Guest Author - Jacqueline L Cross

Cullman, Alabama is located about halfway between Huntsville and Birmingham on Interstate 65. It is a friendly southern town brimming with history and filled with citizens, old and new, who are proud to share their history with visitors.

Ave Maria Grotto
Ave Maria Grotto, located at 1600 Saint Bernard Dr. SE Cullman was built by a Benedictine Monk, Brother Joseph Zoettl (1878–1961), on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey. He created these models over a period of decades - finishing his work at the age of 80 with the completion of the Basilica in Lourdes model in 1958.

Ave Maria Grotto is referred to as "Jerusalem in Miniature" and is a must see attraction when visiting northern Alabama. There are more than 125 miniatures spread across nearly four acres of lovely landscaped property. The Grotto has replicas of many religiously significant places. A large number of them represent the Holy Land such as; churches, monasteries and shrines perched on hillsides and along pathways. Not all are religious models, some are secular as well.

What Brother Joseph surely could not see is how what began as a hobby for him would turn into such a magnificent, deeply moving experience for so many visitors long after his passing. Visitors come from around the world to tour his creations. Visitors of all ages are welcome and those in wheelchairs will find they can traverse the paved trails with little problems, is any.

Clarkson Covered Bridge and Park
On April 30, 1863 the Battle of Hog Mountain was fought nearby the spot where the 270 ft. Clarkson Covered Bridge was later built over Crooked Creek. The bridge is now surrounded by a public park with hiking trails and picnic areas. This area is also on the National Register of Historical Places. Open daily/Groups welcome 256-734-3369

Cullman County Museum
The museum offers activities and displays to interest all ages including; the Archaeological Room where artifacts from the earliest settlers and Native Americans are on display. The Main Street display gives an idea of what it must have been like to live in the area a century ago. Displays include general store items, Civil War artifacts, photographs, the bell from the first Cullman schoolhouse and many more items. Other displays include; Primitive Room, Nursery, Music and Photo Gallery, Natural History Room and more.

Garden City River Walk
On Mulberry Fork on the Black Warrior River is the Garden City River Walk offering a canoe launch, pavilion for get-togethers and natural walking trails. Open year round. 256-352-5408

Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament
The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament is located at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville just 10 miles south and a bit east of Cullman.

Weiss Cottage
Make an appointment to tour Cullman's oldest home, Weiss Cottage. This home is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places and the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. Open by appointment 256-739-1258


Ave Maria Grotto/St. Bernard Abbey
1600 Saint Bernard Dr. SE
Cullman, AL 35055
800-722-0999
256-734-4110

Clarkson Covered Bridge and Park
1240 Co. Rd. 1043
Cullman, AL 35057
256-739-2916

Cullman County Museum
211 2nd Ave. N.E.
Cullman, AL
800-533-1258/256-739-1258

The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Our Lady of the Angels Monastery
3222 County Road 548
Hanceville AL 35077
205-271-2917