Monte Sano (loosely translated as mountain of health) is a community of approximately 650 homes, along with a state park, schools, churches, a museum, and much more. Some of Monte Sano's most famous residents were the Von Braun rocket scientists, but the history of the mountain starts well before their arrival. (Wikipedia has a brief entry about the history of Monte Sano.) At the turn of the 20th century, the top of Monte Sano mountain was the perfect spot for a remote, exclusive health resort, but today, Huntsville's bustling downtown and medical district are only 10 minutes away. Over the years our community has maintained a truly unique and rich character, and while city life is only minutes away, the tranquility and beauty of the mountaintop offers plenty to do without leaving home.
This website is intended to be a central place for links to all of Monte Sano's important organizations:
The Monte Sano Civic Association, founded in 1954, is one of the oldest civic associations in Huntsville. It was created for the purpose of promoting interest in the Monte Sano Mountain as a well regulated, happy and attractive residential area; to promote the proper use, management and development of property; to propagate, preserve and protect the natural growth of trees and flowers, wildlife and other natural resources… to publish authentic information regarding the opportunities and attractions of Monte Sano Mountain; to assist persons desiring to visit or become permanent residents of Monte Sano Mountain; to participate in activities for the general development and promotion of Monte Sano Mountain.
Monte Sano Village is a membership-based, non-profit organization supporting the efforts of mountain residents to remain in their homes for as long as possible by enhancing a vibrant, inter-generational community and by connecting neighbors with a network of services and resources.
Monte Sano Club is a membership-based private corporations and one of the finest outdoor recreation facilities in Huntsville. Club facilities include an olympic-size main swimming pool, a separate lap/kids pool, a toddler's pool, tennis and volleyball courts, a pavilion, and plenty of spaces on the bluff for cookouts and other gatherings with a truly spectacular view.
Monte Sano State Park, part of the Alabama State Park System, has cabins (some dating to the CCC era), camping spaces, glamping tents, a store, a beautifully restored lodge for events, and the North Alabama Japanese Tea Garden. Perhhpas best of all, the park has numerous trails for hiking, biking, and exploring, many with beautiful views of the bluff and rock formations.
The Land Trust leads regional and community collaborations that plan, preserve, and provide stewardship for green space in North Alabama. The mission is to preserve North Alabama's scenic, historic and ecological resources through conservation, advocacy, recreation and education. To date, the Land Trust has preserved over 10,000 acres, including a large area of Monte Sano Mountain with trails for hiking and biking.
Burritt on the Mountain is one of Huntsville's finest museums. Located on Roundtop Mountain, adjacent to Monte Sano Mountain, the museum complex includes the original Burritt mansion, a number of historical buildings, nature trails, the gazebo on the bluff, and more. Burritt has educational events throughout the year. Burritt's mission is to enhance lives and build community through educational, artistic and recreational experiences, while preserving our heritage, land and historic structures. Burritt's vision is to be the preeminent destination for people seeking enrichment and discovery in an environment where the past is preserved, the present enjoyed, and the future anticipated.
The mission at Monte Sano Baptist Church is to be a church where the Bible is taught faithfully and accurately, disciples are made locally and globally, and our community is impacted physically and spiritually.
The mission at Monte Sano United Methodist Church is to welcome all to grow in love and faith through Christ. The church believes in the transformational power of a relationship with Jesus Christ, and hopes that members will experience this kind of transformation in their lives. At Monte Sano United Methodist Church members will find a church family that is earnestly seeking the will of God in their lives and seeking to build the Kingdom of God in our community.
Monte Sano Elementary School is a part of the Huntsville City School System, serving grades K–6. It is regularly ranked as one of the best schools in the system.
Valley Leadership Academy employs an innovative, family-centered educational approach. As a hybrid non-profit school, the academy offers the flexibility of homeschooling with the benefits of a school community. The goal is to elicit the curiosity, excellence of character, and genius that are the potential in all children.
The Von Braun Astronomical Society was originally founded in 1954 with the help of Wernher Von Braun and several members of the Von Braun missile team. The facilities are located in Monte Sano State park and now include two observatories, an astronomical library, a solar telescope, and a planetarium.
The Little Green Store and Gallery is a unique gallery in a unique setting. The store offers a variety of different products and price ranges. With unique handmade gifts, local and regional art, jewelry, pottery and glass there is no doubt something will catch your eye.
The Monte Sano Woman's Club, now independent, started as the first Federated Woman's Club in Huntsville.