We were amazed at how many sand hill cranes we got to see! used under CC BY-SA 4.0. The Institute was opened in 1992 and has 58,000 square feet of archives, galleries, meeting rooms, and temporary exhibits. Took our reservation on the phone. Save all the best places to visit with Wanderlog, Download the travel planning app everyone's been raving about, Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. There is no doubt that among the most fun things to see in all of Huntsville is the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. 370 Rickwood Park Rd, Warrior, AL 35180, USA, 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126, USA.
I went with my church group and the testimonies have been memorable. It also gives a history of why this spot was so important to Birmingham. They need to extend there hours. The McWane Science Center also features an IMAX Dome Theater; IMAX tickets are separate from admission tickets. Of the zoo's 950 residents, there are numerous endangered species represented. A whole dollar for parking! Will definitely go back again. To experience the magic of Huntsville no matter the season youre there, make sure to stop over at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, one of the best things to do in Huntsville with kids!. We showed up about 30 minutes before it opened thinking we could walk the trail until it opened, but the gate was locked so we couldn't even get to the trail. There are hidden gems all throughout. I consider Birminghams Civil Rights Institute to be the cornerstone experience of any family trip to the city. We all loved taking the ginormous slide from the fourth floor down to the third and the indoor zip line was a blast. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, has towered over Birmingham on his Red Mountain perch since the 1930s To this day, hes the largest cast-iron statue in the world. James E. Scarborough With permanent exhibits such as Itty Bitty Magic City, Alabama Dinosaurs, Sea Monsters, Shark and Ray Touch Tank, and so. The entire zoo extends over 122 acres (49 hectares) and is home to 950 animals, including sea lions, rhinos, and endangered species from all over the world. Birmingham Civil Rights Institutes mission is to enlighten the world about civil and human rights by exploring the past and working to build a better future. Also can't wait to visit the Zoo in the daylight hours and see the real animals which are not part of Glow Wild since it's dark. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is Alabamas number one paid attraction. Harmony Park Safari is one of the most exciting things to enjoy in Huntsville. Opened in 1938, the park was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 1996.
Well worth a visit! We splash in the creek, tube down the water fall, and picnic.
Our favorite features included the mega slide from the fourth floor down to the third and the indoor zip line, which gave us all a lot of laughs. The drive from Huntsville to Birmingham is 101 miles (162 km). He starts collecting and restoring vintage motorcycles. One of our very own got engaged on this overlook so we can vouch for its powers of seduction!. My husband enjoyed taking a break from work and playing golf a few times. With 27 missiles and rockets, a Saturn V rocket, and many other items, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is suited for all ages with its temporary exhibits. A beautiful, massive sight, "Vulcan" pays tribute to Birmingham's early iron industry. This 1map has found 2 routes to get to Birmingham from Huntsville by bus, car. Even if youre not quite ready to walk the aisle or maybe you made that stroll 20 years ago, this is a great spot to take a special someone for some breathtaking views. So much good historical items I had to give a larger donation on my way out to help the upkeep of all the items. Even if youre not at all into motorbikes, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is simply a must due to its staggering collection. 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, USA. There is a lovey pavilion in the middle for group gatherings, or as we were lucky enough to be there for, musical jams. The museum inspires with at first sight boring things like math or engineering. Superb museum! Located on 30 acres of land 20 miles southeast of downtown, Harmony Park Safari (no website; 431 Clouds Cove Road, Huntsville, AL; 256-723-3880) is the closest thing Huntsville has to a zoo. Amongst others, it has a collection of dinosaurs and an aquarium. There is a small inn on the property as well. Of note, the staggering monument depicts the Roman god Vulcan in a whopping 56 feet of glory. The safari offers a self-navigated ride spanning two miles, letting you get up close and personal with all sorts of animals. Kitchen items, jams, sauces, knives, toys, candies, t-shirts the list goes on! I'm not from the USA and we drove though Alabama today and then visited this museum. I can only imagine the Logistics involved when turning the ice rink into a dirt track within 24hours! Drive your own car and be sure to buy a bucket of food for the animals that come to your window expecting a snack. Could be unsafe for kids etc. Photo All we saw was 1 elephant. Other outdoor recreational activities such as picnicking and camping are also doable on site. There are als multiple hiking trails. You will get a token at the counter if you used the parking deck & it's like a dollar off the rate.
She loved the animals. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the museum clean and nice. Stayed a week. Huntsville was placed third in the United States among the 25 greatest locations to live in 2021-2022.US News and World Report stated that the 25 locations chosen offer the finest balance of jobs, desirableness, cost of living, and quality of life, according to the publication.The city of Huntsville increased its ranking by 12 points to become the 15th most populous city in the United States in 2020. Vulcan Park and Museum features many historical exhibits, programs and events throughout the year involving black history. The museum showcases a large number of exhibits starting from the American Revolution to the present. Great candies, Love your socks and your aprons!! This 56-foot statue of Vulcan, Roman god of fire, was originally built in Birmingham for an exhibit at the Palace of Mines and Metallurgy at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Thank you for letting us enjoy your beautiful interpretive Museum! Weighing over 60 tons and standing 55-feet tall, the statue was made in 1904 for the St. Louis World's Fair. The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum is probably the best veterans museum weve ever been to and definitely one of the best things to do in Huntsville. Its a popular place!
Get there early and get tickets online to avoid the crowd!
Yet even I couldnt help but be impressed by the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, an enormous and extremely popular museum and racetrack park owned by gazillionaire (Im guessing here) George Barber, whom Im now determined to meet in person some day after having personally made the pilgrimage to see his collection of dinosaurs in Elberta, Alabama. Nature & Wildlife Areas431 Clouds Cove Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803MoreLess Info. Vast park offers a lake for swimming, plus hiking, biking, camping & tours of subterranean tunnels. That's a real shame bc its a wonderful, well-kept tribute to a true American hero. We love all things covered bridges so that was a plus. While not a traditionally romantic spot, Rocket Park is hard to beat when it comes to appealing to the geeky boys and girls that call Huntsville home. Beautiful and Peaceful. Many different artifacts dating back to the Revolutionary War are also on display. While they could use double the space to be able to better spread the exhibits out, they have done an excellent job with the space available. The Legos exhibit was my favorite! 3121 Visitor Center Road, Decatur, AL 35603, USA, 233 Quail Creek Dr, Hartselle, AL 35640, USA. Chris Pruitt My son loved the big chairs and picnic bench. The interactive displays, exhibits, and games beg to be touched and explored while rides such as G-Force Accelerator, the rocket simulators, and HyperShip call for a little extra bravery. Opened in 1992, this museum interprets the struggles and challenges of the Civil Rights Movement in the mid 20th century. Huntsville has done an excellent job with this venue. We did the Clue room. This place is one of my FAVORITES NOW!! My family loves to come here during the summerIt has something for all age groups. If you ever entertained dreams of playing Major Tom to someone's ground control, head here. Well organized and covers ALL military eras from 1776 to the present day. We ended up escaping and felt our friend group grew closer because of it! Encompassing an area of 112 acres, Huntsville Botanical Garden is one of the beautiful spots to visit in Huntsville, Alabama. Admission is a very reasonable donation, and is a really great value. This state park has a well established campground as well as a planetarium, hiking trails for all hiking experience levels, bike trails, and more. As was true with many such attractions, it floundered during the pandemic but is rebounding with gusto. Vulcan looms over Birmingham from the top of Red Mountain, and visitors can enjoy the same view, as well as a small museum that focuses on the history of Birmingham and the story of the iron industry in the region. Good area for kids to ride bikes. I was inspired by his accomplishments in athletics as well as just being a honorable person. Plactic, liquer bottles, paper bags are everywhere. Shortest flight path between Huntsville International Airport (HSV) and BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport (BHM). Enthusiasts will enjoy knowing that the modules for the International Space Station were designed and built in Huntsville. All kinds of gifts whether for someone else or for yourself! If traveling, don't waste your time going there. Venture inside the museum to find the comprehensive history of Birmingham and a local goods store, The Anvil, which sells gorgeous memorabilia and locally made souvenirs. Beautiful lake, a train to ride, you can rent paddle boats, bicycles, flat bottom and v-hull boats. Five Points and Downtown Huntsville is just down the mountain when you are ready for a night out. Its volunteer run, and those volunteers are some of the coolest, most knowledgeable people I've had the absolute pleasure of meeting. different movements in music, art, drama, film, food and culture.
Its a mecca for every single premier concert, production, sporting event, and exhibit that you can think of. Highly recommend! It was a cute passerby on a weekend to get out and walk around. This spot is especially popular for families with children.
Not a free for all.
The collection also houses a Ford Pygmy, which is the world's oldest jeep. Stunning vistas, mountaintop trails, family picnic areas, and a Japanese garden and teahouse. I love the park but the old lady at the campground office when i checked in is not friendly, she is rude! Consider the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute the most important stop on your first visit to Birmingham. We were able to escape with about 3 minutes left and it was amazing! Developed in 1938, the Monte Sano State Park rests on 2,140 acres of land that feature 14 miles of biking trails and 20 miles of hiking trails. Take a tour from the comfort of your own vehicle. Inside exhibits showcase tableaus and memorabilia including uniforms and weaponry from major US conflicts. Great place for concerts or any other type of events which on the day we were there we attended a college graduation, conveniently located in downtown Huntsville and also adequate parking and very large on the interior with security protocols in place, We had a great time at the concert.
Great Place! I went yesterday April 3rd. The park has a campground and cabins that you can rent, which are on the side of the mountain. The bathhouse and laundry room were very clean. Otherwise this is a must-visit in Birmingham. There's an extensive exhibit on the 16th Street Baptist Church (located across the street), which was bombed in 1963; it's the beginning of the city's Civil Rights Memorial Trail. The park grounds and observation tower surrounding Vulcan offer breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Birmingham and the area an idea History Museums1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35233MoreLess Info. The museum also houses a Birmingham visitor's center, so make it one of your first stops in the city. And this museum truly was spectacular. I especially loved the exhibit on Mythical Beasts (they were all over the gardens!) You might be lucky enough to spot one of the zebras, buffalo, camels, rams, or alligators who make the park home. You see young families swinging with a baby in a hammock, middle aged visitors with huge cameras, children groups, and the odd old couple that stops and stares, always leaving you to wonder if they catch their breaths or ogle at their favorite plant. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Hays Nature Preserve is another great place to hike and play. Such an excellent experience! You will get to feed the animals when you take the 2-mi (3.2-km) tour of Harmony Park Safari inside your vehicle. Home to an on-site aquarium and an I-Max dome theater, the center is equipped for interactive learning and loads of fun. Must See! The museum entirely encloses a collection of more than 1,200 motorcycles and race cars. This place has wonderful potential we would love to stop again as we travel to/from Florida. I would definitely recommend! Great park..very cleanpeople are truly nice and there is a Beautiful Christmas lights display and carriage and train rides at Christmas! We will definitely be bringing the kids more this summer. Required fields are marked *. The clues were clever. The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a 112-acre space that is a delight for families to enjoy together. Its the worlds biggest space museum and has a huge selection of exhibits perfect for exploration this weekend. There are more than 30 historical vehicles on display, along with other artifacts here. Promenade with the winged beauties and appreciate the waterfalls, ponds, and plush foliage all around you. The statue is considered one of the most memorable works of civic art. Just one of the citys many unmissable museums is the brilliant Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in the downtown district of the same name. Selection of 125 religious & historic miniature buildings crafted by a monk in a 4-acre park. (Tickets are $10-$12 each, but its worth it!). The art is laid out along a loop through an old quarry. First time hiking there and really enjoyed the upper red trail which is around three miles. Long a firm favorite with families, it was first opened to the public in 1955. by Wikimedia Commons user We'd definitely recommend paying them a visit! Huntsville International Airport (HSV), Huntsville, AL, Huntsville to Birmingham distance (HSV to BHM), BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport, Huntsville to Montgomery distance (HSV to MGM), Huntsville to Muscle Shoals distance (HSV to MSL), Huntsville to Atlanta distance (HSV to ATL), Huntsville to Dallas distance (HSV to DFW), Huntsville to Denver distance (HSV to DEN), Huntsville to Chicago distance (HSV to ORD), Huntsville to Orlando distance (HSV to MCO), Huntsville to Miami distance (HSV to MIA), Huntsville to Nashville distance (HSV to BNA), Huntsville to Honolulu distance (HSV to HNL), Huntsville to Charlotte distance (HSV to CLT), Huntsville to New York distance (HSV to JFK), Huntsville to Phoenix distance (HSV to PHX), Huntsville to Washington D.C. distance (HSV to DCA), Huntsville to Las Vegas distance (HSV to LAS), Huntsville to Charleston distance (HSV to CHS), Huntsville to Washington D.C. distance (HSV to IAD), Huntsville to Fairbanks distance (HSV to FAI), Huntsville to Houston distance (HSV to IAH), Huntsville to Providence distance (HSV to PVD), Huntsville to Fort Lauderdale distance (HSV to FLL). A place that offers almost all of the outdoor recreational activities you can think of, the Point Mallard Park has been a destination for fun and excitement since 1970. So go check then out first before you decide which ones to choose. The garden is located extremely close to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Lots of steep loose rock. This is a must for any one but especially families! Found a brochure at a rest stop and decided to check it out. The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum is one of the best options!. Saturn V rocket & other attractions at a space museum with interactive exhibits & artifacts.
There are plenty of picnic tables already set up so that the gardens can be easily appealing to the stomach as well as the eyes. And I found it incredibly beautiful yet also confrontational.