Mountains

Archaeologists say it was the hunt for a food source–abundant wildlife–that brought humans to Alabama 12,000 years ago. Whatever the reason they came, the people who lived here have achieved greatness and left an indelible mark on the landscape and the history.

Among the many reasons to visit North Alabama this year is the 75th anniversary of the Ave Maria Grotto. Located in Cullman on the grounds of Alabama’s first and only Benedictine Abbey, the Grotto consists of more than 125 miniature reproductions of famous churches, shrines and buildings.

A visit to Russell Cave National Monument in Bridgeport and the Indian Mound and Museum in Florence reveals prehistoric lifestyles of Native Americans, while Lawrence County’s Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center provides a more recent glimpse into their culture. Nearby is Jesse Owens Museum Park in Moulton, which pays homage to one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.

Huntsville has several museums that interpret different time periods, from the early 1800s when Alabama became a state to the age of American space exploration in the mid-20th century. The newest addition to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is the Saturn V Center housing the rocket that took man to the moon.

Alabama Constitution Village, Earlyworks and Burritt on the Mountain teach various Alabama history lessons. The State Black Archives Research Center and Museum is a repository of African-American history.

Follow the Civil War Walking Trail to Decatur where the Blue & Gray Museum offers a glimpse into early military life. A must-visit in nearby Hillsboro is Pond Spring, home of General Joe Wheeler, and historic Belle Mont Mansion in Florence.

Northwest Alabama has given birth to several remarkable figures in American history. Visit Helen Keller’s Birthplace in Tuscumbia and hear the triumphant story of how Keller overcame deafness and blindness to become an inspiration to the world. Follow the Alabama Music Trail to the little log cabin in Florence which is the birthplace of the “Father of the Blues,” W.C. Handy, and see some of the many artists who have contributed to the world of music at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia.

At the very edge of the region, heading southward toward Gadsden, is the Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, Imagination Place Children’s Museum and beautiful Nocallula Falls Park.

Attractions

Great horses, friendly guides. See beautiful Alabama from horseback. Seasoned riders as well as novices are welcome. Plan for 2–4 hrs. of relaxing riding pleasure.
Admission: Unknown
Accepted: Personal Checks, Travelers Checks
A huge selection of plants, planters, and water features, including fish and ponds, and a store full of garden and wildlife items. Coming soon will be a wildlife/nature area with streams and plants, along with "lookout/observation" decks.
Admission: Unknown
Accepted: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Personal Checks, Travelers Checks, Visa
Beginner float trips last 1.5 to 4.5 hours. Class II section sometimes available. Also rappelling, environmental education. Pets allowed.
Admission: Unknown
Accepted: Personal Checks, Travelers Checks
The village is a living history museum at the site of the Alabama's Constitutional Convention of 1819.  Costumed interpreters guide visitors through Alabama's birthplace. 
Admission: Admission charged
Accepted: Personal Checks, Travelers Checks
Museum and Fan Club headquarters are monument to group ALABAMA.
Admission: Admission charged
20,000-sq.-ft. museum on 53-acre farm. Nationwide collection of antique horse-drawn farm machinery from 1800s to early 1900s, blacksmith shop with forged tools and wagon maker's bench, apple cider press, more.
Admission: Free
Dedicated to honoring Alabama’s music achievers. Memorabilia from careers of Alabamians such as Tammy Wynette, Lionel Richie, Emmylou Harris, the group ALABAMA, The Commodores, Nat King Cole, W.C. Handy, Hank Williams and more.
Admission: Admission charged
Accepted: American Express, MasterCard, Personal Checks, Travelers Checks, Visa
Established to preserve memories of our veterans by creating a permanent resting place for artifacts and memorabilia, displaying uniforms, medals, weapons, photos, books, tapes and news clippings.
Admission: Free
One of best examples of Wright's Usonian style (1939-40). Only structure in Alabama designed by Wright. Constructed of cypress, glass and brick. Acquired by City of Florence (1999) and fully restored.
Admission: Admission charged
Accepted: Personal Checks, Travelers Checks
Complex includes 1935 Old Hunt School, 1912 church, country store, museum, grist mill, blacksmith shop, club demonstration home. Structures dating from 1880s to 1930s preserved with authentic furnishings.
Admission: Free
A large selection of fruit trees in the winter months, shrubs, shade trees, a good selection of clay pots, wind chimes, etc., and greenhouse plants.
Admission: Unknown
The city of Athens was burned and looted by Union troops in a raid by Colonel Turchin in May 1862. The 1st Alabama Cavalry failed in its attempt to take Athens from Union forces holding the city in the Jan. 26, 1864 Battle of Athens.
Admission: Free
Pull & riding carts, putting green, pro shop, snack bar.
Admission: Unknown
Accepted: Personal Checks, Travelers Checks, MasterCard, Visa
Individuals and wholesale buyers can take advantage of the large selection of shade trees and flowering trees, such as dogwood, crape myrtles, Yoshino and more.
Admission: Unknown
125 miniatures of places from all over the world. Located on grounds of Alabama's only Benedictine abbey. Miniatures built by Brother Joseph Zoettl, O.S.B. (1878–1961).
Admission: Admission charged
Accepted: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Travelers Checks, Visa
Brushy Lake Recreation Area. Open camping with water provided Apr. 1–Sept. 30. Spend one day or several in scenic forest. Hiking trails, fishing, boating and camping areas provided.
Admission: Admission charged
Accepted: Personal Checks
2 18-hole miniature golf courses and video arcade.
Admission: Free
Accepted: Personal Checks, Travelers Checks
Canoe rental on Bear Creek Floatway. 26-mi. public-access creek in northwest Alabama. Scenic waterfalls, sandy beaches.
Admission: Canoes - $50 -Kayaks - $35
Accepted: Credit Cards (call for specifics), Travelers Checks

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