Russell Cave National Monument
Russell Cave National Monument
Russell Cave was home to prehistoric peoples for more than 10,000 years. The monument provides clues to the daily lifeways of early North American inhabitants dating from 6500 B.C. to 1650 A.D. The cave shelter archaeological site contains the most complete record of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: John BundyPhone Number: 256-495-2672
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Russel Cave; North Alabama Birding Trail; Boardwalk
Important Dates
Established as Park: May 11, 1961By The Numbers
Acres: 310.00Annual Visitation: 24,851 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :34.980360 / -85.808430 (map it)
State: AL
Nearby Big City: Bridgeport, AL
Gateway Communities: Bridgeport, AL; South Pittsburg, TN; Stevenson, AL; Bryant, AL; Jasper, TN
Nearby Airports: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA); Huntsville International Airport (HSV); Dalton Municipal Airport (DNN)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : No
Park Photos
Russell Cave, 9323
National Park Service
Russell Cave, 9324
National Park Service
Russell Cave, 9325
National Park Service
View More Russell Cave Photos
In Detail
At A Glance We are located five miles from Highway 72 near the small town of Bridgeport, AL. Please see the directions link for more in-depth driving instructions. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and bring ... read more.
Camping Campgrounds There are picnic areas available at Russell Cave, but no campground areas are located in the park. A list of area campgrounds is available at the Gilbert V. Grosvenor Visitor Center. ... read more.
In A Nutshell Accessibility The visitor center, museum area and video room are all wheelchair accessible. There are wheelchairs available for visitor use upon request. ... read more.
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger Did you know that many national parks have special programs for young people ages 7 to 11 that help them understand more about their local parks and how they can help protect these ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Be aware of your surroundings while visiting Russell Cave. You should always be on the lookout for snakes and poison ivy when hiking. Remember, all wildlife, including snakes, are protected. Wear i ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Spend your day at Russell Cave National Mounument exploring the culture and lifeways of prehistoric people. Expect a two hour visit if you are planning to view the video, go on the tour, the hike, ... read more.
Things To Do Native American Festival See demonstrations of authentic Southeastern Native American culture and lifeways at Russell Cave's annual Native American festival. The 2007 festival will be held Saturday ... read more.
Visitor Services Visitor Centers The Gilbert H. Grosvenor Visitor Center is open year round, seven days a week, with the exception of New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Hours are 8:00 A.M. until 4: ... read more.
Russell Cave In Depth
News from the Parks
Light Pollution Harms Not Just Stargazers
December 2, 2008 - 1:03pm
For students of astronomy, Sunday and Monday night is the equivalent of a World Cup Final, a new Mac operating system, and a Zeppelin reunion show all rolled into one. That’s because, as Horizons guest blogger Pete Spotts noted in his post Sunday, Jupiter, Venus, and the moon will gather to direct a lopsided frown at North America, an arrangement that won’t happen again for another 44 years.
December 2, 2008 - 1:03pm
For students of astronomy, Sunday and Monday night is the equivalent of a World Cup Final, a new Mac operating system, and a Zeppelin reunion show all rolled into one. That’s because, as Horizons guest blogger Pete Spotts noted in his post Sunday, Jupiter, Venus, and the moon will gather to direct a lopsided frown at North America, an arrangement that won’t happen again for another 44 years.
Tourists Bite on ‘Twilight’ Vampire Tours of Forks, Washington
December 2, 2008 - 12:59pm
Fans of the hit movie “Twilight,” inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s vampire series, are swarming tiny Forks on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, where the novels are set, and checking out “Twilight”-themed tours, hotel packages and even food.
December 2, 2008 - 12:59pm
Fans of the hit movie “Twilight,” inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s vampire series, are swarming tiny Forks on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, where the novels are set, and checking out “Twilight”-themed tours, hotel packages and even food.
Crowds Observe World AIDS Day In GG Park
December 2, 2008 - 12:56pm
People from across the country gathered in Golden Gate Park's National AIDS Memorial Grove Monday to observe the 20th annual World AIDS Day.
December 2, 2008 - 12:56pm
People from across the country gathered in Golden Gate Park's National AIDS Memorial Grove Monday to observe the 20th annual World AIDS Day.
Grounded in God, Green and Glaciers
December 2, 2008 - 12:37pm
Remember when Arizona Sen. John McCain criticized spending millions of taxpayer dollars to fund the DNA of grizzly bears in Montana during one of the presidential debates? “That’s us,” said David Restivo, a Roberts Wesleyan College alumnus and visual information specialist at Glacier National Park in Montana.
December 2, 2008 - 12:37pm
Remember when Arizona Sen. John McCain criticized spending millions of taxpayer dollars to fund the DNA of grizzly bears in Montana during one of the presidential debates? “That’s us,” said David Restivo, a Roberts Wesleyan College alumnus and visual information specialist at Glacier National Park in Montana.
Smokies' Formation Began 500 Million to 600 Million Years Ago
December 2, 2008 - 12:35pm
As the Great Smoky Mountains National Park prepares to celebrate its 75th year, students of history and geology are pondering questions that go back much farther than the park's creation in the 1930s. The most fascinating queries to them concern the actual formation of the mountains, their age and topography.
December 2, 2008 - 12:35pm
As the Great Smoky Mountains National Park prepares to celebrate its 75th year, students of history and geology are pondering questions that go back much farther than the park's creation in the 1930s. The most fascinating queries to them concern the actual formation of the mountains, their age and topography.
