North Alabama is a diverse region with appeal for a variety of travelers. Spanning 16 of the state’s northernmost counties, there is plenty diversity here, whether visitors are looking for world-class fishing and countless outdoor recreational options, music history and live entertainment venues or dynamic downtowns teeming with restaurants, shopping and more. And for families looking for that perfect vacation destination, this region tops the list.
Museums and attractions for all ages
Huntsville is in the heart of North Alabama and is the region’s largest city. Here, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama 35805; 256-551-2230) draws visitors from around the globe for week-long Space Camp adventures. Even more enjoy spending a day exploring 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.
Nearby, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum (404 Madison Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801; 256-564-8100) explores history here on earth at its hands-on, interactive history museum for two- to nine-year-olds. This is just one part of a campus that is home to two other historical attractions, Alabama Constitution Hall Park and the Historic Huntsville Depot.
Another museum that’s popular with young visitors is Cook Museum of Natural Science (133 4th Avenue NE, Decatur, Alabama 35601; 256-351-4505). This state-of-the-art natural science museum is filled with hands-on, immersive experiences where kids can explore, interact with and learn about nature.
At Scottsboro’s Unclaimed Baggage Center (509 W. Willow Street, Scottsboro, Alabama 35768; 256-259-1525) the whole family will enjoy a hunt for unknown treasures. This one-of-a-kind retail outlet is filled with lost or abandoned items – from toys to clothes to electronics and more – looking for a new home.
When touring the Alabama Music Hall of Fame (617 Highway 72 W, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-381-4417) visitors learn of the many music legends that have called Alabama home. The music of the Shoals and beyond is a part of Alabama’s culture that visitors of all ages love to explore and enjoy.
Waterparks add a splash of excitement
Thrill rides, lazy rivers and wave pools make for fun days and lasting memories. The water parks of North Alabama offer a variety of fun options. Point Mallard Water Park (2600A Point Mallard Drive SE, Decatur, Alabama 35601; 256 341-4900), a popular attraction here for decades, is home to America's first wave pool! This classic water park also features a variety of slides, a towering sky pond and an Olympic pool, sandy beach, kid’s zone and a scenic lagoon round out the park. The entire Point Mallard family fun park encompasses more than 700 acres among the pines and includes a 25-acre campground, 18-hole golf course and hiking and biking trails.
The outdoor water park at Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater (915 W. McKinney Avenue, Albertville, Alabama 35950; 312-610-9533) is one of the newest outdoor attractions in the region and features two 25-foot waterslides, splash pad, 600-foot lazy river with waterfall feature and a vortex pool and more. The complex is a 130-acre park with live entertainment venue, RV park, dog park and elite-level athletic facilities. Spring Valley Beach Water Park (2340 Spring Valley Beach Drive, Blountsville, Alabama 35031; 205-429-2323) is less than an hour’s drive from many of the region’s largest cities and has one of the largest swimming pools in the Southeast. The park has six water slides including the new “360 Rush,” popular for those looking to pump up the adrenaline. There is also a kids’ water playground and more than 20 pavilion areas. WildWater (1707 Main Avenue SW, Cullman, Alabama 35055; 256-739-9157) is the newest water park to make a splash in the region. The 12-acre park features a 22,000 square-foot wave pool and 18 water slides, including 10 thrill slides. There is also a kids’ area and a lazy drift river. Reservations are available for private cabana rentals.
State parks offer hiking, fishing, zip lines and more
North Alabama is home to several beautiful state parks and Alabama’s parks are known as some of the best in the country. The diversity and beauty of the state’s natural resources make the perfect setting for this list of parks that offer an impressive array of amenities. Each of the parks below has both full hook-up RV sites and primitive camp sites and many have cabins, as well. Some parks are known for their amenities, some for their views and some for their unique natural wonders. Here are just a few of the highlights.
Buck’s Pocket State Park (393 County Road 174 Grove Oak, Alabama 35975; 256-659-6288) A new ORV (Off-Road Vehicles) trail was recently added to the park’s 15 miles of hiking trails and the park features spectacular canyon-rim views from a 1,000-foot scenic overlook.
Cathedral Caverns State Park (637 Cave Road, Woodville, Alabama 35776; 256-728-8193) is known for its stalagmite forest and frozen waterfall. The park’s signature cave, which maintains a 60-degree temperature all year long, has a huge opening that measures 126 feet wide and 25 feet high. Outside, the park offers gemstone mining.
DeSoto State Park (1299 Blalock Drive NE, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967; 256-845-0051) sits atop scenic Lookout Mountain and is known for its many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers. The park provides an array of lodging options, including a motel, log cabins, rustic cabins and mountain chalets.
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. Park amenities include a three-story lodge, restaurant, marina, boat launch, boat rentals, day-use pavilions and picnic areas and an 18-hole championship golf course.
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. A lodge, chalets, motel and convention center are situated on a 500-foot bluff overlooking the lake and there is an 18-hole golf course and The Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures zipline course.
Monte Sano State Park (5105 Nolen Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama 35801; 256-534-3757) has vistas, mountaintop trails, family picnic areas and an 18-hole disc golf course. It is a popular spot for mountain bikers and hikers, with 22 miles of trails, varying in both scenery and difficulty.
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. The 260-million-year-old limestone formations, blind cave fish and underground pool are just a few of the natural wonders found in the cavern.
