Russell Cave National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: Alabama
📘 Park 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.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
Prehistoric people continuously used Russell Cave for over 10,000 years
Credit: NPS Photo / Mary Dawson
14,000 acres drain into Russell Cave
Credit: NPS Photo / Mary Dawson
Looking out of the cave shelter in the fall
Credit: NPS Photo / Mary Dawson
Russell Cave is site 44 on the Alabama birding Trail.
Credit: NPS Photo / Mary Dawson
For a park of its size, Russell Cave National Monument has a diverse landscape that provides a remarkable habitat for wildlife observation.
Credit: NPS Photo / Mary Dawson
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Saturday, May 23
Patchy rain nearby
High: 84.4°F | Low: 69.3°F
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 6 mph
Rain Chance: 88%
UV Index: 4.5
Sunrise: 05:34 AM
Sunset: 07:45 PM
Moon: First Quarter (54%)
Visibility: 2 mi
Dew Point: 71.1°F
Cloud Cover: 88%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, May 24
Moderate rain
High: 68.2°F | Low: 62.4°F
Humidity: 98%
Wind: 3.6 mph
Rain Chance: 85%
UV Index: 3.1
Sunrise: 05:34 AM
Sunset: 07:45 PM
Moon: First Quarter (54%)
Visibility: 3 mi
Dew Point: 65.7°F
Cloud Cover: 85%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, May 25
Moderate rain
High: 78.5°F | Low: 62.1°F
Humidity: 94%
Wind: 5.1 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 3.7
Sunrise: 05:34 AM
Sunset: 07:45 PM
Moon: First Quarter (54%)
Visibility: 3 mi
Dew Point: 67.3°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Spring Clean Up & Lecture
April’s Monthly Lecture Series will Feature the rousing caver, adventurer, and writer, Andy Zellner.
Andy has explored the southern reaches of the Russell cave system and is an accomplished spelunker, explorer, and writer. He is a member of the National Speleological Society and has explored many of the 2000 known caves in Jackson County.
His talk will begin at 2pm followed by a volunteer-led cleanup of the Russell Cave entrance at 3pm! Please bring clothes that can get wet, sturdy shoes, and any trash collecting gear you have!
Date: Apr 18, 2026 12:00am to Apr 18, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Russell Cave's 65th Birthday Celebration
Russell Cave was established on May 11, 1965, by President John F. Kennedy. We will be celebrating on Saturday, May 9, 2026, with games, demonstrations, and much more! We will have atlatl demonstrations to show how the Native American Indians would have hunted around 8,000 B.C.E. You can learn how to play the game chunkey and the winners will get a prize! We will have a slideshow presentation in the theater of historic photos of the park. The event is free! All ages welcome!
Date: May 9, 2026 12:00am to May 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Unfinished Business: Dr. Carl Miller's Unpublished Manuscript on Russell Cave Excavations 1951-1953
On Saturday, May 16th, at 2pm, Mark Crawford will deliver an engaging presentation highlighting the remarkable life and legacy of Carl Miller, the pioneering Smithsonian archaeologist who conducted the first professional excavations at Russell Cave in the 1950s. Although Miller’s extensive, hundreds‑page report was never formally published—and remains protected by copyright—its acquisition by the park in the 1980s has preserved an invaluable record of his work. This presentation will not only illuminate Miller’s contributions to archaeological research but also introduce an exciting new project dedicated to examining and interpreting the rich, unpublished material contained within his original report.
Date: May 16, 2026 12:00am to May 16, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
National Cave and Karst Day
Join us for a guided hike to the entrance of Russell Cave, the third longest cave system in Alabama with over 11 miles. We will meet at 10 am at the visitor center. The hike is short about 45 minutes but off trail, so sturdy footwear, long pants, and optional walking sticks are recommended. Reservations are required! Limit to 20 people. To make a reservation call the park between 9:00am-4:00pm 7 days a week at (256) 495-2672 or email mark_crawford@nps.gov
Date: Jun 6, 2026 12:00am to Jun 6, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
3729 County Road 98
Bridgeport, AL 35740
🏤 Mailing Address:
3729 County Road 98
Bridgeport, AL 35740
📞 Voice Phone: 2564952672
📞 Fax Phone: 2564959220
✉️ Email: RUCA_Information@nps.gov