Road Trip from Birmingham to Huntsville: Top Places to Visit
If you're planning a road trip from Birmingham to Huntsville, you're in for a treat! The trip is approximately 100 miles long and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. This route is easy to navigate and packed with some of Alabama’s most fascinating landmarks, breathtaking sights, and charming towns.
As you drive through the beautiful state of Alabama, you'll find numerous spots for photography, fun activities, and breathtaking views. Below is a list of the top places to visit when driving from Birmingham to Huntsville.
1. Oak Mountain State Park
Located just minutes from Birmingham, Oak Mountain State Park is an ideal spot to explore the outdoor beauty of Alabama. The park features over 50 miles of trails suited for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, two beautiful lakes, and a golf course. One of the most popular activities at Oak Mountain State Park is paddle boating, kayaking or fishing on the lake. The park is also home to the Alabama Wildlife Center, where you can see a variety of birds of prey, including owls, eagles, and hawks.
2. Ave Maria Grotto
If you're looking for something unique, consider visiting the Ave Maria Grotto. This incredible attraction is located in Cullman, Alabama, and it features over 125 miniature reproductions of historic buildings and famous religious landmarks from around the world. The site was built by Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk who started creating miniature structures in his free time using basic tools and easily found materials like cement, glass, and broken pottery.
3. Desoto Caverns
Located east of Birmingham in Childersburg, Desoto Caverns park is an adventure-filled attraction. It features many family-friendly activities like the Desoto Caverns Cave tour, The Wacky Water Park, and the Lost Trail Maze. The underground tour takes visitors on a journey through millions of years of geological history, with stunning cave formations and underground lakes. On the surface, Desoto Caverns’ water parks are some of the best places to cool off during the hot summer days in Alabama.
4. US Space & Rocket Center
No trip to Huntsville is complete without a visit to the U.S Space & Rocket Center. This thrilling attraction features a range of exhibits, with over 1,500 artifacts that take visitors on a journey through the history of space exploration. The space center is home to the famous Saturn V rocket, Apollo 16, and many other iconic space vehicles. The site also has hands-on science exhibits for kids, planetarium shows, and an IMAX theater.
5. Huntsville Botanical Garden
The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a beautiful 120-acre garden that features many exceptional floral displays, walking trails, and other outdoor attractions. Visitors can explore the Japanese garden, the butterfly house, and the herb garden. The garden also features a range of seasonal events, including a beautiful display of twinkling holiday lights during the winter holidays.
Conclusion
Alabama is a beautiful state, and there are numerous outstanding tourist attractions to visit between Birmingham to Huntsville. Whether you're exploring the Oak Mountain State Park’s nature trails, discovering miniature religious landmarks at Ave Maria Grotto, or going underground at Desoto Caverns, the drive between Birmingham to Huntsville is lined with wonderful attractions that are worth exploring. And if you're a space fan, don't forget to visit the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, and the Huntsville Botanical Garden is a perfect spot to relax after an adventurous day. So, be sure to take your time, and enjoy all the fascinating places that Alabama has to offer.