ashenNot as thrilling as trekking the Himalayas or tackling the alpines but Huntsville of Alabama does offer a handful of attractions to the adventurous soul. The most notable being the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, there are many more attractions in Huntsville that await your arrival. As always, we will prioritize the outdoorsy adventurous activities and then move on to the rest of the attractions. Let us know if it doesn’t fully satisfy your excitement of an adventure trip. Nevertheless, here are some of the best things to do in Huntsville AL!
A Slight Introduction to Huntsville AL
Huntsville, Alabama is a city located in the northern part of the state. It is the fourth-largest city in Alabama and the largest city in the northern part of the state. Huntsville is known for its aerospace and defense industry, as well as its research and development capabilities. As we already mentioned, the city is home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Marshall Space Flight Center, and the Redstone Arsenal. Huntsville is also home to several universities, including the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama A&M University, and Oakwood University. The city is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as the Huntsville Botanical Garden, the Huntsville Museum of Art, and the Huntsville Depot Museum most of which we will introduce today. The list contains things to do in Huntsville, AL with kids, for adults and even couples. However, we are mostly focusing on the adventurous stuff.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
What other perfect location to kick off the trip than the U.S. Space and Rocket Center? It is the official visitor center for the Marshall Space Flight Center. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and artifacts related to the history of space exploration. It also houses a variety of rockets, including the Saturn V rocket, which was used to launch the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. The museum also features a variety of space-related films, lectures, and other events. If you are into astronomy and physics, this place would be absolutely mesmerizing for you as it offers the famous space camp for everybody and the astronaut training through simulators. At the space camp, you can enroll in astronaut training simulations, learn to build rockets etc.
Madison County Nature Trail
The Madison County Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile trail surrounding 17-acre Sky Lake located in Madison County, Alabama. The trail is located in the Monte Sano State Park and is a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The trail is a loop that winds through the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is well-marked and offers a variety of terrain, including hills, valleys, and creeks. It is open year-round, free to use and if you want to enjoy the best views, autumn is the time to visit.
Lodgings closer to Madison nature trail.
Monte Sano State Park
There are a variety of activities here unlike a typical park. Monte Sano State Park is a 2,140-acre (8.6km²) state park located atop Monte Sano Mountain, and is the second-largest state park in Alabama. The park features a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking. It also features a lodge, a restaurant, and a variety of other amenities. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkey, and a variety of birds. You can also find a variety of plant life, including wildflowers, ferns, and a variety of trees. The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts like yourself, and is a great place to explore the natural beauty of North Alabama. This is as close as you can get to an adventurous activity in Huntsville, AL.
Big Spring International Park
Big Spring International Park is a public park somewhat similar to the Monte Sano State Park. It is located on the banks of the Tennessee River and is home to a variety of recreational activities, including walking trails, a playground, a fishing pier, and a boat launch. The park also features a large fountain, which is lit up at night and is a popular spot for visitors to take pictures. You can feed the ducks and koi that swim around the Big Spring pond. Big Spring is open year-round but of course spring time is the best if you want to capture some unique photos. Definitely the spot to visit if you want to detox yourself mentally from all the stress and just bathe in the serenity of nature.
Burritt on the Mountain
This site is an essential in the list of things to do in Huntsville, AL. Every state has its own historic sites and Burritt on the Mountain claims that title for Huntsville, Alabama. It is a living history museum, featuring a 19th-century farm, a historic mansion, and a variety of educational programs. The park is named after Dr. William Henry Burritt, a prominent local physician, who donated the land to the city in the 1930s. The park is open to the public and offers a variety of activities, including educational programs, concerts, and special events. The view is the absolute epitome of the tour. Since the mansion is at the of Round Top Mountain, it provides the best views of Huntsville.
Harmony Park Safari
One of the other adventurous activities on the list. Harmony Park Safari is a family-friendly wildlife park and it features a variety of exotic animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, and more. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park and learn about the animals and their habitats. The park also offers many different activities, such as camel rides, pony rides, and a petting zoo. Harmony Park Safari also offers educational programs and special events throughout the year. However, there is also some news about the park being permanently closed although we could not find enough evidence to support it.
Cathedral Caverns State Park
Now here’s another thrilling experience amidst casual activities. Cathedral Caverns State Park is located in Woodville, Alabama. It is a state park that features a large cave system with many unique geological formations. The park is known for its massive entrance, which is over 25 feet wide and 125 feet high. Inside the cave, visitors can explore a variety of formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. The park also offers camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities. You can also participate in gemstone mining if interested and who knows, you may even discover something valuable! Another fun fact for DC fans is that this cave system was originally called Bat Cave.
Lake Guntersville
Okay so this is not right in Huntsville. In fact it is 40 miles away. Nevertheless, Guntersville State Park is not a waste of effort. It is situated on the banks of Lake Guntersville, a 69,000-acre reservoir. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and golf. It also features a lodge, cabins, a restaurant, and a marina. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles.
Cigar Box Guitar Lesson
This is neither adventurous nor boring and yet an uniquely entertaining thing to do in Huntsville, AL. If you’re looking for a unique way to learn how to play the guitar, then a cigar box guitar lesson in Huntsville, AL might be just the thing for you. Cigar box guitars are a unique type of instrument that are made from an old cigar box and some basic guitar parts. They are a great way to learn the basics of guitar playing, and they can also be a lot of fun to play. You can find this location in Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment Complex which is an arts and entertainment complex. It is the largest privately owned arts facility in the United States. The complex is home to over 200 working artists, makers, musicians, and other creative businesses. It features a variety of galleries, studios, performance venues, and retail stores. The complex also hosts a variety of events, including concerts, festivals, and workshops.
Sculpture Trail
The Huntsville Sculpture Trail is a self-guided tour of public art located throughout the city of Huntsville, Alabama. This is actually one of things to do in Huntsville, AL for couples. The trail includes more than 30 sculptures, ranging from traditional bronze statues to modern abstract works. The sculptures are located in parks, along sidewalks, and in other public spaces. The trail was created in 2018 by the Huntsville Museum of Art and the City of Huntsville. The sculptures are part of the city’s effort to create a vibrant and engaging public art experience for residents and visitors. The trail is free and open to the public.
Huntsville Ghost Walk
Here we are ending the list with spookiness in the air. The Huntsville Ghost Walk is a guided tour of the city’s haunted locations. The tour takes visitors to some of the city’s most haunted spots, including the Old Town Cemetery, the Huntsville Museum of Art, and the historic Twickenham District. Along the way, visitors will hear stories of the city’s haunted past, including tales of ghostly apparitions, mysterious disappearances, and other supernatural occurrences. The tour is led by a professional guide who will provide insight into the city’s haunted history. The tour is a great way to explore the city’s spooky side and learn more about its haunted past.
Check out these top picks for lodging in Huntsville with convenient access to all nearby attractions.
