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City in the United States
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Huntsville is in northern Alabama, about 20 miles (32 km) from the border with Tennessee. The city is a center for missile defense and aerospace technologies, with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman having major operations here. Cummings Research Park, the second largest research park in the country, is home to many of these companies.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Alabama's number one for-fee tourist attraction, this museum is especially of interest to space-amazed kids and kids at heart. In 2008 the aging museum was revitalized with the opening of the $23 million Davidson Center, which features a Saturn V rocket that was never launched and also includes numerous exhibits on program that led up to the moon visits. Outside of the museum are replicas and test units for numerous other space vehicles, including life-size replicas of the space shuttle and a vertical Saturn V. The US Space Camp is also based here and has hosted over 500,000 visitors since its inception in 1982.
The Museum of Art is in Big Spring Park. It features seven exhibit halls which host many regional and national art exhibits every year and the museum's own 2,500 piece collection. There is a large gift shop and a coffee shop with a patio that overlooks the park.
Constitution Hall Park
See where the state of Alabama was born in 1819. Village includes a cabinet shop, law office, and a post office. During the Holidays, "Santa's Village" is held here. Open Wednesday through Saturday, March through October, and special hours in November and December.
Mid-1800s era railroad depot used as a prison for Civil War soldiers. Various festivals are held here throughout the year, including the Rocket City BBQ Festival in May. Open Wednesday through Saturday, March through October.
The South's largest hands-on children's history museum. See a 46-foot keelboat, play on giant instruments, and listen to stories told by the "Talking Tree."
On Round Top Mountain off of US 431 and Monte Sano Boulevard. Features a large early 20th-century mansion, a late 19th-century farm and a petting zoo. There are also nature trails, including one that is handicapped-accessible. Open Tu-Su year-round, though hours vary between winter and summer months.
Founded in 1879, it is the oldest continuously-running hardware store in Alabama. It is on the Courthouse Square downtown.
It's in the Chase community in Northeast Huntsville. Features the smallest union station in the country and 90-minute train rides on select Saturdays. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, April to December. Ticket prices for the train excursion are $12 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under. Prices may vary for special events.
Features military exhibits, memorabilia, and vehicles dating back to the Revolutionary War. To get there, take Memorial Parkway South to Airport Road. Take a right; museum is on the right.
A house built in 1819, the same year Alabama became a state. Located in the Twickenham Historic District.
A 3,400-acre network of nature preserves around the city. One of the most popular attractions is the Three Caves quarry on Monte Sano.
A network of bikeways, trails, and bike-friendly roads across the metro area. 73 miles have been completed, and it will eventually grow to over 312 miles. Aldridge Creek Greenway in Southeast Huntsville is the most popular bikeway, but it becomes impassable after heavy rains.
Public park along the Tennessee River, with boathouses, greenways, and a campground.
Large state park on Monte Sano. Features 14 miles of hiking and biking trails, a large picnic area, cabins, a Japanese garden, and a campground. Take US 431 to Monte Sano Boulevard and follow the signs.
A 110-acre garden with woodlands, meadows and ponds. Features the nation's largest Butterfly House, which is open from May to September. There is a Nature Center and Children's Garden. In November and December, the Botanical Garden is home to the Galaxy of Lights. Open 7 days a week except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Hours and admission vary between summer and fall/winter/spring months.
And Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary. The largest city-owned park and preserve, with ten miles of trails through swamps and wooded areas. Horses and bikes are allowed on some trails. It's off US 431 south of Hampton Cove. Some online map search results may say that the Preserve is permanently closed, but it is not.
Five Points Historic District is an example of an early 20th-century neighborhood featuring several architectural styles, including California Bungalow, Queen Anne and other modest Victorian styles. The Five Points district has become one of Huntsville's trendiest neighborhoods, with small shops, art galleries, and restaurants lining the streets in the area.
Year-round public ice skating rink. Open most afternoons to the public, but check website for hours. Located behind Joe Davis Stadium.
Owens Crossroads. This 54-hole golf course is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which has nine world-renowned golf courses across Alabama. In Hampton Cove off US 431.
Space Camp is a week-long astronaut training program for kids and teenagers. Shorter programs are available. Located at the US Space and Rocket Center.
A perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, organize a team building event or simply have a great time with family & friends! Professional instructors to teach and facilitate your experience are present.
Each target lane will hold 1-4 guests and can be booked in advance or as a walk-in on an hourly basis.
A non-profit, all-volunteer arts organization that presents six plays each season in downtown Huntsville's Von Braun Center Playhouse, and also produces the annual "Shakespeare on the Mountain" in an outdoor venue, such as Burritt on the Mountain. Presentations range from such popular favorites as "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Noises Off" to cutting-edge productions like "The Laramie Project" and "Angels in America," and even a few Alabama premieres, such as "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge." Information on tickets, group rates, special rates for touring and student groups, workshops, auditions by phone; office hours are by appointment only.
The state's second-oldest performing arts organization, producing both choral concerts and musical theater productions (ranging from "The Pirates of Penzance" to "Guys and Dolls" and "Jesus Christ Superstar"). In addition, HCCA features its Madrigal Singers; "Glitz!" (a show choir); a Chamber Chorale; an annual summer melodrama/fundraiser; and three children's groups, the Huntsville Community Children’s Chorus (HC3), HC3Jr, for the younger set, and HC3Sr, for high-schoolers.
Minor-league hockey team. Plays from October-March at the Von Braun Center Arena. Buy tickets early- games sell out frequently.
Stock-car racetrack off Hobbs Island Road in South Huntsville. Races are held on Friday nights from March to October.
Small dragway in Harvest. Open Fridays and Saturdays from March to October.
UAH Chargers
Sports teams of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, playing mostly in NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference. The Chargers play 18 sports in all, nine for each sex, but football isn't one of them. Unusually for a school in the South, UAH's highest-profile sport had long been men's ice hockey, which played in Division I, but that team was shut down in 2021 due to a combination of conference realignment and COVID-19 impact. The remaining UAH teams play on campus.
Annual science fiction/fantasy convention held over a 3-day (Friday–Sunday) weekend each fall.
In Main Street Shopping Village with fresh salads, sandwiches and soups.
Vegetarian-friendly Tex-mex dive. Quick service, freshly made.
Famous for its BBQ.
Barbecue and seafood.
The original location of a local chain known for its chicken fingers.
Mostly noodles. In the Burlington Coat Factory shopping center.
The best Indian food in town, and reasonably priced. The lunch buffet (all days but Saturday) at this family-owned chain changes items often, remaining fresh and very popular.
Excellent, moderately priced Thai food in a comfortable atmosphere resulting largely from its family-run, family-friendly ambience. The longest-running Thai restaurant in the area.
Probably the most famous restaurant to come out of Huntsville since Steak-Out.
NW; #1. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine, ranging from the familiar pho – the national dish – to clay pots, fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese coffees, and more. Condiments allow you to “doctor” your dishes to your liking.
Local Cajun restaurant.
Restaurant with a large patio and live music. Artwork and (of course) furniture are for sale. Located between Downtown and Five Points.
Next to Books-A-Million.
Known for its modern and experimental cocktails and comfort food. Phat Sammy's is a fun place for adults. Loud atmosphere, Geek themed.
A stylish Thai restaurant in the village of Providence.
Upscale Japanese steakhouse chain.
Featuring Southern cooking.
Upscale New Orleans steakhouse chain. Located within Embassy Suites.
Upscale Thai restaurant. Located near Books-A-Million.
Located in a 150-year-old building just off the historic square. This nano brewery specializes in small batches which creates a diverse and ever-changing tap list.
A small and relaxed brewery. Live music and comedy shows most Friday and Saturday nights.
Working alongside local companies such as Leavendary at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Old Black Bear embraces innovative strides in how beer is processed. Also has a great food menu.
A brewery started by rocket scientists.
Look for the Speakeasy. Free brewery tours are given on Saturdays at 2PM. No reservations required. Also contains Ale's Kitchen restaurant and Ronnie Raygun's, an arcade. This is Huntsville's biggest brewery.
Yellowhammer beers can be found in many fine restaurants, taverns, groceries and craft beer stores across both Alabama and Tennessee.
Bar with live music.
Full bar, craft beer, and more than 50 arcade machines.
Coffee shop located in MidCity
Roaster and coffee shop in Historic Downtown.
Popular coffee shop/hangout.
This coffee shop is a downtown tradition.
Artisan tea shop in Lowe Mill Entertainment District.
Outdoor pool.
Small pool, breakfast.
Convenient to West Huntsville and Research Park.
Next to Madison Square. Restaurants and shopping nearby. Convenient to Research Park.
This 10-story hotel opened in October 2006. Great views of the city, downtown, and the skyline. Connected by a "skybridge" to the Von Braun Center. A Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is inside the hotel.
Convenient to Space Center and Research Park. Rates start at $60 per night.
Behind the Target shopping center off University Drive. Convenient to Research Park, restaurants, and shopping. Rooms start at $70 nightly.
An enclosed mall with 70 upscale shops and restaurants. Tenants include Belk, Dillard's, Williams-Sonoma, and Carrabba's Italian Grill. Located off of Memorial Parkway at the Drake Avenue exit.
An open-air upscale lifestyle center with 60 shops and restaurants, a 12-story Westin hotel, and a Cinemark theatre. Tenants include Belk's, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Barnes & Noble. Located at the Research Park Boulevard (AL 255)/Old Madison Pike interchange.
By train
There is no passenger train service to Huntsville.
By car
Huntsville is accessible from nearby Interstate 65, approximately 20 miles west of downtown.
By bus
By bus
Public transportation is not popular in Huntsville, but does exist. The city offers 13 bus routes, including a Tourist Trolley, which loops past most of the city's attractions and shopping areas.
By bike
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Huntsville · Regional · HSV
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