Boasting the slogan, “We’ve got space!” Huntsville, Alabama has plenty. With gorgeous nature and city life all in one, it is the best of both worlds. Like much of the south, and the state of Alabama, visitors can look forward to pleasant temperatures and lots of sunshine during their stay. This little big city is home to an array of museums and attractions worthy of exploration.

A trip to Huntsville, Alabama isn’t complete without a visit to Burritt on the Mountain. Burritt, named after landowner Dr. William Burritt, is a community overlooking Huntsville that sits atop Monte Sano Mountain. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the main mansion, hike nature trails, interact with farm animals, and tour other historic homes in the vicinity. Burritt frequently hosts concerts, demonstrations, and festivals unique to the area.

In keeping with the city’s slogan, space is a big in Huntsville, as made apparent by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. With rotating exhibits, one of the greatest collections of space memorabilia, and several interactive simulators, the museum provides an enriching experience to its visitors. The Center also has an IMAX theater that shows a multitude of space and science-related films.

Once you’ve gotten your left-brain fill, treat your right side with a trip to the Huntsville Museum of Art. As the leading visual arts center of Northern Alabama, the nationally accredited Huntsville Museum of Art showcases thirteen galleries with rotating exhibits throughout the year. The Alabama Tourism Bureau has ranked the museum as one of the top ten places to visit in Alabama, and in addition to the art galleries, the museum hosts’ classes, musical presentations and lectures for people of all ages.

The Huntsville Depot Museum, formally a prison for captured Confederates and a hospital for the wounded during the Civil War, is now an interactive museum. The Huntsville Depot is the oldest surviving railway depot in Alabama and in the whole United States. The museum shares the history of the railway and highlights its role during the Civil War.

Last but not least, if you’re feeling brave, the Harmony Park Safari is a must-see. The zoo is completely drive-thru, allowing visitors to view exotic animals from the comfort of their vehicles. Observe these animals as they roam freely throughout the park.

Whether you’re in the mood for sprawling Southern mansions, space exploration, fine art, or the fuzzy, furry, and feathered, Huntsville, Alabama is the destination with all of that and more.