5 unique museums in Huntsville that you can explore in under a day

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The Huntsville Museum of Art isn’t on the list, but still worth a visit. (Christian Stanfield / Hville Blast)

Huntsville was recently named one of the best cities in the country for museums by The Traveler.

The US Space and Rocket Center and the Huntsville Museum of Art are fantastic museums, but in case you don’t have a whole day to spend at one museum, or if you want to make a day of going to multiple, the museums on this list are all small enough that you can explore them in a few hours.

Harrison Brothers Hardware/ Historic Huntsville Foundation

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Harrison Brothers store-front. (Christian Stanfield / Hville Blast)

Harrison Brothers is one of two locations in Huntsville to be listed by the National Parks Service to the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network.

Inside you’ll find a curated collection of unique odds and ends and local art + literature for sale, as well as a section with Huntsville history-focused exhibits.

This quick walk-through museum is located across the street from the courthouse downtown, so if you find yourself in the area it’s worth making a quick stop to check out.

Burritt on the Mountain

Burritt Mansion
The Burritt mansion. (McCarley Northway / Hville Blast)

Burrit on the Mountain is a 167-acre site that overlooks Huntsville from Round Top Mountain.

The site features historic buildings, nature trails, parks and a large mansion filled with historic artifacts.

Burritt always has events going on and makes for a great venue if you’re looking for a place to host a wedding or get-together.

North Alabama Railroad Museum

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Trains galore at the Railroad Museum. (McCarley Northway / Hville Blast)

The North Alabama Railroad Museum is located just outside of Huntsville in Chase, Alabama.

This location has a self-guided tour with over 30 trains and railcars to see and the Chase Depot, which is the smallest Union depot in the country.

The park is free to walk around and explore, but the museum also offers train rides throughout the year for events like Easter and Christmas, which you can find the schedule and purchase tickets for on their Facebook.

U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum

The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum has been recognized as the State of Alabama’s official Veterans Memorial Museum by the Alabama House of Representatives.

The museum has military memorabilia and artifacts dating back to the Revolutionary War, with a focus on WWI to the present.

Included in their collection are over 30 historical military vehicles, including the oldest surviving jeep.

Civilian Conservation Corps Museum & Memorial

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The museum is that small building off to the right of the entrance. (McCarley Northway / Hville Blast)

This is a small one you should be able to explore in just a few minutes but still has some interesting info that makes it worth the trip.

Next to the building is a small memorial garden to honor members of the CCC and those who built the state park.

This spot is a great inclusion to a visit to Monte Sano, where you can spend a day exploring nature, playing disc golf and camping.

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Christian Stanfield
Christian Stanfield
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