Yellow Bluff AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Yellow Bluff, Alabama.
1. Yellow Bluff Climbing Area
PREMIER ROCK CLIMBING DESTINATION
Yellow Bluff is a significant rock climbing area outside of Huntsville that features Alabama's first 5.13a route, Rainbow Warrior, established in the late 80's. The crag was purchased by the Southeastern Climbers Coalition in 2009 after being closed for nearly 20 years, allowing climbers to enjoy it in perpetuity. Yellow Bluff also boasts the first 13d/14a route in Alabama, Tour de Jour, and has a rich history with routes established by Alabama climbing legends.
2. Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church is a stately red-brick church established in 1878 in Yellow Bluff. The church was remodeled in 2002 and had the Rev. E.L. Handy and the Rev. S. George as its first pastors. Adjacent to the church is an old cemetery containing at least a hundred graves, many dating back to the early days of the town's history.
3. Yellow Bluff Historical Cemetery
TOWN'S HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
The Yellow Bluff Historical Cemetery is located next to Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and contains numerous graves dating to the town's early history. Family names like Bennett, Chapman, Clancy, Johnson, and Nicholson can be found throughout this historic burial ground. The cemetery offers visitors a glimpse into the town's past and the families who helped establish the community.
4. International Paper Mill
INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING SITE
The International Paper Mill is a significant industrial site located in Yellow Bluff across from Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. As one of the major employers in the area, the mill contributes to the local economy and manufacturing sector. Visitors can observe log trucks frequently passing by the facility on Highway 10.
5. Alabama River Scenic Drive
PICTURESQUE RIVER ROUTE
The Alabama River Scenic Drive offers stunning views near the original location of Yellow Bluff, which was situated on a bluff overlooking the river. This picturesque route along State Highway 10 between Camden and Pine Hill is considered one of the nicest drives in Wilcox County. Travelers can enjoy the natural beauty and historic significance of this waterway that gave Yellow Bluff its name.
6. U.S. Space & Rocket Center
WORLD-CLASS SPACE MUSEUM
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a premier space museum located in Huntsville, approximately an hour from Yellow Bluff. Visitors can explore the world's largest collection of space artifacts, including the Saturn V rocket and other historic spacecraft. The center also offers immersive experiences, including Space Camp and interactive exhibits highlighting America's space program.
7. Huntsville Botanical Garden
LUSH NATURAL OASIS
Huntsville Botanical Garden spans 112 acres featuring stunning collections of plants, trees, and flowers arranged in themed gardens. The garden includes a children's garden, butterfly house, and seasonal displays that change throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, educational programs, and special events in this peaceful natural setting.
8. Monte Sano State Park
MOUNTAIN HIKING PARADISE
Monte Sano State Park sits atop Monte Sano Mountain offering over 2,000 acres of hiking trails, camping areas, and spectacular vistas. The park features more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails with breathtaking overlooks of the Tennessee Valley. Visitors can also explore historic CCC structures, a Japanese garden, and a planetarium within the park grounds.
9. Huntsville Museum of Art
CULTURAL ART CENTER
The Huntsville Museum of Art houses a permanent collection of over 3,000 objects including American art, regional artists, and international works. The museum regularly hosts traveling exhibitions from major national and international museums. Located in Big Spring Park, the museum also offers educational programs, classes, and special events throughout the year.
10. Cathedral Caverns State Park
MASSIVE UNDERGROUND WONDER
Cathedral Caverns State Park features one of the most spectacular cave systems in the United States, with an entrance measuring 126 feet wide and 25 feet high. Inside, visitors can marvel at Goliath, one of the largest stalagmites in the world, measuring 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference. The guided tour takes approximately 90 minutes and showcases stunning formations including a frozen waterfall and a stalagmite forest.
11. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
CREATIVE ARTS COMPLEX
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is America's largest privately-owned arts facility, housed in a historic factory building in Huntsville. The complex features over 150 working studios for artists and makers, seven galleries, performance venues, and a variety of dining options. Visitors can watch artists at work, purchase unique handcrafted items, and attend regular events including concerts, markets, and classes.
12. Bridge Street Town Centre
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Bridge Street Town Centre is an upscale outdoor lifestyle shopping center featuring over 70 upscale retailers and restaurants. The center includes a scenic lake with gondola rides, a carousel, and a sophisticated atmosphere for shopping and dining. Visitors can enjoy national brands alongside local boutiques, plus entertainment options including a movie theater and regular community events.
13. Cotton Row Restaurant
FINE SOUTHERN DINING
Cotton Row Restaurant is an upscale dining establishment located in a historic building on the courthouse square in downtown Huntsville. Chef James Boyce creates sophisticated Southern cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients with modern culinary techniques. The restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere with exposed brick walls, an extensive wine list, and seasonal menus highlighting the flavors of the region.
14. Huntsville Breweries Tour
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
The Huntsville Breweries Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the city's thriving craft beer scene across multiple local breweries. Participants can sample a variety of locally produced beers while learning about brewing processes and the history of brewing in the region. Popular stops include Yellowhammer Brewing, Straight to Ale, and Campus 805, a former middle school converted into an entertainment complex housing multiple breweries.
15. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
BIRD WATCHERS' PARADISE
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 35,000 acres along the Tennessee River, providing habitat for a diverse array of wildlife species. The refuge is especially known for hosting thousands of sandhill cranes and other waterfowl during winter migration, making it a premier destination for bird watching. Visitors can explore wildlife observation areas, hiking trails, and the visitor center with interactive exhibits about local ecosystems.