The Huntsville/Madison County CVB wants to help visitors navigate the evolving COVID-19 landscape, and our top priority is the health and safety of our visitors and locals. Please follow all recommendations from CDC and health professionals - practice social distancing and observe other safe behaviors, such as wearing a mask and frequent hand-washing.
Masks are no longer mandated statewide, but individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people. *Some businesses are still requiring masks so please make note before visiting attractions.
Find travel-related details for Huntsville attractions, hotels, and more below.
Currently Open
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is open now with new health and safety protocols in place. Masks are currently required for all guests ages 3 and up. Highlights for your next visit:
- Pre-purchased tickets are encouraged. Click here to purchase.
- Face coverings are required for all unvaccinated guests. Masks are available for purchase for $1.00.
- The National Geographic Theater is now open with limited seating. The INTUITIVE Planetarium is open for Friday evening showings and regular daytime showings throughout the week.
- Staff will be re-enforcing social distancing in queue-lines, at exhibits, and throughout the campus.
- Hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the museum.
- Some exhibits have been temporarily closed where social distancing is not possible. Click here for a list of open areas. The G-Force simulator is currently open and masks are required to ride.
- Operating hours have changed to allow more time for cleaning and sanitizing. Click here to see current hours of operation.
Burritt on the Mountain
Huntsville's Living History Museum is open to the public with social distancing guidelines. They ask that visitors maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from staff members and other visitors who are not in your party. Burritt is home to barnyard animals, beautiful views, and historic schools and cabins. They are currently featuring 4 GeoQuest adventures for families to explore, and The Struggle to Vote: The Nation, Alabama and the South 1848- 1920 exhibit in the mansion. Don't forget about their Nature Trails, Historic Park and Barnyard offer outdoor experiences for all to enjoy and learn something along the way.
Huntsville Botanical Garden
The Huntsville Botanical Garden is open to the public with health and safety guidelines in place. Masks are currently encouraged inside the Visitor Center. Regular Garden hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with evening programs offered throughout the week. Admission tickets can be purchased online or on site. Visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings in all indoor spaces, as well as any outdoor spaces where it is not possible to practice social distancing. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer, water, and snacks. For more details, visit the Garden’s website.
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
Lowe Mill A&E is now open. Masks are no longer required for vaccinated guests. Their hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00am - 7:00pm. At this time studio hours are not required so artists are able to make their own decision about opening. Crews will be wiping down doors and surfaces throughout the day and there is signage encouraging people to stay 6 feet apart.
Huntsville Museum of Art
The Huntsville Museum of Art is open with regular operating hours. Masks are currently encouraged. You can purchase your tickets in advance online here. The museum will have masks available for purchase for $1. Museum staff will be ensuring patrons maintain at least six feet of social distance and encourage guests to not congregate in common areas. The after hours event, $5 after 5 lets guests enjoy the museum on Thursday nights after hours, with $5 wine specials offered. Click here to see the current exhibits.
Weeden House Museum & Garden
The Weeden House Museum & Garden is open with new tour dates and times. Masks are encouraged. Tours are offered Monday-Friday, at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm daily. Admission is cash only, $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Per the new COVID-19 protocols, the Weeden House staff asks that you keep 6 feet of distance between your party and others, wear a face covering, and of course to not visit if you are feeling ill. Hand sanitizer will be provided for guests.
EarlyWorks Children's Museum
The EarlyWorks Children's Museum is now open with a special, limited-time exhibit - Toys: the Inside Story. This exhibit will explore the toys of yesteryear, taking kids and adults alike back to the iconic past times of days gone by like Etch a Sketch, as well as diving into the mechanics of popular toys both modern and old. The museum has put special COVID-19 precautions into place, including online pre-purchase of timed tickets that are required for 2-hour sessions. Museum capacity will be limited to 50 for each session. Masks are currently required for everyone ages 3 and up, regardless of vaccination status. While restrooms will be open, water fountains will be closed.
Harmony Park Safari
Harmony Park Safari is Madison County's own drive-through zoo! The park hours are 10 am until sunset through November. You stay in your car for this safari, and the animals come right up to you! Admission is $9.00 per person, with kids 2 and younger free. If you want to buy some food for the animals, it is $1.00 per cup or $5.00 per bucket. Car rentals are available if you're looking to spare yourself any potential dings or scratches.
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum
The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum is currently open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. Admission is by donation (cash or check), $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for students.
Rocket City Rover
The Rocket City Rover is accepting reservations with increased safety protocols. Empty seats will be added between unrelated groups. Click here for their complete list of COVID-19 precautions.
Entertainment Venues: Open with Distancing and Sanitation Measures
Entertainment venues, including museums and tourist attractions, are now open with social distancing and sanitation guidelines in place. Patrons are asked to maintain six feet of social distancing. See our COVID-19 resource page for a list of reopening announcements from Huntsville tourism partners. Entertainment venues include:
- Night clubs
- Bowling alleys
- Arcades
- Concert venues
- Theaters
- Auditoriums
- Performing arts centers
- Race tracks
- Indoor children’s play areas
- Adult entertainment venues
- Casinos
- Bingo halls
- Venues operated by social clubs
Hotels & Motels: Open
Hotels and motels are permitted to be open, however, some may choose to be closed for the short-term. Check with individual properties for their specific status.
If you choose to stay at a hotel or motel, be aware that new health and safety protocols are likely to be in place, with extra-thorough cleaning of public areas and guest rooms, as well as social distancing measures on-property.
View COVID-19 cleaning and safety protocols for Huntsville hotels here.
Vacation Rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc): Open
There is no statewide restriction on vacation rentals, however, property owners may choose to limit their availability. Check with individual properties for their specific status.
Restaurants: Open
All restaurants are allowed to be open for take-out and curbside pickup service. Guests are encouraged to stay six feet apart. Outdoor seating will be permitted as long as dining parties are seated with six feet between them. Some local restaurants have expanded their outdoor space to accommodate more diners while still providing separation between dining parties.
Restaurants with dining rooms may choose to open or remain closed, as they wish, so it's best to reach out directly in advance or check online to find out specific status.
Bars, Breweries and Taprooms: Open with Restrictions
Bars, breweries, taprooms and similar establishments are allowed to be open, with the same restrictions applied to restaurants. Many establishments are still offering curbside pick-up.
Retail Stores: Open with Distancing and Sanitation Measures
All retail stores are allowed to operate. Some stores may have limited or varied operating hours, so check with individual retailers.
Parks & Preserves: Open with Distancing and Sanitation Measures
City of Huntsville and City of Madison parks and recreation centers are open, and encourage unvaccinated patrons to wear protective face coverings and maintain social distancing. Monte Sano State Park and Land Trust of North Alabama trails and nature preserves are open. Highlights of the revised policy include:
- Playgrounds, splash pads, and pavilions open
- Recreation centers and aquatics facilities are open with limited hours and capacity
- Team athletics practice/skills development allowed; competition allowed within safety guidelines
- Weight rooms are open with limited capacity
- Locker rooms at City recreation centers are now open; masks are required indoors unless guests are actively exercising
Expect that parks may have limited hours and/or amenities.
Other Businesses that are Open with Distancing and Sanitation Measures
Barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo services, etc., may open subject to distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines. These recommendations have been developed by industry infection control experts in conjunction with the recommendations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Guidelines for Disinfecting Your Facility.
Reopening Announcements:
Check our COVID-19 resource page for a list of reopening announcements from Huntsville tourism partners.
Transportation Update:
City of Huntsville Public Transit is running and has resumed its normal schedule.
Event Updates:
Many previously cancelled/postponed events are being rescheduled in 2021. Be sure to check our Event Calendar for updates, and confirm details for individual events with the host organization.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel to Huntsville/Madison County During COVID-19:
- An event I had tickets for at the Von Braun Center got cancelled/rescheduled. Who do I contact about refunds? The Von Braun Center is working diligently with their performers and ticketing agencies to reschedule previously postponed events. Ticket holders for rescheduled events are encouraged to keep their original tickets and check the VBC's website for updates.
- Is Space Camp still running? Space Camp remains operational, reopening in May for the 2021 season. More Space Camp FAQ and contact info can be found here.
- Can I still fly in to the Huntsville International Airport? Yes, the Huntsville International Airport is fully operational and offering passenger service. All individuals entering the facility are required to wear a protective face covering.
- Are hotels closed? Hotels are designated as essential businesses and are allowed to remain open. Individual hotels may decide to close or reduce operations - please check with your individual hotel.
- Will I get a refund for travel if hotels are closed? Contact the hotel you've booked for specific refund information.
- Are restaurants open? Yes, at the restaurant's discretion. Many are offering takeout or delivery service. Dine-in service (either inside the restaurant or outdoor dining) is also permitted. See our Restaurants & Breweries page for a list of establishments.
- Who can I call if I have questions related to COVID-19? The Alabama Department of Public Health's general information line is (334) 206-5300. The CVB administrative office can be reached Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CST, at 256-551-2230.
