Huntsville by the Tennessee River

Huntsville is a city that is rich with historical and cultural significance and has some of the country’s best natural wonders.

Twickenham Historic District is the place in the city where you can explore some of Alabama’s most impressive architecture in the state’s largest antebellum district.

Take a look at the Weeden House Museum built in 1819 which is the oldest house in Alabama that is open to the public and offers guided walking tours. Here you can find out about the life of famous poet and watercolorist Ms. Weeden aka Howard. Her portraits of slaves gained international acclaim as well as her poem about their stories.

Huntsville Botanical Garden is a lovely and popular garden with botanical displays, seasonal festivals, and educational programs for adults and children. It is open all four seasons and has wonderful attractions like the largest butterfly house in the states. You can enjoy taking a walk through the nature trails among the romantic aquatic garden that is surrounded by blooming bushes and plants. Children go wild in the 2-acre children’s garden that offers dinosaurs, mazes, and so much more. See the popular Garden Railway, Vegetable, and Four Seasons Gardens. The Bird Trail is a great experience.

US Space and Rocket Center is the birthplace of America’s Space Program. It opened in 1970 and has become the most comprehensive U.S. manned spaceflight hardware museum in the world. You can see everything from missiles to rockets and other kinds of space memorabilia. There is an IMAX Space Dome Theater that offers showings of on-screen space-themed entertainment. There are regularly featured traveling exhibits so there are new surprises each time you visit.

Southern Adventures is an outdoor amusement park that has attractions for the family. You can enjoy mini golf, bumper cars, rides, arcade games, batting cages, go carts, rock climbing and a waterpark. There is also a full scale golf course.

Huntsville Museum of Art located in downtown Huntsville in the Big Spring Park. The museum has seven galleries where you can find great 19th and 20th century art. There are artworks from Africa, Asia, and Europe. The main attraction is American art from the Southeast. Besides the permanent collections there are also temporary and traveling exhibits. Art classes are offered both for adults and children and you’ll find great shopping and dining experiences here.

Big Spring Park offers lovely scenery and great bird watching. The park is enjoyed by history buffs since Huntsville was originally settled in 1805 by John Hunt near a limestone spring right in this area.

Harmony Park Safari is a federally licensed nature preserve that features exotic and endangered animals. You can take a tour in your own vehicle. You can see zebras, buffalo, camels, rams, and alligators. There are lovely waterfalls and antique buildings along the way.

Alabama Constitution Village commemorates the 1819 Constitutional Convection during which time Alabama became the 22nd state to be admitted to the Union. This quaint village has eight reconstructed buildings from the 1800s. You can visit a print shop, library, and post office among others and see how early Alabama life was.

US Veterans Memorial Museum is dedicated to the accomplishments of American military men and women. Here you can view over thirty historical military vehicles from WW I to the present. There are many artifacts on display that date back to the Revolutionary War.

Bridge Street Town Center features more than seventy shops and restaurants. There is a five acre lake, walking trails, a carousel, and train rides. There is a movie theater with a 14-inch screen. You can also enjoy musical performances. The Westin Huntsville Hotel sits in a lovely park-like setting. During the summer people love cooling off in the Pop Jet and Dancing Fountains.

Sci Quest Hands On Science Center features many hands-on exhibits. Visitors can host their own TV weather channel or take a trip through the human body. The center offers camps, birthday parties, scout trips, field trips and special programs for all ages and interests.

Burritt On the Mountain gives you the chance to step back into the 1800s. Here you can see authentic log cabins and a barnyard. Visitors enjoy touring the mansion of eccentric Dr. Burritt. There are also special exhibits and concerts. The scenery is wonderful and there are many hiking trails.

3 H Stables is the place for authentic trail riding experiences. Guided tours take you into the amazing Alabama mountains and along wooded trails. Riders can range from beginner to expert.

Madison County Nature Trail sits atop of Green Mountain. The park has lovely scenery, walking trails, picnic areas, a covered bridge, and the state’s oldest and largest Champion Winged Elm Tree. It is a beautiful park in all seasons.

Monte Sano State Park opened in 1938 and is on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. It is located on the slopes of Monte Sano Mountain. The park has rustic cottages, picnic areas and hiking trails. Modern campsites are available.

The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum showcases the park’s history and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery. One of the highlights is Von Braun Astronomical Society’s Planetarium and Observatory, which hosts special events and offers star gazing. The lodge is available for meetings and special events.

Land Trust of North Alabama wants visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. Right in the foothills of the Appalachians is the Bethel Spring Preserve. There is a quaint farm working on a tradition that began in the 1800s. You can see spring fed creeks and waterfalls.

Hays Nature Preserve offers visitors ten miles of trails that include forests, fields, and wetlands. You can enjoy hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Many different species of wildlife have their home here.

Historic Huntsville Depot is a historic site that was once used as a Union hospital, prison, and living quarters for Union soldiers. Here you can see things like Civil War graffiti and climb on locomotives.