THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Huntsville - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Huntsville

Things to Do in Huntsville, AL - Huntsville Attractions

Things to Do in Huntsville


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Top Attractions in Huntsville

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Madison County Nature Trail The Madison County Nature Trail was constructed beginning in 1974 with completion in 1975. The construction was financed jointly by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Madison County Commission. It has been noted that the Chairman, James Record, had a special love for nature and the environment and was instrumental in the building of the Nature Trail. The Nature Trail is a Park for all seasons containing 72 acres which rests above the surrounding communities atop Green Mountain in southeast Huntsville. The Park is open free to the public each day from 7 a.m. until 30 minutes prior to sunset, closing only on Christmas Day and New Years Day, or during inclement weather. Sky Lake which consists of 17 acres of mountain water is encompassed by a 1 ½ mile trail. Other facilities include an open air pavilion, a-frame chapel, outdoor classroom, covered bridge, picnic area and accessible restrooms. Use of the Pavilion and Chapel are provided by reservation with all other areas of the Park used on a first come first served basis. Fishing is provided for children less than 16 years of age or seniors over 60. A fishing fee is charged and fishing is allowed Monday through Friday only. Since the construction of the Nature Trail, renovations consisting of trail improvements and restroom improvements were completed in 1998. Funding was provided by a National Recreational Trails Grant provided through the Alabama Department of Economic and community Affairs. In 2012 a grant was also obtained providing for a new waterfall pump and accessories. There have also been several projects improving the facilities, many of which have been accomplished through volunteers such as Boy Scouts earning various merits up to and including Eagle Scout. The Nature Trail is funded by the Madison County Commission. It is operated by a Park Manager (Bobby Cobb), Park Maintenance Worker, and two Part Time Park Attendants. During open hours there is always one employee present for safety and security reasons. The Nature Trail is recognized as a Treasure Forest by the Alabama Forestry Commission. It is also considered a Wildlife Sanctuary. The entire Park although owned and operated by the Madison County Commission lies within the city limits of the City of Huntsville. Bobby Cobb / Park Manager
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What travelers are saying

  • Chris S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place and great people. Very cool displays. Everyone should visit. I’ll be back soon. I could stay there and read the history on every display.
    Written May 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Savannah M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s a great place for all types of people. Usually isn’t over crowded. Lots of quiet places. Always beautiful flowers and sights to look at. Lots of very fun things for young children to do. I have many fond memories of going here as a child. I was born in 2003 for context. I have also been recently and although it has upgraded in many aspects it has kept its same features that I have always loved about the Botanical Gardens. I took my prop photos here.
    Written May 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David P
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brenda and Mary at this visitor center were extremely helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. They gave us great places to visit and restaurants to try.
    Plus this venue was very bright, happy and had much to see in there too.
    Written March 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nathan S
    Humboldt, TN165 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very well marked trails. Nice waterfalls. Outstanding views from all of the overlooks of the Huntsville Alabama area.
    Written March 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • suzij0
    Danville, IL15 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely, affordable art museum. The Gianmaria Buccellati silver sculptures alone were worth the visit. The art glass exhibit was also interesting.

    Don’t, however, go late in the day! I came into town from out of state and thought I would have a good hour in the museum. 15 minutes before closing they announced that they were closing and began locking doors. No problem; I made my way forward. It was very apparent that I was not welcome to finish out the time that they were supposed to be open (13 minutes). The staff gathered directly behind me in the gallery and shepherded me out the door. As might be expected, the gift shop was still open. I did so want to finish the final gallery. Plan on 1.5-2 hours to do the museum justice and know that they really close at 4:45.
    Written May 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 47adventures
    Huntsville, AL53 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's an awesome place for a nice walk in the evening. Centered downtown and surrounded by restaurants and coffee shops. The water is filled with coy and ducks with plenty of feeders. So many great events throughout the year like jazz on the lawn or movies with the kids...fits everyone of every style. We love it here and thanks to the local authorities for making it safe.
    Written October 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Randy Y
    Cedar Bluff, AL45 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful old homes that will send you back in time. Lovely neighborhoods that anyone can appreciate that loves history like I do. Definitely a must see in Huntsville
    Written May 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Randy Y
    Cedar Bluff, AL45 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Neat place to go and see a time gone by. Lots of old time buildings and people dressed for that period. The main house had a lot of history and the views from the overlook were amazing.
    Written May 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TW R
    Alabama195 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A special event for Ladies Christmas including dinner which was delicious, but learned that parking rates have gone to $10 and cashless only!
    Written May 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • wande
    Atlanta, GA69 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I went here with my 7 and 10 year old. Admission is free, and parking was plenty (went on a Monday morning though). We hiked around the lake (about 1.5 miles). The trail loops around the lake. Easy trail. The scenery was beautiful. We went at the end of September, and the leaves were just beginning to change color. Would be even more beautiful at the end of October. Kids had fun throwing rocks in the lake. There were many gardens along the path of the trail. Most were not in bloom as it was the fall season. Would be really pretty in late spring. There's a covered bridge, a chapel, an outdoor class room. There were benches along the path of the trail. Would visit again when in the area.
    Written October 1, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brad H
    Nashville, TN387 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I am so happy I decided to have lunch here. I almost passed because of some not so great reviews and checked brewery down the road first which had a horrible vibe and very high food prices. Decided to just give Straight to Ale a try and it was top notch. The service was personable, down to earth and attentive. The bartender was very knowledgeable about the beers and made sure I enjoyed my meal. The IPA was delicious- I wish I was not driving back to Nashville after lunch or I would have had more. The grilled cheese was stuffed full with cheese and toppings and so good. I visit Huntsville a few times a year and will be back without hesitation.
    Written January 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • scott1102
    Greenwood, IN972 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful old restored building with authentic restoration. Casually stroll down he long halls and hundreds of individual artists creating and displaying their work. A nice coffee and tea shop. Summer concerts in the lawn. A must visit.
    Written March 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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