An Insider's Look At Huntsville, AL
Visitors to Alabama looking for Huntsville tours need not look any further. We offer a variety of different tours of the Huntsville area, including walking tours, an informative Old Town Tour, tours of downtown Huntsville, and food tours.
If your small group is looking for fun in Huntsville AL, even if you're only visiting for a day, one of our tours is sure to have what you need. The town of Huntsville, which can be found in Madison County, is host to a wide range of activities that are fun, enjoyable, and exciting for guests.
Tickets for our tours are available throughout the year, and our tour guides are not only well-versed in Huntsville's history and lore, but they also call the city home!
Explore our activities
Historic Homes Walking Tour
Huntsville's Old Town Historic District is Huntsville's only neighborhood primarily composed of Victorian-era homes.
Now you can hear the stories behind some of Huntsville's earliest city-dwellers and discover how this neighborhood has played an integral role from the 1800s to the present day.
Pre-Civil War Homes Walking Tour: Twickenham
On this 3 Hour Tour, you will discover 20 of Alabama's largest collection of Pre-Civil War homes and structures. You will see the buildings and homes that are among the earliest in the state. Hear the stories of the people and structures that carved Alabama history. Within the Twickenham Historic District, there are homes of various architectural styles. Our focus is on those built prior to 1860.
Walking Tour + Art Museum Ticket
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes that are uniquely southern. Get up close and go behind the scenes and discover the narratives, the lifestyle and the culture in and around Huntsville. Explore Huntsville like a local. Discover significant spaces in Downtown Huntsville. Extend our Downtown Tour with a Art Museum Experience
Downtown Food Tour
Enjoy a delightful evening with friends and family as you survey the flavors of Downtown Huntsville and discover spectacular sites.
Support Small Business and Discover 3 Local Eateries while exploring spaces along a Downtown Food Tour.
Historic Homes Driving Tour: Old Town - Group Rate
Discover over 20 historic homes and historic structures
Encounter 3 Pre-Civil War homes
Drive through Huntsville's only predominantly Victorian-era neighborhood
Narratives about local history
Narratives about significant events
Stories about the historic home
Overview of the neighborhood impact on Huntsville
Guided driving tour
Private Driver
Comfortable transportation
Opportunity to walk historic streets
Pre-Civil War Homes Immersion Driving Tour: Twickenham - Group Rate
On this immersive 4 Hour Tour, you will discover 20 of Alabama's largest collection of Pre-Civil War homes and structures. You will dine inside the 1848 Humphries Rodgers House. You will explore the art and furnishings within the 1819 Weeden House. You will see the buildings and homes that are among the earliest in the state. Hear the stories of the people and structures that carved Alabama history.
Civil Rights Landmarks Driving Tour: Group Rate
The struggle for justice and the battle against hatred happened in Huntsville, Alabama. Now you can experience the landmarks in Huntsville that tell the story of our local Civil Rights Movement. Stand in the shadows of the earliest Public School in Alabama to Integrate; The first Private School in Alabama to Integrate; and Segregated Libraries.
Discover the original locations of Strategy and Organizing Meetings; Sit-ins and Street Marches; Healthcare Segregation; and Redline Neighborhoods designed to prevent integration.
Pay homage to sacred cemeteries for enslaved people; Discover the valiant military impact of Buffalo Soldiers; Celebrate the vision and the footprint of William Hooper Councill.
Expand your comprehension while visiting local sites that tell the story of American History within the Deep South.
Request your preferred date and we will partner with Rocket City Shuttles to schedule your tour.
Your photo memories are free and included in the cost of the experience.
Narratives about civil rights events
Narratives about local black history
Visits to locations where history occurred
Discussion on diversity topics
Overview of Huntsville’s role in Civil Rights Movement
Opportunity to walk along historic sites
Boxed lunch
Private Driver
Comfortable Transportation
Sharable photo album
Comfort stops along 4 hour journey
Guided Driving Tour
Private Tour Guide
Enjoy a customized tour designed by a local guide.
Experience an insider's view of the Huntsville area
Step on Guide
Invite us to jump onboard and tag-along with you! Scenethat Tours will connect with your existing group. We will utilize the existing transportation that is provided for your group and by your group. Scenethat Tours will “ride-along” with you for a fully narrated experience.
Your professional tour guide is able to join your pre-existing group and pre-existing transportation to tour the areas that are most important to you. Crunched for time? Our step-on-guide services can be for 1+ hour, 2+ hours or more: fully dependent on your schedules.
We know the area and we are happy to show you highlights and introduce you to locals who offer first-hand narratives about the must-see spaces.
Why choose us?
See More With Our Knowledgeable Local Guides!
Our knowledgeable guides are familiar with every nook and cranny of Huntsville. Our tour guides are locals who have lived in the city for a significant amount of time, and as a result, they are quite familiar with all of the attractive and one-of-a-kind aspects that contribute to the city's overall uniqueness.
Whether you have an interest in Civil War sites, Southern cuisine, the Civil Rights struggle, or history, we have you covered. Our tours run continuously throughout the year, and each one is designed to be educational as well as experiential.
Informative
Our guides provide profound and accurate information about the city's history, culture, and attractions. We'll share local narratives, highlight some of the most popular attractions, and give you an insider's look at Huntsville's distinctive culture.
Immersive
The tours take you to different parts of the city and allow you to experience the local culture firsthand. We believe that experiencing a place is better than just reading about it, so our tours are designed to take you right into the heart of a location and help you feel like you could live there yourself! You will hear untold stories. You will be introduced to people left out of history books.
Interactive
Our local city tours involve more than just sitting back— they involve interaction between our guides and our guests, making the tour more enjoyable and memorable.! Our guides will ask questions and give you opportunities to share your own thoughts about the places we visit together on the tour.
Words from our customers
Don’t miss this tour. Absolutely first class Denise is outstanding
Lisa Nicholls
25th January 2023
We had an amazing tour! I highly recommend Denise - she did an amazing job!
Adelia Gray
17th January 2023
Denise was awesome. She was authentic, knowledgeable, and kind to everyone in the group. She did a great job to represent a warm-hearted southerner. Miss her already!
BRIAN CHOI
16th December 2022
Denise accommodated my request to host a corporate event that focused on local Black History. The tour was filled with good information. She is an engaging facilitator. Highly recommend!
Grant Carodine
29th November 2022
Denies Swan was a welcoming and knowledgeable tour guide. As a longtime resident of Huntsville, AL, she highlighted the rich history and culture of Huntsville and provided perspective on issues impacting the city. We made several photogenic stops and she pointed out local artist installations as well as historical sites. She provided refreshment which was need on this hot summer day and even recommended a locally owned restaurant for a hearty lunch afterwards. I highly recommend Denies and Scenthat Tours for a fantastic walking tour.
E. M. Cobbett
13th September 2022
Our city tour of Huntsville was great. Denise, you rock! Best regards from Poland 🙂
Krzysztof R.
13th September 2022
Denise is a wonderful tour guide. She is knowledgeable, personable, and professional. We learned so much about downtown Huntsville- all in an hour. Definitely add this tour (or one of her other tours) to your “to-do” list while in Huntsville.
paigesmd61
13th August 2022
We received excellent service, very professional and provided what the group requested. I have lived in the Huntsville area for over 40 years and I learned so much about the area that I didn’t know. If you need a knowledgeable tour guide, I recommend Scenethat Tours. Also, they are very reasonable in price. I would use them again with no hesitation.
Mary Turner
13th July 2022
Amazing experience! I learned so much about Huntsville i did not know, and I've lived in this area most of my life!
Victoria Marshall
13th July 2022
Denise crafted a customized full-day exploration of Huntsville and all that it offers, specific to my request and my schedule. Her breadth of information, delivered in a way that made it very easy to grasp and retain, has given me a ton of new knowledge about Huntsville and a desire to return. Next time, I want to do the food tour! It was a terrifically enjoyable and interesting day, and Denise made it all happen!
Elaine Chu
13th July 2022
I had a fantastic experience! The tour was both informative and impactful. To be so enlightened about a city I called home for over a decade is priceless!
Jb King
13th July 2022
Very informative and insightful tour! Definitely learned some things about Huntsville’s history, after living here for 10+ years.
Karmessa Padgett
13th July 2022
Wonderful tour filled so many memorable sights that I never knew about in Huntsville. Highly recommended tour! Denise was amazing!
Darryl Mitchell
13th July 2022
The Civil Rights Landmarks tour was AMAZING. Not being from Huntsville but having lived in the city off an on for awhile, gave me a new appreciation for the history of the city. I learned sooooo much. Denise is an extremely knowledgeable guide and made the information interesting and impactful. I especially enjoyed learning about the first public school in Alabama to desegregate and having an opportunity to stand on the actual steps. 10 out of 10 I would recommend!!!
Maurice Jackson
13th July 2022
Thank you so much Denise Brown Swain for the history of the South and Huntsville. We’re so impressed with the places that you presented to us from arts murals, Museums, old towns, science, politics, space, city tours, food and coffee shops and natural trekking. You worked so hard for us and we’re so delighted with the most detailed and informative tour that we ever experienced. For those who wish or plan to go to the South and looking for a guide that can provide you with historical and modern perspectives, I strongly recommend Denise without reservation. #SceneThatTours
Krit Kunplin
13th May 2022
Denise did a wonderful job in explaining the history of Huntsville. Instead of just giving facts and dates she presented the history of people, groups and architecture by telling a story which makes it easier to understand and retain the Information giving. Overall she was a great and fun tour guide.
Dee Green
13th April 2022
Scenethat Tours have a great tour of downtown Huntsville. It was a great look at the art, history, and food of the downtown area. I would recommend it to anyone that travels to Huntsville or even the locals. It is a wonderful experience.
James Hollin
13th April 2022
Denise is highly knowledgeable of downtown Huntsville history, and she provides an enjoyable and interactive experience for visitors and locals alike! Her food tour presents some of the best downtown food offerings and removes the stress of figuring out what and where to eat!
Emily Polak
13th April 2022
If you want to get a taste of Huntsville, Scenethat Tours is it! Get a taste of Huntsville’s history and a taste of Huntsville’s local fare. Denise is personable, knowledgeable and fun. This should be #1 on any visitor or Huntsvillian list of things to do in Huntsville.
JKH
13th April 2022
Although we are Huntsville locals, Denise introduced us to new and interesting Huntsville facts along with delicious bites from top Huntsville restaurants❣️ Come hungry and wear your stretchy pants!
Jennifer Coleman
13th April 2022
Great tour! An experience you must try.
Julian B
13th April 2022
Great walking tour and a delicious introduction to the downtown Huntsville foodie scene
Ed and Jennifer Coleman
13th April 2022
Thank you for being our tour guide. The mentees and I were very please with your knowledge of the sites we visited. It was very informative and educational. I look forward to networking with you in the near future. Thanks! -Don
April and Don Swain
13th March 2022
Let me first apologize to Denise as I was supposed to do this review shortly after our trip in June 2021. My wife and I did a tour with Denise and had a wonderful time. Her knowledge of the area, its history, and the fun facts she shared with us were great! We learned a lot about the area in the short time that we were with her. The weather was warm but not too bad and the walking distance wasn't bad either. THANKS DENISE!
Sanford Campbell
13th February 2022
Denise is a fabulous tour guide! She is professional and prepared, and does all she can to ensure you have a good experience. Denise knows her Huntsville history, and it is clear that she has done a significant amount of research for her tours. She is sharing stories that need to be told and the Rocket City is lucky to have her tour services!
Katie Stamps
13th February 2022
Denise is a gem! I learned so much about Huntsville and have a new appreciation for the city. What an incredible guide and storyteller - she really brought the city to life. Highly recommend!!!!
Alan Armijo
13th January 2022
I really enjoyed my tour with Denise! The tour was super engaging-- I loved analyzing the murals, learning about the trail of tears, and visiting the old hardware store. It was nice that Denise also gave us an opportunity to talk to some local people from the area too. A+ tour
Jazz Dottin
13th January 2022
Such an amazing tour! I ended up in Huntsville and had absolutely no idea how much fantastic history and art is in the city. Denise was entertaining and informative and made the city come alive with her stories— her tour is not to be missed if you’re in town! Great for locals and visitors alike.
Mitch Bach
13th January 2022
This tour made me want to move to Huntsville. I absolutely loved the city and the tour guide was spectacular. She shared the rich history of the city as well as the dark past in a way that made me feel hopeful for the future. If you are going to Huntsville this is a must do!
Areahna O.
13th December 2021
Denise is the consummate professional. She knows Huntsville!! She answers all questions and does so with warmth and care.
Karen W
2nd November 2021
Denise is an excellent, engaging and knowledgeable Tour guide on the murals and history of Huntsville Alabama.I was on one of her Mural Tours of Huntsville Alabama in which she gave our group an absolutely fantastic overview of the murals, putting each of the murals in their historical context and drawing on her own experience of living in the south and the region. I would recommend SceneThat Tours to anyone planning a visit to Huntsville and North Alabama . Thanks again!
Leon B.
23rd April 2021
Denise was very informative and professional. I learned many interesting things about the city of Huntsville.
Beverly Burks
13th December 2020
This was an excellent presentation
Cynthia Finney
13th December 2020
I really like how Denise presented the history lesson. I learned much information that I did not know. She was Professional and easy to understand!
Gwen Taylor
13th December 2020
The service provided was professional, budget friendly, educational, and fun!
Leila Elkins
13th December 2020
Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in a fascinating tour called the Murals on Instagram with Denise as the Tour Guide Extraordinaire. Her passion, extensive knowledge and presentation of the vibrant art community in Huntsville held our interest from start to finish. Also, the safety and comfort of her guests are paramount.
Sam 77
13th December 2020
Denise offered a perfectly curated tour experience highlighting Huntsville's arty side, with her Murals of Instagram tour. What I truly appreciate about Denise is her focus on the client; she placed great emphasis on our health and comfort, sharing the precautions she took for our safety so we could relax and enjoy the art of Huntsville.
Donna Castellano
13th December 2020
SceneThatTour is the go to tour experience!!! I have experienced history from the tour guide, Denise, as if she lived what she is telling us about. She has researched her information thoroughly! You will be enriched!!
Gail I.
8th November 2020
I had such a great time learning about Huntsville with Denise. She was warm, passionate, professional, knowledgeable, and accommodating throughout our two hour walking tour, tailored to meet my needs and interests. Denise shared a sound understanding of the founding of and current progress in the city along with a generous peak at the contemporary murals found throughout the City Center. I highly recommend working with Denise to schedule the tour or group experience you are seeking. She’ll help you fall in love with this up and coming Southern city as I have.
defranks
24th August 2020
Denise has researched the subject matter to the degree she is telling it "firsthand". I experienced the "Murals of Instagram Experience" where we viewed murals/artwork around Huntsville, not just the obvious, easily seen, but the tucked-away-in-the-alley art as well. Our tourguide actually interivewed each artist to get the background and the message the artist wanted to portray to their audience. It was educational and engaging! I never knew so much art was tucked away all over Huntsville. I now want to explore more!!
mzgfisher
2nd August 2020
I was in Huntsville visiting a friend and this tour had been recommended to me. Wow! I was so impressed! Denise was very friendly, extremely knowledgeable and made the time spent with her so productive and enjoyable. Highly recommend!
Karen W
29th March 2020
It’s one thing to read about this history of your city, but it’s another thing to walk these routes and stand in these places of significance. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour, and Denise did an amazing job of telling this part of Huntsville’s story. We highly recommend Scenethat Walking Tours!
BamaBodh
15th February 2020
My Rotary Club went as a group on a lovely November Sunday afternoon. There was a bunch of us and we are even featured in the video currently running on their website. Everyone had a great time and it was a nice way to get to know (or reacquainted with) downtown Huntsville. Even those that have lived here a long time learned something new!
MarciaE
12th January 2020
I enjoyed my tour as it was both informative, educational, and entertaining! Our tour guide, Denise had a way of telling history that draws you in....making you want to hear more! If you want a great tour, book with Scenethat Walking Tours!!
Gail Fisher
13th December 2019
Denise was a great tour guide! She is super friendly and knowledgeable about Huntsville and will answer any and all of your questions. Great tour!
Amy
30th October 2019
Really enjoyed my day with Denise as we travelled to various places downtown where presidents from the 1800s to present day have visited. She did her research and provided pictures, quotes and tidbits of information to bring the events to life. She has several tours that I plan to take.
Sjhornaday
12th October 2019
My dad and I took an amazing tour with Denise! We walked about 1.5 miles and felt like we learned so much about Huntsville, from the various presidents who have passed through, to its history during the civil war and civil rights, to architecture... just everything! The War Memorial was stunning and is a must see! And the city has done a beautiful job preserving its history! Highly recommended. My dad and I are new to the south and just so impressed by Denise’s demeanor and knowledge. We felt like lifelong friends meeting up for a stroll, yet learned so much about a city we may otherwise may have just passed through. Denise also gave us great suggestions for the rest of our road trip through the south. She truly went above and beyond to make it an amazing experience for us!
Emily A
28th September 2019
Denise has such a warming personality and everything she says comes from the heart. If you are in Alabama it's really worth your time to take her walking tours. You will not regret it!
ThomasC1717
4th August 2019
Denise has such enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for history. It was such a delight having her as a guide. We had an enjoyable experience!
Cassandra S
1st August 2019
Denise's happy attitude during the tours was contagious, she kept everyone engaged in her tour and gave a lot of information. You can tell she really knows a lot of history about the places we visit and she makes sure to answer any questions. I'm glad she was my guide and I hope I get her as a guide again! 😃
Camille
31st July 2019
she speaks from the heart with such eloquence and passion, she will transport you back in time...get ready to learn from the best guide!
Cataintheworld
29th July 2019
Discover Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama, is a city with a rich history and a variety of attractions and activities for tourists to enjoy. Huntsville is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including state parks, hiking trails, and lakes, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and the city is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including art galleries, museums, and historic landmarks, especially in downtown Huntsville.
Visitors can choose from a wide range of restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines, from local Southern dishes to international flavors, and visit a number of events and festivals throughout the year, including music festivals, food festivals, and art fairs.
Huntsville has a variety of shopping and entertainment options, including malls, movie theaters, and live music venues, and its close proximity to other attractions in Alabama, such as Birmingham and the Gulf Coast, makes it a convenient base for exploring the state.
Frequently asked questions
We have a one hour walking tour. We have a two hour historic homes tour. We have a three hour food tour. We have a four hour driving tour.
It is imperative to wear comfortable, cushiony shoes. We will be walking across historical cobblestone paths, historic uneven sidewalks, some gravel area.
There are scheduled breaks within our three hour tour and four hour tour. We bundle in time for a comfort stop and photo opportunities. Regarding our one hour tour and two hour tour, there are no breaks for these shorter length tours.
Huntsville is a full of visual markers that are free to explore. What Scenethat Tours provides a private, all-inclusive experience with commentary, local perspective and a professional tour guide. We introduce you to people who make the local experience come alive. Additionally, we share insights and stories and local flavor.
We offer a three-hour food tour.
If Scenethat Tours is serving as your Step-on Guide, we will be friendly to whatever pet is in the vehicle. However, pets are not included within Scenethat Tours planning.
Let’s have a personal discussion during the tour planning process.
Several organizations have asked Scenethat Tours to conduct an experience for their youth group. Let’s have a personal discussion during the tour planning process.
When you book from our website booking platform, all tours are cancellable within 6 hours notice.
There will be no tours during persistent thunderstorms or persistent severe weather. In our area we always stay weather aware. It would be our joy change the dates and start times to accommodate you.
Each of our tours feature a group rate. Driving tours are priced to accommodate up to 13 passengers. If you require a larger vehicle, we will build a price for you.
Scenethat Tours and its affiliated entities and its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns, neither own nor operate any person or entity which is to, or does provide goods and services for these trips or tours. Because Scenethat Tours does not maintain any control over the personnel, equipment or operations of these suppliers, Scenethat Tours assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful, or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the tour suppliers, or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, instrument owned, operated or otherwise by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful, or negligent act or omissions on any part of other party not under the supervision or control of the Operator.
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