Exploring Huntsville, AL: A Guide to Hidden Gem Attractions [ 2023 ]

The city of Huntsville in the state of Alabama is often regarded as one of the most desirable residential areas in the entire country. If you decide to relocate to this city, you will be able to take advantage of a lower cost of living, a higher quality of life, incredible educational institutions, wonderful entertainment options, and many other advantages. 

What is there to do in Huntsville, Alabama? An impressive art museum, a number of unique restaurants and entertainment facilities, lush botanical gardens, three historical districts, regular arts performances, and a burgeoning craft beer industry are just some of the cultural, historical, and gastronomic offerings that can be found in Huntsville.

Huntsville is a city with a significant amount of history and culture, yet most tourists tend to neglect it because of its location in the northern region of Alabama. On the other hand, this delightful city is home to a number of attractions that are a bit of a secret but well worth discovering. There is something for everyone in Huntsville, from traditional tourist attractions to offbeat museums and galleries. In this guide, we will walk you through some of the top hidden gem attractions that are waiting for you to find them on your next trip to Huntsville, Alabama. What are some fun things to do in Huntsville, Alabama?

Huntsville Botanical Garden

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a stunning 112-acre garden that features a variety of plant collections, including a wildflower and nature trail, a vegetable garden, and a butterfly house. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the gardens while admiring the beauty of nature. The garden also hosts several events throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibits, and workshops.

Burritt on the Mountain

Burritt is one of the things to do in Huntsville; it is located on the mountain and is a unique museum that provides visitors with a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the Appalachian region. The museum is situated on a 167-acre mountaintop and features historic buildings, including a 1938 mansion, a blacksmith shop, and a log cabin. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails and panoramic views of the city from the mountaintop.

U.S. Space and Rocket Center

As the home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville has a rich history in space exploration. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a museum that showcases this history through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and space simulators. Visitors can learn about the history of space exploration, experience what it’s like to walk on the moon, and see real rockets up close.

Huntsville Museum of Art

The Huntsville Museum of Art is one of the best things to see in Huntsville, and it is a small but impressive museum that showcases a variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum also hosts a variety of events and exhibits throughout the year, including art classes, workshops, and lectures.

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is a former textile mill that has been transformed into a vibrant community of artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Visitors can browse art galleries, watch live performances, and shop for unique handmade items at the many shops and studios located in the mill.

Monte Sano State Park

What is there to do in Huntsville, Alabama? A must-see in Huntsville is Monte Sano State Park, which is a 2,140-acre park that offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and picnicking. Visitors can also enjoy scenic views of the city from the mountaintop and explore historic structures, including a CCC museum and a restored lodge.

Harmony Park Safari

Harmony Park Safari is a unique wildlife park that allows visitors to get up close and personal with exotic animals from around the world. Visitors can drive through the park in their own vehicles while feeding and interacting with animals such as zebras, camels, and kangaroos.

Big Spring Park

The magnificent Big Spring Park can be found right in the middle of Huntsville’s bustling downtown area.The park features a spring-fed lake, a walking trail, and several historic landmarks, including a 1805 cabin and a 1905 Victorian fountain. Visitors can also enjoy live music and other events at the park’s amphitheater.

EarlyWorks Children’s Museum

The EarlyWorks Children’s Museum is a fun and interactive museum that is perfect for families with young children. The museum features exhibits that allow children to explore history and science through hands-on activities, including a train ride, a blacksmith shop, and a log cabin.

Huntsville Ghost Walk

What is there to do in Huntsville, Alabama? For those interested in the supernatural, the Huntsville Ghost Walk is a must-see attraction. The ghost walk is a guided tour that takes visitors through some of the most haunted locations in downtown Huntsville, including historic homes, cemeteries, and buildings. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who shares stories about the city’s ghosts and legends.

Harmony Park Zoo

Harmony Park Zoo is another great attraction for animal lovers. This small zoo is home to a variety of exotic animals, including monkeys, lemurs, and reptiles. Visitors can also enjoy a petting zoo and a playground.

Huntsville Depot Museum

The Huntsville Depot Museum is a historic train station that has been restored and converted into a museum. Visitors can explore the depot’s exhibits, which include vintage trains, railroad memorabilia, and a 1950s soda fountain.

Alabama Constitution Village

Alabama Constitution Village is a living history museum that allows visitors to step back in time to the early 1800s. The village features several historic buildings, including a courthouse, a print shop, and a blacksmith shop. Visitors can also see costumed interpreters demonstrating crafts and trades from the era.

Campus 805

Campus 805 is a former school that has been transformed into a lively entertainment complex. The campus features several restaurants, breweries, and entertainment venues, including a movie theater and an indoor golf course.

Twickenham Historic District

The Twickenham Historic District is a neighborhood that is known for its beautiful historic homes and gardens. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the district to see some of the city’s most impressive architecture.

Final Thoughts

What is there to do in Huntsville, Alabama?  Huntsville, AL may not be as well-known as some of the bigger cities in the southern United States, but it is home to a variety of hidden gem attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. From historic landmarks to quirky museums, Huntsville has something for everyone. So the next time you find yourself in the area, be sure to take some time to explore this charming city and discover its many hidden treasures. If your final decision is to live there you should consider movers in Huntsville. The act of packing and unpacking is frequently cited as the primary source of stress for movers. Time, effort, and a wide variety of packing materials are required. Expert movers will handle everything for you.