Redstone Arsenal is an active U.S. Army installation next to Huntsville, Alabama. It hosts Army, NASA, federal, and defense organizations. This guide covers directions, gates, visitor rules, housing, schools, childcare, medical care, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Redstone Arsenal
Military branch U.S. Army
Base status Active
Main phone number 256-876-2151 (base operator and automated directory assistance)
Visitor Center phone 256-876-7738
Official website Redstone Arsenal official website

Location and Directions

Redstone Arsenal is adjacent to Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama. The nearest listed commercial airport is Huntsville International Airport, also called Carl T. Jones Field. Gate 9 on Rideout Road is the main entrance and is open 24 hours.

Gate hours vary by location and day. Check current gate availability and access rules before traveling.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Control Center is on Rideout Road at Gate 9. It is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is closed on federal holidays. Visitors and uncleared contractors age 18 and older without a valid Department of Defense identification credential may need a background check.

Gate Hours
Gate 9, Rideout Road Open 24/7
Gate 1, Martin Road 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; outbound-only 1:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday
Gate 3, Redstone Road 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday
Gate 7, Martin Road West 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; outbound-only 1:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday
Gate 8, Goss Road 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Gate 10, Patton Road 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday

Visitors should bring appropriate identification. Some eligible DoD identification-card holders may sponsor vehicle occupants under installation rules. DoD contractors with CACs cannot use trusted-traveler privileges. Confirm current access rules before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

The Housing Services Office is at One Stop, Building 3494, Honest John Road. It helps with relocation, off-post housing, rentals and sales, utility deposits, BAH setup, and landlord-tenant support. Call 256-876-6666 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; it closes from noon to 12:30 p.m. On-post housing is provided by Redstone Communities in Building 302 on Hughes Drive. Active-duty service members have priority. Call 256-400-5940 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On-post lodging is listed in official materials, but current lodging details and a phone number were not confirmed.

Facilities and Services

Service Location Phone
Gen. John J. Pershing Community Welcome Center Building 3443, Honest John Road 256-842-6122
One Stop Building 3494, Honest John Road Not listed
Transportation Services Building 3433, Snooper Road 256-876-5161

The Welcome Center provides Army Community Service, relocation help, financial readiness, leisure travel, Child and Youth Services enrollment, and School Liaison Services. Transportation Services helps with personal property, official travel, lodging reservations, and passport and visa services for eligible Department of Defense customers.

Schools and Childcare

Huntsville City Schools serves the area. Schools identified by the installation include Williams Elementary School, Williams Middle School, Columbia High School, Academy for Academics and Arts, and Academy for Science and Foreign Language. The School Liaison Office is in Building 3443 and can help military-connected families find school resources. Call 256-842-9642 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Two Child Development Centers serve children from 6 weeks through preschool. The Goss Road center offers full-day and hourly care, while the Mills Road center offers full-day care and after-school kindergarten care. Both are open Monday through Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children in Child and Youth Services programs must be registered through the central registration system at Parent Central Services.

Medical Services

Fox Army Health Center is at 4100 Goss Road, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama 35809-7000. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on weekends and federal holidays. The center offers listed specialty services, pharmacy services, beneficiary counseling, and patient advocacy. Call 256-955-8888 or 800-223-9531 for appointments. For a medical emergency, call 911 or contact a local hospital immediately.

Recreation and Amenities

Redstone Arsenal MWR facilities include outdoor recreation, an RV park and family campground, fitness centers, aquatics facilities, a golf complex, a bowling center, libraries, arts and crafts, sports fields, community events, and auto services. Non-affiliated community members may use some MWR facilities with an approved recreation badge and under installation access rules. Example contacts include golf at 256-842-7977, outdoor recreation at 256-876-4868, and the library at 256-876-4741.

Things to Know

  • Redstone Arsenal is an active Army installation with Army, NASA, federal, and defense organizations.
  • Access is controlled, identification is required, and visitors may face background checks.
  • Gate hours can change because of security conditions, holidays, or installation operations.
  • Drones are prohibited, and marked areas may have photography or access limits.
  • Handheld devices are prohibited while driving on the installation. Hands-free devices are allowed.
  • Check current access details and operating information before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What branch operates Redstone Arsenal?

Redstone Arsenal is a U.S. Army installation.

Where is the main entrance?

Gate 9 is on Rideout Road and is open 24 hours.

Where is the Visitor Control Center?

It is on Rideout Road at Gate 9. It is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, except federal holidays.

What medical facility is on the installation?

Fox Army Health Center is at 4100 Goss Road.

Which school system serves the area?

Huntsville City Schools serves the area identified by the installation.