Mountain Property Daytrip to the Burritt On The Mountain – A Living Museum

Burritt on the Mountain is a wonderful museum that is housed in the mountaintop home of Dr. William Henry Burritt and speaks of its regional history. This spectacular 14-room mansion was constructed in the shape of an X in the 1930s and was insulated effectively with more than 2000 bales of wheat straw. There is a historic park adjacent to the museum building and shows traces of rural life during the years from 1850 to 1900. Another spectacular feature of the Museum is its grounds that offer a scenic view of Tennessee Valley and Huntsville.

History of the Burritt Mountain Museum

The Burritt on the Mountain Museum is situated on a magnificent 170-acre place high over the city of Huntsville, Alabama. Dr. William Henry Burritt, a physician and an inventor, built the Museum in 1936. Today with several fascinating touches added to the Museum, the mansion gives the visitors an impressive knowledge of the history of the people and the environment of the Southern Cumberland region of Alabama and Tennessee.

You should also tour the exhibition galleries and discover the secrets of the beautiful prehistoric Indian artifacts, rocks and minerals, regional and natural history, personal artifacts and 19th century furnishings.

Places to visit in Burritt Mountain Museum

The Historic Park surrounding the Burritt on the Mountain Museum interprets the typical rustic farm life of the 1850s and 1900s. The carefully restored historic buildings with authentic 19th century interpreters narrating the living history of the past adds to the educational experience of all the tourists.

The Nature Trails around the Museum wind through the Burritt Mountain and allow the hikers to discover century old historic coalmines and quarries. During the spring season, these trails remain vibrant with colorful flowers and sweet fragrances. To cater to the needs of the tourists, there are several rest areas or drinking fountain sites to provide relief to the weary hikers.

Things to do

Along with various other occasions, Burritt on the Mountain Museum hosts spectacular Christmas celebrations, for all to enjoy. The Christmas celebrations bring light and vibrancy to the season, as the Park is decorated with thousands of aromatic candles and a sweet music flows all throughout the Park. You can gather by the warm Christmas fireplace, sip your wine, sing carols and enjoy a delicious dinner in the winter warmth of a fire.

A special attraction is the fruit fans that are made of assorted fresh fruits and decorate the doorways of the entire Mansion. There are Christmas cookies baked on the huge open hearths and the visitors are treated to old-time music wonders and apple cider juices. Children can enjoy a variety of traditional games and make beaded holiday ornaments to receive attractive prizes.

Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, students and the military, and $4 for children, aged from 2 to 18. Children below 2 years are given free admission. The Museum is always open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m.