northwest alabama tourism

7 Destinations Way Up North In Alabama That Are So Worth The Drive

Jennifer Young

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Many beautiful places are located throughout Alabama, including several outdoor spots in the northern region of the state. From scenic parks to gorgeous preserves, you never know what you’ll come across while exploring our great state. Listed below are seven North Alabama destinations that you’ll most definitely want to add to your outdoor bucket list. They’re so worth the drive!

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Have you been to any of these seven North Alabama destinations? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments.

For a list of more beautiful places in Alabama everyone should check out at least once, click here .

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The area of northwestern Alabama known as The Shoals is home to several well-known Alabama attractions. Tuscumbia is Helen Keller’s birthplace and home, Sheffield is home to the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and Florence is a beautiful river city with a rich history. There is also a wide variety of outdoor recreation to enjoy at Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake, Wilson Lake and Coldwater Falls.

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Comfort suites, colbert county rose trail rv park & campground, the stricklin hotel, red roof inn, hart's rv park & campground, coldwater inn, comfort inn & suites tuscumbia - muscle shoals, heritage acres rv park, shoal creek gibbons home, hawk pride mountain offroad, what to see & do, sheffield riverfront park, belle mont mansion, kennedy-douglass center for the arts, pathways: walk through the history of muscle shoals, tuscumbia depot and roundhouse, helen keller's birthplace and home, hawk pride mountain off road, historic downtown tuscumbia, colbert county courthouse, coldwater stagecoach stop, where to eat, palace ice cream and sandwich shop, the, rosie's cantina, brooks bar-b-que, the factory cafe, trowbridge's ice cream & sandwich shop, milla's place, smokin' on the boulevard, george's steak pit, #sweethomealabama.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

My 7 Favorite Stops On A North Alabama Road Trip

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I claim as my own personal stomping grounds the portion of Alabama from north of Birmingham to the Tennessee state line and from the eastern edge of Mississippi to the western edge of Georgia. Having lived in this area for more than 50 years, I believe I speak the language, understand the culture, and possess the carefully developed culinary preferences necessary to truly appreciate my heartland. One of my passions is encouraging visitors to love it almost as much as I do, and with its generally mild temperate climate, any time is a good time in North Alabama. If you will be traveling Interstate 65 North with a few days (or a few hours) to spend exploring, here are some of my top suggestions starting outside of Birmingham and moving north.

1. Attalla 

Attalla can be reached easiest by taking Interstate 59 North coming out of Birmingham. Tigers for Tomorrow on Untamed Mountain is a rescue zoo for exotics where the animals are brought in from undesirable circumstances and given forever homes. The facilities, hours of operation, and strict rules for visitors are all designed for the well-being of the tigers, lions, bears, wolves, cougars, and other animals who live there. Plus, it is an educational tool for raising awareness of the needs and habits of these animals. Be sure to check the website before you visit because the hours change according to the seasons.

Pro Tip: A wonderful place for dinner Wednesday through Saturday and lunch on Saturday is Bootsie’s at 411 4th Street NW. This is a family-owned, family-operated eatery with amazing ribs, pulled pork, and burgers. 

2. Cullman 

From Attalla, head west until you reach Interstate 65, then go north. Cullman’s Warehouse District has become a premier shopping location. As the name implies, several large former warehouses have been transformed into upscale shops, boutiques, and eateries. With names like What a Girl Wants, Whoopsy Daisy, White Tulip, Handbags & Gladrags, The Sweetheart Tree, and Littleville Blue, you are likely to find appealing gift choices, clothes for special occasions, or décor items for your home.

Before your shopping begins, head to Duchess Bakery on 1st Avenue SE for one of their famous glazed doughnuts. Next door is a store that reflects the history of Cullman called A Touch of German. Go in to browse and get a history lesson. I should also mention the All-Steak Restaurant on 3rd Avenue SE, which has been in business since 1938. The orange rolls are legendary. 

Pro Tip: Arguably the most famous attraction in Cullman is Ave Maria Grotto at 1600 St. Bernard Drive. This is a miniature world created by Father Joseph, a Benedictine monk, who made his buildings out of found objects. The 4-acre site is a place for reflection and appreciation. 

3. Decatur 

Continuing north on I-65, you’ll see signs pointing to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and Cook Museum of Natural Science. Both are outstanding reasons to take the exit and stay awhile. The wildlife refuge is on Highway 67 coming into town. It is the perfect habitat for over 300 species of birds, some of which live there year-round while others pass through during annual migrations. Many mammals, reptiles, and fish also make the refuge their home. This is a photographer’s paradise. 

Cook Museum of Natural Science is a new, state-of-the-art crown jewel in downtown Decatur. It opened in 2019, and about a year later, it was named the Best New Museum in the country by USA Today ’s 10Best. It is a must-visit for all ages, and if you have children or grandchildren in tow, all the better. 

Pro Tip: A short drive from Cook Museum is Decatur’s culinary crown jewel, Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q on 6th Avenue. The giant trophies from barbecue competitions line the entrance, and bottles of their famous sauces clamor for attention. The barbecue is wonderful, but the pies might be equally famous. A meal at Big Bob’s is a must for first-time and frequent visitors. Also, a few steps from Big Bob’s is Morgan Price Candy Company, another Decatur staple. Their English toffee is a winner! 

4. Mooresville 

Across the bridge over the Wheeler Lake portion of the Tennessee River and only a 7-mile drive from Cook Museum, you will find the tiny town of Mooresville . Incorporated in 1818, the entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is worth a short detour to see the historic buildings and homes, read the markers, and mail a letter at Alabama’s oldest operational post office.

Pro Tip: For a snack or sweet treat while you are in Mooresville, stop in at Dogwood & Magnolia Bakery on North Street and take a few minutes to look over the fence at 1818 Farms on Lauderdale Street for a glimpse of the babydoll sheep. Dogwood & Magnolia sells several of the soaps and beauty products made on the farm. 

5. Huntsville 

Continue on I-565 from Mooresville, and you will quickly come into the outskirts of Huntsville . You cannot miss the tall rockets on display at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center . This is Alabama’s top paid attraction and definitely worth your time. The size of the Saturn V rocket displayed inside the Davidson Center will amaze you. The displays and exhibits are outstanding, and the new INTUITIVE Planetarium offers daily programming.

For those with more artsy interests, check out Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment . Wednesdays through Saturdays it is open with many artists working inside the 152 studios. They are happy to show you their craft, and you will certainly discover an original piece to purchase and take home with you. 

For shopping, dining, and entertainment, check out Mid-City District on University Drive, Stovehouse on Governor’s Drive, or Bridge Street Town Centre. 

Pro Tip: Two new hotels in downtown Huntsville are 106 Jefferson and AC Hotel by Marriott overlooking the Von Braun Center and Big Spring International Park. For an elevated dining experience, consider Cotton Row, Commerce Kitchen, or Tom Brown’s Restaurant. 

6. Athens 

From Huntsville, head west on Highway 72 to Athens, the county seat of Limestone County. The courthouse square has many shops for browsing and a variety of eateries, such as Village Pizza, Lucia’s Cocina Mexicana, Sweetest Things Tea Room, Wildwood Deli, and Terranova’s. Recently completed for public enjoyment is Merchant’s Alley beside Terranova. It is filled with colorful murals and seating for the times you want to pause, relax, and enjoy. One of the murals depicts Athens native Brittany Howard, who headlined the group Alabama Shakes and has won numerous Grammy awards. 

Pro Tip: An Athens icon is the Kreme Delite on West Washington Street, a walk-up, take-out-only café with soft-serve ice cream, burgers, and hot dogs. It is likely best known for its upside-down banana splits. 

7. The Shoals: Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, And Sheffield 

Continuing west on Highway 72, you will find what is referred to as The Shoals or the Quad Cities. The lines separating the four towns of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield often become blurred, because one touches the next without a discernible break. Florence is the largest of the towns and is home to the University of North Alabama. A free excursion worth your time is a visit to the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat, an impressive, climate-controlled facility housing Leo III, the university’s mascot. 

A few blocks away on North Court Street, you will find some great restaurants, such as Odette, Ricatoni’s Italian Grill, Big Bad Breakfast, and Trowbridge’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Bar. A very upscale shop on North Court Street is Billy Reid, which has fashion creations rivaling those in New York City. 

Pro Tip: Two boutique hotels in downtown Florence are The Gunrunner and The Stricklin Hotel. 

Tuscumbia is home to both the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and Ivy Green , the childhood home of Helen Keller. Both are filled with memorabilia of historical significance, one about musicians connected to Alabama, and the other about a remarkable woman who was blind and deaf and her dedicated teacher Annie Sullivan. 

Muscle Shoals is the location for FAME Studios where an astounding number of famous rock and country stars recorded their hits. Among them are Jason Isbell, Alicia Keys, and Aretha Franklin. Tours are offered at selected times Monday through Saturday, but be sure to check the website and reserve a time that works for you. 

Tom’s Wall on County Road 8 in Florence is off the normal path but well worth the time to find. Tom Hendrix spent more than 30 years of his life constructing a stone wall in memory of his great, great grandmother who was a member of the Yuchi tribe carried away during the Trail of Tears and forced to walk to Oklahoma. This remarkable woman spent 5 years walking back to her home on the Tennessee River, which she called “the river that sings.” Tom said that each stone represented a step she took coming home. It is the largest unmortared wall in the United States. Tom died in February of 2017, but his son Trace still allows people to visit the memorial wall. 

When you are ready to head out of Alabama and into Tennessee, get back on Interstate 65. If hunger pangs hit, stop at the Ardmore exit and eat at Mildred’s before crossing the state line. Her fried green tomatoes will leave a great taste in your mouth.

Connie and her husband Steve recently celebrated their 51st anniversary and have three married children and 15 grandchildren. She and Steve have traveled to many parts of the world doing missionary work, but the pair are now making bucket-list trips and exploring their beloved South in depth.

10 Top Things to Do in Huntsville and North Alabama

Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0

While Birmingham often steals the spotlight for those planning a trip to Alabama, the northern portion of the state, roughly 90-minutes away, is definitely worth visiting as well. This is especially true of Huntsville, a city located on the border of Alabama and Tennessee, home to plenty of attractions including the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament , and an interesting retail center called Unclaimed Baggage, where you can shop for suitcases and other items people have left behind on airplanes. For an easy Southern escape, consider Huntsville and the intriguing Northern Alabama region as your next vacation destination.

Trek to Waterfalls at Monte Sano State Park

Bill Boehm / Getty Images

Whether you're visiting Northern Alabama as part of a larger road trip across the Deep South or are simply seeking some time in the outdoors, Monte Sano State Park is a great place to unwind in nature. The 2,140-acre green space, part of the Land Trust of North Alabama, is just a 15-minute drive from Huntsville, and sports scenic mountaintop views, waterfalls, campsites, primitive campgrounds, a camp store, rustic-style cabins, and 20 miles of hiking and cycling trails. Visit in the fall to watch the leaves change color or in spring to see the azaleas in all their blooming glory.

Visit the EarlyWorks Children's Museum

EarlyWorks Children's Museum

If you're traveling with little ones in tow, head to Huntsville's EarlyWorks Children's Museum , part of the EarlyWorks Family of Museums, which includes Alabama Constitution Hall Park and the Huntsville Historic Depot. Learn about the history of African American culture in Alabama at the Passages exhibit and mural, listen to stories about the area's earliest Native American inhabitants and inventor George Washington Carver from the Talking Tree, then check out the 46-foot keelboat exhibit to see how folks traveled down the river in the 1800s. Other hands-on activities and interactive displays let kids get creative with building blocks, play with pulleys and circuits, and hone their motor skills.

Geek Out at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center

Reubenbarton / Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a must-see for first-time visitors to Huntsville . Not many cities in the United States can put on a display as grand as the Saturn V rocket standing outside the Space Museum, and there's plenty to discover inside Shuttle Park, Rocket Park, and the Davidson Center for Space Exploration.

Children ages 11 and under can be enrolled in Space Camp , an immersive five-night session where they can experience the Intuitive Planetarium, take part in STEAM activities, and conduct hands-on experiments in space exploration, among other educational activities. For older kids, Space Academy is a similar experience available for ages 12–14, while those ages 15–18 can sign up for Advanced Space Academy or Advanced Space Academy Elite, each offering more in-depth experiences in engineering, science, math, technology, and other astronaut training activities.

Stroll Through Huntsville Botanical Garden

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 

Huntsville Botanical Garden , located just a few short miles from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, is home to 112 acres of meadows, wetlands, forests, collections of native plants, and special gardens to explore all year long. Although May and October are the best months for viewing the flowers and plants, December brings the holiday season and the Galaxy of Lights installation, a brilliant display of more than one million Christmas lights set throughout the gardens. Don't miss the Purdy Butterfly House, typically open June through September, with hundreds of butterflies fluttering about in open-air atriums.

Shop for Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro

Unclaimed Baggage Center

Oprah Winfrey once called Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro "the best-kept shopping secret in America." Just 45 minutes from Huntsville, it also makes a great day trip. Browse collections of clothing, suitcases, jewelry, books, and other items people have somehow left behind or lost in transit. Known as the only store in America where you can buy and sell unclaimed luggage from the airlines, this unique shopping center has become a top tourist destination, attracting nearly one million visitors annually.

Venture Up to Burritt on the Mountain

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Learn about the history of Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley at Burritt on the Mountain , just a 10-minute drive from the town center. Not only does this open-air museum offer amazing views of the city from its hilltop perch, it's also home to a park, several log cabins and restored houses from the 19th century, and the historic mansion of its original owner, local physician William Burritt. Visit to get an in-depth look at how people lived in the area during the mid- to late-1800s, relax in the park, see the farm animals, or hike the estate's scenic nature trails.

Check Out Cathedral Caverns State Park

 Alabama State Parks

For an interesting underground day trip, head to  Cathedral Caverns State Park , located about 40 minutes from Huntsville between Grant and Woodville. This cave system currently holds seven world records, including widest cave entrance (at 25 feet tall and 128 feet wide) and largest stalagmite, Goliath, which measures 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference. You'll also find a large flowstone waterfall, a huge cavern called the Big Room, and Mystery River, which flows through the cavern. Archaeologists have also turned up a number of Native American artifacts dating back to as early as 7,000 B.C.

Pay Homage to Hellen Keller at Her Birthplace

Walter Bibikow / Getty Images 

Born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Helen Keller was the first deaf and blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in the United States. The inspiring story of how Anne Sullivan taught her to understand and speak English is somewhat of an American legend and was most notably portrayed in the film "The Miracle Worker." If you're in Huntsville, consider doing a day trip to Tuscumbia, roughly 90-minutes away, to learn about Helen Keller's early life at Ivy Green , her birthplace and childhood home. For a real treat, visit in June or July and catch a performance of "The Miracle Worker" in the backyard of the house where the famous story actually took place.

Admire Ave Maria Grotto

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About an hour outside Huntsville, the Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Alabama, is the ingenious work of Brother Joseph Zoetl, the German monk who founded St. Bernard Abbey (the Benedictine monastery where Ave Maria Grotto is located) and lived there for more than 70 years. Come to see the amazingly accurate architectural miniatures of shrines throughout the world set in the beautiful Alabama hillside. Pack a picnic lunch and plan to spend the whole day wandering the four-acre park.

See the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament

brandi sims / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-2.0

Located in Hanceville, Alabama, about an hour and 15 minute drive from Huntsville, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament is a beautiful place that's open to people of all faiths, whether you're religious or just want to explore your spiritual side. Situated on 400 acres of stunning farmland in the Alabama countryside, Our Lady of the Angels Monastery and its famous shrine are officially consecrated Franciscan pilgrimage sites, and where founder Mother Angelica constructed a magnificent shrine of gold, marble, and cedar in a similar style to the Franciscan monasteries you'd find in Europe. Come to celebrate mass in this sacred space or simply to admire an exquisite example of Romanesque–Gothic architecture.

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Trails of North Alabama

Your next great adventure is only a click away. Plot your North Alabama journey today to experience the blue waters, soaring mountains, rich cultural history, and amazing attractions that millions of travelers enjoy every year. From family fun and adventure to romance and relaxation, there's never been a better time to explore North Alabama. Download your copy of Trail Mix  and get packing!

Thanks to the flowing waters of the Tennessee River, North Alabama boasts the most beautiful waterfalls either side of the Appalachians. These stunning falls are surrounded by nature to…

When you think Alabama, chances are wine isn’t the first thing to come to mind.  But get this: North Alabama is home to a wide variety of wineries. Are you ready to experience…

Mural Trail

Discover North Alabama's heritage, beauty, and love of the arts through more than 125 murals across 16 counties. Read about the artist and stories behind the murals and be sure to keep…

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Agriculture is so important to our North Alabama region, and we want to celebrate our rich agricultural heritage that has sustained and will sustain us for…

Barbecue Trail

Barbecue, barbeque, or simply Bar-B-Que, no matter how you spell it, locally owned restaurants across North Alabama know how to serve up the best dishes you've ever had to excite your…

The Alabama Bass Trail features 13 of Alabama’s premiere bass-fishing lakes and stretches from the mountains of North Alabama south to the Mobile Delta.

That famous trail in the Appalachians can take months to trek. For some, years. Lucky for you, Alabama has its own mountain trail you can knock out in a weekend.

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The mountains are calling, and I must ride. North Alabama embraces the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, making it a great region for motorcycle rides. Our scenic routes also…

The North Alabama Hallelujah Trail features 32 churches that are at least 100 years old, stand on their original sites, still hold services, and are accessible to the public.

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Since the first railroad west of the Allegheny Mountains was built in 1833 in North Alabama, the Iron Horse was the primary form of mass transit across the Southland, especially in the…

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These quirky road trips will make you fall in love with North Alabama

There may not be a quirkier place to visit than North Alabama.

Yes, I know everyone says that, but in this case, it’s true. The region is full of businesses, attractions and restaurants that celebrate the uniqueness of the Yellowhammer State.

Where else can you explore a store filled with lost airline luggage? Or visit a memorial site devoted to coon dogs? Or eat lunch in a jail cell? (No, I’m not kidding with that last one.)

Truth is, you can plan a long vacation and just explore the region’s unique places and still not be able to visit every spot on your list. But you can visit a lot of them. And that’s where we come in.

We’ve devised a list of some of the North Alabama’s quirkiest places, and divided them into two regions: West of Interstate 65, and east of it. This way, you can plan your getaway for the maximum amount of attractions (and fun).

But before you read on, you may want to go ahead and email your bosses and tell them you need a few days off. Or maybe a week, to be on the safe side.

You won’t want to cut this vacation short.

West of Interstate 65

Visit a serene place where people pay respects to coonhounds.

Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard 4945 Coondog Cemetery Road, Cherokee

In 1937, Key Underwood wanted a special place to bury his coonhound, Troop. He ended up burying the pup on a campground near Cherokee in Colbert County, and later on, Key’s brother ended up burying his coonhound there as well. Then, Key Underwood Memorial Graveyard was born. Now, more than 150 people across the country have buried their coondogs there, and it remains the only coon dog cemetery in the country — and a beautiful testament to our love for our pets.

Eat — and maybe listen to some music — in a cave.

Rattlesnake Saloon 1292 Mt. Mills Road, Tuscumbia

Ever wanted to eat in a cave? You can at Tuscumbia’s Rattlesnake Saloon, where every second is an adventure. When you arrive in the parking lot, a shuttle will take you down some pretty steep hills to get to the cave, which is decorated like a Western saloon. Choose from menu items including snake eyes and tails (aka fried sliced jalapeno peppers and fried green beans) and deep-fried cheesecake. Just don’t forget your dancing shoes!

See some unique pottery — and maybe a mule.

Brown’s Pottery and Sons 166 Boyett Drive, Hamilton

You can find the work of Hamilton native and folk artist Jerry Brown – who passed away in 2016 –all over the world, including the Smithsonian Institute. And his family, including his sons, grandchildren and wife, are continuing his tradition. Travel to Hamilton and you’ll find them hard at work at the only operating mule-powered mill in the U.S., and snag a face jug while you’re there.

Explore the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies.

County Road 314, Natural Bridge

Alabama’s picturesque natural bridge is one of the state’s hidden gems. Not only is it perfect for outdoors lovers (there’s a scenic hike on the property that’s super serene), but it’s also a great place for a day trip — there are picnic tables, a gift shop and more. If kids are in tow, they’ll love this, too.

Enjoy a breathtaking view for dinner.

360 Grille 10 Hightower Place, Florence

360 Grille is much more than just a great place for date night. Sure, the fine dining restaurant has delicious steaks, salads and more, and a romantic ambience that will impress your significant other. But the rotating (yep, rotating ) restaurant also has a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tennessee River that will make you fall in love with North Alabama even more.

See one-of-a-kind ‘glow worms.’

Dismals Canyon 901 County Road 8, Phil Campbell

Dismals Canyon’s beauty is hard to put into words. It’s one of the last places in Alabama that’s truly hidden, and during the day, you’ll find gorgeous waterfalls and hiking trails and a temperature that’s cooler than the rest of Alabama. But at night, it gets even better: That’s when Dismalites, a type of glow worms, come out, lighting up the landscape. It’s the only place in the country where you can see the Dismalites, and one of three places in the world.

Celebrate your favorite songs in a cool way.

North Montgomery Avenue, Sheffield

The Shoals area is known worldwide for its rich musical heritage, with everyone from the Rolling Stones to Aretha Franklin have come to the area to record over the years. So it makes sense to commemorate this heritage with a giant rock star — an 18-foot-tall rock star, to be exact. Artist Audwin McGee created the statue, and it’s been hovering over downtown Sheffield since 2012.

East of Interstate 65

Shop somewhere where you’ll never know what you will find.

Unclaimed Baggage 509 W. Willow St., Scottsboro

Unclaimed Baggage is a shopper’s paradise. The store purchases all the luggage (and its contents) that airline passengers don’t claim within 90 days, and you never know what you will find in there. Some of the most unique items that Unclaimed Baggage has found over the years, including Hoggle from Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth” and a huge Tibetan horn, is displayed in its front lobby, greeting the million+ shoppers that make their way to the store each year.

Hang out with some animals — even if you’re allergic.

Rock Zoo 3215 County Road 32, Fackler

You don’t have to worry about your kids around the animals at the Rock Zoo, because, well, the animals are made of limestone. The creatures are the creation of Leonard Dawson, who made the first pet, a rooster, in the 1970s. Since Leonard passed away more than a decade ago, his son, Larry, has become “zookeeper,” overseeing dozens of animals including a bull, elephant and alligator.

Eat comfort food in a jail cell.

Main Street Café 101 Main St., Madison

In downtown Madison, jail food is tasty. Main Street Cafe — which is located in Madison’s former jailhouse — serves some seriously legit comfort food. From fried green tomatoes to spaghetti, there’s something you’ll love on the menu. But best of all: There are still two jail cells in the restaurant that are used as private dining rooms.

See the world’s most important landmarks — without leaving Alabama.

Ave Maria Grotto 1600 St. Bernard Drive, Cullman

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t explore the world in Cullman, Alabama. At Ave Maria Grotto at St. Bernard’s Abbey, you’ll find 125 miniature reproductions of some of the world’s most famous structures, all made by one man: Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk. Brother Joseph worked on the replicas for more than 40 years, and the hard work shows: Each structure has lots of detail, all made from items shipped in from around the world.

Explore restored covered bridges.

Blount County

Blount County is pretty lucky: It’s the Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama and is home to not one, but three beautifully restored covered bridges. The Swann Covered Bridge ( 1590 Swann Bridge Rd, Cleveland ) , Old Easley Covered Bridge ( Easley Bridge Road, Oneonta ) and Horton Mill Bridge ( Covered Bridge Cir, Oneonta ) are all nostalgic blasts from the past that you’ll absolutely love.

Eat tacos in a school bus.

Taqueria el Cazador 3414 Governors Drive S.W., Huntsville

We all probably grew up with the “no food on the school bus” rule, but at Taqueria el Cazador in Huntsville, you don’t have to worry about that at all — because the Mexican restaurant is located in a school bus. Yep, walk into the school bus, place your order (we suggest any of the tacos), and wait for the food. You can grab a chair inside the bus, or eat under an awning outside.

Pick up a really unique gift.

Orbix Hot Glass 3869 County Road 275, Fort Payne

It’s not easy getting to Orbix Hot Glass. The shop is off the beaten path, bordering Little River Canyon National Preserve, but it’s worth it. Because inside the store, you’ll find expertly-made glasswork made by co-owner Cal Breed and his apprentices. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, Orbix has you covered.

Check out a truly unique statue.

Noccalula Falls 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden

We gotta admit it — it looks a little strange when you first see the Noccalula statue at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden. Why in the world is there a bronze statue of a woman jumping in water, after all? Well, it’s actually kind of a bummer of a story: Local legend has it that Noccalula’s dad told her she had to marry someone she did not love, so she jumped to her death. Regardless of the story, it’s still an amazing statue (it stands at 9 feet tall) and is a pretty quirky reminder that fathers aren’t always right.

Munch on Italian food in a gun shop.

Mama Misitano Cafe 626 Bloodworth Road, Boaz

Yes, that’s right — you can eat dinner in a gun shop (or more precisely, San Mountain Shooter’s Club). Mama Misitano serves up authentic Italian recipes such as paninis and pizzas. And on Sunday, the restaurant serves three different kinds of pasta to choose from.  Just remember one thing: You may want to wear loose clothing, because you’re definitely not going to leave hungry.

This story is sponsored by  Visit North Alabama .

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7 Cool Cities in North Alabama (+ 20 Places To Visit in North Alabama)

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North Alabama is super easy to visit from the neighbouring states of Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia.  Not only are there beautiful outdoor things to do in North Alabama, but several cities in North Alabama that are worth your visit.  Whether you are doing a road trip in Alabama or a road trip through the Southern States  generally, you will want to check out at least some of these suggested places to visit in North Alabama. Northern Alabama cities are a diverse bunch ranging from small cities that feel like small towns to Metro Huntsville, undeniably a big city.

Cities in North Alabama

Some cities in Northern Alabama cluster together as they grow so that divisions between city lines are hard to delineate. Examples of this are the Metro Huntsville area or the Quad Cities Alabama. Nonetheless, you also have smaller cities like Scottsboro or Albertville.

Metro Huntsville

The 2021 population of Huntsville was 205,472. It is the second largest city in Alabama after Birmingham.

Metro Huntsville, made up of Limestone County and Madison County, has swallowed up the neighbouring city of Madison, Alabama . The 2021 population of Metro Huntsville is 492,000.

Huntsville, AL is quickly turning into one of the hippest cities in the south with a slew of breweries, bars, and trendy eateries all over town. The city also has a rich historic district with plenty of museums and cultural places to explore.

Metro Huntsville encompasses two counties in North Alabama.

Known as Rocket City, space and aeronautic enthusiasts travel from far to visit the Davidson Centre for Space Exploration (the number 1 visitor attraction in Alabama!).

In fact, the number 3 most visited attraction in Alabama is also in this city – the Huntsville Botanical Gardens . The Botanic Gardens are located near the NASA complex because they were repurposed from a US cavalry unit had been housed.

Kids come from far and wide for their summer camps at the Huntsville Space Center such as Space Camp and Aviation Challenge .

Towns near Huntsville AL that Metro Huntsville has swallowed up include New Market, formerly known as The Watercress Capital of the World. Random. But charming.

• Cool things to do in Huntsville Alabama
• Things to do at night time in Huntsville Alabama
• Coffee shops in Huntsville Alabama
• Pizza shops in Huntsville Alabama
• Celebrating Juneteenth in Huntsville AL
• Huntsville AL Hotels

Athens, Alabama

Athens Alabama is one of the smaller North Alabama cities with a 2021 population of 29,216.

Only 15 miles from the Tennessee border, Athens Alabama is an easy place to visit from Nashville, Tennessee. There’s a beautiful downton historic area as well as a driving tour of 24 antebellum mansions nearby to visit. Athens is home to Athens State College , Alabama’s oldest school of tertiary learning and founded in 1842. Thanks to all this history, there are a fair few antique shops to visit.

Athens is located near Alabama’s second largest lake (also a reservoir created to help manage the Tennessee River), Wheeler Lake . Wheeler Lake is home to a number of fishing tournaments like the Heartland Anglers Bass Tournament.

In 2021, the sheriff of Limestone County (who had been sheriff for 40 years) was convicted of corruption.

Quad Cities Alabama

The Florence Muscle Shoals area also includes the smaller cities of Tuscumbia and Sheffield. This larger metropolitan area known as the Quad Cities Alabama had a population in 2021 of nearly 200,000.

Florence is known as the birthplace of Helen Keller and her childhood home is now a museum, Ivy Green . The city also has a strikingly rich music history. FAME studios recorded legends like Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones and quickly garnered a reputation as one of the safest, most inclusive spaces in the country for artists to record at.

The city has breweries that carry on this welcoming atmosphere and there are also marvelous natural attractions in Northeast Alabama , like Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge and the Natchez Trace.

Rosenbaum house is a Frank Lloyd Wright designed house in Florence, Alabama

Decatur, Alabama

Among North Alabama cities, Decatur is widely known for Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ and Point Mallard Park . Although the population of Decatur in 2021 was 153,521, the city still feels like a small town.

The city is located on the banks of Wheeler Lake where one of the fun things to do is to hop aboard The Pickwick Belle riverboat to get a taste of old-timey travel.

There are plenty of other historic sites to visit, including the Blue and Gray Museum (aka North Alabama Civil War Museum) that has a wonderful collection of civil war artifacts. If you love trains, check out the  Decatur Train Depot that is on the North Alabama depot trail and a part of the Trail of Tears as well.

Riverfront park in Decatur Alabama

Scottsboro, Alabama

Cities in Northern Alabama like Scottsboro were also made nationally famous during the Civil Rights Era . Despite the population of Scottsboro in 2021 being only 51,636, people still remember the case of the Scottsboro Boys in 1931.

Some of the greatest things to do in Northern Alabama include exploring unique and wonderful natural features. Spelunkers frequent Jackson county and Scottsboro for the spectacular limestone caves in the area, one of the most famous being Stephens Gap . Neversink Pit is another ultra-popular sinkhole that offers plenty of adventure.

Don’t forget to stop by the Unclaimed Baggage Center to pick up massive bargains that careless airline passengers have lost.

Lake Guntersville passes by Scottsboro Alabama offering plenty of outdoor recreation activities

Guntersville, Alabama

Although the 2021 population of Guntersville is a mere 8,685, the city is important in Northeast Alabama because of its connection with Guntersville State Park.

Guntersville is an outdoors lover’s paradise with plenty to do at Guntersville State Park and Lake Guntersville . Play golf on one of the most scenic courses in the south or get your blood pumping on a zipline ride. Activities in the town are centered around the expansive lake and fishing, boating, and relaxing by the waterside is all in a day’s work.

The historic downtown area of Guntersville, Alabama

Albertville, Alabama

One of the smaller North Alabama cities, Albertville has a 2021 population of 22,637. It is still the largest city in Marshall County though!

The city is known as the fire hydrant capital of the world because of a local producer of fire hydrants. Makes sure to stop by and see the gleaming nickel fire hydrant near the famous Albertville Train Depot which commemorates the importance of fire hydrants to the local economy.

The Albertville Train Depot is on the National Register of Historic Places and is also part of the North Alabama Train Depots Trail.

Nearby, Sand Mountain Park in Albertville is a 130 acre recreational area with an amphitheater and many sports facilities. Families will love the new state of the art outdoor water park .The Sand Mountain water park features waterslides, a splash pad and a lazy river making for a fun day out.

If you are following the North Alabama wine trail, stop by the Albertville winery. The Jules J. Berta Vineyards and Pizzeria  has been voted visitor’s favourite attraction in North Alabama. I mean, Huntsville may have rockets and botanical gardens, but nothing beats a gourmet pizza and wine slushy on a hot summer’s day!

Northern Alabama cities can be quirky, like Albertville, the fire hydrant capital of the world.

Map of North Alabama Cities

Here’s a map of the cities in Northern Alabama which shows where they are located to help you plan your next trip to the area.

Map of 7 cities in Northern Alabama

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North Alabama

North Alabama is full of opportunities for adventure. Some traditional, some unexpected and all set amid a diverse landscape that in itself is often the star attraction. The region is home to majestic natural wonders including picturesque waterfalls, sparkling rivers and lakes known by fishermen near and far. A host of excellent state parks with a full slate of amenities make exploring the outdoors easy.

This is also an internationally acclaimed music mecca, home of the Muscle Shoals sound, where the likes of Cher, the Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin recorded hits. Recording studios now offer both sought-after recording sessions and fascinating tours which tell the stories of musicians past and present.

The cities and towns of North Alabama bring a combination of Southern Hospitality and contemporary appeal. From the streets of Huntsville, home of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to the historic covered bridges of Blount County, the past and present are side-by-side here and offer something for every traveler to enjoy.  

A host of trails make themed itineraries easy. Whether your interest is waterfalls or wine, beer or barbecue, murals or motorcycles, there is a trail showcasing the best of the region. The Hallelujah Trail features 32 churches more than 100 years old and the Agriculture Adventure Trail celebrates the rich culture that continues to sustain much of the region.

Stunning natural wonders like Dismals Canyon, Natural Bridge and Cathedral Caverns are joined by unique attractions including Unclaimed Baggage, Ave Maria Grotto and the Coon Dog Cemetery. Heroes and history are remembered at sites like the Helen Keller Birthplace, Jesse Owens Museum and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

While Interstate 65 dissects the region from north to south, it’s the highways, byways, mountain trails and city streets that tell the stories of North Alabama. From mountains to lakes and city centers to state parks, North Alabama is an unmatched destination, filled with unexpected adventures waiting to be explored. Travel information is available from northalabama.org .

• Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, also called Visit North Alabama, encompasses the 16 counties of North Alabama, marking the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountain Range with rocky peaks boldly cut by the rushing waters of the Tennessee River.
• The area includes the major towns and cities of Huntsville and Florence near the northern border of the state to Cullman and Gadsden at its southern edge above Birmingham.
• Seven State Parks are located within North Alabama.
• Native Americans named the Tennessee River that rolls through the length of North Alabama as well as The Shoals area, The Singing River.
• Ten mapped and detailed “trails” allow visitors to easily explore the region’s waterfalls, wine, craft beer, murals, agricultural adventure, barbecue, bass fishing, historic train depots, motorcycle-friendly roads and centuries-old churches.
• Oakville native Jesse Owens, considered one of history’s greatest athletes, stunned the world by winning four gold medals at the Berlin 1936 Olympics. Tour his eponymous museum in Lawrence County.
• Muscle Shoals is home to three recording studios (FAME, “3614 Jacksonville Highway” Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, Cypress Moon Studios) that nurtured some of America’s most-loved musical artists, including Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon.
• Composer and musician W. C. Handy was born in Florence in 1873 and is known as the “Father of the Blues.” Tour his humble log house museum in Lauderdale County.
• Born in 1880 in Tuscumbia, Helen Keller was the first deaf-blind person to graduate from college and become a speaker, author and social activist.
• Rocket Science: The U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville is where rockets were originally developed to launch the Apollo spacecraft that first took mankind to the moon.
• Decatur, Alabama native Mae Jemison was the first Black woman to travel in space in 1992.
• The first 9-1-1 call was made in Haleyville in 1968, just 31 days after the development of the American first-responder emergency system.
• In 1933 the federal government formed the Tennessee Valley Authority as an electric utility corporation. This massive public works project provided economic development and employment during the Great Depression.
• Wilson Dam in Muscle Shoals is the only neoclassical-style dam in the TVA system, integrating themes of ancient Roman and Greek architecture.
• Jimmy “Jimbo” Wales developed Wikipedia, the first internet-based, knowledge-sharing encyclopedia, in Huntsville.
• Cherokee Nation leader Sequoia worked for 15 years in Dekalb County to create the first “alphabet” of the tribe’s language.

Annual Events

• Festival of the Cranes , Morgan County, Decatur, January
• Eagle Awareness at Guntersville , Marshall County, Guntersville State Park, weekends in January-February
• Jerry Brown Arts Festival , Marion County, Hamilton, March
• Art on the Lake , Marshall County, Guntersville, April
• Arts Huntsville , Madison County, Huntsville, last weekend in April
• Strawberry and Antique Festival , Lawrence County, Moulton, April
• Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic , Morgan County, Decatur, May
• Mayfest , Marion County, Guin, second weekend in May
• Recall LaGrange’s Distillery Raid on the Mountain and Family Festival,  Colbert County, Leighton, May
• 9-1-1 Festival , Winston County, Haleyville, June
• Guntersville Lake Hydrofest , Guntersville, June
• “The Miracle Wor ker”  epic drama, Colbert County, Tuscumbia, early June—mid-July
• Spirit of America Festival , Morgan County, Decatur, July 4 
• Lexington Truck & Tractor Pull , Lauderdale County, Lexington, August
• Rockin’ on the River , Lauderdale County, Joe Wheeler State Park, August
• Watermelon Festival , Franklin County, Russellville, third weekend in August
• World’s Longest Yard Sale , starts in Etowah County, Gadsden, First Thursday in August
• Riverfest BBQ and Music Fest , Morgan County, Decatur, August
• Depot Days , Morgan County, Hartselle, third Saturday in September
• Mule Day , Marion County, Winfield, September
• Oka Kapassa Native American Festival , Colbert County, Tuscumbia, September
• Alabama Gourd Festival , Cullman County, October
• Athens Storytelling Festival , Limestone County, Athens, October
• Buttahatchee River Fall Fest , Marion County, Hamilton, October
• Covered Bridge Festival , Blount County, Oneonta, October
• Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddler’s Convention,  Limestone County, Athens, October
• Boaz Harvest Festival , Marshall County, Boaz, October
• Scottsboro BBQ Festival , KCBS Backyard and Alabama BBQ Association sanctioned event, Jackson County, second Saturday of October
• River Clay Arts Festival , Morgan County, Decatur, October
• Twisted Fork Vegan Fest , Madison County, Huntsville, mid-November
• Wonderland Under Warrior  holiday lighted caverns, Blount County, Rickwood Caverns State Park, Warrior AL, late November-January 2
• Historic Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes , Morgan County, Decatur, December
• Christmas on the Square ,  Lawrence County, Moulton, December

View a complete listing of events by calendar here:  www.northalabama.org/things-to-do/calendar/

Or, by county and neighborhood here:  https://www.northalabama.org/things-to-do/festivals/?skip=0&sort=qualityScore&subcatids=14&regionids=9

NOTE: Some events have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak precautions. Please check official event and venue websites to confirm the status.

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8 Outstanding Attractions for Kids in North Alabama

From a big cat park adventure to space exploration, there are so many ways to have fun

Published: february 29, 2024 by: courtesy of alabama mountain lakes tourist association.

I t’s no wonder North Alabama is a popular destination for families. The collection of attractions and activities for youngsters of all ages includes outdoor fun, from waterparks to animal adventures to one-of-a-kind museums that immerse, amaze, entertain and much more. The region spans 16 of the state’s northernmost counties and is filled with unmatched variety. Small towns, bustling downtowns and wide-open spaces are all a part of the landscape. And attractions, from high-tech space camp and innovative science museums to exhilarating water parks and engaging historic sites, offer plenty of options for entertaining the younger set.

Here are the picks for some of the top attractions for making memories for the whole family on a kid-focused North Alabama adventure.

1. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama 35805; 256-551-2230) is home to one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia on display anywhere in the world. The Smithsonian Affiliate is the Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and draws visitors from around the globe for week-long Space Camp adventures.

2. EarlyWorks Children’s Museum (404 Madison Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801; 256-564-8100) explores history in a hands-on, interactive museum designed for the enjoyment of two- to nine-year-olds. It is part of a unique campus that is home to two more historical attractions, Alabama Constitution Hall Park and the Historic Huntsville Depot.

3. Cook Museum of Natural Science (133 4th Avenue NE, Decatur, Alabama 35601; 256-351-4505) is a fascinating natural science museum filled with hands-on, immersive experiences where kids can explore, interact with and learn about nature. North American habitats and ecosystems, from deserts to oceans, to the Arctic, to forests, to caves, are all interpreted through live animal exhibits, aquariums, mounted wildlife displays, rock, mineral, shell and coral collections and more.

4. Tigers For Tomorrow (710 County Road 345, Attalla, Alabama 35954; 256-524-4150) is a wild animal park and environmental education center that is home to more than 130 animals. Visitors can get up close and personal with a variety of big cats, wolves and bears. Children can also interact with barnyard animals in the contact yard. The park offers general admission tickets as well as guided tours.

5. Imagination Place Children’s Museum (501 Broad Street, Gadsden, Alabama 35902; 256-543-2787) has hands-on activities and interactive games to keep children entertained for hours. Children can learn how a city works through interactive play in the KidsTown USA exhibit and experience changing educational exhibits in the exhibition hall. It’s located on the campus of the Hardin Center for Cultural Arts which also has three art galleries and a 72-foot working model.

6. Noccalula Falls Park (1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, Alabama 35904; 256-549-4663) features a 90-foot waterfall, 15 miles of hiking, biking and running trails, a train ride, a petting zoo, a botanical garden, pioneer village and mini-golf course. The falls are named for the daughter of a legendary Native American chief, who was “famed far and wide for her beauty and loveliness of character.”

7. GoFAR USA Park (895 S Bethel Road, Decatur, Alabama 35603; 256-345-0797) GoFAR USA Park is an outdoor adventure park where the adventures just keep coming. There are trails for running, mountain biking and hiking, zip lines, a climbing wall and a natural playscape. Add a farm petting zoo, paintball shooting range, obstacle courses, and scooter and trail board rental and there is something for kids of all ages to enjoy.

8. Helen Keller Birthplace (300 North Commons West, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-383-4066) Built in 1820, this site, known as Ivy Green, tells the inspirational story of Helen Keller. The house, built by Helen’s grandparents, still contains many of the original furnishings and items relating to the life of America’s “First Lady of Courage.” In addition to the main house, the site includes Helen’s birthplace cottage, a memorial fountain, herb gardens and the carriage house.

North Alabama is home to some beautiful state parks that feature a variety of kid-friendly activities. Cathedral Caverns State Park (637 Cave Road, Woodville, Alabama 35776; 256-728-8193) is known for its cave, home of a stalagmite forest and frozen waterfall. And Rickwood Caverns State Park’s (370 Rickwood Park Road, Warrior, Alabama 35180; 205-647-9692) claim to fame is its miracle mile of underground caverns, with 260-million-year-old limestone formations, blind cave fish and underground pool.

Joe Wheeler State Park (4401 McLean Drive, Rogersville, Alabama 35652; 256-247-5461) is home to 69,700-acre Wheeler Lake, which offers easy access to the Tennessee River and is popular with sailors, cruisers and anglers. Lake Guntersville State Park (1155 Lodge Drive, Guntersville, Alabama 35976; 256-571-5440) is a 6,000-acre park located along the shores of Lake Guntersville popular among anglers, sailors and cruisers, and is home to The Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures zip line course. Both parks have lodge and cabin rentals, restaurants and an 18-hole championship golf course.

There are plenty of other options for family-friendly adventures on the water in North Alabama, too. Beardo Outdoors (1025 Park Street, Florence, Alabama 35630; 256-577-5138) is an outfitter that specializes in creating a memorable experience, offering guided and self-guided tours of SUPs, kayaks and canoes on the Tennessee River and beautiful Cypress Creek. At one of the largest private off-road parks in the South, the 4,700 acres at Indian Mountain ATV Park (11620 County Road 8, Piedmont, Alabama 36272; 256-300-1223) are crisscrossed with trails for riding ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes. Family fun continues along miles of scenic hiking trails, including a stretch of the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail, as well as in camping and fishing areas.

For more information, visit http://www.NorthAlabama.org .

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Travel With Crush

10 Things To Do In North Alabama This Weekend: Map And List

Table of Contents

Introduction of North Alabama Tourist Places

North Album is a region full of natural beauty and unique charm that attracts tourists and new couples to visit this place. If you are confused about things to do in North Alabama this weekend , here you will get complete information.

The US Space and Rocket Center is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state of Alabama, located in the northern part of the state. It is the best tourist destination to experience space travel through interactive exhibits and simulators.

Visit the Most Popular Tourist Attraction in North Alabama This Weekend

The state of Alabama has various scenic historical and interesting tourist spots that you can visit anytime but the following is the list of best result places to visit this weekend.

Why Did You Choose to Visit the Best Places to Visit in North Alabama in 2023?

• Explore the stunning landscapes and natural attractions of North Alabama.
• Engage in a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
• Visit significant historic sites and landmarks.
• Immerse yourself in the diverse cultural heritage of the region.
• Experience a blend of urban and rural attractions for a memorable travel experience.

List of 10 Tourist Places in North Alabama

Looking for fun activities? Check out the Things To Do In North Alabama This weekend , there’s sure to be something for everyone!

1. Us Space and Rocket Center

• Best things to do: Visit the Space Camp and experience the virtual reality space missions.
• Best time to visit: April or May.
• Average Budget: $25 to $40 per person.
• Minimum Time spend: 4-6 hours.

The US Space and Rocket Center is a very important tourist attraction for tourists visiting the city of Huntsville for the first time. You can visit this place for a museum and education center. Tourists who are interested in space research visit this place in large numbers and enjoy space observation.

All the materials required for observing the space are available in this place, so the space can be observed well. There are many places to see this place, including the Space Shuttle, Rocket Park, IMAX Theater, and educational programs.

Space Shuttle 

After visiting this popular place you can explore the world’s only full-size replica of the space shuttle. The Space Shuttle was a NASA spacecraft used primarily to transport cargo into space from 1981 to 2011. A replica of the Space Shuttle at the American Space and Rocket Center is a model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter that you can see there.

Rocket park

Rocket Park at the American Space and Rocket Center is an outdoor exhibit that houses a collection of rockets and launch vehicles. After viewing this collection, you can study important materials used in space. It has a collection of machinery important to space exploration that you can visit.

IMAX Theater

You can enjoy state-of-the-art cinema at North Alabama’s IMAX theaters. You can enjoy immersive movies in this theater; it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the place.

If you’re looking for fun activities, there are plenty of things to do in North Alabama this weekend, such as visiting the US Space and Rocket Center or hiking at Monte Sano State Park.

2. Monte Sano State Park

• Best things to do: Hike the trails, and enjoy the scenic views.
• Best time to visit: October or November.
• Average Budget: $5 to $10
• Minimum Time spend: 2-3 hours.

Noccalula Falls Park is a must-see destination if you’re planning on exploring things to do in North Alabama this weekend.

Monte Sano State Park is the second most famous tourist destination in Alaba Maharaj. This part is famous all over the world for its scenic and peaceful environment. Couples from the state of Alabama flock to this place to spend their time in bliss.

As this park is situated in the lap of nature, there are mountains on all four sides which add to its beauty. You can enjoy high-king trekking and outdoor activities in the nearby mountains. The park has 18 miles of trails through which you can enjoy trekking through the forest. By using this trail you can have a different experience of experiencing the beauty of nature.

Due to such a peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, not many tourists come to visit this place. There are a large number of couples among the tourists coming here, so this tourist spot is also visited as a romantic tourist spot. This park is included in the list of major scenic tourist spots in the states.

3. Noccalula Falls Park

Noccalula Falls Park is the best tourist destination for nature lovers and to visit with your loved one. Tourists from all over the state visit this tourist spot and it is the first choice destination for couples. This waterfall falls into a pit from a height of ninety feet.

You can enjoy swimming in the waterfall here but there are some restrictions you have to follow. This tourist destination will always be memorable for tourists who love exciting peaceful and beautiful tourist destinations.

You can visit this place to experience the beauty of nature and take photos. If you want to enjoy spending some blissful moments with your loved one then this tourist destination is for you.

• Best things to do: Explore the park and hike to the waterfall.
• Best time to visit: March or April
• Average Budget: $6 to $15 for per person and $20 to $50 for a family.

4. Cathedral Caverns State Park

• Best things to do: hike the trails, and have a picnic.
• Best time to visit: June to August.
• Average Budget: $15 to $25
• Minimum Time spends: 1-2 hours.

Another beautiful tourist destination in North Alabama is Cathedral Caverns State Park. This place has a 125 feet cave whose beautiful view you can see after visiting this tourist spot. This cave falls under the category of a “Baroque cave”.

The audience gets to see a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere in this Govi. After visiting this place, the audience is entertained by studying the environment of this place and this cave. You can see various stone artworks in this place which are famous in this place.

After seeing the activities in this place, your mind will be happy and happy. Tourists can be seen enjoying taking pictures at this place where there are unique rock formations.

Enjoying every tourist spot is great but enjoy sightseeing by following the rules. Enjoy the trip taking care not to cause any damage to the tourist spot.

The cave was owned by Jacob Gurley Gurley. After the 1950s, the cave was opened to tourists. Tourists visited this cave in large numbers so this place got the status of a tourist spot and later this place was taken over by the government of Alabama. After it was taken over by the Goa government, it was converted into a state park.

Apart from the caves in this instance, there are still tourist spots that you can enjoy by the water. After reaching this place you can enjoy the services of Hacking Trains Picnic Area and Camp Ground.

This tourist spot is open to tourists throughout the year, so you can go anytime to visit this tourist spot. Many pictures have been taken at this place, so many tourists enjoy taking photos at this place.

5. Huntsville Botanical Garden

• Best things to do: Stroll through the themed gardens.
• Best time to visit: May or June.
• Average Budget: $10 to $15.

Take in the beauty of nature at Huntsville Botanical Garden, a must-visit spot when considering things to do in North Alabama this weekend .

Huntsville Botanical Garden is another tourist attraction located very close to the US Space and Rocket Center. This garden is spread over an area of ​​112 and with grassy plains everywhere, tourists come from far and wide to see this tourist spot.

A collection of wetlands, forests, grasslands, and vegetation can be seen in this place, so tourists come to visit this tourist spot throughout the year.

Tourists throng this place in large numbers between the months of May to October as the atmosphere of this place is especially beautiful during this month. If you also want to experience the special beauty of this place, visit this garden during the month of May to October.

During the holiday of December, the Galaxy of Lights installation brings a spectacular display of over a million Christmas lights, so you can visit this tourist destination even in the month of December and enjoy the magnificent atmosphere of the place.

Among the popular tourist attractions here is the Purdy Butterfly House which is open during special months. This place is open for tourists from June to September and you can visit this place during this period.

After visiting this place, hundreds of butterflies can be seen fluttering in the open air which adds to the joy of experiencing the beauty of nature.

6. Joe Wheeler State Park

• Best things to do: Fish or boat on the lake.
• Best time to visit: September or October
• Average Budget: $5 to $10 per person.

Joe Wheeler State Park is one of the most beautiful and peaceful tourist destinations in the state of Alabama. After visiting this park, you can enjoy seeing marble objects, trees, natural beauty, water sports, and gardens. The garden has a spacious ground for playing games like volleyball badminton cricket.

The enjoyment of playing outdoor sports in nature beauty experience is something different and you can enjoy it after visiting this place. You can come to this place with your loved one and enjoy the beauty of nature as well as outdoor sports.

This park is also available for kids so there are special toys for kids to play with. If you want to do camping then that facility is also provided in this place so you can visit this tourist place with family. Tourists who come with family need a camp for relaxation. A camping facility is available to you at this place so you don’t need to worry.

7. Wheeler Wildlife Refuge

• Best things to do: See the migratory birds and go fishing or hunting.
• Best time to visit: November or December.
• Average Budget: $5 to $10.

Wildlife enthusiasts will want to make sure to visit Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, which is among the top things to do in North Alabama this weekend.

A wildlife sanctuary is the best place to visit for wildlife lovers and if you want to see wildlife, you can also visit Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. This wildlife sanctuary is home to various species of birds and animals so you can enjoy seeing this diversity of animals.

You can also experience the beauty of nature by watching the wild animals after visiting this sanctuary, and there are various attractive centers that you can visit during this visit. Various species of birds can be seen in this sanctuary, so bird lovers visit this sanctuary without fail.

We can closely observe the actions of the parties like their voices and their behavior. Some animals and birds can be seen only in the forest, so you can enjoy seeing new birds here.

This tourist destination is known as the best tourist destination for wildlife lovers as well as nature lovers. If you like to visit similar tourist places then this tourist place is for you.

8. Admire Ave Maria Caves

• Best things to do: Take a guided cave tour.
• Best time to visit: July or August.
• Average Budget: $15 to $25.
• Minimum Time spend: 1-2 hours.

It’s a religious site about an hour to an hour and a half from Huntsville. There is a small statue of the Mother of God at this place. A visit to this tourist spot on the occasion of a religious festival would be appropriate. Religious festivals are celebrated in this place with great joy.

Located in the beautiful scenic surroundings of Alabama, this religious tourist destination attracts millions of tourists. Couples visit this place as they can experience the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of this place. After arriving at this place there is a sprawling four-acre park where you can enjoy a stroll.

You can enjoy chatting with your loved one in this park and the importance of this religious tourist place which you can know after visiting the place itself. After visiting this tourist spot visit the surrounding tourist spots. Planning a day trip to this place would be appropriate. It is one of the best places for religious and spiritual experiences.

9. DeSoto State Park

• Best things to do: Hike the trails, swim, or fish in the river.

DeSota State Park, located near Fort Town in North Ala Baba, is famous for nature lovers. The park is spread over an area of ​​more than three a five hundred acres situated on Lookout Mountain in a scenic setting.

Various activities like hacking, camping, fishing, and rock climbing can be done here so you can experience the beauty of nature to the fullest.

The park has more than 25 women’s hacking trains; some are easy and some are difficult. Two-day hacking and backpacking trips are available here. There are more than 20 campsites in the park. Can rent from school as per requirement.

In this park, you can find various attractions which you can visit to explore the place and enjoy your trip. A famous tourist spot in this Udana is Desota Falls.

This waterfall is 104 feet high and is known as a fantastic waterfall. Desota Falls is a must-visit for tourists visiting this park. Some wildlife species can be seen in the park including ki bears deer and other wildlife. You can also see species of birds in this place so you can enjoy bird watching.

Souvenirs along with snacks camping are provided for visitors to this place. The park hosts annual events like the Desota Fall Festival and the Mountain High BBQ Festival. Car shows and other attractive festivals are celebrated in the park to witness lakhs of tourists decide to visit this tourist spot.

10. Alabama Constitution Village

• Best things to do: Explore the living history museum, and watch the blacksmiths.
• Best time to visit: March or April.

Alabama Constitution Village is a historical museum in the US state of Alabama. The museum is located in Huntsville. The historical site was created in 2019 to mark the Alabama Bicentennial.

The village is designed to look like a typical nineteenth-century town. After arriving at these villages there are period buildings and costumed interpreters that you can see.

For tourists who want to visit this village, there is an opportunity to visit this village. This is the best place to experience the early history of Alabama. You can find various attractions in these villages which include the constitution of 819. It was in this hall that Alabama’s first constitution was drafted and ratified.

Various educational tours come to these villages to get a glimpse of the earlier history of the state. These villages also have other attractions like offices, print shops, and blacksmith shops. This village is like a museum.

The village has been included in the list of National Historic Sites. This place is best for tourists who want to know the history of Alabama. After seeing this place you get an idea of ​​how the kingdom was in its early days.

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5 Best Hotels in North Alabama

Best time to visit north alabama.

The best time to visit this tourist destination in North Alabama is from March to the end of May . You can experience the beauty of nature by visiting various tourist attractions in the state during this period. During this month it rains intermittently so the temperature here ranges from 60F to 85F.

This period is known as the busiest tourist period so various tourists consider it advisable to visit the tourist destination during this period. If you’re looking for fun activities, there are plenty of things to do in North Alabama this weekend .

Best Hotels in North Alabama in 2023 for Stay and Eat.

Map of things to do in north alabama this weekend., how to reach north alabama.

You can use various transport options to visit the tourist attractions in North Alabama which include the following transport services.

By car 

You can visit tourist attractions in north Alabama by using several major highways like I-65, I-59, and I-20. If you are from a nearby state, there are other routes that you can use to enjoy the scenic tourist spots.

Huntsville International Airport is the main airport serving North Alabama. You can come to this place using your city airport and enjoy visiting various scenic historical and cultural tourist spots from this place. You can find various tourist spots within a short distance from this airport so this airport will be beneficial for you.

North Alabama has various railway stations using which you can visit tourist places in Alabama and experience the natural beauty of this place.

In North Alabama Anniston, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa  There is a railway station at this place. Various scenic spots near this railway station And there are romantic tourist spots Whom you can meet to start your trip.

Take a Look at The Best Places to Visit in Alabama This Weekend by Watching the Video.

People also ask these questions about north alabama, what is alabama’s number 1 tourist attraction, what is northern alabama known for, what are fun places in alabama, why is huntsville alabama famous, what to do in alabama for a weekend, things to do in north alabama this weekend.

My name is Bharat Andhale, and I am a blogger and website developer. My hobby is travel, so I like to travel to new places. I share my personal experience on the Travel With Crush website through writing posts. I mostly travel in the USA, and my favorite place in the USA is Zion National Park.

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Things to do in north alabama, visit north alabama.

North Alabama Attractions

Discover what makes North Alabama tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips . Check out our top {19 fun activities in North Alabama fun activities in North Alabama }, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Recommended things to do in North Alabama

What to do in north alabama, things to do in north alabama with kids.

You'll find loads of fun things to do with the kids in and near North Alabama. Keep the gang entertained with our family friendly experiences .

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in North Alabama? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Frequently asked questions

University of alabama-huntsville.

• Bridge Street Town Centre
• Jacksonville State University
• Big Spring Park

Discover the most popular places to visit in North Alabama

• US Space and Rocket Center

You can enjoy some culture when you stop by US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Wander around the gardens or experience the area's live music.

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Bridge Street Town Centre during your stay in Huntsville. Discover the area's live music, or seek out its hiking trails.

• Lake Guntersville State Park

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Guntersville State Park, a lovely green space in Gadsden. Wander the lakeside in this family-friendly area.

• Monte Sano State Park

Explore the great outdoors at Monte Sano State Park, a lovely green space in Huntsville. Discover the seafood restaurants and its live music while you're in the area.

• Noccalula Falls Park

Explore the great outdoors at Noccalula Falls Park, a lovely green space in Gadsden. Wander the lakeside in this family-friendly area.

• Huntsville Botanical Garden

Marvel at the colorful diversity of nature at these award-winning gardens, which feature thousands of plant species, tranquil ponds and elegant pavilions.

• Little River Canyon National Preserve

Hike or drive through this canyon in the Southern Appalachians, admire striking geological formations, visit waterfalls and enjoy adventure sports.

• Von Braun Center

Catch an event at Von Braun Center during your trip to Huntsville. Attend a sporting event while you're in the area, or simply enjoy its seafood restaurants.

Explore the campus of University of Alabama-Huntsville, during your trip to Huntsville. Wander around the gardens or experience the area's live music.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in North Alabama

Visitors to Priceville enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is worth a stop.

Though Providence might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Westside Center and The Orion Amphitheater.

If you're spending some time in Quigley, Von Braun Center and Big Spring Park are top sights worth seeing.

East Florence

If you're spending some time in East Florence, Wilson Lake and Tennessee River are top sights worth seeing.

Sherwood Park

Some popular features of Sherwood Park include its shopping and restaurants. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Bridge Street Town Centre or US Space and Rocket Center are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Old Town Huntsville

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Old Town Huntsville and surrounding area, you can visit Von Braun Center and Huntsville Museum of Art.

Popular day trips from North Alabama

Russellville

Guntersville

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• Lewis Smith Lake
• DeSoto State Park
• Toyota Field
• Smith Lake Park
• Alabama International Dragway
• Sand Mountain Park
• Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
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• Guntersville City Harbor
• Joe Wheeler State Park
• Huntsville Museum of Art
• Dismals Canyon
• Cathedral Caverns State Park
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• Hotels near US Space and Rocket Center
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10 quirky Alabama attractions worth a trip

• Updated: Jun. 28, 2024, 9:03 a.m. |
• Published: Jun. 24, 2024, 9:54 a.m.

Why cross the Atlantic Ocean when you can see a replica of Stonehenge close to home in Elberta, Alabama? Kelly Kazek

• Amber Sutton

If you’ve got an itch to see something out of the ordinary, there are plenty of quirky attractions throughout the state that are worth a visit.

From the Tinglewood trail in Montevallo , where you can take in some carved works of art while getting in a walk; to the (fictional) town of Spectre in Millbrook , home to the remaining set of Tim Burton’s “Big Fish” as well as the Ave Marie Grotto , which attracts visitors from across the country every year, and so many more, there are so plenty of one-of-a-kind attractions in Alabama.

In fact, the hardest part might be deciding which one to visit first. So with that in mind, here’s a look at 10 quirky Alabama attractions you need to see.

Dinosaurs in the woods at Barber Marina. (Photo by Wil Elrick)

Dinosaurs in the Woods

You can expect to find plenty of creatures living in Alabama’s woods, but in Elberta, Ala., you can also expect to find dinosaurs hidden among the trees thanks to a quirky (and free) attraction that’s proven to be a prehistoric hit with visitors of all ages. Dinosaurs in the Woods consists of a life-size Brontosaurus, T. Rex, Stegosaurus and Triceratops, made from fiberglass by artist Mark Cline. Located along the road leading to the Barber Marina, the dinosaurs can be tricky to spot despite their size, making finding them half the fun.

READ MORE: Free ways to entertain kids

These fake trees, created by director Tim Burton, are the only ones to remain on Jackson Lake Island, Alabama. They were built along with the set of a small town for the 2003 film "Big Fish." Kelly Kazek

The (fictional) Town of Spectre

For movie buffs and fans of Tim Burton’s film “Big Fish,” a visit to the fictional town of Spectre on Jackson Lake Island in Millbrook, Ala., is a must. The one-of-a-kind attraction, which costs $3 per person, allows visitors to walk around several parts of the “Big Fish” set, including different houses, large cement trees and even a chapel -- which is now home to a herd of friendly goats that live on the island -- that were left behind after filming was complete.

READ MORE: Alabama roadside attractions you have to visit

Dozens of coon dogs have been buried in the Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Graveyard since the first dog, Troop, was buried at the site of what was a popular hunting camp in 1937. The cemetery, located west of Tuscumbia in northwest Alabama, bills itself as the only cemetery of its kind in the world. Stan Diel/AL.com

The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard

If you’re a fan of visiting cemeteries, The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard in Tuscumbia, which bills itself as the only cemetery in the world dedicated to the burial of purebred coon dogs, is one to see. The first dog, Troop, was buried in the graveyard that was formerly a popular hunting camp in 1937. Today, it’s home to more than 300 graves for coon dogs from all over the country.

READ MORE: Here’s what you can find at the Coon Dog Cemetery

Located in Elberta, Ala., Bamahenge is a full-size replica of Stonehenge (yes, the prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England) made from fiberglass by artist Mark Cline. Bamahenge has been around since 2012, and it’s become a popular stop despite being a little out of the way for most folks. The good news? It’s located along the same road as Dinosaurs in the Woods, also made by Cline, so it’s like you’re getting a two-for-one deal on free, one-of-a-kind attractions.

READ MORE: How Bamahenge was built

The sign at Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro.

Unclaimed Baggage

Since 1970, more than a million people from all over the country have visited Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro each year. The 50,000-square-foot facility purchases orphaned suitcases from major airlines and sells the contents found within, which can be ordinary items like clothing and electronics or more unexpected finds like emeralds and other collectibles. That means you never know what you’ll find on its shelves. (But chances are high, you’ll get a good deal whatever it is.)

READ MORE: Why you should check out the Unclaimed Baggage museum

The Drive-Thru Museum of Wonder, located off Highway 431 in Seale, Ala., was created by nationally-renowned folk artist Butch Anthony in 2014. It displays an array of Butch’s work in addition to found and gifted curiosities. Amber Sutton

The Drive-Thru Museum of Wonder

When it comes to quirky Alabama attractions, The Drive-Thru Museum of Wonder , located off Highway 431 in Seale, Ala., is the first thing that comes to mind for many folks, and for good reason. Created by nationally-renowned folk artist Butch Anthony in 2014, the museum, which is mostly housed in shipping containers with viewing windows so visitors can see the displays without ever having to leave their vehicles, showcases a wide range of Butch’s work in addition to antiques and some one-of-a-kind curiosities.

The city of Enterprise is home to more than 25 boll weevil statues. Erin Grantham

The Boll Weevil statues of Enterprise

If you’re a fan of oddball statues, or maybe just a fan of boll weevils, then a trip down Weevil Way in Enterprise could be a good match for you. The quirky attraction, inspired by the boll weevil’s role in inadvertently helping to create the town’s peanut industry, features more than 25 weevil statues tied into local businesses, including a McDonald’s weevil, known as Ronald McWeevil, a statue by the local funeral home known as the “Angel of Light” and many more.

READ MORE: Roadside attractions that tell their towns’ histories

The Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman is filled with miniature artworks made of stone and concrete. Most were the lifetime work of Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey. (AL.com file photo/Bernard Troncale)

Ave Maria Grotto

Located in the old quarry grounds at St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Ave Maria Grotto is a landscaped hillside that showcases more 125 miniature reproductions, made of stone, cement and other found materials, of some of the world’s most well-known religious structures, including St. Peter’s Basilica, scenes from ancient Jerusalem and the Tower of Babel along a two-block pathway. The one-of-a-kind attraction is on the National Register of Historic Places and attracts visitors from across the country each year.

READ MORE: Roadside museums worth a visit

The Tinglewood walking trail in Montevallo's Orr Park displays one-of-a-kind works of art crafted from more than 50 trees by local artist Tim Tingle. This is Alabama

Tinglewood Trail

Within Orr Park in Montevallo, you’ll find the Tinglewood walking trail , which features more than 50 trees with whimsical and creative carvings by local artist Tim Tingle along a paved, half-mile pathway. Tingle started the trail in 1993 and has been carving faces, animals, mystical creatures and more into the dead portions of mature, living cedar trees ever since, making the park a fun place for visitors of all ages to get in some steps while enjoying one-of-a-kind works of art.

Started in the 1970s, the Rock Zoo in Fackler, Ala., features a collection of folk art-style animal sculptures. The painted stone sculptures range from the original bull-- created by the original zookeeper Leonard Dawson in 1970s using two large boulders left by a road crew -- to turtles, an elephant, sea creatures, a bear and many more. Haley Laurence

RELATED ARTICLES • al .com

8 free (or cheap) ways to entertain Alabama kids this summer Jun. 10, 2024, 8:59 a.m.

7 clever Alabama roadside attractions that help tell their towns’ histories Jun. 1, 2024, 9:09 a.m.

When it comes to quirky attractions in Alabama, you can’t leave out The Alabama Rock Zoo in Fackler in northeast Alabama. Started in the 1970s, the Rock Zoo features a collection of animal sculptures made out of (you guessed it) rocks. The painted stone sculptures range from the original bull-- created by the original zookeeper Leonard Dawson in 1970s using two large boulders left by a road crew -- to turtles, an elephant, sea creatures, a bear and many more, making it a fun and inexpensive place for families to spend an afternoon.

READ MORE: This Alabama zoo is like no other

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Country Music Hall of Fame band Alabama heads to Wells Fargo Arena in October

You’ll be in a hurry (and you will know why) when country rock band Alabama performs in Des Moines in October.

The award-winning, veteran act comes to the Wells Fargo Arena on Oct. 19 as part of its “Roll On 2 North America Tour."

The Country Music Hall of Famers are behind the songs “Dixieland Delight,” “Mountain Music,” “Song of the South” and dozens more.

Alabama was formed more than five decades ago by cousins Teddy Gentry, Randy Owen and Jeff Cook. Among Alabama’s many honors — Grammys, American Music Awards, a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star — the band recently received the Country Music Association’s Pinnacle Award in 2023. The Pinnacle Award “recognizes an artist or group who has undeniably redefined the pinnacle of success in the genre,” according to the CMA .

How can I purchase tickets to see Alabama in Des Moines?

Tickets go on sale Friday, June 21 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at hyveetix.com .

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

What is Wells Fargo Arena’s address?

The concert starts at 7 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St., Des Moines.

Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at  [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza .