Russell Cave National Monument - National Park Directory

Prehistoric people continuously used Russell Cave for over 10,000 years

14,000 acres drain into Russell Cave

Looking out of the cave shelter in the fall

Russell Cave is site 44 on the Alabama birding Trail.

For a park of its size, Russell Cave National Monument has a diverse landscape that provides a remarkable habitat for wildlife observation.

Photos: National Park Service

About Russell Cave National Monument

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.

Quick Facts

State Alabama

Designation National Monument

State Code AL

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…

Location & Map

Russell Cave National Monument is located in Alabama.

Get Directions

Operating Hours

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.

Wednesday 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Monday 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Thursday 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Sunday 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Tuesday 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Saturday 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Activities

Guided Tours Hiking Front-Country Hiking Living History Historic Weapons Demonstration Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 3729 County Road 98, Bridgeport, AL, 35740

Phone 2564952672

Email RUCA_Information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Archeology Native American Heritage Animals

Things To Do

View the Russell Cave Museum

Temporary exhibit on display

View the Russell Cave Film

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

Adventure up the strenuous 1.2-mile nature trail to see the plants and landscape that prehistoric people would have been interacting…

Earn Your Russell Cave B.A.R.K Ranger Badge

Bring your pet along with you and earn your own B.A.R.K. Ranger tag.

Become a Russell Cave Junior Ranger

Work through activities to learn about Russell Cave and earn your Junior Ranger Badge today.

Visitor Centers

Gilbert Grosvenor Visitor Center

Begin your exploration of the park in the visitor center. Pick up a park brochure for more information about the cave shelter and hiking trails.…

Hours: 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.

🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences

Discover Russell Cave National Monument with expert-led tours

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

🏨 Find Hotels Near Russell Cave National Monument

Compare accommodation options for your visit