It is the location of the state's number one, number two, number four, and nine paid attractions. Two positions in the top 10 for parks and natural sites in Huntsville, which came in at number two for both the top events of 2020 and the free attractions that will be available.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
It should come as no surprise that the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail was the paid tourist destination in Alabama that received the most visitors in 2020, given the growing number of individuals enjoying the great outdoors. The Hampton Cove course, located near Huntsville, is notable for its 54 holes and the dramatic topographical changes that occur as one moves from one side of the property to the other.
After undergoing renovation in 2008, the Highlands course was returned to its original design, inspired by Scottish links. The ancient mule barn that sits next to the fifth hole at Hampton Cove is one of the most identifiable structures along the Trail. This monument may be found at Hampton Cove. The River Course, the only layout designed by Robert Trent Jones that does not have a single bunker, is an example of the complete opposite in terms of design.
In the flood basins of the Flint River, the course is set out on what was formerly a field of form soybeans. The River course will test your ability to make accurate shots due to the presence of water on 16 of the course's 18 holes. The Short Course is a par 3 course that is open and reminiscent of links. Water comes into play on 11 of the holes on this course. Please click the link to continue reading.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
In 2020, the United States Space and Rocket Center was the paid tourist attraction with the second most visitors in Alabama. They celebrated being in business for 50 years and are excited to have returning campers at Space Camp again this coming summer. Every week on Friday evenings and during the day and night, performances may be seen at the INTUITIVE ® Planetarium. The biggest museum in the world is getting set to open some brand new exhibits that will help visitors learn about science, space, and other topics.
Huntsville Botanical Garden
The Huntsville Botanical Garden was the paid attraction with the fourth most visitors overall. Many went outside to visit the Garden since it spans over 112 acres and has the biggest open-air butterfly house in the United States.
If you plan a trip to the Garden this summer and want to see what's new, stop by the Children's section and check out Tweetsville, which has just opened its doors. There is always something new sprouting in the Garden. It's the height of butterfly season, and Uncaged: Birds, Nature, and You! will be available very soon. Discover their collection of seven interactive works between June 11 and October 31.
These pieces investigate the lives of birds, charming creatures with feathery pals. Local artists and architects have collaborated with the Garden to bring the concept of Uncaged to life. As a result, each exhibition component is original and thought-provoking in its design. Uncaged is a chance for people of all ages to discover, learn, and play throughout the Garden and spread out throughout the whole space.
Huntsville Museum of Art
The Huntsville Museum of Art is the paid attraction that receives the ninth most visitors in Alabama. The Huntsville Museum of Art offers its visitors a full experience thanks to its location in the heart of downtown Huntsville, inside the serene beauty of Big Spring International Park. Spend the day at the Museum, where you can gaze at art, browse at the Museum Store, and eat at Pane e Vino, which has a view of the park lagoon.
Every year, the museum, which has been granted accreditation at the national level, fills its seven galleries with a wide range of rotating exhibits that include the work of nationally and regionally recognized artists. The museum's permanent collection, which contains 2,522 individual items, serves as the foundation for many annual exhibits. The Museum also has the greatest collection of Buccellati silver animals that can be found elsewhere in the world.
Land Trust of North Alabama
On the trails maintained by the Land Trust of North Alabama in 2020, an all-time high number of individuals ventured outdoors. They were ranked number two on the top ten free attractions in Alabama. At the beginning of this past year, they inaugurated a brand new nature preserve known as Bethel Springs, which is home to Madison County's most impressive waterfall. Additionally, the Land Trust of North Alabama maintains a few hiking routes, one on Chapman Mountain, open to the general public.
