15 Best Things to Do in Albertville (AL)

Albertville, Alabama was named after Thomas A. Albert, an early settler who arrived to lead the town into prosperity in the mid-1800s.

The city was incorporated in 1891, but when a tornado hit in 1908, it almost wiped Albertville out completely. Citizens flocked together to rebuild, and thanks to the nearby Gadsden railroad, relief was delivered, and the city was back on its feet within no time at all.

The Albertville we see today is a charming community with shops, restaurants, parks and Tennessee River walks.

I’m an Alabama local and have visited Albertville lots of times, with a rich history, scenic forests, adrenaline sports and hiking and cycling trails, this friendly Alabama city appeals to all. I’m sure you’re gonna find something you like on my list of the best things to do in Albertville:

1. Short Creek Falls

Just 10 minutes’ drive north of Albertville lies picturesque Short Creek Falls.

With incredible views, cascading waterfalls and hiking trails, there’s much to please nature lovers.

The creek is great for kayaking, with foaming rapids which tumble into Lake Guntersville, offering daring runs for thrill seekers.

Alternatively, if you prefer to remain on dry land, bring your walking shoes, some picnic snacks and your camera, and you are guaranteed an amazing day out with family and friends.

Also see: 15 Amazing Waterfalls in Alabama

2. Jules J Berta Vineyards

The roots of Jules J Berta Vineyards lie in Hungary. Jules J Berta was a Hungarian refugee who arrived in Alabama in 1959, and with fertile land which reminded him of home, he proclaimed the area to be ripe for grape growing and wine production.

He planted the first vines in 1987, and today, his son and his wife continue his legacy in the vineyard.

With an elevation of over 1100 feet, Alabama’s Winery of the Year, not only provides stunning countryside views, it also produces delicious wines too!

If you are a wine lover like me, it is well worth the visit. All your favorites are here from Cabernet and Merlot, to Petit Syrah and Chardonnay, so you can sample a few glasses and procure several bottles to take away with you.

3. Albertville Museum

Located on West Main Street, Albertville Museum occupies a spot where the city’s first school and church were built in the 1850s.

Tours are available for visitors, offering a glimpse into the region’s heritage, with fascinating displays of artifacts and memorabilia.

With a collection of old photographs, government documents, agricultural information and more, it’s a great place to ask the locals and learn more about this enchanting Alabama city.

4. Zipline the Screaming Eagle

Set among verdant forests surrounding Lake Guntersville, is a zipline experience like no other.

The Screaming Eagle straps you in and transports you through the air between towering emerald trees towards the lake.

The thrilling zipline adventure isn’t just for adults either, there are level 1 experiences for children of aged 8 and over, so younger visitors can get involved too.

The zipline tours last for up to 3.5 hours depending on your level, so bring your boldest self, and enjoy up to 15 zip lines and 8 suspension bridges with heights of up to 250ft and lengths of 2000 feet or more.

5. Cathedral Caverns State Park

If you like to explore subterranean wonders, Cathedral Caverns State Park, a short drive from Albertville should be on your itinerary. The state park opened in 2000, however visitors have been coming to see the ‘Bat Cave’ since the 1950s.

The mysterious cave features beautiful stalagmites, some of which measure up to 45 feet tall.

There’s a “frozen” waterfall, a stalagmite forest and myriad stone formations to delight and intrigue all visitors.

Inside the park, you can take a magical cave tour, hike marked trails, and children can even enjoy a spot of gemstone mining.

If your visit is not just limited to Albertville, but also other places in the area, I highly recommend the Huntsville and North Alabama Multi-Attraction Pass, which includes a cave tour of Cathedral Caverns State Park.

6. Spring Valley Beach Waterpark

Spring Valley Beach in nearby Blountsville is a family-owned waterpark offering thrilling chutes, slides and wave pools for everyone to enjoy.

Set on 25 acres, this popular Alabama attraction is the perfect place to spend baking hot summer days.

You can bring your own picnic, plunge down 10 adrenaline pumping waterslides, splash around in the swimming pool and enjoy a friends and family BBQ cook-off! Family passes are available, so it’s a cheap day out if you are passing through this region of Alabama.

7. High Falls Park

High Falls Park, Alabama — High Falls Park

Although High Falls Park is easily accessible today, this wasn’t always the case. The park’s creek was once an issue for townsfolk, it was difficult to cross, especially following rain, so travelers had to time their visits when water levels were low.

As the region grew in population, the need for a bridge became of utmost importance so supplies could reach neighboring towns. A pedestrian bridge was built and still stands in the park today, allowing visitors to cross to the falls and hiking trails with ease.

Whether you wish to wander nature trails or stop by the creek for a picnic there’s plenty to see and do.

For me the main highlight was the impressive waterfall, cascading 35 feet and spanning 300 feet across, it’s a photographer’s dream. So bring your walking shoes and your camera and immerse yourself in the natural beauty this wonderful park has to offer.

8. Albertville Home Bakery

Albertville Home Bakery has been welcoming visitors since 1949. The old European-style bakery began by supplying the local community with freshly-baked bread and homemade pastries.

Today, the same traditions remain, albeit with a few updated recipes.

The bakery sells mouth-watering freshly-made donuts, tasty pies, pastries and cakes.

The sausage balls and cupcakes are particularly popular with locals, and they cater to dietary needs with gluten-free products, so there’s no excuse not to pop in the next time you’re in Albertville.

9. Guntersville Museum

Delve deep into local history at nearby Guntersville Museum.

At the southernmost point of the Tennessee River in the city of Guntersville, the museum is perfectly placed to tell the story of its early inhabitants, to foreign settlers and natural history.

There’s a whole host of Native American artifacts to explore, plus a collection of paintings by regional artists.

Exhibits include a 12-foot fishing boat called ‘Mississippi Bill’, to archives and photographs showing the construction of the local dam.

10. Tennessee River Kayaking

Whether you wish to start out early morning, or kayak the Tennessee River at sunset, you can do it all near Albertville, Alabama.

With flowing rapids or wildlife refuge kayak trails, there’s something to suit all.

Mysterious bat caves can be accessed by water, or you can opt to simply drift along the river admiring scenic forests, cityscapes and riverbank wildlife.

11. U.S Space & Rocket Center

If you drive around an hour from Albertville, you will reach the U.S Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville.

You can enjoy interactive space challenges, join scientists in their discovery for alien lifeforms, and even experience what a rocket launch feels like! There are fun museum simulators, a climbing wall which looks like the surface of Mars, and several children’s play stations to explore.

Visitors can enjoy browsing the large collection of rockets and space memorabilia or relax and watch space-related movies on a 67-foot full-dome IMAX screen.

Related reading: 25 Best Things to Do in Huntsville

12. Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament

Around 40 miles southwest of Albertville lies Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. This huge Roman Catholic Latin Rite shrine was built on a 400-acre former soybean farm in Hanceville.

Although relatively new, the Romanesque-style exterior modeled on 13th century Italian architecture is definitely worth exploring. The interior and exterior are intricately decorated, featuring colonnades, a piazza and solid bronze doors.

The materials used to construct the shrine were shipped from all over the world, with red jasper marble coming from Turkey, cedar wood from Paraguay, and stained-glass windows from Germany.

This notable Alabama religious center attracts pilgrims from all over the world and regularly features on Eternal Word Television Network.

13. Lake Guntersville State Park

The 5,909-acre state park lies along the shores of Guntersville Lake.

A delight for nature lovers, the park hosts an 18-hole golf course, beach complex, fishing center, and approximately 36 miles of hiking, horse riding and mountain biking trails.

It’s possible to camp overnight in the great outdoors or stay in lakeside cabins, but if you prefer your home comforts, there’s a 112-room lodge on-site too.

Settle down with a glass of wine, and admire glorious sunsets, rare wildlife, and if you’re visiting during winter season, see if you can spot the American Bald Eagle.

14. Alabama Constitution Village

Step back in time, to 1819 at Alabama Constitution Village. This interactive museum helps visitors learn about life in old Alabama.

Volunteers dress up in period costumes to demonstrate working on the land, baking bread the old-fashioned way and making cabinets for the community.

See re-enactments, visit the post office, print shop and law office, and immerse yourself in village life of days gone by.

More on Alabama: 30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Alabama

15. Noccalula Falls Park

In nearby Gadsden sits beautiful Noccalula Falls Park.

The park offers visitors the chance to explore hiking trails, pioneer homesteads, caves and even an old dam.

Visitors can walk the bridge above the waterfalls for incredible photographic opportunities or pass beneath and feel the water spray as it plummets 90 feet into the creek below.

The park has an abundance of activities to entertain all ages with a petting zoo, mini golf and botanical gardens, plus there’s hiking and mountain biking trails which lead you on a scenic journey through the park.