Spend a Day Exploring Burritt on the Mountain’s Attractions

 Print This Post

Whether you love history, hiking, shopping for gifts or just enjoy exploring interesting places, you’ll find Burritt on the Mountain in Huntsville, Alabama an ideal place to spend a day.  

Burritt on the Mountain is a Living Museum that features an incredible mansion, historic park and a barnyard complete with farm animals.  Burritt on the Mountain not only recreates life on a 19th century farm, it is also the site of special events such as live musical and theatrical performances as well as exhibits.  

Burritt Mansion

The centerpiece of Burritt on the Mountain is the mansion once owned by Dr. Burritt.  Dr. Burritt willed his mansion and the surrounding land to the city of Huntsville in 1955, intending for it to become a museum.  Today, the mansion’s bedrooms and sitting rooms comprise five exhibit areas.
Exhibits at the Mansion focus on themes local to the area and region.  Rotating exhibits are on display, and items from Burritt’s permanent collection are also displayed and rotated.  These permanent collection items include a variety of artifacts, furniture items, late 19th and early 20th century paintings by local artists, and pictures.  Of particular note are some intriguing paintings done by Mrs. Anne Bradshaw Clopton who used spider webs as canvas.  
Historic Park

Burritt’s Historic Park showcases 19th century life on southern farms.  Living history interpreters in period clothing recreate scenes from daily life during this period.  They demonstrate typical farm tasks and activities in restored historic buildings.  These knowledgeable and friendly interpreters also engage in conversation, answer questions and invite visitors to engage in hands-on activities as they explore the barnyard.  

The farmyard includes animals as well as historic buildings.  Machinery traces developments in agricultural technology from 1900 thru 1950.  Crops from the 19th century are grown on site, and friendly barnyard animals such as goats and sheep, pigs and chickens entertain children as well as adults.

Round Top Mountain Nature Trails

During your visit to Burritt on the Mountain, you can also explore nature trails that traverse the woods and mountain.  You’ll see unique rock formations, pass by historic coal mines and see historic markers, depending on your hike. There are six different trails at Burritt ranging from easy to moderately difficult.  

Josie’s on the Mountain

Burritt on the Mountain features a wonderful Gift Shop, Josie’s on the Mountain.  This Gift Shop contains unique gift items as well as souvenirs.  Books, pottery, wrought iron items, tea sets, soaps and lotions are just some of the diverse items available.  Burritt Honey made on site is also available. There is a Bridal Section as well as a Toy Shop and Pet Boutique at Josie’s on the Mountain.  The Gift Shop itself is a popular attraction at Burritt’s on the Mountain.