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Attractions
Experience Cullman County!
| Smith Lake - Clarkson Covered Bridge - North Alabama Birding Trail Cullman County Museum Evelyn Burrow Museum - Heritage Park Smith Lake Park - Garden City River Walk Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center- Stony Lonesome OHV Park Hurricane Creek Park - Sportsman Lake Park - Cullman Depot Crooked Creek Civil War Museum - Weiss Cottage Historical Districts - Cullman County Agricultural Center |
Ave Maria Grotto Named to the National Register of Historic Places, the Ave Maria Grotto was built by Brother Joseph Zoettle over a period of 40 years on the grounds of Alabama's first and only Benedictine Abbey. The 3-acre site consists of more than 125 miniature reproductions of famous churches, shrines and buildings. Open April-September, 9 AM - 6 PM October - March 9 AM - 5 PM. Admission, Group Rates Available - 256-734-4110. http://www.avemariagrotto.com |
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 Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament
of our Lady of the Angels MonasteryBuilt by Mother Angelica and located in the City of Hanceville, it is the home of the Poor Clare nuns of the Perpetual Adoration. It is modeled after European 13th century monasteries with both Spanish and Italian influences. The monastery features stained glass windows from Germany, building stone from Canada, marble pillars and inlaid marble designs from Italy, roofing tiles from Columbia, South America, carved stonework decorations from artisans in Spain, and the main altar area is made of carved cedar covered in gold leaf. The Monastery Chapel and grounds are open to the public from 6 AM until 6 PM, Masses are held daily at 7 AM with confessions heard directly following the mass. Gift Shop is Open 8 AM – 5 PM Monday – Saturday. FREE, Groups Welcome. (256) 352-6267 http://www.olamshrine.com |
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 Smith LakeSmith Lake impounds approximately 21,000 acres with over 500 miles of shores, primarily in Cullman and Winston counties. It is a deep, clear lake with dozens of different feeder streams, winding bays and sloughs. Steep bluffs cradle much of the lake, with water depths dropping as deep as 60 or 70 feet just a few yards offshore. Access to the lake is easy from Cullman via Alabama Highway 69. [Tell me More] |
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 Clarkson Covered BridgeOne of Alabama's largest covered truss bridges and the site of the 1863 Battle of Hog Mountain. Named to the National Register of Historic Places, the bridge is the centerpiece of a public park spanning a shallow creek surrounded by hiking trails and picnic grounds. Open daily FREE, groups welcome - (256) 734-3369 http://www.cullmancountyparks.com/clarkson.htm |
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 North Alabama Birding Trail
For millions of years, the Tennessee River has cut its way through the Cumberland Plateau carving the Tennessee Valley, one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the south. Dense woodlands and rich waters contribute to a natural diversity of birds and other wildlife. This year the area became home to the North Alabama Birding Trail, one of America’s newest bird watching trails. The trail features 50 designated stations, many with a developed kiosk, that allows visitors to observe a rich diversity of feathered friends. The trail is offered in three loops - the Central Loop, the Northeast Loop and the Northwest Loop - that encompasses stops from the Georgia to Mississippi borders. Cullman area Birding Site, Central Loop: Trail Site 32: Hurricane Creek Park — Kiosk Site GPS Coordinates: N 34.2860, W 86.8950 Contact: Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce/Hurricane Creek Park Phone: (256) 734-0454 or (800) 313-5114/(256) 734-2125 Directions: From the intersection of Interstate-65 and US Hwy 31 near Lacon, Ala., take Exit 318 and drive south on Hwy 31 South for 2.2 miles to the park entrance on the left. Description: Hurricane Creek Park is known for its scenic deep canyon, which is heavily wooded with mature hardwoods. The park offers a number of trails, leading birders through a landscape crisscrossed by streams and waterfalls. As you walk the trails, listen for Red-eyed Vireos and Great Crested Flycatchers among the numerous Northern Cardinals and Carolina Chickadees. Peer through the canopy for Red-tailed and Red-shouldered hawks soaring high overhead. During the winter, White-breasted Nuthatches and Yellow-rumped Warblers join the cardinals and chickadees, while almost anything could appear during migration. For a trail map and brochure, contact the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau at (256) 734-0454 or (800) 313-5114 or via e-mail at: emead@cullmanchamber.org. |
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 Cullman County MuseumThis replica of the home of city founder Col. John G. Cullmann houses thousands of historical items dating back to the early 1800's. Displays include an Archaeological Room with Indian artifacts, a Primitive Room showing turn-of-the- century tools, a Clothing Store with outfits from the 1800's, a Main Street exhibit with 19th century storefronts, and a photo gallery. Open Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.; and Sunday 1:30-4:30 p.m. Admission, Group Rates Available - 256-739-1258. www.cullmancountymuseum.com. |
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Evelyn Burrow Museum of Wallace State CollegeThe collection began 64 years ago and includes thousands of rare and unique items, some from the Smithsonian Institute. On display are 97 rare pieces of Dresden porcelain, fine antique glassware,antique furniture and a host of other collectibles. The owners honor their World Champion horse, a Tennessee Walker named Ebony's Leading Lady, with one of the world's largest horse statue collections. The $9 million collection was donated to Wallace State Community College in 2004. FREE, groups welcome — 256-775-7477 http://www.wallacestate.edu/museum |
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Smith Lake ParkOver 500 miles of shoreline for camping, and 21,000 acres of clear water for sport fishing, skiing, and boating are all accessible from Smith Lake Park. This back-to-nature park offers 200-plus tent and RV campsites, cabins, a swimming pool (in season), spiral waterslide and lake swimming, picnic area, pavillions and special events throughout the summer. Admission — 256-739-2916 http://www.cullmancountyparks.com/smithlake.htm |
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Garden City River Walk Located along the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River, the park features a walking trail, pavilion, and canoe launch. Open year round. 256-352-5408 |
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Stony Lonesome OHV Park1,456+ acre park that features numerous trails of varying difficulty for ATV’s, rock crawlers, dirt bikes, mountain bikers, equestrians, hikers, and more and is the only public motorized vehicle trail system in the state of Alabama. Open year round 8am-dusk. Admission - 256-287-1133. http://www.stonylonesomeohv.us |
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Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center Features an outdoor water park with 2 large water slides, lazy river, water play area, 8 lane outdoor competition pool, 6 lane indoor competition pool, full fitness center with state of the art equipment, indoor rubberized walking track, Whirlpool spa, saunas, indoor leisure pool, and much more! Admission 256-775-SWIM http://www.cullmanaquatics.com/ or http://www.cullmanwellness.com/ |
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Heritage ParkThe cornerstone of Cullman's city parks, the 70-acre complex offers five lighted championship softball fields with underground dugouts and phones, soccer fields, picnic shelters, multipurpose fields, outdoor basketball courts, pavilions, children's playgrounds, 1.5 mile lighted paved fitness trail, water play area, and recognition garden. 256-739-9931 http://www.cullmanrecreation.org |
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Hurricane Creek ParkThe scenic park is a registered Treasure Forest and features hiking & mountain biking trails with amazing natural beauty, a bridge over a crystal clear creek, seasonal waterfalls, hanging cliffs, rock climbing, shady picnic areas and Site: 32 on the North Alabama Birding Trail. The hike takes you from the top of the cliffs to the valley below. Open Fri 12 PM-sunset; Sat 9 AM-sunset; Sun 1 PM-sunset Admission, 256-734-2125 http://www.hurricanecreek.homestead.com |
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Sportsman Lake ParkSituated within the Cullman city limits, the park offers a small-scale train which goes along the shore of the lake, fishing, a mini-Ferris wheel and a carousel, mini-golf, pedal boats, picnic area and pavillions. 256-734-0532 http://www.cullmancountyparks.com/sportsman.htm |
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Cullman County Agricultural Center The Ag Center is the focal point of many music events , sports competitions, far exhibitions and family activities for a four-county area. A sampling of events include rodeos; dog agility shows; bluegrass and gospel festivals; Racking, Walking and Quarter Horse shows; 4-H events; outdoor exhibitions and Boer goat shows. 256-739-4959 http://www.cullmanagcenter.org |
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Cullman Depot
This Pueblo style stucco building has been designated a historical landmark by the National Register of Historical Places, and serves as the offices for United Way of Cullman County. The lobby contains displays of vintage railroad related items. The Depot was restored from 1994-1997 by the Citizens of Cullman County and the City of Cullman with the help of the Alabama Historical Commission and Alabama Department of Transportation.
FREE, Groups available - (256) 739-2948 |
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Crooked Creek Civil War Museum
Site of one of the battles between the troops of Confederate General Forrest and Union Colonel Streight, the Museum is part of the Forrest/ Streight Trail. Housed in an a old log cabin, the Museum features displays of numerous authentic Civil War memorabilia including uniforms, currency and other items.
Bed & Breakfast available. Open 7 days a week from 9:00AM-5:00PM. Admission - 256-739-2741 E-mail: cccwm@roadrunner.com |
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Weiss Cottage
Cullman's oldest home is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and the National Registry of Historical Places.
Open by appointment - (256) 739-1258 |
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Historical District
Cullman County has many historic sites for visitors to the area to enjoy. There are several sites registered on the National Trust for Historic Sites in Washington, D.C. — the Crane Hill Masonic Lodge, Shady Grove Methodist Church, The Green-Owens House and The Stiefelmeyer Building. Other nationally registered sites include Clarkson Covered Bridge, Ave Maria Grotto and the L&N Railroad Depot. There are three historic districts in the City of Cullman — the downtown business district, the residential district of “Die Deutsche Kolonie Von Nord Alabama” (The German Colony of North Alabama) which consists of mostly Victorian type architecture and the Betz Addition Historic District which is composed of 72 residential structures dating from the 1800s. For more information contact the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, (256) 734-0454. |