It’s no secret that we think Huntsville rocks!! But that’s not all Huntsville has to offer.
Here are our picks for Huntsville’s weirdest landmarks.
NOTE: Originally published in 2014, we’ve updated this list for 2021. Enjoy!
#1 – 70′ Cross on Monte Sano Mountain
The TALL white cross is located on the Rock Bluff Trail at Burritt on the Mountain. In the winter when the leaves are gone from all those mountain trees, you can see it clearly from Governor’s Drive heading east.
#2 – Japanese Tea Garden in Monte Sano State Park
Park at the Monte Sano Lodge and cross the street for the path to the Japanese Tea Garden. It’s an amazing mountaintop landmark!
#3 – Eggbeater Jesus on Governors Drive
One of Huntsville’s most distinctive landmarks is the mosaic mural on First Baptist Church on Governor’s Drive that everyone calls Eggbeater Jesus. Well… you can see why. And note that we all call it that with LOVE and affection!!
#4 – Dead Children’s Playground
Locals love to tell stories about the Dead Children’s Playground. Either way, the playground that’s inside the boundary of Maple Hill Cemetery is a creepy place to be at night!
#5 – Maple Hill Cemetary Mausoleums
Another Maple Hill Cemetery entry is the mausoleum of Mary Bibb, who tragically died shortly after getting married. The legend says she’s wearing her wedding dress and is buried sitting in a rocking chair!
And then there’s Albert Russell Erskine mausoleum, which is huge and also reportedly haunted.
#6 – Covered Bridge at Madison County Nature Trail
The Madison County Nature Trail on Green Mountain is a gem all on its own. But once you venture down the trail, you will come across this delightful covered bridge, and that makes the trail walk (don’t worry, it’s an easy trail) worth it! PS Make sure you have your camera!!
#7 – Sculpture in a Traffic Circle Between Home Depot and Costco
Once upon a time, when Huntsville had several “malls”, this sculpture lived inside one of those mall fountains. But what do you do with a homeless mall fountain sculpture?? If you are Huntsville, you put it in a traffic circle!
#8 – Rocket at Airport Road and South Memorial Parkway
We call it a rocket, but it’s actually a Hermes Guided Missile. According to the marker at the site, this missile was the first American-made guided missile and it was put on public display at the intersection in the 50’s.
What are your favorite Huntsville landmarks? Tell us in the comments.
