Cullman, Alabama, is a charming city in the heart of the state, with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a family-friendly adventure, or a taste of the local cuisine and craft beer, Cullman has something for everyone.
Here are some of the best things to do in Cullman, Al, that you should add to your bucket list.
Why You Should Visit Cullman, Alabama
Cullman was founded in 1873 by German immigrants, who brought their traditions, architecture, and craftsmanship to the area.
Today, Cullman is a thriving community that celebrates its heritage and diversity, with festivals, events, and attractions that showcase its unique charm.
Cullman is also home to some of the most scenic and serene natural spots in Alabama, with lakes, parks, and trails that offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
Cullman is a perfect destination for anyone who loves history, culture, nature, and fun.
Ave Maria Grotto: Miniature Wonders
One of the most fascinating and impressive things to do in Cullman is to visit the Ave Maria Grotto, a four-acre park that features over 125 miniature replicas of famous religious and historical buildings from around the world.
The grotto was created by Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk who spent over 50 years crafting the models from stone, cement, and discarded materials.
The grotto is a testament to his faith, vision, and skill, and a marvel to behold.
You can admire the intricate details of the models, such as the Vatican, the Taj Mahal, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and many more, as you stroll through the peaceful and picturesque grounds.
Clarkson Covered Bridge: Longest in Alabama
If you are a fan of history and architecture, you should not miss the Clarkson Covered Bridge, the longest and one of the oldest covered bridges in Alabama.
The bridge was built in 1904 and spans 270 feet over Crooked Creek. It was used by farmers and travelers until 1954, when it was closed to traffic.
In 1974, the bridge was restored and turned into a historical park, with a picnic area, a dogtrot log cabin, a grist mill, and a walking trail.
The bridge is a beautiful and nostalgic sight, especially in the fall when the leaves change color.
Cullman County Museum: History and Culture
To learn more about the history and culture of Cullman and its people, you should visit the Cullman County Museum, located in a replica of the original home of the city’s founder, Colonel John G. Cullmann.
The museum features exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Cullman from its founding to the present day, covering topics such as the Civil War, the railroad, agriculture, industry, education, sports, and more.
You can also see memorabilia from famous Cullman natives, such as country music star Hank Williams Jr., Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens, and NASA astronaut Jan Davis.
St. Bernard Abbey: German Heritage
Another way to experience the German heritage of Cullman is to visit the St. Bernard Abbey, a Benedictine monastery that was established in 1891 by monks from Bavaria.
The abbey is still active today, with about 30 monks who live, work, and pray there.
You can take a guided tour of the abbey and see its stunning Romanesque church, its stained glass windows, its pipe organ, and its cemetery.
You can also visit the abbey’s gift shop, where you can buy homemade bread, jam, honey, and other products made by the monks.
If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the abbey’s famous dog, Cletus, who is known for his friendly and playful personality.
Sportsman Lake Park: Family Fun
For a fun-filled day with your family, you should head to Sportsman Lake Park, a 65-acre park that offers a variety of activities and amenities for all ages.
You can enjoy fishing, boating, biking, hiking, mini-golf, playgrounds, and more. You can also rent a paddle boat, a kayak, a canoe, or a bike to explore the lake and the trails.
The park also has a train ride, a carousel, and a splash pad for the kids. You can also have a picnic or a barbecue at one of the many pavilions and grills available.
Sportsman Lake Park is a great place to have fun and make memories with your loved ones.
Smith Lake Park: Waterfront Paradise
If you are looking for a waterfront paradise, you should visit Smith Lake Park, a 500-acre park that sits on the shores of Lewis Smith Lake, one of the largest and cleanest lakes in Alabama.
Smith Lake Park is a popular destination for camping, swimming, fishing, boating, skiing, and more.
You can choose from a variety of accommodations, such as cabins, cottages, RV sites, and tent sites, or you can just come for the day and enjoy the beach, the pool, the slides, the fishing pier, and the boat ramp.
You can also join one of the many events and festivals that take place at the park throughout the year, such as the fireworks show, the music festival, the car show, and the Christmas lights.
Hurricane Creek Park: Natural Adventure
For a natural adventure, you should check out Hurricane Creek Park, a 67-acre park that features a scenic canyon, a creek, a waterfall, and a rock bridge.
You can hike, bike, or horseback ride along the trails that wind through the park, or you can climb, rappel, or zip line on the rock formations.
You can also enjoy the views of the creek and the waterfall from the observation deck, or you can cool off in the water.
Hurricane Creek Park is a hidden gem that offers a thrilling and refreshing experience.
4D Farm: Farm-to-Table Experience
If you want to have a farm-to-table experience, you should visit 4D Farm, a family-owned and operated farm that grows and sells fresh produce, meat, eggs, and honey.
You can shop at their farm stand, where you can find seasonal fruits and vegetables, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork and chicken, free-range eggs, raw honey, and homemade jams and jellies.
You can also take a tour of the farm and see how they raise their animals and crops, or you can join one of their workshops and learn how to make cheese, soap, candles, and more.
4D Farm is a great place to support local farmers and enjoy the freshest and tastiest food.
Goat Island Brewing: Craft Beer Haven
If you are a craft beer lover, you should not miss Goat Island Brewing, a microbrewery that produces and serves a variety of beers, from ales and lagers to stouts and porters.
You can sample their beers at their taproom, where you can also enjoy live music, trivia nights, food trucks, and other events.
You can also take a tour of the brewery and learn how they brew their beers, or you can buy some of their merchandise, such as shirts, hats, glasses, and growlers.
Goat Island Brewing is a craft beer haven that celebrates the local culture and community.
These are some of the best things to do in Cullman, Al, that you should add to your bucket list.
Cullman is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are looking for history, culture, nature, or fun.
Cullman is a city that will surprise you and make you fall in love with it.
More Things to Do in Alabama and Beyond
If you are looking for more things to do in Alabama and beyond, you might want to check out our other posts:
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Best Things to Do in Perrysburg OH: Perrysburg is a town in Ohio that has a lot of history, culture, and nature to explore, such as the Fort Meigs Historic Site, the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, the Levis Commons, and more. This post gives you a list of the best things to do in Perrysburg and how to enjoy them.