Things to do in Cullman

Activities, attractions and tours

Ave Marie Grotto Cullman Alabama
Ave Marie Grotto Cullman Alabama
Welti Falls near Cullman, AL.
This was a quick after work ride n find.
Final resting place for Brother Joseph, who created the art that is known as Ave Maria Grotto.This is a cemetery of only monks in residence at St. Bernard Abbey. Ave Maria Grotto, in Cullman, Alabama, is a landscaped, 4-acre park in an old quarry on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey, providing a garden setting for 125 miniature reproductions of some of the most famous religious structures of the world. It was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on February 24, 1976, and to the National Register of Historic Places on January 19, 1984. The stone and concrete models are the work of Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard's Abbey, who devoted some 50 years to the project, the last three decades (1932 to 1961) almost without interruption. They incorporate discarded building supplies, bricks, marbles, tiles, pipes, sea shells, marbles, plastic animals, costume jewellery, toilet bowl floats and cold cream jars. Born in 1878 in the Kingdom of Bavaria, Brother Joseph was maimed in an accident that left him slightly hunched due to cervical kyphosis. He immigrated to the United States as a teenager, settling in northern Alabama. Soon afterward he began studying at the newly founded Benedictine monastery of St. Bernard, where he took his vows in 1897. Br. Joseph was not allowed to be ordained as a priest, due to the rule of the period that stated any man with a distracting disability could not be ordained a priest. He ran the monastery’s power plant and was, even by a monk's standards, a withdrawn, quiet man. Brother Joseph rarely left Alabama, where he died in 1961.
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What to do in Cullman

Popular places to visit

Smith Lake at Unicoi State Park in Georgia

Smith Lake Park

Explore the great outdoors at Smith Lake Park, a lovely green space in Trimble. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Smith Lake Park
Final resting place for Brother Joseph, who created the art that is known as Ave Maria Grotto.This is a cemetery of only monks in residence at St. Bernard Abbey. Ave Maria Grotto, in Cullman, Alabama, is a landscaped, 4-acre park in an old quarry on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey, providing a garden setting for 125 miniature reproductions of some of the most famous religious structures of the world. It was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on February 24, 1976, and to the National Register of Historic Places on January 19, 1984. The stone and concrete models are the work of Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard's Abbey, who devoted some 50 years to the project, the last three decades

Ave Maria Grotto

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Ave Maria Grotto during your trip to Cullman. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Ave Maria Grotto
This 270 ft covered bridge was built in 1921 and the only remaining bridge of it's kind in Cullman County. It was used mainly by farmers. It spans the Crooked Creek, site of Civil War Skirmishes under Nathan Bedford Forrest. Many relics have been found around this creek and can be viewed at the museum just down the road. This bridge is open to foot traffic and also offers picnic areas and walking trails. An old water mill is located on the property too. #roadtrip

Clarkson Covered Bridge

Learn about the local history of Cullman when you take a trip to Clarkson Covered Bridge. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Clarkson Covered Bridge

Stone Bridge Farms

After visiting Stone Bridge Farms, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Cullman. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Stone Bridge Farms

Larkwood Falls

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Larkwood Falls during your travels in Cullman. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Larkwood Falls

WildWater Cullman

Enjoy an outing to WildWater Cullman during your stay in Cullman. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

WildWater Cullman

Sportsman Lake Park

Explore the great outdoors at Sportsman Lake Park, a lovely green space in Cullman. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Sportsman Lake Park

Cullman County Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Cullman County Museum during your travels in Cullman. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Cullman County Museum

Heritage Park Cullman

After visiting Heritage Park Cullman, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Cullman. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Heritage Park Cullman

 

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Sandhill Cranes at Sandhill Wildlife Refuge in Birchwood Tennessee.

Crane Hill

Frequently asked questions

Is Cullman worth visiting?
With a mix of fishing and watersports, there are plenty of things to do in Cullman. While you're here, visit WildWater Cullman, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Cullman?
WildWater Cullman and Funzone are two awesome places to begin your adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Cullman while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cullman?
WildWater Cullman is one of the top tourist attractions in Cullman and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Cullman?
Three days will give you enough time to check out some popular city sights, including WildWater Cullman, Larkwood Falls and Heritage Park Cullman. The average stay in Cullman is two days. If you have the urge to extend your trip, Decatur isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Cullman with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all the family, here are some terrific ideas for what to do in Cullman with kids.

What to do in Cullman for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Cullman for adults including Ave Maria Grotto.
Are there free things to do in Cullman?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Cullman. If you're in need of ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Larkwood Falls is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.

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