Rate Russell Cave National Monument
Learn and Explore
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Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Monument
Operating Hours & Seasons
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.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:8:00 AM-4:30 PM
- Monday:8:00 AM-4:45 PM
- Tuesday:8:00 AM-4:30 PM
- Wednesday:8:00 AM-4:30 PM
- Thursday:8:00 AM-4:30 PM
- Friday:8:00 AM-4:30 PM
- Saturday:8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – Entrance Fee “FREE”
There is not an entrance fee to this park.
About
How Long is a Long Time Ago?
Russell Cave is an archaeological site with one of the most complete records of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast. Thousands of years ago a portion of Russell Cave’s entrance collapsed, creating a shelter that, for more than 10,000 years, was home to prehistoric peoples. Today it provides clues to the daily lifeways of early North American inhabitants dating from 10,000 B.C. to 1650 A.D.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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