Fort Payne, Alabama: Manitou Cave
The cave was a Cherokee ceremonial site, then a saltpeter mine, then one of Alabama's first tourist attractions. Closed in 1979, reopened in 2021; access is limited.
- Address:
- Cave St. SE, Fort Payne, AL
- Directions:
- I-59 exit 21B. Turn east onto Glenn Blvd SW. Drive. Drive one mile. Turn left at the stoplight onto US-11/Gault Ave. S. Drive three blocks. Turn right at the stoplight onto 8th St. SE. Cross the train tracks, then turn right onto Lincoln Ave. SE. Drive three blocks. Turn left onto Cave St. SE. The cave is at the end of the street.
- Hours:
- By appt only. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 205-348-6482
- Admission:
- Adults $10.
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I was in the area and stopped by, hoping to maybe get a closer look at the cave. It is closed and there are "No Trespassing" signs. I took a picture of the building from the closed gate.
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The cave is open, but by advance appointment only, "for the preservation of the historic records and fragile ecosystem." The appointment system also saves the expense of an always-there tour guide.