Things to Do in Huntsville

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is the top draw, with a Saturn V rocket, Space Shuttle exhibits, and Space Camp. Monte Sano State Park has mountain trails and overlooks, Lowe Mill is a huge arts complex in an old textile mill, and the Orion Amphitheater and MidCity District anchor the live music scene. Add Stovehouse and Campus No. 805 for food and drink.

Big Spring International Park downtown is free, with its red footbridge, fountains, and public art. The Madison County Nature Trail is a free park loop, and many trails are free or low cost. Lowe Mill is free to wander and browse artist studios. Check the events calendar for free concerts and markets.

A long weekend (2 to 3 days) is the sweet spot. Day one: the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and Downtown Huntsville. Day two: Monte Sano trails and a brewery stop. Day three: West Huntsville for Lowe Mill and Stovehouse, then the MidCity District. See our weekend itinerary for more.

Hiking is the headline: Monte Sano State Park has more than 20 miles of trails, and Hays Nature Preserve adds over ten miles and the Flint River Greenway. Ditto Landing on the Tennessee River is the spot for boating and rowing, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is great for birding (thousands of sandhill cranes in winter), and Cathedral Caverns offers guided cave tours. Read Best Hikes in Huntsville for more.