10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Huntsville, Alabama

By jhenr | Updated September 28th, 2022

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When you visit Huntsville, Alabama, you’ll want to make sure you pack in all the activities the city has to offer. The city is located in Northern Alabama, and originally was known for cotton and railroad industries, however, today it is best known for its military technology and aerospace industries, which is reflected in the many museums around.

It was here that scientists designed and tested the Saturn V rocket that would send men to the moon for the first time! Such an accomplishment, but there are more things that you will find interesting while you are here in Huntsville, Alabama, here are ten things to do in Huntsville that you can’t miss!

U.S. Space and Rocket Center

Huntsville, Alabama: January 5, 2020: U.S. Space & Rocket Center in the city of Huntsville. The US Space & Rocket Center was established in 1965.

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Huntsville, Alabama. More than 500,000 people visit the center each year. The center offers a variety of exhibits and programs that educate visitors about the history of space exploration and the contributions made by Huntsville to the space program.

The center is also home to the Saturn V rocket, the largest rocket ever built. Visitors can walk through the six-story tall rocket for an up-close look at this amazing feat of engineering. Visitors can tour on their own or with one of the knowledgeable guides who are available during operating hours.

The main museum at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center includes interactive science exhibits, three theaters featuring films about space exploration, and a Hall of Fame gallery honoring astronauts who served as residents of Huntsville (including Dr. Wernher von Braun).

Address: One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama 35805

Huntsville Botanical Garden

Walkway through a botanical garden

One of the most beautiful places to visit in the city is The Huntsville Botanical Garden. You can stroll through the gardens, smell the flowers, and get a great view of the city. The garden is also home to a variety of events throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see and do.

If you’re looking for things to do in Huntsville, Alabama, this is definitely one spot you won’t want to miss. There are many beautiful places around Huntsville, but none quite like the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

In addition to beautiful landscaping, this botanical garden features an impressive array of events and programming that are free or low cost. These include family-friendly activities like hands-on science classes and concerts on the grounds.

Address: 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805

U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum

Berlin, Germany – September 7, 2022: Memorial stone and plaque dedicated to the people of Berlin by the U.S. Military Veterans’ Association at Allied Museum in Berlin

The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Huntsville. This museum honors the service and sacrifice of American veterans from all wars and conflicts. The museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and documents that tell the stories of our nation’s veterans.

The museum is also home to the Hall of Heroes, which pays tribute to America’s Medal of Honor recipients. There are many hands-on displays throughout the museum, including a hands-on tank and a life-size helicopter simulator. You can even climb into an M1A1 Abrams tank.

Address: 2060 Airport Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801

Harmony Park Safari

Happy mother and son watching and feeding giraffe in zoo. Happy family having fun with animals safari park on warm summer day.

Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy a day at Harmony Park Safari. You can drive through the park and see lions, tigers, bears, and more from the comfort of your car. A great way to get close to touch and feed the animals in the comfort of your own vehicle.

There’s also a playground for the kids and a picnic area for everyone to enjoy. Keep an eye out for peacocks that wander around the parking lot or the occasional anteater that is roaming free. It’s definitely worth it to pay admission for Harmony Park Safari.

Address: 431 Clouds Cove Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803

Bridge Street Town Centre

Portrait of an excited beautiful girl wearing dress and sunglasses holding shopping bags isolated over blue background

Bridge Street Town Centre is an open-air shopping center with a variety of stores and restaurants. It’s located in the heart of Huntsville, making it a convenient place to visit whether you’re staying in the city or just passing through. Some of the stores you’ll find at Bridge Street Town Centre include J.Crew, Anthropologie, and Sephora.

Only at the Town Centre will you enjoy a drink at their very upscale bar or restaurant, while the kids enjoy time at the splash pad, or where you can enjoy some time at the pond reading or relaxing.

Address: 365 The Bridge St, Huntsville, AL 35806

Burritt on the Mountain

Located atop Round Top Mountain, Burritt on the Mountain is a great place to get views of the city and learn about local history. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, picnicking, and attending special events.

There’s also a museum on site that tells the story of the city’s founding. If you’re looking for things to do in Huntsville, Alabama, Burritt on the Mountain should definitely be on your list!

Address: 3101 Burritt Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801

Von Braun Center

The Von Braun Center is home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, where you can learn about the history of space exploration and see rockets up close. The center also has a planetarium and an IMAX theater, making it the perfect place to spend a day exploring the universe.

On weekends, visitors are encouraged to check out Science on Sundays, which includes family-friendly demonstrations that demonstrate principles from astronomy and other fields of science.

Space Camp: The Von Braun Center hosts Space Camp for children aged 8-17 who are interested in learning about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education with hands-on activities. Children stay overnight at the camp for one week during the summer season.

Address: 700 Monroe Street Huntsville, Alabama 35801

Huntsville Museum of Art

The Huntsville Museum of Art is one of the top places to visit in the city. With a wide variety of exhibitions and programs, there’s something for everyone at this museum. Permanent collections include American art from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as works by contemporary artists.

If you’re looking for a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy, be sure to check out the Huntsville Museum of Art. With activities for all ages, including children under six years old, the Huntsville Museum of Art has a little bit of everything.

Address: 300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801

Earlyworks Museum Complex

A must-see for anyone visiting Huntsville is the Earlyworks Museum Complex. This complex includes three museums: the Alabama Constitution Village, the Huntsville Depot & Museum, and the Earlyworks Children’s History Museum.

The Constitution Village is a living history museum that tells the story of Huntsville’s founding and the writing of the Alabama Constitution. The Depot & Museum is housed in a restored 19th-century train depot and tells the story of Huntsville’s role in transportation history.

Exhibits are hands-on and encourage children to touch, climb and explore to provide an interesting and fun way to enjoy the day.

Address: 404 Madison St SE, Huntsville, AL 35801

Huntsville Ghost Walk

A sign for a Ghost Walk in the historic and haunted city of York in England.

The Huntsville Ghost Walk is a great way to learn about Huntsville, Alabama, and its city’s rich history. Your local guide will retell stories of a past time, so you can learn about the history and why some places are said to be haunted. Get your cameras ready, you may catch an orb or two on your phone to talk about.

There are three tours and the information given are all different so be sure to try them all. You’ll hear stories of a scary old jail, share laughs as they tell you tales from inside one of the town’s churches (good & bad), hear spooky stores from within the theatre, and take pictures of iconic images that seem to have something in the corner looking back at you.

by AvalonTours

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many things to do in Huntsville Alabama. The city is full of beautiful sights and interesting places to explore. From visiting the parks to one of their very informative museums, If you’re looking for a place to visit, be sure to check out 10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Huntsville. You won’t be disappointed!