Two more State Parks are less than 20 miles from downtown Guntersville: Cathedral Caverns, located approximately 15 miles from Guntersville, is a 14-acre underground world. Cathedral Caverns is home to the world’s largest stalagmite, largest cavern entrance, largest stalagmite forest, and largest frozen waterfall. Buck’s Pocket State Park is a unique canyon covering over 2,000 acres. Buck’s Pocket offers camping, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

Guntersville is home to 3 sites on the North Alabama Birding Trail. On the Guntersville sites you might see Red-breasted Mergansers, Lesser Scaup, Gadwalls, as well as Common Loons, Hooded Grebes, and Red-necked Grebes. Other species to look for during the year include Doublecrested Cormorant, Osprey, and Bald Eagle, all of which nest nearby.

The Guntersville Museum has amassed a large art and artifact collection and hosts many special events, exhibits and fundraisers each year. The museum focuses not only on Guntersville’s rich history, but also on art and culture. Its purpose is to preserve our history, inform visitors and citizens, and promote art and culture in the area.

Links to relevant websites

• www.marshallcountycvb.com/Attractions.htm
  
  
  

The arts community in Guntersville is definitely alive and well. You will always find something going on such as an art festival, a musical or play, or just a laid-back summer concert along the lake. The Mountain Valley Arts Council hosts a number of events throughout the year including, lakeside concerts every Tuesday night throughout the summer and a spectacular songwriters festival, MOVA, in September. Theater enthusiasts will love the Whole Backstage Community Theatre. The Whole Backstage has built a reputation for excellence over the last thirty years. The theatre is a vital part of the artistic community, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun. The Whole Backstage presents plays throughout the year, offering something for everyone’s taste. Over the last few years, they have presented Camelot, Steel Magnolias, Death of a Salesman, The Sound of Music and A Christmas Carol.

Guntersville also offers several after-hours options. Nightlife selections include venues with live bands, intimate martini & cigar bars or local sports bar & grills.

Links to relevant websites

• www.guntersvillelibrary.org
• www.mountainvalleyartscouncil.org
• www.wholebackstage.com
  
  
  

BIRDING TRAIL
Guntersville is home to 3 sites on the North Alabama Birding Trail. On the Guntersville sites you might see Red-breasted Mergansers, Lesser Scaup, Gadwalls, as well as Common Loons, Hooded Grebes, and Red-necked Grebes. Other species to look for during the year include Doublecrested Cormorant, Osprey, and Bald Eagle, all of which nest nearby.

STATE PARKS
Lake Guntersville State Park, located seven miles from downtown Guntersville, offers camping, a newly renovated hotel and conference center (opening Fall 2006), lakeside cabins or mountain chalets. The State Park also offers visitors a beautiful golf course and numerous hiking trails.

Guntersville also offers two more state parks less than 20 miles from town: Cathedral Caverns, located approximately 15 miles from Guntersville, is a 14-acre underground world. Cathedral Caverns is home to the world’s largest stalagmite, largest cavern entrance, largest stalagmite forest, and largest frozen waterfall. Buck’s Pocket State Park is a unique canyon covering over 2,000 acres. Buck’s Pocket offers camping, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

PARKS & RECREATION
The Guntersville Parks and Recreation Department strives to provide quality programs, services, and facilities for the public. It is their goal to offer something for every citizen in Guntersville and to reach out to people of all age groups, interest and physical ability with rewarding recreation opportunities.

Youth sports and programs include: basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, swim team, and gymnastics. There are numerous adult programs, including, fitness programs, dance classes and many other activities.

The facility itself offers:

Baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, meeting rooms, parks, a gymnasium, walking and bicycle trails, an Olympic-size pool, and playgrounds.

There are numerous city parks totaling 175 acres along the lake, park facilities include: a beach and designated swimming area, public fishing pier, boat launches, and picnic areas.

Links to relevant websites

• www.guntersvillestatepark.com
• www.northalabamabirdingtrail.com
• www.marshallcountycvb.com/Attractions.htm
• www.guntersvilleal.org/recreation.htm