A Guide to Huntsville History Month Walking Tours

I mean…sure…the title of this article has done very little to conceal the fact, but prior to say 3 seconds ago, you may not have known October is Huntsville History Month.

For the second year in a row, the folks who decide such things have chosen to highlight our local heritage, tales of the past, notorious neighbors and, in some cases, the plain ol’ across the fence gossip.

So, I’m here to give you these simple steps for how you can take part. Get it…steps. These are the walking tours of Huntsville History Month.

Time Marches On…A Guide to Huntsville History Month Walking Tours

Huntsville Ghost Walk

Why add Huntsville Ghost Walk to this History Month round-up? Well, because along with specters and spookiness, Huntsville Ghost Walk makes sure to sprinkle in some honest-to-goodness historic Huntsville happenings.

Every Friday and Saturday night in October, the Huntsville Ghost Walk’s frightfully fun tours begin promptly at 6 pm., leaving from Harrison Brothers Hardware, located on the courthouse square in downtown Huntsville. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids (12 and under). Tickets can be purchased on the night of or in advance at Harrison Brothers Hardware. Choose a walk in the Twickenham Historic District, the Old Town Historic District, or Haunted Downtown.

October brings even more opportunities to expand your eerie education, they add the Haunted Trolley on Friday and Saturday nights at 6 pm., also leaving from Harrison Brothers Hardware. Seats are $15 for adults and $12 for kids (12 and under). Purchasing your tickets ahead of time at Harrison Brothers Hardware is recommended. Tickets are normally sold out well in advance.

Also in October, they add an 8:30 pm walking tour on Saturday nights only. “Bring your dogs on a leash and your purple cup filled with…spirits!” For more information, visit: www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com or call (256) 509-3940 or (256) 783-2065.

Huntsville Walking Tour: Historic Five Points

Saturday, October 5, 10 am (tour lasts approximately 2 hours)

This Five Points tour, organized by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, departs from Maple Hill Cemetery at the corner of Wells Avenue and Maple Hill Drive. Experience the charm and history of Huntsville’s Five Points district with a specially chosen local guide.

No need for reservations, just walk on up! The best part? This tour is absolutely FREE.

If you have questions, call the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center at (256) 551-2370 (local) or toll-free at (800) SPACE-4-U.

Huntsville Walking Tour: Old Town

Saturday, October 12, 10 am. (tour lasts approximately 2 hours)

This Old Town Walking Tour, also organized by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, departs from 122 Walker Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801

This is a guided walking tour through Huntsville’s Old Town Historic District.

Just as before, no need for reservations, just join in! And, I will say it again; this tour too is absolutely FREE!

If you have questions, call the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center at (256) 551-2370 (local) or toll-free at (800) SPACE-4-U.

Finding Huntsville Walking Tour with Katie Stamps

Saturday, October 12, 11 am – 12 pm

This fascinating foray into Huntsville’s architectural history is hosted by the Historic Huntsville Foundation and departs from Harrison Brothers Hardware located at 124 Southside Square.

Take a leisurely stroll around the courthouse square to learn about the gorgeous and diverse architectural style represented in our beautiful downtown with this free, family-friendly tour led by Katie Stamps, Preservation Planner for the City of Huntsville. Every participant is gifted a free “Finding Huntsville Field Guide” and activity book. Aww, sweet!

Twickenham Historic District Photowalk

Thursday, October 17, 5 pm

“A picture is worth a thousand words” and, in this case, a thousand steps too!

Departing from the new Piper and Leaf location in Constitution Hall Park at 109 Gates Avenue, (get you some hot Orchard Peach half sweet, trust!), bloggers, photographers, Instagrammers, and all those interested in Huntsville history are invited to join hosts, the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau for a free, guided photowalk through one of Huntsville’s most picturesque (makes sense, right?) neighborhoods.

Snap your own stunning photos of our lovely Twickenham and its antebellum architecture while local legendary tour guide Van Brown “spills the tea” on Huntsville’s first historic district. Sure, you don’t have to take photos but, seriously, do it for “the Gram”.

They will also have professional photography tips, shared by Sarah Bélanger!

“*No tickets or reservations are needed for walking tours. Just bring yourself (and your thirst for historical knowledge!)”

If you have questions, call the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center at (256) 551-2370 (local) or toll-free at (800) SPACE-4-U.”

Finding Huntsville Walking Tour with Carol Codori

Saturday, October 19, 11 am – 12 pm

In case you missed the first go ‘round, this is round two of the aforementioned Finding Huntsville Walking Tour, brought to you by the Historic Huntsville Foundation (HHF). But, this time, you have a new host; it’s HHF board member and community volunteer Carol Codori. Remember, this one is super cool because it comes with a gift!! (It’s hard to beat the past with presents.) Every participant receives a free Finding Huntsville Field Guide and activity book. This tour, once again, departs from Harrison Brothers Hardware located at 124 Southside Square.

Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll

Sunday, October 20, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

This annual event has been a personal favorite for more years than I can count and though, if we’re splitting hairs, it’s not “technically” a walking tour…I don’t care. It’s my list. I’m puttin’ it here!

Hosted by the Huntsville Pilgrimage Association, the Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll is said to be “one of the largest living history strolls in the nation”, they have over 75 costumed characters (I must admit, I go back to see favorites every year), traditional music, exhibits, an antique auto display and scavenger hunt.

Opening Ceremonies and the Grand Stroll Parade of Characters on the Main Avenue of the Cemetery begins at 1:30 p.m. and character stories and traditional music can be enjoyed from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Heads up! I’m not the only person who has made this a cherished event each year. It’s usually attended by upwards of 10,000 people so parking can be “deadly” difficult. Make plans to park in a downtown parking deck and take the shuttle departing from the courthouse square 1 pm – 5 pm.

Espadrilles or chair with wheels, October is the month for you to get out and roam the Rocket City, join in the fun and perhaps learn a little something along the way.

Happy Huntsville History Month, y’all!