Gadsden is a city in Etowah County in the U.S. state of Alabama. The beautiful city offers many great things to do and see. The vibrant downtown is packed with so many fine attractions to explore among all age groups. Gadsden is a great family-friendly place and it is perfect for spending a beautiful weekend with your whole family.
Weather you’re looking for a pleasing getaway destination or you simply want to spend a day far away from stress and torment situation, Gadsden is a perfect place to look back. So, let’s explore some of these best things to do in Gadsden, Alabama for a fantastic experience. All the below mentioned places will give you immense joy and happiness. Must visit as many places as you can.
1. Noccalula Falls Park & Campground
Noccalula Falls Park is a premier outdoor destination in Northeast Alabama. The park is a popular destination for families also, and exploring the various offerings of this park with your family members in the next weekend will be one of the best things to do in Gadsden, Alabama.
The location of Noccalula Falls Park is perfect. Additionally, the easy access to the park, well-maintained trails, amazing campgrounds, and paved walking trails, make this place a desired getaway destination among many families.
The paved path starts at the admission pavilion and it takes you to the beautiful gardens. The campground is located along the Black Creek Gorge and it offers more than 120 sites. Must have the amazing camping experience in this fine campground. Furthermore, the campground also offers the visitors awesome views of the falls, the gorge, and the creek below.
Children love to spend time in the zoo by getting up-close to their favourite animals. A children’s playground is another fun place for kids. Other featuring fine amenities include a souvenir shop and picnic pavilions.
The biggest attraction of the park is the Noccalula Falls that cascades over 90-feet and falls into the Black Creek Ravine. Definitely spend some peaceful moments beside this natural wonder.
Noccalula Falls Campground Address: 1600 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, Al 35904
Noccalula Falls Campground Telephone: (256) 549-4663
Noccalula Falls Park Address: 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, Al 35904
Noccalula Falls Park Telephone: (256) 549-4663
2. The James D. Martin Wildlife Park
The James D. Martin Wildlife Park is another popular destination among outdoor adventurers. The park is a bird sanctuary and it offers some of the best things to do in Gadsden, Alabama. Martin Wildlife Park is a part of the Alabama Birding Trail.
The park was opened on October 15, 1991, and it was dedicated to James D. Martin, a Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The park can be freely accessed by the public without paying any admission fees.
The featuring amenities include paved walking and biking trails, scenic vantage points, and hiking trails through the nature and forested areas. The park also offers the facility to explore an extensive backwater of Neely Henry Lake, on the Coosa River in the City of Gadsden.
The most common birds in the park are small Sandpipers, and Plovers. If you are visiting this spot only for birds, then spring, late summer and fall are the perfect seasons for you to visit the James D. Martin Wildlife Park. For nature exploration this park is one of the best-known places in the city. Must visit this place with your partner or whole family when you are in the area.
Address: 1224-1226 S 11th St, Gadsden, AL 35901
3. A Walk Through Time Forrest Cemetery
A Walk Through Time is another free fun thing that you must explore while you’re in Gadsden. A Walk Through Time is held each year at Forrest Cemetery. Must visit the spot in October to attend this event.
A Walk Through Time is a thing that is enjoyed by all age groups, from kids to elderly people. Willing citizens portray some of the Gadsden’s most interesting citizens through their period clothing. These imaginary people belong from various eras of years gone by. It sounds too interesting, right?
No admission is charged for the event but donations are always welcome. In 2023, the event has already occurred in October 15th. Must try to get this event in the upcoming October. Till then, visit the other beautiful places mentioned in the article, and definitely make this event your catch in the next year.
Address: 700 S 15th St, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 549-4693
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4. Jack L. Ray Family Park
Jack L. Ray Family Park is another popular family park in Gadsden. For its useful amenities, well-maintained surroundings and lots of green preservations, the park is popular among the locals and the visitors. For a weekend day-trip, Jack L. Ray Family Park is a good option.
The family park is located on River Road and behind the Hampton Inn. This is a very nice and scenic park. The parking area, including the entire park is large, clean and well-maintained.
The amenities include boat launch ramps, docks and piers. Boat trailer parking is available. Fishing is popular in this park. If you love fishing, then you might go for bank fishing to spend your leisure time.
In summer months, the swimming area gets too crowded. The picnic area is enjoyed by many families and various groups throughout the year. Must enjoy a picnic under the trees with a view of the river.
Address: 129 River Rd, Gadsden, AL 35901
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5. Gadsden Mall
Gadsden Mall is a 502,591-square-foot shopping mall located at the interchange of Interstate 759 and U.S. Route 411. If you love shopping, this place is for you. Many stores are present in this mall. The movie theatre is also nice.
This indoor shopping mall is anchored by Belk. If you are a traveler and want to purchase some local stuffs from the city as a souvenir, Gadsden Mall is capable to provide you some of the best local things in their local retail stores. Some national retail stores are also available.
Gadsden Mall is a great place for the whole family, and the food court offers delicious food. For kids, a section is available that offers some of the kid-friendly rides and fun things.
Address: 1001 Rainbow Dr, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 547-0501
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6. The Walnut Gallery
The Walnut Gallery is a non-profit community art organization that was founded in 2007. The aim of the gallery is to promote contemporary art. On top of that, it is a school of fine arts. The Walnut Gallery is operated and run by all the volunteer staffs and members.
The year-round open and free events make this art gallery a popular destination among the adventure seekers. Through a variety of events, the gallery tries to improve the cultural exchange of ideas among the locals and visitors, also.
The fine featuring events include art exhibitions, poetry readings, public lectures, independent film screenings, and a variety of concerts. If you like to explore and want to know more about contemporary art, this art school is a great place for you in the city.
Address: 806 Walnut St, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 328-2836
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7. Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts
Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts is a great entertainment and educational center, in historic downtown Gadsden. Hardin Cneter was opened in 1990, and it is directed by the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation. A variety of local and national exhibits make Hardin Center for Cultural Arts a laudable place among many visitors.
Each year, more than 100,000 people visit the Hardin Center. Inside the cultural arts center, you can explore three large galleries featuring a variety of changing national and regional level exhibits. Must attend these fun and informative exhibits to expand your knowledge.
The center is well-known for hosting various joyful and colorful performances and functions throughout the year. Moreover, the center is a hub of community arts. You can’t miss this fine place when you’re exploring the downtown Gadsden.
Virtual tour of the center is also available. A popular spot inside the attraction is Imagination Place Children’s Museum that features lots of engaging family activities and fun.
Hardin Center for Cultural Arts is open Mon-Thurs 10 am – 5 pm, Fri 10 am – 1 pm, Sat 10 am – 5 pm, and it’s closed on every Sunday.
Address: 501 Broad St, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 543-2787
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8. Gadsden Museum of Art
The Gadsden Museum of Art was established in 1963 by the Gadsden Art Association, and the first exhibit was produced on January 17 in 1965. The museum is a very important part of the cultural mosaic of Gadsden.
Gadsden Museum is very popular among the locals, visitors, scholars and students also. The museum is located in the center of downtown Gadsden. Get ready to discover a variety of art inside the museum with several new exhibits.
The events are based upon permanent collections of fine arts, collections of historical local artifacts. Special annual events are also organized here. And for learners, educational outreach programs are also organized.
Each month offers new exhibits in Gadsden Museum of Art. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm. On Saturdays, the museum is open form 11 am to 3 pm. Admission to the museum is free and donation are welcome.
Address: 515 Broad St, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 546-7365
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9. North Alabama Wine Trail
North Alabama is home to six fine wineries. And this part of the state is widely known as Wine Country! The wineries are located in the southern tier of the Appalachian Mountains. This wine trail in North Alabama is going to be an unique experience for you.
All the wineries offer great scenic views of mountains, valleys, rivers and streams. The locations are just mind-blowing! You may visit all the six vineyards that will offer you uniqueness on each visit. At least one of the six wineries exploration is a must-to-do thing when you’re in the city.
The wineries are close to each other, and the trail takes an entire day to complete. But it is recommended to spend two days in this trail to get its fullest prospects. These wineries also host wine tasting, and you might also purchase bottles from these great places.
Must raise a toast to North Alabama wineries, as recent research has proved that muscadine grapes grown in Alabama have 500% more antioxidants than the grapes grown in other places. So, what more are you expecting? Explore the wine trail on any weekend with your friends and also boost your energy level through every sip of North Alabama wine!
Phone: (256) 549-0351
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10. Gadsden Variety Café
Gadsden Variety and Café is a place that can’t be missed at any cost. It is more than a regular café, but it offers antique things, bakeries and more. Shopping in this unique place is one of the best things to do in Gadsden, Alabama. The store is actually an antique mall and café.
While visiting the café, you’ll encounter many people are enjoying shopping from the antique-selling vendors and also from variety-store items. The entire place is closed on Sunday. The operating hours are from 10 am to 5 pm, from Monday through Saturday.
And the café itself is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The remaining days are open to the public from 10:30 am to 2 pm.
Don’t forget to take home the famous forever silk flowers that are available in this mall. If you visit in Spring time, you may also get live ferns to decorated your home.
Address: 422 Broad St, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 547-8871
