REDSTONE ARSENAL: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

Welcome to Redstone Arsenal, the Army's center for missile and rocket programs. Located in northern Alabama, Redstone Arsenal's 38,248 acres are home to a number of space and missile organizations. Redstone Arsenal's population includes approximately 850 active-duty personnel; 35,500 Department of Defense civilian personnel and contractors; and 15,000 retirees and their family members. The post is home to the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center; the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center; the Missile Defense Agency; the Defense Intelligence Agency's Missile and Space Intelligence Center; U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command; U.S. Army Materiel Command; the Redstone Test Center; U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command; U.S. Army Security Assistance Command; the ATF's National Center for Explosives Training and Research; and the FBI's Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center and Hazardous Device School. Recently, Redstone Arsenal was selected as the preferred location to house the headquarters of U.S. Space Command. For a full list of units and tenants at Redstone Arsenal, visit the post's website. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Redstone Arsenal so you can get to know your new post and its surrounding community. 1. Where Is Redstone Arsenal? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There – Directions to the Post 4. Entering Redstone Arsenal and Post Amenities

• Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
• Redstone Arsenal Visitor Center
• Redstone Arsenal Gate Hours
• Redstone Arsenal DEERS Office
• Redstone Arsenal Commissary
• Redstone Arsenal Exchange
• Redstone Arsenal Barber Shops
• Redstone Arsenal Post Office
• Redstone Arsenal Finance Office
• Redstone Arsenal Legal Office
• Redstone Arsenal Library
• Redstone Arsenal Hotels

5. Where Should I Live Near Redstone Arsenal? 6. What Schools are Near Redstone Arsenal? 7. What’s the Weather Like in Redstone Arsenal? 8. Things to Do Near Redstone Arsenal

Where is Redstone Arsenal?

Visitor Center

Gate 9, Rideout Road Redstone Arsenal, AL 35808

Phone:

1 (256) 876-7738

Redstone Arsenal Map

Directions to Redstone Arsenal

Redstone Arsenal is found in northern Alabama in Madison County. To the north, east, and west of post is Huntsville; to the south is the Tennessee River.

Huntsville International Airport

The closest major airport is Huntsville International Airport, which is less than 10 miles from the post.

Driving Directions From Huntsville International Airport

1. Follow signs along Houston Goodson Way/Glenn Hearn Boulevard to Interstate 565 east.
2. At Exit 14, turn right onto the ramp (AL-255/Rideout Road/Gate 9).
3. Follow the Gate 9 visitor center signs.

Driving Directions From Birmingham, Alabama

1. Travel north on Interstate 65 for 80 miles.
2. Turn right on Interstate 565.
3. Go 10 miles east toward Gate 9, Rideout Road.
4. Turn right toward the installation gate.

Driving Directions From Nashville, Tennessee

1. Travel south on Interstate 65 for 81 miles.
2. Take Exit 1, US-31/TN-7 toward Huntsville, Ardmore.
3. Turn left on US-31/TN-7. TN-7 becomes TN-53.
4. Travel 18 miles to Research Park Boulevard NW/AL-255 south.
5. Turn right on Research Park Boulevard NW and travel 6 miles to Gate 9.

Driving Directions From Chattanooga, Tennessee

1. Take Interstate 24 toward Nashville/Birmingham for 27 miles.
2. Turn right on the exit for Pittsburg, Tennessee, on US-64/US-72 and go under the highway toward Pittsburg.
3. Stay on US-72 for 70 miles until it turns into Interstate 565.
4. Go 7 miles to the Gate 9 exit.

Redstone Arsenal Transportation Office

Getting ready for a PCS move and in need of some help? Visit the Redstone Arsenal newcomers’ website to get started.

Redstone Arsenal Transportation and Personal Property Services

Logistics Readiness Center Building 3433, Snooper Road Redstone Arsenal, AL 35808

Phone:

1 (256) 876-5161

Redstone Arsenal Transportation Office Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0830 to 1630.

Entering Redstone Arsenal and Post Amenities

If you do not have a valid military ID, you may have to stop at the visitor center to gain post access. Click here for more information on the visitor center at Redstone Arsenal.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Upon arrival, soldiers, civilian and contractor employees, and their families can visit the Gen. John J. Pershing Community Welcome Center, in Building 3443. The welcome center can be reached at 1 (256) 842-6122. The nearby One Stop facility, in Building 3494, provides human resources and military personnel services. The military personnel office, in the One Stop facility, provides CAC and ID card services, in-processing services, and more. Contact your assigned unit for specific in-processing procedures and requirements. For more information on checking in, visit Redstone Arsenal's website for newcomers.

Redstone Arsenal Visitor Center

The visitor center issues temporary vehicle passes and can provide directions and information on the post. For more information on post access and the visitor center, visit the Redstone Arsenal website.

Visitor Center

Gate 9, Rideout Road Redstone Arsenal, AL 35808

Phone:

1 (256) 876-7738

Redstone Arsenal Gate Hours

Redstone Arsenal gate hours may change due to COVID-19 restrictions. For current hours, visit the Redstone Arsenal website.

• Gate 1:

  Martin Road (east), open 0530 to 2100 Monday through Friday.

• Gate 3:

  Redstone Road, closed.

• Gate 7:

  Martin Road (west), open 0530 to 1400 Monday through Friday. Open 1400 to 2100 Monday through Friday for outbound traffic only.

• Gate 8:

  Goss Road, open 24/7.

• Gate 9:

  Rideout Road, open 24/7.

• Gate 10:

  Patton Road, closed.

Redstone Arsenal DEERS

For information on making an appointment, visit the Redstone Arsenal DEERS and ID cards website.

Redstone Arsenal DEERS and ID Card Office

Building 3494, Honest John Road Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898

Phone:

1 (256) 842-2413

Redstone Arsenal DEERS Office and ID Card Office Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0730 to 1500 for CAC walk-ins and 0730 to 1545 for ID card walk-ins.

Redstone Arsenal Commissary

Building 3224, Acton Drive Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898

Phone:

1 (256) 876-3517

Redstone Arsenal Commissary Hours

• Tuesday through Saturday -

  0900 to 1900.

• Sunday -

  0900 to 1800.

Redstone Arsenal PX

Redstone Arsenal Exchange

Building 3220, Acton Drive Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898

Phone:

1 (256) 883-6100

Redstone Arsenal PX Hours

• Monday through Saturday -

  1000 to 1800.

• Sunday -

  1000 to 1700.

Redstone Arsenal Barber Shops

Make a call ahead for up-to-date barber shop hours.

PX Barber Shop

Building 3220, Acton Drive Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898

Phone:

1 (256) 881-7409

PX Barber Shop Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0800 to 1600.

• Saturday -

  0900 to 1600.

Redstone Arsenal Post Office

3710 Aerobee Road Huntsville, AL 35808

Phone:

1 (256) 650-1153

Redstone Arsenal Post Office Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0930 to 1330 and 1430 to 1630.

Redstone Arsenal Finance Office

If you're looking for financial advice or assistance on money matters, the talented and professional counselors of Redstone Arsenal's Financial Readiness Program can help.

Redstone Arsenal Financial Readiness Program

Building 3443, Aerobee Road Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898

Phone:

1 (256) 876-5397

Redstone Arsenal Financial Readiness Program Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0700 to 1630.

Redstone Arsenal Legal Assistance

Visit the legal assistance office's website for more information on appointments and walk-in services.

Redstone Arsenal Legal Office

Building 34939, Honest John Road Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898

Phone:

1 (256) 876-9005

Redstone Arsenal Legal Office Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday -

  0830 to 1600, appointments only. Closed for lunch 1200 to 1300.

• Thursday -

  0830 to 1600, walk-ins only. Closed for lunch 1200 to 1300.

Redstone Arsenal Library

Building 3323, Redeye Road Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898

Phone:

1 (256) 876-4741

Redstone Arsenal Library Hours

• Tuesday through Friday -

  0930 to 1745.

• Saturday -

  0930 to 1545.

Redstone Arsenal Hotels

There are many hotels near Redstone Arsenal, so you're sure to find one to fit your budget. For a full list of military lodges and affiliated resorts in the area, visit the Department of Defense Lodging website and the IHG Army Hotels website.

1. Candlewood Suites

3440 Aerobee Road Huntsville, AL 35808

Phone:

1 (256) 924-7707

2. IHG Army Hotels

Buildings 131, 133, and 135 Huntsville, AL 35808

Phone:

1 (256) 924-7707

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide's Redstone Arsenal Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels near Redstone Arsenal.

Where Should I Live Near Redstone Arsenal?

Cities Near Redstone Arsenal

While many military family members call post housing their home, others choose to live in nearby communities. The neighboring communities of Huntsville, Madison, and Monrovia provide housing, employment, and other services for Redstone Arsenal military families. The cost of living in nearby Huntsville is lower than the national average, so area rental housing and real estate is reasonable.

Suggested Read:

Redstone Arsenal Housing: 7 On-Post Options

Best Places to Live Near Redstone Arsenal

Huntsville

The city of Huntsville and its neighborhoods are found to the west, north, and east of the post and offer a convenient commute to Redstone Arsenal. The city has a population of approximately 200,600 people. Huntsville is home to several museums, including the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a children's museum, an art museum, and museums that explore the area's history. The 112-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden showcases a variety of specialty gardens and features the nation's largest open-air butterfly house. If you want to take in the arts, check out the Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theater and Academy, the Broadway Theatre League, the Huntsville Ballet, or the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. Huntsville also has more than 60 parks and recreational facilities, featuring pools, splash pads, playgrounds, trails, dog parks, sports fields and courts, picnic facilities, and more.

Madison

The city of Madison is west of Redstone Arsenal. The city is home to approximately 51,600 people. The city has community parks, greenways and trails, and a number of recreational facilities and programs. Madison's Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve boasts stunning views, rock formations, fossils, caves, a waterfall, and nature trails.

Hot Tip: Look for Redstone Arsenal homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Redstone Arsenal Schools

There are many options for your child's education near Redstone Arsenal. Alabama offers traditional public schools, as well as public charter schools and private schools. For younger children, there are a variety of local daycares and child care programs on and off post. Area school districts include Madison County Schools, Madison City Schools, and Huntsville City Schools. There are no DoDEA schools on post. The Redstone Arsenal School Support Services website has more information on area school districts, home schooling in Alabama, special education resources, and the youth sponsorship program, which matches incoming students with a fellow student who can guide them in their new community. The website also has contact information for the post's school liaison officer, who can provide information and guidance on area schools as well as educational resources for your children.

Redstone Arsenal Weather

Redstone Arsenal enjoys all four seasons. In the winter, average highs are in the 40s and 50s and average lows are in the 30s. In the summer, it's humid and temperatures soar to the high 80s, with average lows in the 70s. Redstone Arsenal gets about 56 inches of rain annually. Snow is not unheard of, but rare as winters are mild.

Redstone Arsenal Things to Do

Redstone Arsenal and the surrounding region are home to many historical sites, museums, art venues, theaters, great restaurants and breweries, and vibrant shopping districts. On post, there are a multitude of recreational opportunities, including bowling, golfing, hunting, swimming, and more. Outside the gates, with Huntsville nearby, there's no shortage of things to do. Get out and explore!

Suggested Reads:

17 Of the Best Things to Do Near Redstone Arsenal and 28 of the Best Restaurants Near Redstone Arsenal

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Redstone Arsenal at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

Moving to a new post comes with challenges, but Redstone Arsenal is a great place to call home. Head to local hangouts, spend the day in nearby Huntsville, and discover other area gems to experience everything this region and world-class post have to offer you during your time here.  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.