A Guide to Visiting Burritt on the Mountain in Huntsville, Alabama
There’s no better place to learn about Huntsville’s history and culture than the city’s first museum! Burritt on the Mountain is a center for historical, cultural, educational, and entertainment activities. There’s something for everyone at this iconic Huntsville museum.
About Burritt on the Mountain
The site of Burritt on the Mountain is home to Dr. William Henry Burritt’s 1938 mansion. This 167-acre site overlooks Huntsville at the top of Round Top Mountain.
When Dr. Burritt died, he willed his house and land to Huntsville to use as a museum. Today, the museum includes Dr. Burritt’s unique home as well as a Historic Park of 19th century homes, a Barnyard, and Nature Trails.
Explore Burritt on the Mountain
Burritt Mansion
Dr. Burritt was a homeopathic physician. After the death of his second wife, he built his retirement home on this portion of Monte Sano, which was known for its healthful spring waters and mountain air.
He built a unique X-shaped mansion in 1934, made of wood and insulated with bales of wheat straw. Naturally, this choice of construction made the home a fire hazard and the mansion burned down in 1936 before Dr. Burritt even spent a night there.
He rebuilt the home in 1938 with a mix of Art Deco, Federal, Beau Arts, and Classical Revival styles. The X-shape of the house allowed him to get both views and natural light into his home.
The museum contains authentic furnishings from the time period. There is also Dr. Burritt’s restored 1949 DeSoto on display in the garage.
Historic Park and Barnyard
Burritt’s Historic Park showcases farm life from the Tennessee Valley in the 19th century. There are living history interpreters dressed in period clothing stationed to recreate farm life through conversation, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
The park features carefully-restored historic buildings filled with authentic artifacts.
The barnyard features an array of animals like sheep, pigs, goats, horses, chickens, and roosters.
Dorothy Davidson Rosenwald Schoolhouse
This four-room schoolhouse replica is based on the Rosenwald program, a massive building initiative in the early 20th century that addressed the need for schools for African-American students in the rural South.
The schoolhouse is mainly used for Burritt’s 4th grade experience with local schools. When not in use for students, the schoolhouse is open to the community with a Rosenwald exhibit, hands-on classes, and workshops.
Nature Trails
Burritt’s Nature Trails wind through the woods and around the mountain-top museum. You can hike the Rock Bluff Trail to Huntsville’s iconic giant cross on the mountain. These trails also explore historic coal mine sites and limestone rock formations.
Things to Do at Burritt on the Mountain
Attend Special Events and Programs
Burritt on the Mountain offers tons of special events and educational programs throughout the year. These include things like blacksmithing workshops, glass blowing, jewelry making, and other unique craft classes.
During the summer, you can enjoy sunset drinks at Cocktails at The View. During the fall, the mansion hosts a Haunted Mansion Dinner. In November, the museum hosts the Round Top Folk Festival for traditional folk art and music. And in the winter, the museum comes alive with a Traditional Candlelight Christmas.
Find the Perfect Gift at Josie’s Gift Shop
Josie’s Gift Shop is located in the Welcome Center. The shop is named after Dr. Burritt’s second wife. You can purchase toys, garden items, books, gifts, and home accessories.
Entrance to the museum shop is free. The shop is open the same time as the museum is open.
Dine at The View
The View is a new place for a dining experience. During the summer, Cocktails at The View offers a place for you to enjoy a drink and gourmet snacks while enjoying the mountain views of Huntsville. Throughout the year, Burritt hosts exclusive dinner events at The View.
Visiting Burritt on the Mountain
Location: 3101 Burritt Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
Admission: Museum tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for Seniors 60+ and military, $8 for children and students, and free for children 2 and under as well as Burritt Members.
The Nature Trails are free to access. Keep in mind that some of the trails lead to fee-restricted areas.
Hours: The museum’s hours vary by season. During winter (November through March), the museum is open on Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. During summer (April through October), the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The museum is open on Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day. And the museum is closed on all Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
The Burritt Nature Trails are open the same time the museum is open.
Parking: There is free parking at the museum’s entrance.
For the Nature Trails, there is an additional small parking area on Burritt Drive for access to the Rock Bluff Trail. Please keep in mind that they lock their gate at the bottom of the driveway at the close of the business day; you don’t want to get stuck inside the park!
Burritt on the Mountain FAQ
Museum tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for Seniors 60+ and military, $8 for children and students, and free for children 2 and under as well as Burritt Members.
Pets are not allowed at Burritt on the Mountain due to the safety of their barnyard animals.
Burritt on the Mountain does not have a regular on-site restaurant. They offer snacks and beverages for purchase in the Welcome Center. The View hosts special evening events throughout the year.
Yes, Burritt on the Mountain has beautiful spots for a wedding. Their wedding package includes The View, the Gazebo, Barron Bluff, and the Church.
Where to Stay in Huntsville, Alabama
Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Huntsville, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.
- Where I Stayed: 106 Jefferson Huntsville
- Top Hotel: Hampton Inn Huntsville / Village of Providence
- Great Value: Drury Inn & Suites at the Space & Rocket Center
- Unique Stay: Rocket City’s Original Space Dome
More Things To Do in Huntsville, Alabama
Just can’t get enough of the Rocket City? Check out these other things to do in Huntsville.
- Explore Huntsville, Alabama’s Rich History at These Top Sights
- Mother-Daughter Weekend in Huntsville, Alabama
- Top 10 Hotels in Huntsville, Alabama
- 7 Spooky and Haunted Spots in Huntsville, Alabama
Ready to visit Huntsville, Alabama? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Get Familiar With the City: Check out my Ultimate Guide to Huntsville to help plan your trip!
- Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Huntsville using Hotels.com.
- Get Packing: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need with my packing list resources.
Cheers!
Paige
Have you visited Burritt on the Mountain in Huntsville, Alabama? Let me know in the comments below!
Great read, sounds fun!
Thanks!