s really interesting!
7. Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment
In 1901, Lowe Mill opened its doors as a textile operation creating the beginning of something far more inspiring than ever imagined. Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment Center is America’s largest privately owned art center. With over 100 artist selling and displaying their works of art within their studios, the amount of talent is everywhere here, so too are a good selection of restaurants, from pizzas to vegan cuisines. Boutiques of all kinds are stationed here and of course coffee, but if you’re a tea drinker you’ll be pleased to know Piper Leaf and Tea Company is also here! So, not only do you find yourself shopping and learning, but you’ll also appreciate the unique vibe of Lowe Mill.
6. U.S. Veteran's Museum
U.S. Veteran’s Museum is where you’ll walk back in time to the authentic history of the U.S. soldiers and learn their stories while receiving a glance of the journey they traveled and experienced. At this monument museum you’ll tour and observe the authentic war time military equipment such as army tanks, jeeps and weapons. A great place for the entire family to learn about America's history and its heroes.
5. Big Spring International Park
Located in the heart of Downtown Huntsville, next to the Von Braun Center and the Huntsville's Art museum is the Big Spring International Park. Built around its famous name "Big Spring", the original water basis that the city of Huntsville was built around over 200 years ago, is not just a big spring! Take a long stroll through the enchanting Big Spring Park following the large pond filled with 10,000 colorful koi fish, ducks and geese! Special events are held in the park such as; the Panoply Arts Festival, and Concerts in the Park. At Big Spring Park, you're in the middle of everything.
4. Von Braun Center
The Von Braun Center, also known as the VBC, is Huntsville's largest comprehensive event space with more than 170,000 monumental square feet of flexible meeting, exhibit and performance areas. If that’s not enough, it’s centrally located in the beautiful Downtown Huntsville near hotels, shopping and restaurants, while overlooking the stunning beauty of Big Spring International Park! The Von Braun Center is the place for banquets, receptions, sporting events, concerts, shows, ballets, along with other numerous venues.
3. Monte Sano State Park
Monte Sano sits on 2,140 magnificent acres with spectacular views from atop the mountain, attracting people with the 20 miles of hiking trails and the 14 miles of biking trails to enjoy. From picnic areas, camping, planetarium observations at the VBAS, to special events atop the mountain, the beautiful Monte Sano Park is a place full of adventurous things to do. If you're looking for outdoor hiking adventure, Monte Sano is your destination, especially during fall time where the fall colors are beyond words.
2. Huntsville's Botanical Gardens
A day at Huntsville Botanical Garden looks like this; 112 acres of exquisite manicured gardens, leading trails guiding you around to the Children's Garden, a place for your kids to enjoy and discover. The Butterfly House sits just outside of the beautiful gardens and provides a great place hidden from the summer sun. Here you'll see many different species of butterflies, along with some other critters while you relax among the beautiful tropical plants. Annual exhibits are also on display throughout the park, with the numerous yearly events and educational programs offered. For those that love flowers, sections are dedicated to Daylilies, Irises, Roses, shade gardens and wild poppies. The Aquatic Garden, a spectacular wildflower path and large gift shop will also add to the fun. During the Christmas holidays, you don't want to miss the drive through Galaxy of Lights display!
1. U.S. Space & Rocket Center
At the top the list, ranked at number 1for the best thing to do in Huntsville, Alabama is the U.S Space & Rocket Center. Also considered as Alabama’s most favorite attraction to visit. The Saturn V draws spectators from around the world! Not only is there a replica of a space shuttle but many space and military exhibits, along with interactive science can be found checkered throughout the museum.
If you want to take a leap of bravery, how does being shot up in a rocket, 140-feet in the air, pulling 4Gs in a matter of 2.5 seconds sound to you? Moon Shot is your gateway to adventure. Maybe you want to learn about the Great Space Race of the 1960’s or just maybe want to experience an 8K Digital Planetarium and Digital Dome extraordinaire? You’re in luck, because the museum is in a class of its own with many new displays and space relics added yearly. The museum's top venue is the center’s U.S. Space Camp Program which attracts young inspiring minds from around the globe who spend a week experiencing space flight training while participating in mock interstellar challenges. Learning about science is a highlight to this museum, from robotics to rocket engines to a replica of the International Space Station, you’ll find yourself intrigued within this famous U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
If you are interested in more a detailed list of things to do in Huntsville, please visit my Things To Do page at: www.huntsvillescoop.com/thingstodo