Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Gadsden, Alabama

The charming city of Gadsden rests along the banks of the Coosa River in northeast Alabama. In the 19th century, it functioned as a pivotal shipping center and economic hub for companies in the tire, rubber, and steel industries.

Currently, vestiges of these industries persist; however, the city is more renowned for its inviting ambiance, parks, lakes, and gardens. It is also an excellent location for exploring local history and engaging in outdoor activities. If you are touring the Deep South, Gadsden is just a short drive away from Birmingham, Chattanooga, and Atlanta.

As an Alabama native, I find Gadsden to be a fascinating city that I frequently visit. It is an ideal destination for families, offering museums, outdoor activities, and performing arts.

Here is a curated list of some of the finest attractions to experience in Gadsden:

1. Noccalula Falls Park

Noccalula Falls Park is the premier attraction in Gadsden. Spanning a picturesque 250 acres, it features Noccalula Falls, an impressive waterfall that descends 90 feet into Black Creek.

The park offers a 1.7-mile trail winding through scenic landscapes, rock formations, shrubs, and botanical gardens. Visitors can walk, jog, or mountain bike, or, for a more leisurely experience, take a ride on the park’s train. It also provides campgrounds and cabins, as well as a Noccalula Falls Wedding Chapel for those wanting to hold a ceremony during their visit.

Families can enjoy numerous amenities, including a petting zoo, a miniature golf course, and the historic Pioneer Village.

2. Noccalula Waterfall

Within Noccalula Falls Park lies the renowned Noccalula Falls. This breathtaking feature is most impressive during the spring and winter when water flow is abundant, although it remains a stunning sight year-round. Discover the legend of Princess Noccalula, a Native American figure, for whom the falls are named, and view her statue along the park trails.

For the most scenic views, walk across the bridge above the falls, which provides a 360-degree panorama of the cascade and the verdant surrounding landscape.

Alternatively, for a unique perspective, consider following the Gorge Trail beneath the waterfall for excellent photography opportunities.

3. Gadsden Museum of Art

The Gadsden Museum of Art is situated in the downtown area and first opened its doors in 1965, featuring works and exhibits from regional artists.

Encompassing three galleries on three floors, the museum hosts solo artist exhibitions, historical photographs, and cultural artifacts. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with numerous interactive activities for children, along with a café serving traditional southern cuisine.

4. Neely Henry Lake

Neely Henry Lake is often regarded as Gadsden’s hidden gem, and it is easy to see why. The lake attracts anglers nationwide, featuring 11,200 acres of water and 339 miles of shoreline. It boasts a rich array of fish species, including bass, bluegill, and catfish, and offers both boat rentals and shoreline fishing.

If fishing is not of interest, consider a leisurely visit to the Neely Henry Dam, established in 1966 for hydroelectric power, or enjoy bird-watching at Ten Islands Historic Park. You might be fortunate enough to observe Bald Eagles, Purple Martins, Prairie Warblers, and Eastern Screech-Owls, so bring your binoculars.

For an alternative experience, consider renting a mountain bike to explore the trails and lush forest paths along the lake’s edge, and pause for a picnic to enjoy the stunning lakeside vistas.

5. Back Forty Beer Co.

For enthusiasts of craft beer, the Back Forty Beer Company is a must-visit destination. Located in a historic 1940s Sears & Roebuck red-brick warehouse, the brewery is named after an agricultural term referring to the most fertile soil.

With creatively titled ales like ‘Naked Pig’ and ‘Truck Stop Honey,’ there is a wide selection of pale ales, brown ales, and specialty beers to suit various tastes. Whether you wish to sample their craft beers, dine at the Back Forty Test Kitchen, or meet new friends, you are assured a warm reception at Back Forty Beer Co.

6. Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts

The Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, which opened in Gadsden in 1990, is a non-profit arts center. Housed in a repurposed department store on the corner of Broad Street in Downtown, the venue is easy to identify thanks to its tri-color cylindrical entrance and triangular rooftop.

The center features a variety of traveling art exhibitions, visual displays, and performances. From April through September, guests can relax and enjoy concerts in the charming New Orleans-style courtyard.

7. Chestnut Station

For those seeking excitement, Chestnut Station in Gadsden is a vibrant bar and grill accompanied by a music venue. The location frequently hosts a variety of events, ensuring there is always something happening.

Whether you wish to showcase your karaoke talents, enjoy live music, or dance the night away, Chestnut Station is the perfect venue. Pair your night with some delectable deep-fried southern buffalo wings, mini corn dogs, and locally brewed drinks for an unforgettable evening.

8. Tigers for Tomorrow

Occupying 140 acres, Tigers for Tomorrow is a non-profit wildlife preservation area that is home to over 170 animals, including tigers, African lions, black leopards, and bears. This sanctuary provides a permanent refuge for many predatory animals threatened in their natural habitat.

The primary goal of this reserve is to foster understanding between humans and animals through conservation and education. I highly encourage adventurers to consider the private tours and educational group visits available, where guests can observe wolves, cougars, and more in this picturesque setting amid the Appalachian foothills.

9. Chief Ladiga Trail

Featuring 33 miles of paved pathways, the Chief Ladiga Trail is a prime location for cycling, jogging, hiking, or inline skating. Visitors are invited to ride or stroll through lush, emerald forests and pass agricultural fields and vibrant wetlands rich in wildlife.

With no motorized traffic allowed, guests can fully appreciate Alabama’s natural beauty in tranquility as they traverse Cleburne and Calhoun counties. Several streams along the trail provide perfect picnic spots, allowing visitors to unwind and enjoy the enchanting countryside.

10. Mort Glosser Amphitheater

Constructed in 1935, the Mort Glosser Amphitheater in Gadsden was built using locally sourced sandstone quarried from Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. This open-air theater features a half-hexagonal seating area, timber framework, and stone arches, as well as a club room. It served as a USO center during World War II, providing entertainment for servicemen stationed nearby.

In subsequent decades, the amphitheater has hosted a variety of live events, including music performances, summer plays, boxing matches, and political rallies. Free concerts take place on the first Friday of each summer month, and the venue is also available for private events.

11. Etowah Memorial Bridge

Known as the Etowah Memorial Bridge or Coosa River Bridge, this structure spans the Coosa River in Gadsden.

Built in 1927 by Charles G. Kershaw Contracting Company based in Birmingham, Alabama, this open-spandrel concrete arch bridge commemorates servicemen who lost their lives during World War I, with a memorial plaque and monument located at its entrance. The bridge also offers stunning views of the cityscape, making it a perfect spot for photographers.

12. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

Adjacent to Lee’s Lake within the Appalachian foothills lies the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Silver Lakes. This stunning landscape featuring forests, grasslands, and wetlands is breathtakingly beautiful. The course includes 36 challenging holes, such as The Mindbreaker, Heartbreaker, Backbreaker, and The Short Course.

As you traverse the golfing trail, the changing skies, colors, and scenery throughout the day create a spectacular, cinematic backdrop against which to enjoy some of the finest courses in Alabama.

13. Downtown Gadsden

Downtown Gadsden features an array of shopping, dining, and museums. Whether you are in search of a thoughtful gift for a loved one, seeking local art, or wishing to participate in ‘First Friday’ events with residents, this vibrant area is the place to be.

‘First Fridays’ occur on the initial Friday of every month along Broad Street in Downtown Gadsden. This highly anticipated event attracts the entire community, featuring street food vendors, classic cars, market stalls, and live performances. Bring your family, meet new people, and enjoy the atmosphere while dining, dancing, and shopping until twilight.

If you are looking for dining options, I recommend The Rail Public House, an upscale pub located in Downtown Gadsden.

14. Imagination Place Children’s Museum

Designed for children aged 2 to 10, Imagination Place provides a safe environment where youngsters can learn, explore, and engage with exhibits. The museum’s permanent exhibit, KidsTown USA, features a miniature town center tailored for children.

Here, children can visit the grocery store, embark on a journey aboard the Imagination Express train, or sail on a sunken pirate ship! No matter what activities your children choose during their visit to Gadsden, their imagination will have no limits.

15. Central Carver Legacy Museum

Until its closure in 1971, Carver High School served the African-American student population of Gadsden and was named after George Washington Carver, the honored American botanist and inventor.

The museum, situated within the historic school, highlights its substantial impact on the African-American community at that time through various displays, exhibits, and artwork. It exemplifies how a small institution transformed into a thriving educational center featuring new departments, gymnasiums, 26 classrooms, and a lunchroom.