Russell Cave National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Alabama.
In the park service’s words
Russell Cave National Monument is an archeological site with one of the most complete records of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast. In the 1950s, archeologists uncovered a large quantity of artifacts representing 12,000 years of use in a single place. Although you cannot go in the cave, the discovered artifacts help bring to light many cultural developments of phenomenal human journeys.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Things to do
- View the Russell Cave Museum (5 to 60 Minutes): Temporary exhibit on display
- View the Russell Cave Film (7 Minutes): Russell Cave Film 7 minutes
- Pack a Picnic and Make a Day of it: Learn about what activities are and are not permitted while visiting the park.
- Take a Hike on the Russell Cave Nature Trail (30 to 60 Minutes): Adventure up the strenuous 1.2-mile nature trail to see the plants and landscape that prehistoric people would have been interacting with while living at Russell Cave.
- Earn Your Russell Cave B.A.R.K Ranger Badge (5 to 120 Minutes): Bring your pet along with you and earn your own B.A.R.K. Ranger tag.
- Become a Russell Cave Junior Ranger (1 to 2 Hours): Work through activities to learn about Russell Cave and earn your Junior Ranger Badge today.
Fees and hours
Entrance fee: No entrance fee.
Hours: Daily, 8:00AM - 4:30PM. The park is closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. All operating hours are in central time and the main gate into the park closes at 4:30 pm.
Getting there
Russell Cave National Monument is located at 3729 County Road 98 in Bridgeport, Alabama. It is situated in the northeast corner of Alabama, just south of the Tennessee state line.
| Airport | City | Drive to the park | Straight-line miles | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field) (CHA) | Chattanooga, TN | No road route | 35 | Regional |
| Huntsville International Airport (HSV) | Huntsville, AL | No road route | 59 | Regional |
| Nashville International Airport (BNA) | Nashville, TN | No road route | 93 | Large hub |
Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.
Miles are straight-line distances.
Visitor centers
- Gilbert Grosvenor Visitor Center: Daily, 8:30AM - 4:00PM. The Gilbert Grosvenor Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30AM to 4:00PM. It is closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. All operating hours are in central time and the main gate into the park closes at 4:30 pm.
Weather
The weather in Bridgeport, Alabama is mild. The average temperature in the winter is in the low 50's. The average summer temperature is in the high 80's. We receive about 50 inches of rain each year. Snowfall varies, but only lasts a few days per event.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Know before you go
Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.
Nearby
The nearest national park is Great Smoky Mountains, about 138 miles away in a straight line.
Sources
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at Russell Cave National Monument?
No entrance fee.
Where is Russell Cave National Monument?
In Alabama. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field), about 35 miles away.
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