Russell Cave in Spring Photo: NPS Photo / Mary Dawson

Russell Cave National Monument

National Monument · Alabama

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
  • Weather now91°F Partly Cloudy
  • Alerts 1 active alert

Overview

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.

Topics
  • Animals
  • Archeology
  • Native American Heritage
Winter flood in December 2015
14,000 acres drain into Russell Cave — NPS Photo / Mary Dawson

Alerts (1)

InformationPortion of the boardwalk is closed

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

Things to Do

11 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.

Looking out of the cave shelter
Looking out of the cave shelter in the fall — NPS Photo / Mary Dawson

Facilities & Services

Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Other Visitor Services

  • Gilbert Grosvenor Visitor Center

    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…

    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
  • 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.

    Monday8:00AM - 4:30PM
    Tuesday8:00AM - 4:30PM
    Wednesday8:00AM - 4:30PM
    Thursday8:00AM - 4:30PM
    Friday8:00AM - 4:30PM
    Saturday8:00AM - 4:30PM
    Sunday8:00AM - 4:30PM

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Weather

91°F
Partly Cloudy · feels like 96°
  • Today 94° 63°
    Overcast
    7% rain
  • Tomorrow 85° 67°
    Overcast
    74% rain
  • Saturday 71° 68°
    Light rain shower
    91% rain

Updated 3 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

    Oct 17, 2026 · 02:00 PM–03:00 PM 3729 County Road 98 Bridgeport, Al Free

Photos

Getting There

3729 County Road 98
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

Map loads when you scroll here