Follow along on a 4-day itinerary of Northern Alabama’s ‘Rocket City’
Both student and adult groups will be in awe of the Saturn V moon rocket on display at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Located in the gorgeous Twickenham Historic District, the Weeden House Museum and Garden is the birthplace and home of artist and poet Maria Howard Weeden (1846-1905).
Check out local artists such as Jeff and Tara at the Cigar Box Guitar Store at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment arts facility.
Reimagined spaces like Lowe Mill, home to more than 150 studios for makers and artists, and Campus No. 805, featuring chocolatier Pizzelle’s Confections, showcase Huntsville’s innovative spirit.
Reimagined spaces like Lowe Mill, home to more than 150 studios for makers and artists, and Campus No. 805, featuring chocolatier Pizzelle’s Confections, showcase Huntsville’s innovative spirit.
The reimagined Stovehouse on Governors Drive is one of Huntsville’s premier destinations for eats, drinks, shopping, and leisure.
Burritt on the Mountain is home to educational exhibits and folk-craft classes, beautiful views, nature paths, a historic park and mansion, and more.
Huntsville, Ala., blends rich history, modern innovation, and Southern charm to create a perfect destination for group tours. Whether your group is interested in exploring space history, local art, live music, or scenic parks, Huntsville offers a wide variety of experiences that will create lasting memories.
Centrally located in the Southeast region of the U.S., Huntsville is an easy drive from Nashville, Tenn. (two hours), Atlanta (3.5 hours), and New Orleans (seven hours). Once you arrive in Huntsville, motorcoach groups can begin their tour downtown at the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center. Enjoy a special welcome planned by the team at the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau before heading out on this four-day itinerary—specially designed for Destinations—packed with group-friendly attractions, dining, and accommodations.
Day 1: History and the Arts
Start your tour with a visit to the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum. A compelling stop for history enthusiasts, the museum is home to over 30,000 artifacts, including the first military Jeep, tanks, uniforms, and aircraft highlighting military history. Next, head to Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, the largest privately owned arts facility in the U.S. The venue houses over 200 artists and hosts concerts, workshops, and events. After exploring, grab a bite at one of Lowe Mill’s eateries and enjoy live music at the Concerts on the Dock series (seasonal).
Explore Huntsville’s history by visiting local museums and walking through the oldest streets. Learn about the early merchants and attorneys who built the brick homes in the Twickenham Historic District, Alabama’s largest antebellum area, many of which were seized by the Union Army during the Civil War.
After learning the stories of Twickenham, be sure to visit the Weeden House. Built in 1819, this residence was the home of 19th-century poet and artist Maria Howard Weeden. The house retains its Civil War-era charm and highlights Weeden’s contributions to culture through her literature and art. Don’t miss a stroll through Alabama Constitution Hall Park where Alabama’s constitution was drafted, making it the 22nd state.
End the day at Stovehouse, a trendy, repurposed complex featuring local restaurants, craft beer, and live entertainment. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy Huntsville’s vibrant atmosphere.
Huntsville Insider
FOOD SCIENCE
Huntsville offers a variety of dining options perfect for groups, from casual Southern eateries to upscale restaurants. Enjoy Alabama barbecue, modern Mediterranean, craft cocktails, and more at Stovehouse, built on the grounds of the ca. 1929 Martin Stamping and Stove Factory where heaters and stoves were once made. Or experience another repurposed property at Campus No. 805, formerly a school and now a brewery and entertainment venue. For a complete listing of group-friendly restaurants, visit huntsville.org/groups.
SPACE TO REST
There are also plenty of group-friendly accommodations with spacious rooms and convenient amenities to suit any travel need. Want breakfast? A pool? Wi-Fi? Download the Group Tour Guide at huntsville.org for a list of hotels, as well as group-friendly attractions, events, restaurants, and more.
BLAST OFF
In addition to the team at the Huntsville/Madison County CVB, local tour operators like Avalon Tours, SceneThat Tours, and Touronimo can help you plan your group adventure in the Rocket City with personalized itineraries and step-on guides.
Day 2: Downtown Huntsville History and Charm
After breakfast, visit the Huntsville Museum of Art. The museum features impressive exhibits and collections that blend history, culture, and art, making it a great cultural stop. Stroll through nearby Big Spring International Park, a peaceful green space perfect for a relaxing break. The park is home to koi ponds, walking paths, the ducks that inspire downtown Huntsville’s Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt, and many annual festivals.
Next, stop by Harrison Brothers Hardware, Alabama’s oldest continuously operating hardware store. This charming, historic business now offers local goods and regional art, perfect for picking up a unique souvenir.
Educational field trips at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center are out of this world! Visit spacecamp.com to learn about the immersive experiences for student and adult groups.
Day 3: Scenic Huntsville
On day three, explore the scenic beauty of Huntsville with a guided tour of Burritt on the Mountain. Situated atop Round Top Mountain, the park features an eccentric 1938 mansion, a 19th-century “village” with barnyard, and panoramic views of the city.
For nature lovers, Monte Sano State Park offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The Japanese Garden in Monte Sano State Park features Japanese maples and native azaleas. It is also a popular spot for photography and bird watching.
Day 4: Botanical Beauty and Space Exploration
Start your final day with a peaceful stroll through the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Known for its beautiful native plants, blooms, and art installations, the garden is a tranquil spot. Beginning in April 2025, look for the “Mother Earth Troll and Garden” installation by artist Thomas Dambo.
No visit to Huntsville is complete without exploring the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the world’s largest space museum. You’ll have the chance to answer the question, “Why is Huntsville called the Rocket City?” as you walk through Rocket Park to see the chronology of American rockets, visit the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, and stand beneath the massive, National Historic Landmark Saturn V moon rocket. For an immersive experience, check out the INTUITIVE® Planetarium, which offers awe-inspiring shows on space with its 8K resolution screen and talk with NASA docents. Curated group tours are available.
From history and art to outdoor and space exploration, Huntsville offers a diverse range of activities that will leave your group with unforgettable memories. For more details and help planning a group tour, visit Huntsville.org/groups or contact the Convention & Visitors Bureau directly at (256) 551-2204.
Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau | huntsville.org, (256) 551-2204
Photo credits: Sparrow Digital Media; Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment; Tangled String Studios; ChrisGranger; Kadie Pangburn.
