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.
Photo: NPS Photo / Mary Dawson
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.
- LocationBridgeport, AL
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
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Weather now66°F Clear
- Alerts 2 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Archeology
- Native American Heritage
Alerts (2)
Park ClosureParking Lot Closed October 27-28, 2026 Our parking lot will be closed to the public on October 27-28, 2026. We will have other parking available. We apologize… Read more
Our parking lot will be closed to the public on October 27-28, 2026. We will have other parking available. We apologize for any inconvenience
InformationPortion of the boardwalk is closed
The last section of boardwalk is closed for ADA accessibility. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Things to Do
6 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Become a Russell Cave Junior Ranger
Work through activities to learn about Russell Cave and earn your Junior Ranger Badge today.
Learn more about Become a Russell Cave Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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.
Learn more about Earn Your Russell Cave B.A.R.K Ranger Badge on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Pack a Picnic and Make a Day of it
Learn about what activities are and are not permitted while visiting the park.
Learn more about Pack a Picnic and Make a Day of it on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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 with while living at Russell Cave.
Learn more about Take a Hike on the Russell Cave Nature Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
View the Russell Cave Film
Russell Cave Film 7 minutes
Learn more about View the Russell Cave Film on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
View the Russell Cave Museum
Temporary exhibit on display
Learn more about View the Russell Cave Museum on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 6 of 6
All 11 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Gilbert Grosvenor Visitor Center
Facility
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. Watch a 7 minute film…
3729 County Road 98, Bridgeport, AL (256) 495-2672 Directions
Details
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. Watch a 7 minute film about the early inhabitants of Russell Cave and view the artifacts that were excavated from the cave shelter. Check out the Eastern National bookstore that has an assortment of books and souvenirs for adults and children.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 8:00AM - 4:30PM · Russell Cave National Monument
Hours details
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Russell Cave National MonumentDaily, 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.
Monday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Tuesday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Wednesday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Thursday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Saturday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Sunday 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
3729 County Road 98Bridgeport, AL 35740
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
66°F
Clear · feels like 69°
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Today
84° 54°
Sunny9% rain -
Tomorrow
86° 58°
Sunny5% rain
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Wednesday
86° 59°
Sunny4% rain
Updated 1 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Upcoming Events
1 coming up-
Presentation on North Alabama’s Ancient Rock Art
About
Join cave researcher Scott Shaw for a fascinating look at Native American petroglyphs and pictographs found on cliffs, rock shelters, and deep cave walls across North Alabama. These powerful images; human figures, animals, geometric patterns, and spiritual symbols, offer a window into the beliefs and traditions of Indigenous peoples and highlight the importance of preserving these irreplaceable cultural sites.
Free Event - Visitor Center Theater No Reservations Required
Photos
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Looking out of the cave shelter in the fall — NPS Photo / Mary Dawson -
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Getting There
Bridgeport, AL 35740
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.
Mailing address: 3729 County Road 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740
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