Things To Do In Downtown Huntsville

Us Space And Rocket Center

As the birthplace of Americas Space Programme, Huntsville goes by the nickname of The Rocket City, so the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is one of the Huntsville attractions you wont want to miss. Set on a huge campus on the edge of town, it showcases the space rockets and technologies developed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. This is the largest space attraction in the world and I recommend you set aside half a day to visit at a leisurely pace.

Outdoors in the Rocket Park you can see one of the worlds largest collections of rockets close up, including the Space Shuttle, Saturn 1 and Apollo rockets, while Shuttle Park displays the rocket launch vehicles. The cavernous Saturn V hall displays the Apollo 12 lunar module and sections of the enormous Saturn V rocket. Its over 50 years since men first stood on the moon and the original space are on show, as well as the tiny trailer where the astronauts had to quarantine once they returned to earth from outer space.

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I also enjoyed walking through a mock up of the Space Station to find out how present day astronauts eat, sleep and even go to the loo!

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Located in Northern Alabama, set in the Tennessee Valley, and surrounded by mountains and rolling hills, Huntsville offers spectacular views that will sweep you off your feet. It holds a famous history of space explorations, hence, the nickname Rocket City. There are many historical and cultural attractions to visit. You will marvel at the finest antebellum homes in Twickenham Historic District. See the American artworks at Huntsville Museum of Arts or take a historical tour of Burritt on the Mountain. Go camping at Monte Sano State Park for R & R and adventure or discover the trails of Land Trust of North Alabama. To learn more, scroll down for the top things to do in Huntsville, Alabama.

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Spend the day at Huntsville Museum of Art. Located in Downtown Huntsville, the museum is found at Big Spring International Park. It is known as North Alabamaâs leading visual center, and it features 7 galleries that are filled with exhibitions and its 2,522-piece permanent collection.

The museum also houses the worldâs largest selection of Buccellatis silver animals. You can sign up for art classes at Museum Academy. Drop by The Museum Store for souvenirs and dine at the Italian restaurant, Pane e Vino.

Huntsville Museum of Art

Website: Huntsville Museum of Art

Opening hours: Tue – Sat: 10am – 5pm Sun: 12pm- 5pm

Price: 12 USD 5 USD 10 USD Free 5 USD

Things To Do In Downtown Huntsville Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama has become the hidden gem of the South. Ive talked about my home town before and how its grown and now offers so much more than it did 10+ years ago when I moved away. Id love to retire to Huntsville one day because it just keeps getting better. In the last year Ive had the opportunity to visit Huntsville a lot more frequently while I lived in Nashville, and now that I travel a lot for work with this blog. Ive listed 5 things to do in Downtown Huntsville that I would recommend to anyone who has never been before, or perhaps someone who is familiar with Huntsville, but hasnt been downtown in a while.

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Huntsville Alabama Attractions For Craft Beer Lovers

A former middle school has been turned into Campus No 805, a 15 acre venue with a whole lot of craft breweries including Straight to Ale and Yellowhammer Brewing. With restaurants and live music, the venues can be family friendly. Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza is a particular favourite among locals.

Delicious pizza at Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza in Huntsville Alabama

Theres a downtown Craft Beer Trail if you want to be sure to not miss all any great craft beer options. After 11 stops, present your stamped card at the Visitor Center and get a free bottle opener!

You dont need to leave downtown Huntsville to find craft beer

AM Booths Lumberyard is an entertainment complex with food, drinks and live music. Its a family-friendly venue with games such as pool and shuffleboard.

Check out AM Booths Lumberyard entertainment complex for family fun in Huntsville AL

Days In Huntsville: A Suggested Itinerary

Ill be honest, this isnt exactly what I did on my trip I was in Huntsville for five days, not three. However, based on my experiences and what I loved, Im confident you could jam-pack an itinerary for 3 days in Huntsville and still have a great time. Okay, lets put it all together.

A 3-Day Huntsville Itinerary Summary:

Lets dive in for more details!

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Fun Things To Do In Huntsville Alabama

The easy going city of Huntsville in Northern Alabama makes a great starting point for a road trip through the Deep South of the USA. Known as The Rocket City theres a contrast between high tech connections to the US Space Programme and the low rise Downtown area, that gives the city a small-town feel. Among the fun things to do in Huntsville Al, is the US Space and Rocket Center, with the world class Huntsville Botanical Garden, art galleries and heritage attractions to enjoy, not to mention a vibrant and varied food scene.

The weather in Huntsville becomes hot and humid in summer, causing a retreat to the air conditioning, so Id recommend a visit in the spring or autumn, for warm and sunny sightseeing weather. Huntsville is also an easy city to get around on foot or by bike, although youll get the most from your stay if you have a car.

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Where To Eat Dinner In Huntsville

For dinner, downtown Huntsville offers a wide variety of well-regarded restaurants, including Cotton Row, Purveyor, and Sam & Gregs Pizzeria/Gelateria. Alternatively, you can head over to Campus No. 805, which I loved. Only a short 5-minute drive from the Huntsville Marriott, Campus No. 805 offers a welcome mix of breweries, restaurants, and retail spaces.

You can view the campus directory here some highlights of Campus No. 805 include:

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Huntsville Alabama Attractions For Coffee & Tea Lovers

Theres a Downtown Coffee Trail where you can get a cool new mug if you stop by the 7 participating outlets.

Need fuel for your day in Rocket City Huntsville? Check out their impressive coffee shops.

I was completely in love with the Cuban Coffee at Honest Coffee Roasters. A close second in my heart is the Olde Towne Coffee Shop which can do an expresso with cinnamon and brown sugar.

Note that the Piper & Leaf Artisan Tea company is on the coffee trail with a great new outlet at Alabama Constitutional Village. I thought their range of tea was exceptional.

Learn To Skate At Benton H Wilcoxon Municipal Ice Complex

Editor’s Note: Photo taken from the establishment’s official social account

Posted by Huntsville Iceplex on Friday, July 1, 2016

If learning to skate is on your bucket list, you can tick it off when you go to Benton H. Wilcoxon Municipal Ice Complex.

The ice skating rink offers public skate sessions. If you have not skated before, dont fret. There are skater helpers for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. The place also has a skating school that accepts both kids and adults. Sessions, however, can range between five and nine weeks, depending on the season.

Benton H. Wilcoxon Municipal Ice Complex operated as a private corporation for 27 years. It was later donated to Huntsville in 1986. The city saw opportunities to expand the complex. The establishment opened to the public in 1991.

Suit up in layers of warm clothing and show your moves!

Benton H. Wilcoxon Municipal Ice Complex

Address: 3185 Leeman Ferry Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801

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Plan A Stay At Deerhurst Resort

Just to the west of Huntsville is the large Deerhurst Resort. Operating on Peninsula Lake since 1896, this resort is one of the premier places to stay in Muskoka. Spread over 760 acres, the resort has everything you could need for a great weekend getaway.

Two well-regarded golf courses are on the property along with areas to swim, paddle, walk, bike, and hike. Other pursuits include disc and foot golf, treetop trekking, waterskiing, and waterbiking. In the winter, cross-country ski trails, ice skating, and snowmobile trails are all on offer.

Accommodation options range from standard hotel rooms right through to waterfront suites and homes. Dining options range from fine dining at the Antlers Steakhouse to more casual fare at the Eclipse Restaurant and Terrace along with two other establishments.

Things To Do In Huntsville Ontario

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When it gets dark in the forest, it gets dark. No street lights, no porch lights, no car lights, just the light flickering from the stars, the moon, and their reflections in the ripples of the black lake.

Finding things to do in Huntsville Ontario is easy as Huntsville is one of Ontarios most beloved four-season destinations, perfect for an Ontario weekend getaway. This town is a vibrant, vast, and wondrous playground that attracts visitors from every corner of the world to enjoy the serenity and warmth of a small community nestled amongst the lakes and trees overflowing from nearby iconic Algonquin Provincial Park.

What makes Huntsville so special is connecting everyones soul with the outdoors while experiencing everything a flourishing community can offer. Everybody says hi and is so friendly.

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Appreciate The Street Art & Other Public Art

If your prefer your art outdoors rather than indoors, Huntsville still has you covered. The city is filled with public art, and new public art works regular pop up in the downtown area. Some pieces are permanent and others are temporary.

One of the largest public art projects in Huntsville has been the SPACES Sculpture Trail which runs through the city and features over 35 sculptures by over 20 artists from across the United States. The city regularly organizes guided local walks of the trail, but you can easily see the sculptures on your own.

If you enjoy street art, there are some fantastic street art murals around the city. Some are designed to encourage you to get involved in the piece, perhaps by holding an errant bunch of balloons or being eaten by a giant carp. A couple of good spots to find street art in Huntsville are the Clinton Row Color Walk and the murals around Big Spring Park.

Of course, youll likely spot art all over Huntsville if you keep your eyes peeled. Some other examples include the famous Cosmic Christ mosaic on the side of the First Baptist Church, the painted mural on the side of the Liquor Express building, the murals on the exterior of the Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment buildings, and the mosaic mural inside the Madison County Courthouse.

Von Braun Astronomical Society

Von Braun Astronomical Society

The Von Braun Astronomical Society is one of the places to see within Monte Sano State Park.

Its worth a visit all on its own, though!

This non-profit organization operates an impressive planetarium and two observatories, one of which boasts the Ann Sanford Memorial Library.

The library is home to a vast collection of literature related to astronomy.

The Von Braun Astronomical Society was created by high school students of Huntsville who wanted to find a way to study astronomy.

In 1954, some scientists of Red Stone Arsenal joined their effort, resulting in the societys growth.

Now, the Alabama location offers fun tours, numerous programs, educational lectures, and highly modern equipment to look at the stars.

Address: 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States

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Mcalister’s Deli Huntsville Alabama

McAlister’s Deli has over 340 restaurants and has won a variety of awards for its flavorful fast food. They serve sandwiches, hearty soups, healthy salads, and spuds topped with everything you could ever want on a potato. Be sure to arrive on an empty stomach if you want to try their famous 13 layer McAlister’s Club Sandwich, which is a testimony to their generous portions. They use quality ingredients and each menu item is handcrafted before leaving the kitchen.

1480 Perimeter Pkwy NW, Huntsville, Alabama, Phone: 256-425-0034

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Rocket City Roller Derby

Huntsvilles own womens roller derby league hits the rink March through September for fast, hard-hitting fun. This is an action-packed, cheap family night that is sure to entertain everyone.

The Rocket City Roller Derby team is a well-established league and puts on a great show for the crowd. Check their website for dates, coupons and tickets.

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Hike Or Sightsee In Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Park is 42 kilometers from Huntsville and is one of the best parks in Ontario. This 7,653-square-kilometer area of forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains has long been a destination for outdoor adventurers. No matter where your interests may lie, the park has something for you.

One of the most popular pursuits in the park is camping. Families have been setting up camp in one of the main campgrounds along the Highway 60 corridor through the generations. Beautiful sites are nestled under towering white pine trees, with lakes and beaches just a short walk from your tent or trailer. If you prefer a more sophisticated accommodation option, three luxurious but rustic lodges are sprinkled throughout the park.

Algonquin Park is one of the best places to go canoeing in Ontario. Extensive canoe routes and backcountry campsites provide a true wilderness experience. Don’t worry if you don’t have a canoe or the equipment, outfitters in and around the park can set you up with all the gear, food, and safety equipment. Or, alternatively take a two day tour complete with a guide and experience the best the park has to offer.

Other popular pursuits in the park include amazing hiking trails and challenging mountain biking trails. For those less inclined to activity, a visit to the Algonquin Art Centre or the Algonquin Logging Museum is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Shop At The Lively Bridge Street Town Centre

Editor’s Note: Photo taken from the establishment’s official social account

Posted by Bridge Street Town Centre Huntsville on Monday, April 6, 2020

Whether you want to splurge or look around, head to Bridge Street Town Centre. You can shop at more than 70 upscale outlets. You will not be able to resist the choices. From childrenâs fashion to adult brands, Bridge Street Town Center provides the perfect retail therapy. When you get hungry from all that shopping, you can choose from the many restaurants at the complex.

Bridge Street Town Centre

Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 10am – 9pm Sun: 12pm – 7pm

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Tour The Historic Weeden House Museum

Wander through the rooms and spaces of Weeden House Museum. This museum was the house of poet and artist Maria Howard Weeden. Guided tours, which last about an hour, showcase her art. Due to its timeless and classic elegance, the place has become a popular venue for weddings and events.

Weeden House Museum and Garden

Address: 300 Gates Ave SE, Huntsville, AL

Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 10am & 1pm

Price: 5 USD 3 USD

Learn Astronomy At Von Braun Astronomical Society

Editor’s Note: Photo taken from the establishment’s official social account

Posted by Von Braun Astronomical Society Inc on Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Von Braun Astronomical Society has a planetarium where a variety of astronomy-related programs are available to the public every Saturday at 7:30 pm. You can request for special arrangements if youre with a group. There is also a âstar showâ where the stars project on the dome. The audience will learn to look for the constellations visible on that night.

Conrad Swanson Observatory and Wilhelm Angele Observatory are on campus. You will find them at Monte Sano State Park. You can learn to operate several telescopes and experience observing deep-sky when you spend a Night at the Observatory. After the session, you can bring home the images you have taken.

Von Braun Astronomical Society

Opening hours: Wed – Sat: 10am – 4pm

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