Huntsville was recently named one of the top five family road trip destinations from Nashville. If you wonder why, it all comes down to rockets and ridges.
Rockets
The United States rocket program was born in Huntsville when the Federal government settled German rocket scientists here during World War II. From the secluded hills of Northern Alabama grew the most powerful rocket program in the world and it’s all on display for a day of family fun at the US Space & Rocket Center. Not just home to the famous Space Camp, the US Space & Rocket Center has two huge museum buildings and an outdoor area filled with rockets ranging from a Saturn V and a Space Shuttle to anti-aircraft rockets. Inside you can explore the inner workings of the Saturn V, including feeling the awesome rumblings of lift off, trace the history of rocket development, or control your own unmanned ground vehicle. Families also enjoy the free activities like the rock wall with six different courses, the rocket simulator, and a free fall ride.
Ridges
Just east of downtown Huntsville and up a rather large hill is Burritt on the Mountain, a living history museum that preserves life in the Tennessee Valley and Cumberland Plateau through interactive exhibits and rebuilt houses brought from throughout the region. Kids will enjoy the experiential part of Burritt on the Mountain as they try “new” activities while parents will enjoy their children are learning without knowing it!
Nearby is Monte Sano State Park, a rustic retreat in sharp contrast to the high-tech world of Huntsville. Your family can stay in a stone cabin or pitch a tent and enjoy this “Mountain of Health.”
If you go
US Space & Rocket Center
1 Tranquility Base
Huntsville, AL 35805
(800) 637-7223
Monte Sano State Park
5105 Nolen Ave.
Huntsville, AL 35801
256-534-3757 Cabin Reservation and Main Office
256-534-6589 Campground Office
256-539-7174 Lodge
Burritt on the Mountain
3101 Burritt Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 536-2882
Also in Huntsville
Constitution Village
Earlyworks Children’s Museum
Sci-Quest
Comments
I live near Huntsville. It's a great little town. I'd advise checking out Beauregard's or Po'Boy Factory for lunch while you're there. Really good local food.
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