The cave looks its magical best with laser lights and fog that mystifies the entire rocky structure. A miniature city built by a single hunchbacked monk. Looking for Hotel Wedding Venues in Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes? However, we realize each bride and groom is different. This coastal cavern is associated with the Hawaiian god of creation. Youre covered with our custom protection packages. Best known for its "miracle mile" of underground caverns, the cave's 260-million-year-old limestone formations are breath taking along with the blind cave fish and underground pools which make it one of the nation's "coolest" natural wonders. Toll Free: 800-252-7275. WARRIOR, Ala. (WBRC) - Rickwood Caverns is bringing back a magical experience for the holidays. Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Traditional) Kurdish . Or take a hike through the woods and see the old train tracks and the Revolutionary War gravestone in the small cemetery that belonged to the original land owners. Information: If youre lucky, you might find something worth taking back home, as a reminder of your RV adventure to Rickwood Caverns. 1262 High Falls Road in Albertville, Ala. (256) 658-3244 Rickwood Caverns operated as a commercial entity from 1954 to 1974, when the property was acquired by the state and reopened as a state park. (205) 647-9692 Theres no mistaking the beauty and serenity of Joe Wheeler State Park, a 2,550-acre resort park located on the shores of Wheeler Lake. Please read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated 7/1/21). 825 Gordon Drive SE in Decatur, Ala. Monte Sano State Park If you prefer to have your wedding above ground we offer the picturesque miniature Blount County Covered Bridge as an outdoor venue. Wristbands are required to swim and can be purchased in the gift shop. Area residents were already aware of these caves when Rickles rediscovered them. (About us), 12 magical places to get married in North Alabama, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated 7/1/21). There are free virtual tours available for anyone who is unable to walk through. Every Christmas, the parks caverns are transformed into Santas Underground Workshop. Indoors or out, themed weddings, traditional or non-traditional bridal parties, our guests find Alabama State Parks offer something for everyone. [1] The 380-acre (150ha) state park offers tours of caverns with illuminated limestone formations estimated to be 260 million years old, blind cave fish, and an underground pool. The virtual tour is guided by one of the original boy scouts who helped to develop the cave for park visitors to enjoy. To view the venues website, click here. [4], In September 2020, Rickwood Caverns State Park was one of eleven Alabama state parks awarded Tripadvisors Travelers Choice Award, which recognizes businesses and attractions that earn consistently high user reviews. Grenoble is rich in museums and historic landmarks with its Place Notre-Dame, a 13th-century cathedral, the Muse de l'Ancien vch and Fontaine des Trois Ordres, which commemorates the 1788 events leading to the French Revolution. 10640 AL-24 in Vina, Ala. The tour leaves at 10, 12, 2, and 4 daily from January to . The cavern's entrance will take your breath away. People of all ages are invited to tour Rickwood Caverns, which will lead visitors approximately 175 feet below the earth. The park features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, sheltered picnic spots, scenic hiking trails, opportunities for gem mining, and geocaching. Winner will be selected at random on 08/01/2023. Rickwood Caverns State Park Share Covered Bridge Weddings Weddings at the Covered Bridge If you prefer to have your wedding above ground we offer the picturesque miniature Blount County Covered Bridge as an outdoor venue. The cave tour is one mile long and is a guided tour which takes about an hour to go through. (256) 845-5380 Wristbands are required to swim and can be purchased in the gift shop. It is a tour guided cave in a beautiful state park that offers hiking trails, a pool, and campsites. Southern weddings tend to be large and the guest list can run in the hundreds with small armies of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Reservations: 205-647-9692. Meaher State Park 2 Phone: 205.647.9692. The swimming pool opens every year during the peak season and is a fantastic way to cool off and calm your sweltering nerves during the summer. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 1/1/21). 5105 Nolen Avenue in Huntsville, Ala. Wind Creek State Park, About Americas State Parks | Contact Us | Americas State Parks Blog. For a unique spot to say your vows, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame offers a gorgeous outdoor fountain and an inside lobby. Cave tours have been the main attraction at Rickwood Caverns since the park was first established in 1954. Rickwood Caverns is located at 370 Rickwood Park Road in Warrior, Ala. For more information on Wonderland Under Warrior, visit https://www.alapark.com/parks/rickwood-caverns-state-park/wonderland-under-warrior or call 205-647-9692. Things To Do Cave Tours Park Events Picnic Areas Swimming Wonderland Under Warrior Trails Hiking Learn Sounds of Alabama Park Information Contact Rickwood Caverns State Park Tens of thousands of LED lights illuminate the dark cave. The cave looks more spellbinding than ever at Christmas when Santa and Mrs. Claus set up their little workshop inside these limestone structures. Rickwood Caverns State Park Share Location 370 Rickwood Park Road Warrior, AL 35180 Phone Numbers Office: 205-647-9692 Campground: 205-590-0832 Back-up Number: 334-318-1558 HOURS Office: 9 AM - 5 PM Pool Hours: Closed for Season Cave Tours: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2PM, 4 PM Cave Tours: It features a serene mountain setting with spectacular views of Huntsville. About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) These trails take hikers through forests, wildflowers, and resurrection ferns, up limestone mountains and past historical sites like the fenced graveyard of the original owners, and the Miniature Blount County Bridge, which is historical where the old train tracks used to be. Sandra Burroughs While driving inside the park, take care to follow the park rules. Alabama State Parks staff members keep this in mind as they open up parks to weddings of all sizes. The tours are offered daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. (256) 381-4417 Rickwood Caverns State Park offers a lovely wedding site near the beautiful historic Blount County Covered Bridge, as well as two unique cave sites below-ground. Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Rickwood Caverns State Park: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 300 Gates Avenue in Huntsville, Ala. Call the park office at 205-647-9692 to book after hours pool parties. 370 Rickwood Park Road Warrior, AL 35180 Inside the cave you may see salamanders, spiders, tricolor bats and cave crickets and Albino crawfish in the cave lake. 2023. " Wonderful cavern " Oct 2020 Morgan our tour guide was a very knowledgeable person who you could tell enjoys her job. Youll also discover an underground pool and blind cave fish once you descend the 175 feet into the cave area. [2] History Rickwood Caverns is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Huntsville with a short drive off of I-65. It is situated adjacent to the large pavilion, which is perfect for an outdoor reception. Its main attraction is a massive network of underground caverns that features intriguing geological formations, underground pools, and rare blind cave fish.The caves were "discovered" in the early 1950s by a troop of Boy Scouts and their leader, Eddie Rickles. Our resort parks offer a wide variety of facilities and activities for all ages. Theres also a kiddie pool and lifeguards on hand. Rickwood Caverns State Park is a public recreation area and natural history preserve located 7 miles (11 km) north of Warrior, Alabama. (Last Updated On: March 3, 2022) Rickwood Caverns State Park is a natural history preserve and recreation area 7 miles north of Warrior in Blount County. Warrior, Alabama 35180. General admission is $12 per person for ages 5 and up. It is located next to the large pavilion which makes it an ideal choice to follow up with an outdoor reception. 800-544-JOEW / 256.247.5461 The constant 60 degree temperatures inside of the cave is a relief from the hot Alabama summers and a break from the chill during the winter. [1] The 380-acre (150 ha) state park offers tours of caverns with illuminated limestone formations estimated to be 260 million years old, blind cave fish, and an underground pool. Rickwood Caverns State Park provides shaded picnic areas that are furnished with picnic tables and complimentary barbecue grills. Rickwood Caverns is located at 370 Rickwood Park Road in Warrior, Alabama. The cave is around 62 degrees all year long making it the perfect temperature to enjoy even on cold days. To view the parks website, click here. Rickles thought that everyone should be able to experience a walk through these spectacular caves and helped to develop it into what it is now as well as the park area around it. Rickwood Caverns Rickwood Caverns State Park is located in Blount County near the town of Warrior. Reservations are strongly suggested by the park. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Rickwood Caverns State Park Clean water is available nearby. 617 Highway 72 West in Tuscumbia, Ala. Semiformal Decks, pavilions, banquet rooms, meeting rooms, Monte Sanos EventLodge, Cheahas wedding chapel or group lodge have been the setting for traditional Southern weddings and theme weddings. Download this parks overview chart to help with your planning. You will have to try hard to find a more unique wedding spot than one 175 feet below the ground. Couples can be married in front of stunning views at a rustic waterfront lodge. The 260 million-year-old limestone formations, blind cave fish and underground pool are just a few of the natural . Preserving 260 million years of history in an area of only 380 acres, Rickwood Caverns State Park is a beautiful nature and historical preserve located just a few miles away from the city of Warrior in Jefferson County, Alabama. To view the venue website, click here. GPS will easily get you to the park with no problems. (256) 536-7718 Difficulty: Easy. What makes Rickwood Caverns State Park unique is the massive cave that. The pool and large pavilion can be rented for after hours pool parties ($300, 6-8pm). This ancient limestone cave system contains many impressive geological features. Modern restrooms with showers are also available, but keep in mind that the showers are closed from November until February. [6] Described as "mysterious and beautiful",[7] the caverns feature guided tours of the so-called "miracle mile" of active "living" formations, 300 million year old fossils that are clearly visible in the soft limestone walls, spring-fed pools, and other curiosities. DeSoto State Park offers an indoor space with rustic charm for couples who want to get married atop beautiful Lookout Mountain. Surrounded by the history of Tuscumbias railroad dating back to 1832, the Roundhouse in Tuscumbia is a unique and memorable venue for exchanging vows. And the pavilion next to it seats a hundred guests, and has water and electricity. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). The park features 13 developed campsites, nine with water and electric hookups, and the rest are tent sites. 221 136 Rickwood Caverns Review of Rickwood Caverns State Park Reviewed July 30, 2022 We stayed overnight at Rickwood. Rickwood Caverns State Park offers nine RV campsites with partial hookups, including 30 and 50-amp electrical hookups and water hookups. Nearby Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge and Forever Wild Turkey Creek Nature Preserve have trails and the chance to see many more species of birds, mammals and reptiles. Or if youd prefer to have the ceremony above ground they also offer the Covered Bridge for weddings. 1. The pool water is fed by the chilly waters from the cave. Other amenities include a comfort station and 24-hour patrolling. The caverns are 260 million years old, from the Mississippian Period, and lie 175 feet beneath the earth. While driving through the small picturesque town of Warrior to this Alabama park, you'll find it hard to believe you're only 30 miles outside of the large metropolis of Birmingham. It measures a staggering 126-feet wide, 25-feet tall, and is believed to be the largest such entrance at a commercially operated cave in the world. (Photo courtesy of Rickwood Caverns State Park) Colline de Fourvire. Lake Lurleen State Park The admission prices are as follows: Ages 13+, $17.50; Ages 5-12, $8.00, Ages under 5, FREE with parent or guardian. 7104 Desoto Pkwy NE in Fort Payne, Ala. Rickles decided to develop the caves into a public attraction with a friend of his, Sonny Arwood. For the winter holiday season, the cave is transformed into an underground winter wonderland with lights, Santa and seasonal gifts in the gift shop. If you are looking to unwind with a nice meal after exploring the caves, you can park your rig at the picnic area. Hurricane Creek Lodge is located on 700 acres of picturesque countryside and offers an arbor overlooking a lake as the backdrop for wedding ceremonies. Why? No sewer hookups are provided, but there is a dump station located in the campground. They are both equipped with grills, electrical outlets, tables, and water spigots. Lake Jackson RV Park at Florala The caves extend well over 200 feet below the earth. Theres also a kiddie pool. All rights reserved. Rickwood Caverns State Park boasts an Olympic-size swimming pool, and the water source is the parks giant cave. If youre looking to cool off from the sweltering summer temperatures or warm up during those coldwinter months, the underground wonder maintains a constant 58-62 degree temperature year round as you travel 175 feet beneath the earth. Information: Today, access to this living cave is only possible through a guided tour. Located just steps away from the beautiful 90-foot cascading waterfall, the wedding chapel at Noccalula Falls is a small, rustic, cedar-and-stone chapel that can accommodate 65 guests comfortably for small, intimate ceremonies. In addition, there are fun activities, such as skeet shooting, guided tours of the wildlife preserve and a pistol range, for the happy couple and their guests to enjoy. Rickwood Caverns State Park sits on 380 acres located near Warrior. Rickles had come across the caves in the early 1950s as the leader of a Boy Scout troop exploring the area. Group camping is also available at a primitive site that can accommodate groups of 20 or more. The pool now features an eight foot tall vortex slide. The camping area is small and cozy with only 13 sites. Escape from the summer heat by taking a cooling swim in the Olympic sized swimming pool. 110 North Indian Street in Tuscumbia, Ala. The graffiti on the cave walls dates back to the 1890s, years after the family who owned the land accidentally stumbled upon them. Find a Lower Price? Chewacla State Park Information: While driving through the small picturesque town of Warrior to this Alabama park, youll find it hard to believe youre only 30 miles outside of the large metropolis of Birmingham. Entrance Fees: Ages 5 -11 - $2.00 ; 12 and up - $3.00, Cave Tours (Includes Entrance Fee): Ages 5 -11 - $9.00 ; 12 and up - $19.00, Swimming (Includes Entrance Fee): Ages 5 and up - $7.00. There are also rustic cabins, hiking trails and more on the grounds for guests to enjoy. 370 Rickwood Park Rd. Description Rickwood Caverns State Park charges a fee to enter. You can tailor your wedding to your liking with colored LED bulbs, laser projections lights, and music.If you would prefer to stay on solid ground for your special moment, you can use the park's Blount County Covered Bridge for your special day. Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed. Information: Cathedral Caverns State Park Contact Rickwood Caverns State Park. There is a smaller pavilion, which can seat 70 people, and a larger pavilion that can seat 150. By PrettoMauricio. Forever Wild Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. The caves have a comfortable and cool temperature of 62 degrees that is maintained throughout the year, so make sure to bring along some warmer clothing. In-person support no matter where the road takes you. Heres a look at 12 unique places to get married in North Alabama. 4401 McLean Drive in Rogersville, Ala. The picturesque miniature Blount County Covered Bridge makes a beautiful backdrop to your special day. The park offers five campsites for tents only. Privacy Policy|Disclosure|Sitemap Explore these bookable camps nearby: Greerbillies Rock the South Camping 1 Response Glamping Tent Site with Queen Bed The venue offers wedding packages that include 48-hour access and overnight lodging for 18 guests in the Burns Bluff Lodge. The cave also exhibits a Christmas village room showcasing hundreds of houses and cottages glorifying the villages. Information: The new city centre keeping between the rivers Sane and Rhne. The campground is small, but nice. Make sure you make reservations first by calling 205-647-9692 and check out the calendar here. (256) 543-7412, ext. What makes Rickwood Caverns State Park unique is the massive cave that contains 260-million-year-old formations that were created by water and reveal evidence that the cave was carved from an ocean bed. Chickasaw State Park Built in 1819, the home features a spiral staircase and is beautifully decorated with antiques and period furnishings. Want good news about Alabama delivered straight to your inbox? 9 of these sites are compatible for RVs and trailers. The cave is transformed into a underground winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and holiday displays. The RV sites are large enough to accommodate trailers and motorhomes of any size, so what are you waiting for? Distance: 1 mile. Rickwood Caverns State Park CAMPING CAVE TOURS PICNIC AREAS SWIMMING WONDERLAND UNDER WARRIOR HIKING PAVILIONS CAVE WEDDINGS COVERED BRIDGE WEDDINGS NATURE This outdoor venue is very picturesque and makes a stunning venue. After your tour of the caves, take a dip in the large pool and then set up your campsite and roast marshmallows under the starlit skies. Visit www.northalabama.org to check out more of our Unique Wedding Destinations. Rickwood Caverns is referred to as a living cave by geologists as there are still stalagmite, stalactite, and flowstone formations developing due to the mineral-rich water. The pool now features an eight foot tall vortex slide. Rickwood Caverns. The city sits at the confluence of the rivers Isre and Drac, encircled by the snow-covered Alps. Copyright 2021 WBRC. Rickwood Caverns offers two options for cave rooms to satisfy a bride's quirkier side. [2], The caverns were brought to public attention by Eddie Rickles and Sonny Arwood who combined their own names to create the name "Rickwood." Email: Experience the thrill of Rickwood's miracle mile of underground caverns! You will find the path inside the cave to be well lit and easy to see. There are also opportunities for camping enthusiasts. Bucks Pocket State Park [5], The park surrounding the caverns features 380 acres of wilderness, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, picnic area with shelters, hiking trails, playground, campground, panning for gemstones and gift shop. There are several hiking trails to choose from at Rickwood Caverns State Park. 517 S. Scott Street in Scottsboro, Ala. Birdwatchers may spot a bluebird, wren, robin, sparrow, woodpecker or a wild turkey. The drive to Birmingham is just short of 30 miles, and visitors can get there by traveling along I-65. Copyright 2023, AmericasStateParks.org. This olympic sized swimming pool is complete with a low dive and a high dive into 12 foot deep water. Deep underground in Rickwood Caverns State Park, about 30 miles north of Birmingham, you can find at least 20 rusted green drums and brown glass bottles of survival supplies dating back to the. With its small size of just 380 acres, getting around the park is very easy. Its cave tour is perfect for all ages, including children. Bladon Springs State Park The park is also named after the cave discoverers, Eddie Rickles and Sonny Arwood. It is located next to the large pavilion which makes it an ideal choice to follow up with an outdoor reception. Rickwood Caverns State Park is a public recreation area and natural history preserve located 7 miles (11 km) north of Warrior, Alabama. Plus you can bring your own lighting (colored led bulbs), music, decor and laser projection lights to enhance the mood. Wonderland Under Warrior kicks off November 20 and goes through January 2. This family-friendly trail travels through a beautiful wooded forest along a relatively flat and easy trail. There is a delightful variety of gems to find in all different shapes and sizes. The caves were discovered in the early 1950s by a troop of Boy Scouts and their leader, Eddie Rickles. Rickwood Caverns were discovered around the 1950s by a band of boy scouts and their leader, Eddie Rickles. A unique book shop with a collection of rare tomes and a nostalgia museum. Rickwood Caverns State Park is easy to access by car or RV and is located on Rickwood Park Road. The 260 million-year-old limestone formations, blind cave fish and underground pool are just a few of the natural wonders exhibited in the colorful cavern. Along the way, there is plenty of opportunity for photos, and you may even be able to see some bats in the caves. You can also find a waterfall in Santas Workshop adorned with LED lights. Information: These wedding savings can also roll over into the budget for the honeymoon. A brief introduction to Rickwood Caverns State Park. Previous Next Rickwood Caverns State Park offers a lovely wedding site near the beautiful historic Blount County Covered Bridge, as well as two unique cave sites below-ground. Paul Grist State Park Rental of the museum or the banquet hall are both available for weddings and receptions. Many species make their home in the woods or caves at Rickwood Caverns State Park. 12. at a glance. Historic Walking Areas. The more your referral link gets used, the more money youll start earning. To view the venues website, click here. The gate is locked at sunset and we arrived after dark, but fortunately there was a number to call on the gate. The cave is also home to an abundance of wildlife. Offer subject to change without notice. However, a permit is required before you can lay your hands on the GPS. Overnight accommodations, day use area, cave tour. With so much to see and do, plus all the amenities on hand, you might find yourself never wanting to leave. Visit us year round to experience the wonder of Rickwood Caverns Cave Tours. Alabamas five resort state parks offer full-service catering. These formations are evidence that the cave was created by the ocean, carved out from the water running through. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. However, they are not allowed inside of the caves, in any of the buildings or in the pool area. Fees are $3/adult, $2/child, and $2 for seniors. Official Web site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Admission costs are as follows: $18 for ages 13+; $9 for ages 5-12; free (with parent or guardian) for ages 4 and under. The route is a mile long, and there are 110 steps you will need to climb to reach the exit at the end, so make sure to wear comfortable non-slippery shoes. (About us), 12 magical places to get married in North Alabama, The story of the star that fell on Alabama, After traveling across the country, Maayan Gordon chose to move to Alabama, Alabama candlemaker captures scent of Grand Hotel lobby, Stockd Concierge Services helps eliminate grocery shopping at the beach, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated 7/1/21). Website for Rickwood Caverns. When you take an RV visit to the park, you'll see how the centuries-old limestone cave takes center stage with its water-formed limestone structures. Heres a closer look at what youll discover at Rickwood Caverns State Park: Explore the 260 million year old cave with its many small crevices and formations (stalactites and stalagmites) throughout. Another fun activity that is offered at the caves is gem mining, which is thoroughly enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. 2,712. This water-formed cave also features an underground pool with blind cavefish. This campsite is ideal for Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups. To view the parks website, click here. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. There is so much to discover at Rickwood Caverns State Park, so get ready for an RV trip of a lifetime in Alabama. Visit these parks for more detailed information: Official Web site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. If you are looking for a unique wedding venue, why not get married 175 feet underground? Here's a look at 12 unique places to get married in North Alabama. [2] These centuries-old rocky structures cast a spell on visitors with its mysterious vibes and astonishing formation. All rights reserved. Rickwood Caverns State Park is a natural history preserve and recreation area 7 miles north of Warrior in Blount County.