Huntsville, Alabama is located in the northern part of the state and is known as “Rocket City” for its close association with the U.S. space program. But there’s more to this mid-sized city than rockets.
With its beautiful landscape of rolling mountains and waterfalls, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, fascinating historical sites, great shopping and dining – Huntsville has something for everyone. Here are the top 12 things you don’t want to miss when visiting Huntsville.
Explore the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
As the official visitor center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is one of Huntsville’s most popular attractions. Here you can see one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia in the world, including the Saturn V Hall where a towering Saturn V rocket hangs suspended overhead.
Try the simulator rides including the G-Force Accelerator and the Mars Base One Mission, see an IMAX film about America’s space program on the five-story screen in the INTUITIVE Planetarium, and participate in simulations and hands-on activities at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration.
The on-site Space Camp also offers immersive educational programs for kids and adults. No visit to Huntsville is complete without spending a day at this world-class facility to learn about the city’s pivotal role in the space race.
Hike Through Monte Sano State Park
If beautiful outdoor scenery is what you’re after, head to Monte Sano State Park just east of downtown Huntsville. It has over 2,000 acres of woodlands, rocky bluffs and mountain peaks to explore. There are several wonderful hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult including the Flint Rock Trail, Little Cove Trail, North Plateau Loop and others.
As you hike along, enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of the city below. The park also features a military memorial, nature center, camping facilities and a restaurant in a restored 19th century home. Picnicking is popular at the park as well. Whether you come for an afternoon hike or a full day of exploring Monte Sano’s many wonders, this urban wilderness area offers the perfect outdoor escape right in Huntsville.
Visit Historic Constitution Hall Park
Go back in time when you visit Historic Constitution Hall Park located downtown near the courthouse square. The park grounds contain a village of eight 19th century structures including Weeden House Museum which hosts interactive tours and exhibits.
Other buildings transported here from around the region include an 1819 log schoolhouse, a dogtrot cabin, a tollhouse and more. Costumed interpreters conduct hearth cooking, blacksmithing, quilting and other demonstrations so you can see what life was like during Alabama’s early settlement days.
The picturesque Steeles Tavern here serves lunch Tuesday through Saturday with menu items based on historic recipes. From quilting bees to civil war reenactments, special themed events happen regularly at Constitution Hall Park too. It’s the perfect place to connect with Huntsville’s fascinating regional history.
Browse Shops and Dine Out at Bridge Street Town Centre
When you’ve had your fill of rocket ships and history, head over to Bridge Street Town Centre for fabulous shopping, dining and entertainment options. This gorgeous outdoor lifestyle center set alongside the scenic Tennessee River is styled after a quaint Southern town.
Spend an afternoon browsing specialty boutiques, name brand stores, home decor shops and art galleries. When you get hungry, you’ll find restaurants ranging from casual to upscale overlooking the lovely Central Park lake at the town center’s heart.
There’s always something fun happening here too including live music performances, fitness events, holiday celebrations and more. Bridge Street Town Centre conveniently has it all in one beautiful, pedestrian-friendly complex.
See the Exhibits at the Huntsville Museum of Art
Those who appreciate fine art will want to save time to visit Huntsville’s outstanding Museum of Art located right next to the beautiful Big Spring International Park right downtown. The museum hosts an array of inspiring temporary exhibitions in its spacious light-filled galleries that change every few months.
See masterworks by renowned European and American artists including prints by Rembrandt, Chagall and Durer and paintings by Monet, Renoir, O’Keeffe and Cassatt. There is also the largest collection of Russian art outside Russia and the Moscow Museum with icons dating from the 14th century onwards.
Don’t miss the museum gift shop with creative jewelry, sculpture and prints created by local artists. Hungry? Have lunch with a view at the elegant Museum Café overlooking the lush park.
Play Frisbee Golf at John Hunt Park
If you’re up for some active recreation, head just north of downtown to John Hunt Park – one of Huntsville’s largest multi-use parks at over 1,500 acres. There are walking trails, ball fields, picnic areas and ponds but the park’s main attraction is the challenging 18 hole disc golf course winding through the pine and cedar forested hills. Bring your own Frisbees or rent them there.
As you make your way around the hilly course taking aim at the ‘holes’ (elevated baskets), you’ll enjoy the peacefulness of nature with possible deer sightings. Leashed dogs are permitted. There is no fee to play but you must check in at the Henry Park office when you arrive to receive the special Frisbees used on the course. Enjoy some healthy outdoor competition with friends while taking in the park’s natural scenery.
Watch the Huntsville Havoc Play Hockey
Get your sports fix while in town by cheering on the Huntsville Havoc, the city’s minor league hockey team, when they hit the ice at the Von Braun Center downtown for some fast paced rough and tumble action. Feel the chill in the arena (temps here are kept low for ideal hockey conditions) and excitement in the stands as the Havoc take on tough Southern Professional Hockey League rivals.
Get into the competitive spirit by wearing your team colors and indulging in gooey nachos, hot dogs and plenty of cold beer available at concession stands. If you can’t quite follow the rapid pace of professional hockey, that’s okay – Havoc staffers keep the crowd engaged with fun between-periods promotions like chuck-a-puck contests and zany mascot antics. Catching a Havoc home game during your visit is a total blast.
Paddle the Flint River
For a peaceful day surrounded by the splendor of nature just minutes from downtown, rent a kayak or canoe and head out to paddle along sections of the gorgeous Flint River that flows through Huntsville. Rent gear and arrange guided tours from companies like HooDoo Canoe & Kayak Rental or Rocksport Adventure Park that provide shuttle services to put-in and take-out locations along the river.
Paddling skill level doesn’t matter – many kayak tour options are suitable even for beginners and kids. As you traverse gentle stretches of the waterway shaded by tall limestone bluffs, keep eyes peeled to spot turtles sunning themselves on fallen logs, blue herons wading along the banks hunting for fish and other wildlife.
Pack a picnic to enjoy riverside at one of the Flint’s secluded picnic spots along the way. Gliding upon the scenic Flint River by kayak or canoe makes for a rejuvenating outdoor adventure.
Explore EarlyWorks Museum
When traveling with kids in tow, EarlyWorks Museum located just west of downtown shouldn’t be missed. This children’s museum brings Huntsville’s early 19th century history alive through interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits spread across a 5-acre complex.
Inside see demonstrations of skilled regional trades like blacksmithing, pottery making, sewing and more. Learn how early homestead kitchen gardens were tended and try grinding corn into meal using old-fashioned tools. Kids can play antique games in one gallery, learn to churn butter and card wool in another. Costumed interpreters portraying influential local historic figures share stories and folklore.
Outdoors, the Exploreum science center offers engaging physics and engineering-geared exhibits. Hands-on activities, special events and classes mean there’s always something new for kids to discover at EarlyWorks.
Take in Live Music on Lowe Mill’s Concert Stage
Huntsville has a lively music scene and one of the best places to catch local and regional bands is at the Lowe Mill Concert Stage. This large converted textile mill with its exposed brick walls and soaring timber ceiling beams now contains over 200 artist studios and galleries that are fascinating to explore.
Many nights you’ll find the cavernous main floor of Building 22 filled with concert goers of all ages enjoying a diverse lineup of musical acts perform everything from indie folk to funk, blues and rock. Food trucks are on hand if you get hungry and you can browse works from the studios and galleries here during band breaks.
Check the Lowe Mill event schedule online for upcoming concerts. With cheap ticket prices, this bustling Huntsville arts venue hosts some of the city’s coolest shows often featuring up and coming talents.
Marvel at Chandeliers Underground at Cathedral Caverns
Just a 20 minute drive from Huntsville near Woodville lies a natural wonderland featuring the nation’s largest ‘cave cathedral’ filled with gigantic stone formations, towering cliffs and glittering stalactites.
Grab a ticket to tour Cathedral Caverns’ grand chambers draped in curtains of delicate limestone where you’ll see massive columns, stone waterfalls and the impressive stalactite feature nicknamed ‘Goliath’ measuring over 45 feet tall and 243 tons. Kids especially love the sparking Cave Tunnel leading to another spectacular cavern adorned with chandeliers.
Guides discuss how cathedral-like formations arose over eons while pointing out lookalike shapes named Rock of Ages, Giant Snake and Monkey’s Face along the walking tour route. Open year round, Cathedral Caverns State Park’s geology and scenery make this a truly magical subterranean sight.
Dine and Drink Your Way Through Campus 805
No trip to Huntsville is complete without spending an evening at Campus 805 – an ultra cool entertainment venue set at a converted middle school now filled with bars, eateries, retail shops, a spa and an escape room. Wander the palm tree dotted grounds to explore the campus- style setting ringing a lush courtyard.
Pop into Pints & Pixels to play old school arcade games while sipping craft beers or Area 59 for cosmic cocktails and stargazing from an outdoor deck. Chow down on artisan pizzas fired in a converted shuttle bus at Earth & Stone Wood Fired Pizza.
The variety of dining, drinking and amusement options spread across this 14-acre complex could keep you entertained all night long at what’s become a favorite local Huntsville hangout spot.
Conclusion
With its close ties to space exploration plus plentiful cultural attractions, outdoor recreation and historic sites, Huntsville offers visitors plenty of things to see and do. This roundup highlights the top attractions and activities you won’t want to miss.
From hiking wooded trails and paddling the Flint River by day to catching live music shows and cheering on the Havoc hockey team at night, Huntsville serves up entertainment options galore.
Kids can launch rockets, churn butter and explore interactive science centers while adults browse art museums followed by wine tastings. Huntsville’s blend of high tech industry and old fashioned southern charm make this Alabama destination one that has something to delight travelers of all ages and interests.