Things to do & places to visit in Huntsville, Alabama, United States

A city with a 200-year Southern heritage, visitors will find activities that celebrate Huntsville’s rich history, as well as attractions that highlight the city’s scientific side. At the Alabama Constitution Village, villagers in period clothing take time from their daily chores to guide you through eight reconstructed Federal style buildings. Younger visitors will love the 150 hands-on activities at the Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center and older kids will learn what it takes to be an astronaut at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Looking for outings with a cultural flair? Landmarks such as the Huntsville Botanical Garden and Huntsville Museum of Art are must sees.

Huntsville city in Alabama, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 6:22.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum (422 reviews)
- Definitely a "Must See" in Huntsville
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Military Museums • History Museums

Located in Huntsville Alabama, The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum is one of the premier military museums in the world. The exhibits of memorabilia, artifacts, and military equipment range from the American Revolutionary War to present day. Included in the collection are many rare and important artifacts including the oldest surviving jeep: the Ford Pygmy. See more..
5.0 Huntsville Escape Rooms (335 reviews)
- Challenging, Immersive, and FUN
Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Huntsville Escape Rooms is a fun, new entertainment experience. If you've ever played the board game clue, it's similar to that but in real life! Escape the room in under 60 minutes solving puzzles and finding clues. We think you'll leave saying it was one of the best 60 minutes spent with friends! See more..
5.0 Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau (173 reviews)
- Great guides toa wonderful city!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

MAKE IT YOUR FIRST STOP! While in the Huntsville/Madison area visit one of area Visitor Centers for information, discount attraction, sports, arts & entertainment coupons. See more..
5.0 Civil Axe Throwing - Huntsville (168 reviews)
- Fun time, nice employees
Saturday: 11:30 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

We are an indoor axe throwing entertainment experience located at Campus 805. Throw an axe. Be awesome. Repeat! See more..
5.0 Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial (43 reviews)
- One of the most mesmerizing veterans tributes I've seen
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites • Fountains

The Huntsville Veterans Memorial, dedicated on Veterans Day, 11.11.11, honors and pays tribute to all veterans for their "Courage", "Sacrifice", and "Duty". The Memorial has become a hallowed place that inspires visitors to reflect, remember and honor veterans. It provides an educational venue to teach visitors about our military past, the cost of war, and sacrifices made to ensure our freedom. See more..
5.0 Weeden House Museum (26 reviews)
- Fascinating history lesson
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

Built in 1819 (the same year Alabama became a state) the home is not only a source of fine 19th Century furnishings and Federal style architecture but is also the home of poet and artist Maria Howard Weeden. Howard Weeden was born in the house in 1846. Except for the Civil War years when Federal officers occupied the home, Howard spent her entire life in the home. She is known as being one of the first artists to paint African Americans true to life during the years following the Civil War. Guests enjoy a guided history tour which transports them to a bygone era learning about architecture, Weeden art and life in the Antebellum South. Since the home is furnished with antiques and original art, tours are guided tours and last around an hour. Tours are offered twice a day, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 11AM and 1 PM to 2PM or by appointment. Please refer to the website for specific closed dates as the museum is also an event venue and is closed on dates that those events occur. See more..
5.0 Monte Sano Nature Preserve (24 reviews)
- Love hiking multiple trails
Nature & Wildlife Areas

We have explored several of the trails in recent weeks. Most of them accessible from trailheads that have free parking. (For a while that was our hesitation for going to Monte Sano. We thought you would have to pay. Which, if you'd like to park in the state park, you do. But, there are plenty of Land Trust parking areas to explore the trails for free.) The trails were well marked, and most were well traversed. We always enjoy exploring and catching some beautiful views, or waterfalls, creeks, animals, etc. We have been able to do all of the trails we have done with our four kids easily. Ages 13, 12, 8, 6. See more..
4.5 U.S. Space and Rocket Center (3.221 reviews)
- Worth the Visit
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Science Museums • Observatories & Planetariums

Home to Space Camp, Aviation Challenge, Space Camp Robotics, U.S. Cyber Camp and NASA's Official Visitor Information Center for Marshall Space Flight Center; The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is recognized as one of the most comprehensive U.S. manned space flight hardware museums in the world. See more..
4.5 Huntsville Botanical Garden (904 reviews)
- Lovely gardens
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

The 118-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, and wetlands, as well as a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections. The Mathews Nature Trail contains the largest accredited trillium collection in the U.S. and the Anderson Education Center is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. The Native Plants Teaching Garden is a public space that highlights the way local plants, soil, pollinators, and birds create distinct communities and how they interact to form a diverse, sustainable, and attractive landscape. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association, the North American Plant Collections Consortium, and the American Horticultural Society, as well as an ArbNet-accredited arboretum. See more..
4.5 Harmony Park Safari (500 reviews)
- So much fun
Nature & Wildlife Areas

My husband and I visited here with my brother, his wife and our 2 little nieces and we all had a great time. We ended up renting one of their SUVs for $15 so we could all drive together, plus it saved our rental car from getting any potential damage from animal horns. There were so many different types of animals here and they all seemed to be well-cared for. We enjoyed having them come up to us in the car, then we had fun seeing all the different reptiles in the reptile house afterward. Our nieces loved it. They also provided free food cups to feed the piglets as well, which was super cute. Definitely a fun afternoon. See more..
4.5 Monte Sano State Park (457 reviews)
- Lovely Hike
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks

Went hiking here a few days ago with my 7 and 10 year old. Admission is $5 for over 12 years old, and $2 for under 12. We hiked the Northern Loop Trail (1.9 miles), and the Southern Loop Trail (3.4 miles). Both trails were easy and relatively flat. There's a playground, and you can get a map at the office. The rest room by the office was clean enough. You can exit the park, and come back in the same day as long as you keep your receipt. There were more challenging trails, but I didn't want to overwhelm the kids. The trails we hiked were marked well, so it was easy to stay on the right path. Would love to visit again when in the Huntsville area. See more..
4.5 Monaco Pictures (355 reviews)
- Great Movie Experience
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Movie Theaters

I absolutely love this place. It is such a great and fun movie experience. My husband I drive over an hour to visit the movies here. Wonderful recliners and plenty of leg room. If you love the movies, you will love this place! See more..
4.5 Von Braun Center (272 reviews)
- Great venue for minor league hockey
Saturday: Spent 2-3 hours Convention Centers

The Von Braun Center is a multipurpose facility located in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. It offers multiple venues for presenting cultural, educational, entertainment, sporting and social events. With over 170,000 sqft of flexible meeting space The VBC is able to accommodate events of all sizes. See more..
4.5 Madison County Nature Trail-Green Mountain (245 reviews)
- What a lovely place to smell the roses!
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Madison County Nature Trail The Madison County Nature Trail was constructed beginning in 1974 with completion in 1975. The construction was financed jointly by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Madison County Commission. It has been noted that the Chairman, James Record, had a special love for nature and the environment and was instrumental in the building of the Nature Trail. The Nature Trail is a Park for all seasons containing 72 acres which rests above the surrounding communities atop Green Mountain in southeast Huntsville. The Park is open free to the public each day from 7 a.m. until 30 minutes prior to sunset, closing only on Christmas Day and New Years Day, or during inclement weather. Sky Lake which consists of 17 acres of mountain water is encompassed by a 1 ½ mile trail. Other facilities include an open air pavilion, a-frame chapel, outdoor classroom, covered bridge, picnic area and accessible restrooms. Use of the Pavilion and Chapel are provided by reservation with all other areas of the Park used on a first come first served basis. Fishing is provided for children less than 16 years of age or seniors over 60. A fishing fee is charged and fishing is allowed Monday through Friday only. Since the construction of the Nature Trail, renovations consisting of trail improvements and restroom improvements were completed in 1998. Funding was provided by a National Recreational Trails Grant provided through the Alabama Department of Economic and community Affairs. In 2012 a grant was also obtained providing for a new waterfall pump and accessories. There have also been several projects improving the facilities, many of which have been accomplished through volunteers such as Boy Scouts earning various merits up to and including Eagle Scout. The Nature Trail is funded by the Madison County Commission. It is operated by a Park Manager (Bobby Cobb), Park Maintenance Worker, and two Part Time Park Attendants. During open hours there is a... See more..
4.5 Big Spring Park (236 reviews)
- Beautiful and historic centerpiece for Huntsville.
Parks

We parked (50 cents/hour) across the 1963 City Hall and joined many others to walk the 1 mile circuit around this park to include its canal. The enclosed 12.5 acres is beautifully manicured with the Museum of Art sitting prominently over the 2 large pools with fountains. They are bordered with Japanese cherry trees and filled with large grey Grass carp and colorful Koi best seen from the Japanese Bridge donated in 1977. A noteworthy display of recently displayed local art emphasizing "Black Lives Matter"sits to a side alcove. Great spot for strolling or picnic lunch. See more..
4.5 Burritt on the Mountain (199 reviews)
- What a location!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

We found this by accident when googling what was around locally, and wow it was amazing! The mansion is stunning but what makes this place are the volunteers. We came across 3 of them dressed up in one of the old houses today and they were amazing full of info. The view over Huntsville is incredible See more..
4.5 Bridge Street Town Centre (172 reviews)
- Crowded but nice mall
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls

Came here in December in the evening. It was really crowded but it was Friday. Stores are laid out nicely and the area was very clean. I felt safe even at night. Some areas need to be better lit at night. Live music was playing which was a bonus. I enjoyed my evening shopping. See more..
4.5 Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment (170 reviews)
- Fun Shops and Buildings
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is the largest privately owned arts facility in the south. With a focus on visual arts, this historic factory building has been redeveloped into more than 150 working studios for over 200 artists, makers and independent businesses, 7 art galleries, a multi-use theatre, 4 performance venues, restaurants, a foundry, a chocolate shop, and a community garden. Our open door policy allows the public to visit artists and makers during the different stages of their creative process. See more..
4.5 Straight to Ale Taproom (149 reviews)
- Excellent place
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Breweries

Straight To Ale is a 45,000 square foot craft brewery with a taproom that serves samples and pints of Straight To Ale beer brewed on site. The Taproom is open Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri/Sat 311am-11pm, Sun 11am-8pm. Free brewery tours every Saturday at 2 PM. See more..
4.5 Huntsville Museum of Art (125 reviews)
- Nice
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

From Norman Rockwell to Hudson River School Landscapes and everything in between, the Huntsville Museum of Art is a must-see on your next visit to Huntsville! The Huntsville Museum of Art sits in Big Spring Park, the epicenter of the dynamic and evolving city center that is Downtown Huntsville, Alabama and works as a magnet for cultural activities. Stop by today and see the Museum's permanent collection of art, along with a wide variety of well-known traveling exhibitions. The Museum also has a large interactive children's gallery! Visit the hsvmuseum.org for all of the current and upcoming exhibitions. Founded in 1970 by city ordinance of the Museum Board of the City of Huntsville, the Museum serves Huntsville and Madison County's combined population of 420,000 residents. The mission statement of the Museum is to bring people and art together through acquiring, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting the highest quality works of art. See more..
4.5 Maple Hill Cemetery (80 reviews)
- Historical walking pleasure
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Cemeteries

I live across the street from Maple Hill Cemetery, which has a sign saying it is the oldest continuously operating municipal cemetery in the Southeast. Because it's so convenient, I walk there every morning, very early to miss the mowers and blowers who are always at work by 7:15 keeping this beautifully landscaped cemetery in pristine condition. Five Alabama governors are buried in the oldest part of the cemetery, as well as Alabama U.S. Senator John Sparkman and Tallulah Bankhead's mother (Tallu was born in Huntsville). Many of the gravestones have photographs or interesting designs, and some have special plantings. Even though I've been walking there since 1988, I still find things I had never seen before. My only regret is that they don't permit dogs. There used to be a lot more walkers there when they did, and I never once saw unscooped poop. See more..
4.5 Twickenham (79 reviews)
- Beautiful homes Twickenham district Huntsville, AL
Neighborhoods

The Twickenham district was a real treat. Some of the homes really stand out, like the Leroy Pope mansion on Echols ave. SE. As KPix88 mentioned there is a downloadable guide of the district. The guide has an audio component as well as visual aids on screen. One can walk or bike the area and see these beautiful old homes. See more..
4.5 Land Trust of North Alabama (47 reviews)
- A must do hike
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and horseback riding on 40 miles of trails offered by Alabama’s first land trust: the Land Trust of North Alabama. Three Nature Preserves - each larger than Central Park and all within Huntsville city limits – are open dawn to dusk. Focusing on land preservation and conservation, fresh water resource protection, environmental education, and guided hike series outreach. Don’t miss the Moon Dance and Concerts at Three Caves! See more..
4.5 Hays Nature Preserve (35 reviews)
- Beautiful well kept park
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Kids love the playground area up front, and the paved path that crosses the river is nice. Haven't been in a while, but you need to plan accordingly if there has been a lot of rain as the path across the river floods over. If the river is really high, I'd keep to the main park side of the river. See more..
4.5 Parkway Place (34 reviews)
- Best Shopping Mall
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Shopping Malls

Parkway Place Mall, located in the Huntsville, AL, area features more than 100 specialty shops including Forever21, Pottery Barn and Chico's. Dining options include Carrabba's and Picadilly Cafeteria. See more..
4.5 Railroad Station Antique Mall (16 reviews)
- Great Place to Browse and Buy
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops • Shopping Malls

We are a dealer mall with three floors and about 25,000 square feet of merchandise housed in an old warehouse building in downtown Huntsville. Primary access to the second and third floors is by stairs, but we do have a freight elevator for store use when moving furniture. See more..
4.5 Green Bus Brewing (12 reviews)
- Diverse beer selection, something for everyone
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Cute brewery with some tasty options! We shared two flights and were able to try all but two of the beers. They were all very different from one another, definitely an option for anyone. Bar staff were knowledgeable and their recommendations were spot on. Boiled peanuts were also a fun addition! See more..
4.0 Earlyworks Museum Complex (91 reviews)
- Lots of interactive activities
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Children's Museums

Interactive children's museum focused on teaching about Alabama history. See more..
4.0 Huntsville Depot Museum (77 reviews)
- GREAT History Lesson - Call B4 U Go`
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

During the Civil War, this depot was a prison for captured Confederates and a hospital for the wounded. See more..
4.0 Alabama Constitution Village (77 reviews)
- A place that you should visit!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites

A village where people in historic dress take you on a journey through the state's past. See more..