Things to Do in Gadsden, Alabama

• What is Noccalula Falls Park & Campground?
  • One of the top attractions in Gadsden, the Noccalula Falls Park & Campground is a 250-acre public park famous for its stunning 90-foot high waterfall.
  • The land was gifted to the city to create a park where the public could enjoy the waterfall and its beautiful surroundings.
• What can visitors explore at the park?
  • Visitors can hike the gorge trail, which leads past historical and natural sights.
  • Along the trail, you will find caves, a pioneer homestead, Civil War carvings, an old abandoned dam, and an aboriginal fort.
• What other attractions are at Noccalula Falls Park?
  • The park is home to the historic 1899 Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge, a scenic landmark.
  • Families can enjoy a mini-golf course and a petting zoo for children.
  • The Noccalula Falls Botanical Gardens features 25,000 azaleas, creating a colorful and peaceful setting.

• What is the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts?
  • The Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts is a vibrant cultural hub that houses multiple arts and educational organizations in Gadsden.
• What organizations are based at the center?
  • Imagination Place – A fun and interactive children’s museum.
  • Etowah Youth Orchestras – A group composed of talented students from several Gadsden City Schools.
  • Gadsden Community School for the Arts – Provides music and visual arts classes for students.
  • Downtown Dance Conservatory – Offers dance instruction for students at varying levels of experience.
• What exhibits and events are hosted at the center?
  • The center features temporary exhibits such as:
  • “The Art of Andy Warhol” – A showcase of works by the famous pop artist.
  • “Dinosaurs Alive” – A fascinating exhibit for dinosaur enthusiasts.
  • The venue also hosts live music concerts in its New Orleans-style outdoor courtyard.
• What is the contact information for the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts?
  • Address: 501 Broad Street, Gadsden, Alabama
  • Phone: 256-543-2787

• What is Neely Henry Lake?
  • Neely Henry Lake was formed in 1966 when the Alabama Power Company built the 57-foot high Neely Henry Dam to generate hydroelectric power and provide recreation.
• Who is Neely Henry Lake named after?
  • The lake and dam are named after H. Neely Henry, a senior executive at Alabama Power.
• What are the lake's key features?
  • The lake covers 11,200 acres and has a shoreline of 339 miles.
  • It serves multiple purposes, including power generation, providing drinking water, and supporting a fish and wildlife habitat.
• What types of fish can be caught in Neely Henry Lake?
  • Fishing is very popular, and anglers can catch species such as:
  • Bluegill
  • Largemouth and striped bass
  • Crappie
  • Catfish
  • And many more!
• What other activities are available at Neely Henry Lake?
  • Visitors can enjoy biking along scenic trails.
  • Camping opportunities are available for those who want to stay overnight.
  • The lake is a great spot for bird watching, with diverse wildlife to observe.

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

• What is the Gadsden Museum of Art?
  • The Gadsden Museum of Art is a cultural institution dedicated to art and local history.
  • It was founded in 1963 when the mayor of Gadsden provided space for the museum in Gadsden’s Convention Hall.
• When did the museum open its first exhibit?
  • The museum’s first exhibit opened in 1965.
  • It relocated several times before settling in its current location in downtown Gadsden.
• How is the museum organized?
  • The museum consists of three galleries, each with a distinct focus:
  • First Floor Gallery: Houses large shows and exhibitions.
  • Second Floor (Grand Gallery): Features exhibits that often display objects from the museum’s permanent collection.
  • Third Floor Gallery: Showcases artifacts, photographs, and objects related to local history.
• Where is the Gadsden Museum of Art located?
  • Address: 515 Broad Street, Gadsden, Alabama
  • Phone: 256-546-7365

• What is The Factory?
  • The Factory is an indoor activity center in Gadsden featuring arcades, laser tag, batting cages, foam pits, and trampolines.
• What is the history of The Factory?
  • The building originally functioned as an actual factory in the 1980s, filled with tools and machinery.
  • In 2013, the son of the original owner purchased the building and transformed it into a giant play center for both children and adults.
• What activities are available at The Factory?
  • “Open Jump” – A massive 10,000-square-foot trampoline area with interconnected trampolines.
  • “Si-Fi Safari Galactic Laser Course” – A high-tech laser tag game with immersive features.
  • “Flight Simulator” – Allows visitors to take control of a simulated aircraft for a thrilling experience.
• Does The Factory host special events?
  • Yes! Special events include:
  • “Teen Night” – A fun night designed specifically for teenagers.
  • “Munchkin Jump” – A special play session for younger children.
  • The Factory also offers field trips and birthday party packages.
• Where is The Factory located?
  • Address: 100 Thomas Drive, Gadsden, Alabama
  • Phone: 256-312-8974

• What is Twin Bridges Golf Club?
  • Located on Cartersburg Road, the Twin Bridges Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course in Gadsden.
• Who designed the golf course?
  • The course was designed by Gene Bates and spans 6,800 yards.
  • It is a par 72 course, making it suitable for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced players.
• What makes Twin Bridges Golf Club unique?
  • The course is set along the scenic Coosa River, offering breathtaking views.
  • Golfers can enjoy the well-manicured Bermuda fairway and bent grass greens, which are maintained to the highest standards.
  • Players will also have the opportunity to see the natural beauty and interesting wildlife along the river.
• What practice facilities are available?
  • The club features several hitting stations for players to refine their swings.
  • There is also an 8,000-square-foot putting green to help golfers perfect their short game.
• Does Twin Bridges Golf Club offer golf lessons?
  • Yes, the club provides various types of instruction, including:
  • Group lessons for those who prefer to learn in a social setting.
  • Private instruction tailored to individual needs.
  • Clinics designed to help golfers improve specific aspects of their game.
• Where is Twin Bridges Golf Club located?
  • Address: 901 Riverbend Dr, Gadsden, Alabama
  • Phone: 256-549-4866

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

• What is Imagination Place?
  • Imagination Place is a children’s museum that is part of the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts.
  • It is located on Broad Street in Gadsden, Alabama.
• What age group is Imagination Place designed for?
  • The museum is designed for children aged two through ten.
  • It provides fun and educational activities that engage young minds in creative learning.
• Why should families visit Imagination Place?
  • If you are looking for fun things to do in Gadsden with kids, this is a great place to visit.
  • It offers an immersive and interactive environment where children can learn through play.
• What is KidsTown USA?
  • KidsTown USA is the museum’s permanent exhibit.
  • It features scaled-down versions of real-world locations, including:
  • A construction pit
  • A farm
  • A grocery store
  • A medical clinic
  • A sunken pirate ship
  • And much more!
• Are there any special attractions for kids?
  • Children can take a ride on the Imagination Express from the train station.
  • They can also jump on the back of an ambulance for a playful rescue adventure.
• Where is Imagination Place located?
  • Location: Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, Gadsden, Alabama
  • Phone: 256-543-2787

• What is the James D. Martin Wildlife Park Trail?
  • James D. Martin Wildlife Park Trail is a scenic trail located along the backwaters of Neely Henry Lake on the Coosa River.
• How can visitors explore the park?
  • Visitors can observe wildlife by walking along the shoreline trail.
  • The park also features a series of boardwalks built over the surface of the lake.
• What unique features do the boardwalks provide?
  • The boardwalks offer access to wooded islands located at the mouth of Black Creek.
• What type of terrain does the park have?
  • The park’s terrain includes:
  • Wooded borders for shaded walking areas.
  • Mudflats that provide a rich ecosystem for wildlife.
  • Wetlands, which serve as a habitat for diverse species.
• What kind of wildlife can be seen at the park?
  • The park is home to a variety of wildlife, especially birds.
  • Some species that can be spotted include:
  • Bald eagles
  • Several types of egrets
  • Herons
  • Ospreys

• What is the Lookout Mountain Parkway?
  • The Lookout Mountain Parkway is a 93-mile scenic road stretching from Gadsden, AL to Chattanooga, TN.
• What makes this drive special?
  • The parkway offers a scenic journey through three U.S. states, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking views.
  • Along the drive, travelers can see canyons, national and state parks, waterfalls, and charming towns and villages.
• Where does the drive begin?
  • The drive begins at Noccalula Falls Park on top of Lookout Mountain in Gadsden, Alabama.
• What attractions can be found along the Lookout Mountain Parkway?
  • DeSoto State Park: A 5,000-acre park featuring hiking trails and camping areas.
  • Little River Canyon National Park: Known for its canyons and beautiful waterfalls.
  • Shady Grove Dude Ranch: An 800-acre ranch offering outdoor adventures.
  • Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort: A unique destination where visitors can ski in the winter and golf in warmer months.
• What is special about Mentone?
  • Mentone is a historic town known for its mineral springs.
  • Since the late 1800s, it has been a popular health resort destination.