Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Cullman County, AL

  • Published 2022/11/10

Alabama is a beautiful and bountiful state filled with things to do and see.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path activity to enjoy in the area, you’ll want to check out these fun activities you can do in Cullman County.

From the Clarkson Covered Bridge and St. Bernard Abbey to the renowned Ave Maria Grotto, you can find numerous must-visit destinations in Cullman County.

The place will give you a unique experience and is perfect for those who love nature.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Cullman County, Alabama:

Witness the Stunning Ave Maria Grotto

Miniature churches at Ave Maria Grotto

Larry Porges / Shutterstock.com

A trip to Cullman County is not complete if you don’t stop by the captivating Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman.

This destination is home to 125 scale models of some of the most well-known religious structures worldwide.

If you’ve always wanted to see the most iconic churches with exceptional architecture, you can find tiny versions of them at this spot!

The four-acre area where the grotto and surrounding miniatures are located is currently the former abbey quarry.

Structure at Ave Maria Grotto

Larry Porges / Shutterstock.com

Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk who immigrated to America from Germany in 1881, worked on the grotto for more than 50 years.

Visitors can take in this labor of love, which stretches from Montserrat to St. Peter’s Basilica, and hopefully realize how simple acts of love, no matter how seemingly insignificant they may seem, can bear much fruit for years to come.

This is why the Ave Maria Grotto now draws more than 100,000 tourists a year.

Visit this place to witness the stunning miniatures!

Daytime view of Ave Maria Grotto

Larry Porges / Shutterstock.com

Take Flight at Skydive Alabama

If you are not afraid of heights, why not take your next adventure up in the sky?

Visit Skydive Alabama, the premier skydiving center in the area, and experience how birds see the world!

This skydiving facility is one of the best among all the other skydiving establishments due to its top-notch crew, cutting-edge gear, and first-rate facilities.

The future of skydiving, according to Skydive Alabama, lies in you, the future skydiver.

They offer skydiving lessons, video packages where they capture your moments while plunging into the sky, and many more.

If you are the first jumper, you can have a tandem jump where you will be partnered with skydivers.

Don’t let your fears get the best of you during your dive because these skydivers are all professionals and well-trained in skydiving.

Come and try this fantastic sport in Vinemont!

Enjoy Peaceful Afternoons at Sportsman Lake Park

Sportsman Lake Park is a picturesque location with lots to offer everyone, regardless of age, especially if you want to relax and spend quality time with your loved ones.

It’s ideal for family get-togethers at picnic tables, pavilions, and RV or tent camping because it’s situated around sizable, shallow water.

Those who love animals and wildlife will surely enjoy this location since it is teeming with fish and species local to the area.

The miniature train that circles the lake is a favorite among visitors.

You and your kids can climb aboard and tour the whole park without getting too tired from walking!

Sportsman Lake Park in Cullman also has an 18-hole Putt-Putt course.

There are also a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, biking, and hiking,.

If you prefer to chill and relax while sitting by the waters or having a peaceful stroll, this is also a great place to do so!

Hike at Hurricane Creek Park

Hurricane Creek Park is a great place to go if you’re looking for fresh air and a gorgeous natural landscape.

The big park is tucked away in Hurricane Creek Gorge, a 500-foot-deep canyon in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, right off Highway 31 in South Vinemont.

Along the four kilometers of approved hiking routes that weave through the lush forests, distinctive rock formations, and cliff sides of the gorge, visitors can spend the day hiking or bird watching.

Twilight Tunnel, the Stairway to Heaven, and Dead Man’s Squeeze are some notable spots in the park that were created by natural rock weathering.

Speaking of rock formations, another incredibly well-liked activity you can do in the area is rock climbing.

Lace up your hiking shoes and prepare to explore the beautiful spots within Hurricane Creek Park!

Taste the Best Beef in Sullivan Creek Ranch

Sullivan Creek Ranch is a genuine natural wonder in the city of Vinemont.

The ranch cordially invites you to visit and partake in a remarkable experience—tasting the apparent distinction between high-quality meat and everyday beef.

Through the ranch, they pay homage to earlier times when people enjoyed healthier eating and living habits by preparing “Flying A Way” small-batch beef.

The ranch adheres to the ranch-to-table philosophy and focuses on several types of Akaushi beef to serve its customers and visitors.

The ranch also has Cattle & Canvas, where they sell original artwork.

You can also visit the Trading Post and take a sip of coffee and a bite of their baked goodies.

Sullivan Creek Ranch takes great pride in offering wholesome entertainment for people of all ages, naturally grown food, and locally produced art to the community.

Celebrate in the Little House at Art Park

Art Park is a tranquil yet unique residential area with captivating murals and luscious greenery.

A little creek that runs through the park, together with various native plants and flowers, creates the perfect environment for a peaceful stroll or energizing jog.

You can also see different kinds of art surrounding the area.

Perhaps the most eye-catching thing in this park is The Little House, an events area you can book for your events!

This is a great little spot where you can celebrate with your loved ones while surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

There are also playgrounds where your child can play and have fun.

Art Park has something to offer all its guests, no matter their age!

Go for Some Barbeques at Johnny’s Bar-B-Q

Recharge on your Alabama trip after exploring by dining at Johnny’s Bar-B-Q!

Since they’ve been in operation since 1949 and have been family-owned since 1963, they’ve figured out how to prepare the best barbecue, chicken, catfish, and other foods.

Johnny’s Bar-B-Q in Cullman proudly claims that their service is top-notch, quick, and courteous.

After trying its delicious pulled pig, you won’t ever want to eat barbecue anywhere else.

Their menu will satisfy even the most incredible craving, whether for pork, ribs, chicken, catfish, or one of their gigantic stuffed baked potatoes.

Don’t forget to save room for delectable pies, cheesecakes, and banana pudding!

You can also take out some dishes and bring them home to share with your loved ones!

Go for an Adventure at Stony Lonesome OHV Park

Stony Lonesome in Bremen is the first OHV or Off-road Vehicle Park of its kind in Alabama.

It’s a large open area that offers guests multiple opportunities for thrilling and unforgettable adventures.

The over 1456 acres park, open year-round, has paths for ATVs, dirt bikes, rock crawlers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, hikers, walkers, and other vehicles.

Stony Lonesome OHV Park also offers cabins for accommodations, so you can spend the night here.

The park offers rental options for trailers, cabins, RV sites with full hookups, rustic campsites, and pavilions for picnics.

Free WiFi is also available here, so you can still stay connected with your loved ones and even share with them all the fun you’re having at this park!

See the Historic Clarkson Covered Bridge

Front view of the Historic Clarkson Covered Bridge

JNix / Shutterstock.com

The Clarkson Covered Bridge, one of Cullman’s most popular attractions and historically significant places, was first constructed in 1904 and was often used by farmers and tourists to cross Crooked Creek.

The dilapidated bridge is now off-limits to traffic.

Despite its condition, it continues to serve as the focal point of a park due to its historic architectural design.

The Clarkson Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 25, 1974.

View inside the Historic Clarkson Covered Bridge

Bonita R. Cheshier / Shutterstock.com

A functional grist mill and a Dogtrot log cottage were added to the grounds, along with hiking paths, as part of the Cullman County Commission’s restoration project for the American Bicentennial Project shortly after.

These additions were made to highlight the historical significance of the bridge.

Here, you can take photos of the bridge or roam around trails where significant historical personalities once explored.

Structure of the Historic Clarkson Covered Bridge

Bonita R. Cheshier / Shutterstock.com

Marvel at Delicate Works of Art at the Evelyn Burrow Museum

Feast your eyes on beautiful historical ceramics, pottery, and other decorative art at the Evelyn Burrow Museum.

This museum in Hanceville features some of the most stunning ceramic and porcelain works collected by Evelyn Burrow throughout her life.

From works made out of bronze to decorative ceramics made from glass, you’ll find all these gorgeous creations here!

Explore the museum and check out all the intricate details on each vase on display.

You can also find marvelous sculptures that depict animals like horses and tigers at this museum.

The best part about all this is the museum is free for everyone!

Evelyn Burrow Museum is a must-visit for those who love looking at beautiful home decor and learning about the intriguing histories of such art pieces!

Explore Smith Lake Park

The Smith Lake Park offers year-round camping and is situated on the 500-mile shoreline of Cullman’s 21,200-acre Lewis Smith Lake.

The park has 61 tent sites, five bodies of water and electric sites, 219 full-service sites, and nine cottages, all available to adventurers who want to stay here for a few days!

Smith Lake Park also offers fun and relaxation with its eight pavilions, playgrounds, a pool, a fishing pier, a large stage for special events, and a new boat launch.

It also hosts numerous special events and festivals throughout the year.

Enjoy exploring the whole park and participating in some of the activities this destination offers!

Take a dip in the pool or cast your line to catch some fish at the pier.

You can also bond with your kids in the play areas.

Smith Lake Park is a great destination to spend quality time with the whole family!

Fire Bullets at Cullman Shooting Sports

The longest commercial indoor above-ground range in the United States is at Cullman Shooting Sports in Cullman.

Its range includes two virtual handgun training simulators, eight rifle lanes at 110 yards, nine pistol lanes at 27 yards, and a wide variety of rental and retail firearms and their accessories.

You don’t have to worry if you don’t have any shooting experience; Cullman Shooting Sports offers a range of classes for shooters of all skill levels.

Whether you want to train alone or with others, the staff here is ready to help you!

They are experienced NRA-certified instructors who cater to the unique needs of the shooters.

Examples of open classes include first shot, concealed carry, church security training, and AR-build.

The employees work hard to give the patrons a family-friendly and secure environment so you can bring your family and bond with them here!

Shop at Festhalle Farmers Market

Every year between April and October, Festhalle Farmers Market plays host to several of the city’s most beloved annual events.

The ample open-air building is the biggest timber-framed structure in the state available in nearly all weather conditions.

Moreover, it can be rented out for special events like weddings or festivals.

Festhalle Farmers Market lies near Depot Park and the Cullman County Museum, conveniently located close to downtown warehouses.

The local farmers sell locally grown products here.

Eggs, bread, spices, and many more are found in this market.

What are you waiting for?

Grab your basket and start shopping at Festhalle Farmers Market!

Explore Cullman County Museum

The Cullman County Museum is ideally situated in a reproduction of John Cullmann’s house.

This museum in Cullman has a strong German heritage.

The museum is conveniently located among numerous landmarks and tourist destinations in the city’s center.

This is an excellent place to visit if you want to look into the heritage of the county and the significant historical events that took place.

Cullman County Museum’s opening in 1975 to highlight the city’s distinctive heritage is a realization of the dreams of history buffs.

The house had twin towers that, in John Cullmann’s time, flew the American and German flags, a short front porch that extended its breadth with gingerbread trim and Swiss architectural influences.

De-stress at Palomino RV Resort at Burrow-Hamilton Farm

Take a break from your daily routine and have a relaxing vacation at Palomino RV Resort at Burrow-Hamilton Farm.

This RV resort in Cullman has a pit and top-notch camping sites that come complete with a fireplace.

Palomino is the preferred RV park in north Alabama because of its numerous recreational activities.

You can go kayaking or boating, fishing, and swimming here!

Back-In, Premium Sites, Buddy Sites, Glamping, and Pull-Through are all available at Palomino RV Resort.

Palomino RV Resort at Burrow-Hamilton Farm offers fun for your whole family and is pet-friendly too!

If you’re looking for some summer fun, try their Slippery Summit Aqua Park!

Final Thoughts

This summer, make your way to Cullman County for an unforgettable experience.

You’ll never be bored in this beautiful corner of Alabama with its slew of fun destinations and activities.

From hiking and camping to learning about history and tasting slices of beef and barbeques, there’s something for everyone in this county.

Start planning your trip today and try these 15 best things to do in Cullman County, Alabama!

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Best Things to Do in Cullman, AL

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