10 Museums in Alabama Mountain Lakes That You Shouldn't Miss

Our iconic recording studio opened in 1969 when studio musicians now known as The Swampers - David Hood, Jimmy Johnson, Barry Beckett and Roger Hawkins - left FAME Studio and started their own operation. Fully restored to it's 1969 look thanks to a grant from Beats Electronics, the studio is open for tours and is once again a fully functioning recording studio at night. A wide array of merchandise is also available in store and online with new designs and the classic duds worn by Mick Jagger, Bog Seger, Willie Nelson, Linda Rondstadt, Rod Stewart etc. Tour guides start in the basement where the publishing offices were, proceed to the main studio and end in the gift shop of course! There are numerous Swamper sightings! Group tour rates are available and the studio is open to requests for special events and occasions like weddings and birthday bashes. We are not your typical hands-off museum. We encourage people to play the piano where Old Time Rock and Roll was recorded!

Located in Huntsville Alabama, The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum is one of the premier military museums in the world. The exhibits of memorabilia, artifacts, and military equipment range from the American Revolutionary War to present day. Included in the collection are many rare and important artifacts including the oldest surviving jeep: the Ford Pygmy.

Built in 1819 (the same year Alabama became a state) the home is not only a source of fine 19th Century furnishings and Federal style architecture, but is also the home of poet and artist Maria Howard Weeden. Howard Weeden was born in the house in 1846. Except for the Civil War years when Federal officers occupied the home, Howard spent her entire life in the home. She is known as being one of the first artists to paint African Americans true to life during the years following the Civil War. Guests enjoy a guided history tour which transports them to a bygone era learning about architecture, Weeden art and life in the Antebellum South. Since the home is furnished with antiques and original art that is accessible to visitors,tours are guided tours and last around an hour and 15 minutes. Tours are offered Wednesday-Saturday beginning at 10:30 AM or by appointment. Information at weedenhousemuseum.com

This 1905 railroad depot has undergone a $2.5M restoration. Today one-half of the depot is a police station and the other half is a train museum containing original railroad materials as well as model electric trains(HO, O, and G Scale). An HO model train layout contains scale replicas of many Decatur facilities. A true gem.

Home to Space Camp, Aviation Challenge and NASA's Official Visitor Information Center for Marshall Space Flight Center; The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is recognized as one of the most comprehensive U.S. manned space flight hardware museums in the world.

The Cook Museum of Natural Science is a 501c3, nonprofit foundation with a mission to engage, excite and educate visitors of all ages about the natural world around them. Located in Downtown, Decatur, AL, the museum will serve as an educational destination and cultural venue for various programs and meetings across North Alabama. The museum will offer multiple interactive exhibits, immersive educational experiences inside and outside of a classroom setting, STEAM programs, event space rentals, and the first Natures Table restaurant in Alabama!

Museum honoring Alabama natives inducted into the Music Hall of Fame.

Birthplace of the Father of the Blues.