Russell Cave National Monument | PARK AT A GLANCE

Russell Cave (left) and the human occupied Russell Cave Shelter (right) at Russell Cave National Monument

Russell Cave (left) and the human occupied Russell Cave Shelter (right) at Russell Cave National Monument

PARK OVERVIEW

Russell Cave National Monument is located in the northeast corner of Alabama, not far from the Tennessee/Alabama state line near the town of Bridgeport. Created in 1961 from land donated by the National Geographic Society, the monument preserves a cave shelter that was inhabited on and off for nearly 9,000 years. Artifacts dating all the way back to the Paleo-Hunter period of the southeastern United States have been found in the cave.

Guests are welcome to visit the cave shelter where park Rangers are on duty to answer any questions. In addition to the cave, there is a Visitor Center with a small museum, a picnic area, and two hiking trails. As one of the less involving parks in the National Park system, visitors can be in and out of Russell Cave National Monument in one to three hours.


OPERATING HOURS

Russell Cave National Monument is open daily from 8 AM until 4:30 PM except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Keep in mind that times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s official Basic Information web page for the park.


FEES

There are no fees associated with a visit to Russell Cave National Monument. Donations are always welcome.


SCHEDULING YOUR VISIT

Visitor Center
allow 30 minutes

Cave Shelter Visit
allow 30 minutes

Hiking Trails
allow 1 hour


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Last updated on April 30, 2023
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