Huntsville TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Huntsville, Tennessee.
1. Brimstone Recreation
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Brimstone Recreation offers visitors a premier outdoor adventure experience in the mountains of Tennessee. The recreation area features extensive ATV trails, camping facilities, and beautiful natural scenery perfect for exploration. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities year-round including off-roading, hiking, and seasonal events that showcase the beauty of the Appalachian region.
2. Scott County Jail
HISTORIC PRISON MUSEUM
The Historic Scott County Jail stands as one of Huntsville's most fascinating historical attractions. This preserved jail facility offers visitors a glimpse into the region's law enforcement history with original cells and artifacts. Guided tours provide stories about famous inmates and the evolution of the criminal justice system in this part of Tennessee.
3. Museum of Scott County
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Museum of Scott County showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of this Tennessee region. Exhibits display artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development from pioneer days through modern times. The museum offers educational programs that highlight local traditions, industries, and notable historical figures from the county.
4. Flat Creek Park
SERENE NATURE RETREAT
Flat Creek Park provides a peaceful natural setting for recreation and relaxation in Huntsville. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and access to the scenic Flat Creek, perfect for fishing or simply enjoying the natural surroundings. Families appreciate the playground equipment and open spaces that make this an ideal spot for community gatherings and outdoor activities.
5. World War II Remembrance Museum USS Tennessee
MILITARY HISTORY HONORED
The World War II Remembrance Museum USS Tennessee houses an impressive collection of wartime memorabilia and artifacts. Visitors can explore displays dedicated to the battleship USS Tennessee (BB43) and learn about Tennessee's contributions to the war effort. The museum offers a respectful and educational experience that honors the sacrifice of veterans and provides historical context about this pivotal period in American history.
6. U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum
COMPREHENSIVE MILITARY COLLECTION
The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum features one of the world's top collections of military memorabilia, including tanks, motorcycles, weapons, uniforms, and vehicles from various conflicts. Among its most treasured possessions is the Ford Pygmy, one of the first three jeeps ever built and the oldest surviving vehicle of its kind. The museum pays tribute to American veterans through its extensive displays of military history spanning from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts.
7. Huntsville Museum of Art
CULTURAL AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Huntsville Museum of Art houses over 3,000 pieces focusing primarily on 19th and 20th century Americana. While the collection emphasizes works from the American Southeast, it also includes diverse pieces from South American, Asian, African, and European artists. The museum serves as an important cultural institution that preserves and showcases artistic heritage for visitors and locals alike.
8. H.C. Blake Art & History Center
FREE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The H.C. Blake Art & History Center offers a free and unique perspective on Huntsville's cultural history. The center's collection includes vinyl records, paintings, and various artifacts that provide visitors with an otherwise unseen view of local heritage. Through its thoughtfully curated exhibits, the center presents a poignant cultural lens on the development and character of the Huntsville community.
9. Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR WILDERNESS
The Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area encompasses over 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau near Huntsville. Visitors can explore dramatic gorges, sandstone bluffs, and the pristine Big South Fork of the Cumberland River through hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting. The park preserves unique natural features and cultural history while offering some of the region's most spectacular outdoor recreation opportunities.
10. Bandy Creek Campground
PREMIER CAMPING DESTINATION
Bandy Creek Campground offers a well-maintained base for exploring the Big South Fork area near Huntsville. The facility features both tent and RV camping sites with modern amenities including hot showers, electrical hookups, and a swimming pool during summer months. Located within easy access to hiking trails and natural attractions, this campground serves as an ideal headquarters for outdoor adventures in the region.
11. The Stardust Cafe
NOSTALGIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Stardust Cafe serves as a beloved local dining institution in Huntsville, offering homestyle cooking in a nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors enjoy classic American comfort food including hearty breakfasts, fresh-made sandwiches, and traditional Southern dinner specials that highlight regional flavors. The cafe's friendly service and reasonable prices make it a popular stop for both tourists exploring local attractions and longtime residents.
12. Huntsville Antique Mall
TREASURE HUNTER'S PARADISE
Huntsville Antique Mall houses an extensive collection of vintage items, collectibles, and Appalachian crafts spread throughout its spacious interior. Shoppers can browse through countless booths featuring furniture, glassware, toys, tools, and regional memorabilia representing various historical periods. The mall attracts both serious collectors and casual visitors interested in discovering unique pieces with connections to local heritage and American history.
13. O&W Bridge
HISTORIC RAILROAD CROSSING
The O&W Bridge spans the Big South Fork River as a reminder of the area's industrial past when it served the Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway. Now converted for pedestrian use, the historic bridge offers spectacular views of the river gorge and serves as an access point for hiking and river activities. Visitors can learn about the region's coal mining and railroad history while enjoying the natural beauty that has reclaimed much of the surrounding landscape.
14. Brimstone Smokehouse
AUTHENTIC BBQ DESTINATION
Brimstone Smokehouse delights guests with authentic Tennessee barbecue prepared using time-honored smoking techniques and family recipes. The restaurant's signature dishes include slow-smoked pulled pork, tender beef brisket, and fall-off-the-bone ribs served with traditional Southern sides. With its rustic atmosphere and commitment to quality, this dining establishment has become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists exploring the Huntsville area.
15. Cumberland Trail
SCENIC LONG-DISTANCE PATHWAY
The Cumberland Trail offers hiking enthusiasts access to one of Tennessee's most ambitious linear parks, with segments passing near the Huntsville area. This long-distance trail winds along the eastern Cumberland Mountains with spectacular overlooks, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems to explore along its route. When completed, the trail will stretch over 300 miles from Cumberland Gap National Historical Park to Signal Mountain near Chattanooga, providing a premier hiking experience through the Appalachian landscape.