Cullman, Alabama

1. Admire intricate miniatures at Ave Maria Grotto

Found on the grounds of Alabama's first and only Benedictine Abbey, Ave Maria Grotto comprises over 125 reproductions and miniatures of shrines, churches, and buildings, which are displayed over three acres of land. The recreations are the work of Benedictine Monk, Brother Joseph Zoettl who built the works with materials donated from around the world.

The miniatures that you see there could be made from broken marble, shattered bathroom tile, colored glass, cold cream jars, marbles, costume jewelry, and anything else people donated because of their admiration for his beautiful craft.

The miniature fairyland has been around since 1934, with Brother Joseph’s last modern being added in 1958 before he passed away - today, visitors come from far and wide to see his creation.

1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, Phone: 256-734-4110

2. See the Clarkson Covered Bridge

One of the most historically rich sites and well-known attractions of Cullman, the Clarkson Covered Bridge is visited by almost everyone who passes through there. The bridge was originally built in 1904 as a means for travelers and farmers to get across Crooked Creek.

It deteriorated over time but was soon used as the park’s centerpiece to showcase the bridge and its historical significance. For visitors to get an idea of what the area was like in its original form, two period structures were added in the form of a working grist mill and a Dogtrot log cabin. Other aspects include several picnic areas and hiking trails.

1240 Co Rd 1043, Cullman, AL 35057

3. Relax in Sportsman Lake Park

Residents and visitors flock to Sportsman Lake Park on a nice summer day as it is one of the most fun and family-friendly outdoor sites in Cullman. The park surrounds a shallow body of water that is teeming with fish, making it perfect for riding the readily available paddle boats and feeding the fish. There are several amenities such as picnic tables and pavilions for those who want to fire up the grill and have a meal with friends and family.

Kids of all ages can ride the small-scale train which wraps around the lake, as well as partake in other activities like playing a round on the 18-hole putt-putt golf course. Additional features include several fitness stations scattered throughout the park and a number of hiking, biking, and walking trails.

1544 Sportsman Lake Rd NW, Cullman, AL 35055

4. Learn about local history at Cullman County Museum

The Cullman County Museum is a great way to better understand the unique heritage of ‘the German colony of North Alabama’. There is so much to see and learn from at the museum as they have exhibits on native heritage, the civil war, Main Street in the 1800s, and the sounds of Americana music from Cullman’s earliest residents.

Visitors of all ages will love seeing the many artifacts and photographs, including clothing, currency, and pottery and arrowheads from the Creeks, Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, and other Indian tribes that were native to Alabama. Several rotating exhibits come through the museum throughout the year as well, so you may be in for an extra treat depending on when you visit.

211 2nd Ave NE, Cullman, AL 35055, Phone: 800-533-1258

5. Hike in Smith Lake Park

Found on the shores of Lewis Smith Lake, Smith Lake Park is a wonderful place that is filled with various features and amenities. It is one of Cullman’s premier destinations for outdoor fun and relaxation. You can spend your day swimming in the pool, hiking on the many trails, or fishing off the pier - they even have a camp store complete with fishing tackle and anything else you may need. Camping is allowed all year long; there are unlimited primitive sites for you to pitch up a tent, as well as 61 designated tent sites with electric hooks ups, five water and electric sites, 199 full-service sites, and nine cabins scattered around the park. Several events and festivals are held at the main stage and/or pavilions throughout the year.

403 Co Rd 386, Cullman, AL 35057, Phone: 256-739-2916

6. Visit the St. Bernard Abbey

The St. Bernard Abbey , which was established in Cullman in 1891, has a rich history that dates all the way back to circa 700 A.D. - it was back then that the Metten Abbey monastery was founded in Germany. From there, they came to Pennsylvania in the 1870s to plant monastic life and minister the German-speaking immigrant population, before they finally landed in Cullman. The Benedictines are known for their hospitality and visitors of all faiths are welcome there to join the monks for Mass, explore the grounds, or stay as they search for peace, joy, and God.

1600 St Bernard Ave SE, Cullman, AL 35055, Phone: 256-734-3946

7. Shop for seasonal produce at Smith Farms

Smith Farms established itself in 1955 as a small, roadside stand which sold seasonal produce and a few cured hams and bacon. Today, the farm operates a fully USDA inspected process and is recognized nationwide for its truly unique ‘Southern tasting’ products. The farm continues to use the same time-honored methods, techniques, ingredients, and recipes, which were perfected all those years ago. You’ll be able to purchase ham, bacon, and sausage smoked with real hickory wood, perfectly cured pork, and delicious stone-ground grain products such as biscuits and grits. Complete your southern shopping experience with some of the farm’s popular preserves, jams, fruit butters, pure honey, or aged Wisconsin and Amish cheeses.

1825 4th St SW, Cullman, AL 35055, Phone: 256-737-0505

8. Shop for unique items at Southern Accents Architectural Antiques

Southern Accents Architectural Antiques has one of the largest, most diverse, and extremely unique collections of architectural antiques in the entire South. Visitors are invited to shop the showroom and outdoor lots to see what’s readily available for your next construction or home remodeling project. There’s several items in their designated sale area to ensure that you get the best deals for the artistic items. If you don’t find something that’s just perfect for you, meet one of the experienced professionals to see what can be crafted specifically for you. Out of town visitors may not be in the market for such products, but always find themselves gravitating to Southern Accents to see the many antique doors, fireplace mantels, stone work, salvage art, and other items that are on display there.

308 2nd Ave SE, Cullman, AL 35055, Phone: 877-737-0554

9. Taste a variety of beers at Goat Island Brewing

At Goat Island Brewing it is firmly believed that “life is too short to drink baaad beer”. The brewery is the brainchild of four friends who had a solid reputation of homebrewing new concoctions and perfecting old ones long before the brewery actually came to be. Visitors will be able to try beers that have been taken to an entirely different level, made with recipes that were tried, tested, and tried again. While you’re there be sure to try Richter’s Pils, which is an antique light golden pilsner which won the gold medal at the 2017 Alabama Craft Beer Championship.

5491, 1646 John H Cooper Dr SE A, Cullman, AL 35055, Phone: 256-747-5556

10. Shop for one-of-a-kind antiques at Highway Pickers Antique Mall

Highway Pickers Antique Mall and Market is one of the largest indoor antique and flea markets in the entire south. There are three floors of items, ensuring that there is something for everyone in the award-winning market - they were voted best antique store for three years in a row. Some of the items include crafts, collectibles, antiques, military relics, primitives, estate jewelry, and vintage clothing. It’s the perfect place to spend hours exploring and finding unique gifts to purchase, and if you’re not in the market for something to buy, just stop by, look around, and have a chat with the friendly owners.

1354 U.S. 278 W, Cullman, AL 35057, Phone: 256-841-5293