Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

Caution Bridge Work

On Monday, October 19, work will be taking place on the bridge leading into the park. Please use caution while driving and watch for workers in the area. The park will remain accessible to visitors. Thank you for your understanding

Information Portion of the boardwalk is closed

The last section of boardwalk is closed for ADA accessibility. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Weather Frost Advisory issued November 8 at 10:11AM CST until November 9 at 8:00AM CST by NWS Huntsville AL

* WHAT...Temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation.

* WHERE...Portions of north central, northeast, and northwest

Alabama.

* WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 8 AM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive

outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.

What to do: Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

Read the full alert · Until Nov 9, 2026, 2:00 PM

Overview

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

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

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

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Russell Cave National Monument: 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.

Visitor centers

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.

Phone: 2564952672

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Winter flood in December 2015
Winter flood in December 2015 · NPS Photo / Mary Dawson
Looking out of the cave shelter
Looking out of the cave shelter · NPS Photo / Mary Dawson
Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinal · NPS Photo / Mary Dawson
Deer behind visitor center
Deer behind visitor center · NPS Photo / Mary Dawson

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