While Birmingham often takes center stage when planning a trip to Alabama, the northern part of the state, a comfortable 90-minute drive away, offers a compelling alternative. Huntsville, a city strategically positioned near the Alabama-Tennessee border, serves as a vibrant hub for a multitude of attractions. This includes the renowned U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the spiritually significant Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and the intriguing retail experience of Unclaimed Baggage, where forgotten treasures await rediscovery. For an enriching Southern getaway, consider exploring Huntsville and the captivating region of North Alabama.
Discovering the Charms of Huntsville and North Alabama: A Guide to Unforgettable Experiences
North Alabama presents a diverse tapestry of attractions, catering to history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and families seeking adventure. From the sprawling wilderness of Monte Sano State Park to the historical echoes of Helen Keller’s birthplace, the region invites exploration and discovery. This guide unveils some of the top things to do in Huntsville and North Alabama, promising a memorable journey through this captivating corner of the South.
1. Trek to Waterfalls at Monte Sano State Park
For those seeking respite in the embrace of nature, Monte Sano State Park offers an idyllic escape. Spanning 2,140 acres, this verdant sanctuary, managed by the Land Trust of North Alabama, lies a mere 15-minute drive from Huntsville’s urban core. Prepare to be captivated by panoramic mountaintop vistas, cascading waterfalls, and a wealth of outdoor activities.
The park boasts well-maintained campsites and primitive campgrounds for immersive overnight experiences. Rustic-style cabins provide comfortable lodging for those preferring a more sheltered retreat. Twenty miles of meticulously crafted hiking and cycling trails meander through the park’s diverse terrain, inviting exploration at every turn.
Monte Sano State Park reveals its beauty in every season. In the fall, the landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of autumnal hues, while spring heralds the vibrant bloom of azaleas, painting the park in a riot of color. This park is a must when visiting Top Things to Do in Huntsville and North Alabama.
2. Visit the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum
Families traveling with young children will find a haven of interactive learning and play at Huntsville’s EarlyWorks Children’s Museum. As part of the EarlyWorks Family of Museums, which also encompasses Alabama Constitution Hall Park and the Huntsville Historic Depot, this museum offers a unique blend of education and entertainment.
The Passages exhibit and mural provide insights into the rich history of African American culture in Alabama. The Talking Tree captivates young listeners with stories of the area’s earliest Native American inhabitants and the groundbreaking inventor George Washington Carver. The impressive 46-foot keelboat exhibit vividly portrays river travel in the 1800s.
Hands-on activities and interactive displays encourage creativity and skill development. Children can engage with building blocks, experiment with pulleys and circuits, and refine their motor skills in a stimulating environment. This museum is one of the Top Things to Do in Huntsville and North Alabama.
3. Geek Out at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center
A visit to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is an absolute must for first-time visitors to Huntsville. Few cities in the United States can boast a display as awe-inspiring as the Saturn V rocket, a towering symbol of human ingenuity, standing proudly outside the Space Museum.
Inside, a universe of discovery awaits within Shuttle Park, Rocket Park, and the Davidson Center for Space Exploration. Explore the history of space exploration, marvel at groundbreaking technologies, and learn about the pioneers who dared to venture beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
The U.S. Space and Rocket Center offers immersive educational programs for children of all ages. Space Camp, a five-night experience, provides children ages 11 and under with opportunities to explore the Intuitive Planetarium, participate in STEAM activities, and conduct hands-on experiments in space exploration.
For older children, Space Academy offers a similar experience tailored for ages 12–14. Advanced Space Academy and Advanced Space Academy Elite cater to ages 15–18, providing more in-depth explorations of engineering, science, math, technology, and astronaut training. Without a doubt, it is one of the Top Things to Do in Huntsville and North Alabama.
4. Stroll Through Huntsville Botanical Garden
Just a short distance from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center lies the Huntsville Botanical Garden, a verdant oasis encompassing 112 acres of meadows, wetlands, forests, native plant collections, and specialized gardens. The garden offers a captivating experience throughout the year.
While May and October are ideal for viewing the flowers and plants in their full splendor, December transforms the garden into a dazzling spectacle with the Galaxy of Lights installation, a brilliant display of over one million Christmas lights.
Don’t miss the Purdy Butterfly House, typically open from June through September. Here, hundreds of butterflies flutter freely in open-air atriums, creating a magical and immersive experience.
5. Shop for Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro
Oprah Winfrey famously dubbed Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro "the best-kept shopping secret in America." Located just 45 minutes from Huntsville, this unique retail destination is well worth a day trip.
Browse through an eclectic collection of clothing, suitcases, jewelry, books, and other items that have been lost or left behind in transit. As the only store in America where you can buy and sell unclaimed luggage from airlines, Unclaimed Baggage has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing nearly one million visitors annually. This is one of the Top Things to Do in Huntsville and North Alabama.
6. Venture Up to Burritt on the Mountain
Discover the rich history of Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley at Burritt on the Mountain, a scenic open-air museum located just a 10-minute drive from the town center.
Perched atop a mountain, Burritt on the Mountain offers breathtaking views of the city below. The museum features a park, several log cabins and restored houses from the 19th century, and the historic mansion of its original owner, local physician William Burritt.
Visitors can delve into the lives of the region’s inhabitants during the mid- to late-1800s, relax in the park, observe farm animals, and explore the estate’s scenic nature trails.
7. Check Out Cathedral Caverns State Park
For an unforgettable underground adventure, venture to Cathedral Caverns State Park, located approximately 40 minutes from Huntsville between Grant and Woodville.
This remarkable cave system holds seven world records, including the widest cave entrance, measuring 25 feet tall and 128 feet wide, and the largest stalagmite, Goliath, towering at 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference.
Explore a magnificent flowstone waterfall, the expansive Big Room cavern, and the Mystery River, which flows through the cave. Archaeologists have unearthed numerous Native American artifacts dating back as far as 7,000 B.C., adding to the cave’s historical significance.
8. Pay Homage to Helen Keller at Her Birthplace
Tuscumbia, Alabama, is the birthplace of Helen Keller, a remarkable woman who overcame deafness and blindness to become the first person with those disabilities to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in the United States.
The inspiring story of Anne Sullivan’s transformative teaching of Helen Keller is an American legend, famously portrayed in the film "The Miracle Worker." A day trip to Tuscumbia, approximately 90 minutes from Huntsville, offers the opportunity to learn about Helen Keller’s early life at Ivy Green, her birthplace and childhood home.
In June or July, visitors can witness a live performance of "The Miracle Worker" in the backyard of the house where the celebrated story unfolded.
9. Admire Ave Maria Grotto
Located about an hour outside Huntsville in Cullman, Alabama, the Ave Maria Grotto is a testament to the artistic vision of Brother Joseph Zoetl, a German monk who founded St. Bernard Abbey.
The grotto features meticulously crafted architectural miniatures of shrines from around the world, set against the backdrop of the picturesque Alabama hillside. Visitors can pack a picnic lunch and spend the day exploring the four-acre park.
10. See the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Located in Hanceville, Alabama, approximately an hour and 15 minutes from Huntsville, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament welcomes people of all faiths, inviting exploration of spirituality and architectural grandeur.
Nestled on 400 acres of farmland, the shrine and Our Lady of the Angels Monastery are officially consecrated Franciscan pilgrimage sites. Founder Mother Angelica constructed the magnificent shrine in a Romanesque-Gothic style, reminiscent of Franciscan monasteries in Europe, adorned with gold, marble, and cedar. Visitors can attend mass in this sacred space or simply admire the exquisite architecture. These are some of the Top Things to Do in Huntsville and North Alabama.
Conclusion
Huntsville and North Alabama offer a rich tapestry of experiences, blending history, nature, and cultural attractions. From the wonders of space exploration to the serenity of botanical gardens and the charm of historic sites, the region provides something for every traveler. Explore these top attractions and discover the captivating allure of North Alabama.
