What to do and see in Huntsville, Alabama (AL): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

July 6, 2021 Madelene Haan

Huntsville is the fourth-largest city in Alabama, located in the northernmost part of the state. 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. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Huntsville to its "America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2010" list.
Restaurants in Huntsville

1. U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum

2060 Airport Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801-5338 +1 256-883-3737 [email protected] http://www.memorialmuseum.org
Excellent
84%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 341 reviews

U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum

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.

Reviewed By N7085FQjohnm

This museum has so many artifacts from the Revelotionary War era to the modern-day. The volunteers at the museum were very helpful and clearly have a passion to see the history on display in the museum maintained and shared. My family of 5 with 3 kids under 7 thoroughly enjoyed it! The museum would very much benefit from a larger, updated space and some money to upgrade the exhibits. They clearly are doing the best with the money they have. I hope the city or some other group will help this museum, as they have plenty of artifacts to be a world-class museum; they just need some money to take the next steps.

2. Huntsville Escape Rooms

604 Madison St SE, Huntsville, AL 35801-4401 +1 256-469-8428 [email protected] http://www.huntsvilleescaperooms.com
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 248 reviews

Huntsville Escape Rooms

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!

Reviewed By D5054UEchristopherc - Elberta, United States

Great time for the whole family Kristen rocks!!! Was in town visiting family and took everyone to do the psych ward room.

3. Madison County Nature Trail-Green Mountain

5000 Nature Trail Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803-3802 +1 256-883-9501 http://madisoncountyal.gov/services/green-mountain-nature-trail-1594
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 238 reviews

Madison County Nature Trail-Green Mountain

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 always one employee present for safety and security reasons. The Nature Trail is recognized as a Treasure Forest by the Alabama Forestry Commission. It is also considered a Wildlife Sanctuary. The entire Park although owned and operated by the Madison County Commission lies within the city limits of the City of Huntsville. Bobby Cobb / Park Manager

Reviewed By tom16star - Madison, United States

I am guessing the trails are about 1 1/2 miles Well maintained trails and nice picnic areas. Beautiful lake with wooden covered bridge

4. Burritt on the Mountain

3101 Burritt Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801-1142 +1 256-536-2882 http://www.burrittonthemountain.com/
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 185 reviews

Burritt on the Mountain

Reviewed By JHmom17

The Pioneer Village was wonderful! The view is amazing. It's so peaceful and serene. There are folks in period dress in the cabins performing jobs such as cooking or blacksmithing who take time to show you what they are doing and explain the process. They know about the cabins themselves as well. Friendly and patient with questions. Plus the staff in the Gift Shop are obliging and go out of their way to make things pretty for gift giving. The actual Burritt Mansion was a little disappointing. A lot of the furnishings have been removed except for a parlor you cannot enter and the Dining Room. Most of the dishes are on display though. You certainly can't beat the price though.

5. Harmony Park Safari

431 Clouds Cove Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803-6513 +1 256-723-3880 http://www.harmonyparksafari.com/
Excellent
66%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 484 reviews

Harmony Park Safari

Reviewed By lynnwB8776UL - Salisbury, United States

This place was so much fun. We laughed so hard we were crying. The animals come up to your car rather quickly once you throw food out. So it's a race to get the window up before they stick their head in your car.

6. Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment

2211 Seminole Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805-3848 +1 256-533-0399 http://www.lowemill.net
Excellent
59%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 165 reviews

Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is America's largest independent center for the arts. With over 120 working artists, small businesses, restaurants, and live performance venues, this huge historic textile mill is now a rising home for music, art, and culture. Visitors are encouraged to enter our studios and speak with artists to learn about their work processes, inspirations, and to purchase work. Check our event calendar and public hours for visiting times and come see us!

Reviewed By S7816WPtimg - Paris, France

Went there with my wife and some friends for the concert on the weekend. People just hanging out relaxing enjoying music. Some very cool little shops and vendors inside. What a great find!!

7. Monte Sano State Park

5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801-1029 +1 256-534-3757 http://www.alapark.com/montesano/
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 443 reviews

Monte Sano State Park

Reviewed By dreimer043 - Naples, United States

I came here with my two sons 21 and 25 for a day hike. The trail we chose was difficult but beautiful, it was by a waterfall. After we also went across the street into the Japanese Garden and drove by the scenic overlook. We spent a lovely afternoon here and I highly recommend if in the area. The cabins looked cute for renting.

8. Von Braun Astronomical Society

5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801-1029 +1 256-539-0316 http://www.vbas.org
Excellent
50%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 16 reviews

Von Braun Astronomical Society

9. Ditto Landing

293 Ditto Landing Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803-6047 http://www.dittolanding.com
Excellent
40%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 55 reviews

Ditto Landing

Located on the Tennessee River at mile marker 33 selling Fuel or just docking and/or camping. Boat launch, marina, pavilion rentals, security are all available

Reviewed By mgysgtusmc1 - Huntsville, United States

This is a great place to go with a family. There are many things to do. From volleyball nets to bikes fishing or just walking along the river.

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