Cullman AL

Cullman – Tucked between Birmingham and Huntsville, Cullman, Alabama is a charming Southern city that blends small-town warmth with rich heritage and scenic beauty. From its German roots and locally owned shops to serene lakes and historic landmarks, Cullman welcomes visitors with a slower pace and heartfelt hospitality. Whether you're exploring the local farmers market, relaxing by Smith Lake, or taking in the architecture of the Ave Maria Grotto, Cullman invites you to experience life a little more meaningfully.

• Population: ~18,000
• Weather: Mild to warm with four distinct seasons; summer highs in the 80s–90s°F, winter lows in the 30s–40s°F.
• Places To Visit: Ave Maria Grotto, Clarkson Covered Bridge, Sportsman Lake Park, Cullman County Museum, Smith Lake Park.
• Top Activities: Fishing and boating at Smith Lake, exploring historic downtown, attending the Cullman Oktoberfest, hiking scenic trails, antique shopping.
• Famous Food: Southern BBQ at Johnny’s Bar-B-Q, fresh pastries from Duchess Bakery, hearty breakfasts at Busy Bee Café, and comfort food from Carlton’s.

Cullman, Alabama is a growing city with a strong economy rooted in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and agriculture. As the area expands, it provides stable and rewarding job opportunities for both new and experienced professionals. With a lower cost of living and a supportive community, Cullman offers a great environment to build a successful career.

Top 5 Jobs in Cullman, AL

Cullman, Alabama may be a smaller town, but it's full of charm and cozy spots where students can kick back, relax, and have some fun. Whether you're into outdoor adventures, local eats, or just chilling with friends, Cullman has a little something for everyone.

Hurricane Creek Park – If you love nature, this hidden gem is the perfect escape. Hike scenic trails, explore caves, or just enjoy some quiet time surrounded by towering cliffs and trees. It’s a great place to de-stress after exams or get some fresh air between classes.

Cullman Wellness & Aquatic Center – Want to take a swim or hit the gym? This place has a bit of everything—indoor and outdoor pools, fitness equipment, even water slides when you want to unwind with friends. It’s a top spot for students to stay active or just cool off in the summer.

Downtown Cullman – With its cute shops, delicious coffee spots, and local events, downtown is a vibe. Grab a seat at Karma’s Coffee House or Berkeley Bob’s Coffee for a laid-back study session or meet-up point. There’s often live music, so keep an eye on the calendar.

Depot Park – A peaceful park with green space, a splash pad, and walking trails—perfect for picnic days or just relaxing outdoors with a good book. It’s also home to local festivals and outdoor movie nights throughout the year.

Skate Castle Cullman – For a bit of indoor fun, hit up the roller skating rink. It's a classic hangout spot if you're looking to blow off steam and feel like a kid again—even better when there's a theme night happening.

TP’s Bar & Grill – When you want to hang out, grab some good food, and maybe play a game of pool, TP’s is a student favorite. The casual vibe makes it a great spot for weekend fun or a get-together after class.

Ave Maria Grotto – Looking for something quirky and chill? This peaceful spot features miniatures of famous religious structures and makes for a laid-back walk with beautiful photo ops. It's unique, quiet, and surprisingly relaxing.

Whether you’re looking to get your heart rate up or slow things way down, Cullman has plenty of student-friendly places to unwind, connect, and recharge. Sometimes the best memories come from simple moments at your favorite hangout spot.

Cullman, Alabama offers access to outstanding higher education opportunities, both public and private. The city is surrounded by colleges and universities that serve traditional students, adult learners, and those seeking specialized certifications in fields like healthcare, business, and technology.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Cullman

Wallace State Community College – Located right in Hanceville, just a short drive from downtown Cullman, Wallace State is one of Alabama’s largest and most respected community colleges. Known for its excellent nursing, health sciences, technical, and academic transfer programs, it’s a popular choice for students looking for affordable, high-quality education close to home.

Bevill State Community College – With campuses in nearby Jasper and additional locations, Bevill State offers a variety of associate degrees, workforce training, and transfer programs in fields such as healthcare, industrial technology, and liberal arts.

Calhoun Community College (Huntsville Campus) – Calhoun is Northern Alabama’s largest two-year institution, with a campus within an easy drive from Cullman. Calhoun is known for its flexible learning options, STEM programs, and strong partnerships with four-year schools.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) – While not in Cullman proper, UAH is a leading public research university less than an hour away. It’s a top choice for Cullman students interested in engineering, business, nursing, and computer science.

Athens State University – Located in Athens, Alabama, this upper-level university partners closely with local community colleges, including Wallace State, to provide affordable bachelor’s degree completion programs. It’s especially strong in teacher education, business, and the arts and sciences.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Cullman

Ave Maria University – Cullman Regional Campus – This faith-based institution offers degree programs for adult learners and traditional students in partnership with regional Catholic schools. Programs emphasize liberal arts, education, and theology.

Faulkner University – Huntsville Campus – Faulkner’s Huntsville location is easily accessible from Cullman and features flexible undergraduate and graduate degree options in fields such as criminal justice, business, and counseling, delivered in evening and online formats.

The University of Mobile – Distance Learning Options – While the main campus is on the Gulf Coast, the University of Mobile serves Cullman residents through a variety of online programs and partnerships, especially in nursing, business, and education.

Heritage Christian University (Florence, AL) – With both online and on-campus offerings, Heritage Christian University is an excellent choice for those interested in ministry, Bible, and leadership degrees, serving Cullman’s diverse faith community.

Birmingham-Southern College – Just over an hour’s drive from Cullman, this renowned liberal arts college offers a wide array of undergraduate programs. Known for small class sizes and a supportive campus culture, BSC is ideal for students seeking a personalized education experience.

No matter what your interests are—technical skills, health care, business, or the liberal arts—Cullman’s location offers outstanding public and private college and university choices. Whether you prefer a hands-on campus experience or flexible online learning, you will find academic environments designed to help you grow, thrive, and succeed.

Cullman, Alabama, is home to a range of high schools that provide students with top-notch academic programs, strong extracurricular opportunities, and supportive learning environments. Whether you're considering a public or private education, there are several excellent high schools in Cullman that prepare students for college and beyond.

Top Public High Schools in Cullman, AL

• Cullman High School – Known for its high academic performance, Cullman High School offers advanced placement courses, competitive athletic teams, and award-winning fine arts programs. The school consistently ranks as one of the top public schools in Alabama.
• West Point High School – This school boasts a strong sense of community and academic rigor. Students benefit from a wide range of electives, AP classes, and active participation in clubs and sports.
• Good Hope High School – A smaller school that prides itself on personalized instruction and student achievement. Good Hope emphasizes college and career readiness with strong support from dedicated teachers.
• Fairview High School – Located just outside Cullman, Fairview offers innovative programs including dual enrollment options, career tech pathways, and a vibrant student life supported by a safe and encouraging campus culture.
• Hanceville High School – This school provides students with a well-rounded education that blends academics with real-world skills. Their strong community involvement and focus on student growth set them apart.

Top Private High Schools in Cullman, AL

• St. Bernard Preparatory School – A private Catholic boarding and day school nestled in a serene, campus-like setting. It offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum, faith-based values, and a rich tradition in academics and athletics.
• Cullman Christian School – This school offers a Christ-centered education focused on academic excellence and spiritual development. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention and a caring learning environment.
• – While currently focused on elementary and middle school education, Sacred Heart is expanding programs toward higher grade levels. It lays a solid academic foundation with strong moral values.

• Temple Christian Academy – A small private institution committed to preparing students academically and spiritually. Temple Christian places a strong focus on character development and excellence in learning.

• St. Paul’s Lutheran School (Considering high school expansion) – Known for its nurturing atmosphere and strong curriculum in earlier grades, St. Paul's is exploring the potential for high school education, driven by community demand and academic success.

Whether you choose a public or private institution, Cullman offers high schools that support students academically and personally. From college prep to faith-based learning, the education landscape here helps young people reach their full potential with care, commitment, and quality.

While Cullman, Alabama may not host any major professional sports teams like cities such as Los Angeles or Atlanta, it remains deeply passionate about athletics and is surrounded by a network of sports culture and professional teams within driving distance. Though Cullman itself doesn’t field teams from major leagues like the NFL, NBA, or MLB, its residents are inspired by the nearby state and regional teams, and many locals are loyal fans of Alabama’s powerhouse college football programs or professional teams in larger cities nearby.

Located conveniently between Birmingham and Huntsville, Cullman offers sports lovers easy access to games, events, and experiences connected with professional sports teams throughout the region. Here's how Cullman fans connect to the broader sports scene.

Football – Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA) & Atlanta Falcons (NFL)

• Alabama Crimson Tide – While technically a collegiate team, the University of Alabama’s football program is one of the most dominant in American football history. With 18 claimed national championships and legendary coaches like Bear Bryant and Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide is deeply ingrained in Cullman’s sports culture. On Saturdays in the fall, Cullman turns crimson as fans cheer for ‘Bama with pride.
• Atlanta Falcons – Just a few hours away, the Atlanta Falcons represent the closest NFL franchise. While still seeking their first Super Bowl win, the Falcons have made several playoff appearances and were NFC champions in 1998 and 2016. Players like Matt Ryan and Julio Jones helped build a loyal Alabama-based fan base.

Basketball – Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)

• Memphis Grizzlies – Though not in Alabama, the Grizzlies of Memphis, Tennessee are a major NBA draw for basketball fans in Cullman. Just a day’s drive away, the team has surged in popularity thanks to young stars like Ja Morant and strong playoff runs in recent years. It's not uncommon to hear Cullman fans talk NBA stats and Grizzlies highlights.

Baseball – Birmingham Barons (MiLB) & Atlanta Braves (MLB)

• Birmingham Barons – Located only about 50 miles south of Cullman, the Barons are a Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and a staple of Alabama baseball. The team once featured Michael Jordan during his brief baseball career, drawing national attention. Home games are fun, family-friendly, and accessible.
• Atlanta Braves – Alabama is Braves Country. The reigning World Series Champions from 2021, the Braves are beloved throughout Cullman. From Chipper Jones to today’s stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, fans across north Alabama rally in support of this storied franchise.

Soccer – Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship)

• Birmingham Legion FC – As Alabama’s professional soccer team in the USL Championship league, Legion FC has built a loyal following since launching in 2018. Located less than an hour from Cullman, the club plays at Protective Stadium and showcases rising talent in an exciting, growing sport.

Hockey – Huntsville Havoc (SPHL)

• Huntsville Havoc – Hockey may not be the first sport that comes to mind in Alabama, but the Huntsville Havoc of the Southern Professional Hockey League have made their mark. Just north of Cullman, they’ve won multiple championships and bring fast-paced action to the ice that fans in the area love to experience live.

In and around Cullman, Alabama, the love for sports runs deep—whether it’s cheering for nearby pro teams, traveling to games, or rooting for high school and college powerhouses. And though Cullman may not have its own professional franchise, the passion of its fans and strong regional connections make it a vibrant part of the sports landscape in the South.

Cullman, Alabama might be a small Southern city, but it’s full of charm, history, and surprises that many locals and visitors alike find intriguing. Whether you're planning a visit or just love learning about unique places, here are 10 fun facts about Cullman that make it truly one of a kind:

1. Founded by a German Immigrant – Cullman was founded in 1873 by Colonel Johann Gottfried Cullmann, a German immigrant who brought a wave of settlers from Europe to start a thriving new community.
2. Southern Town, German Flavor – Despite being in Alabama, Cullman is known for its strong German heritage. From festivals to architecture, traces of its European roots are found all over the city.
3. Home of the Strawberry Festival – Every spring, Cullman hosts its beloved Strawberry Festival, which started in 1939. It’s a fruity tradition filled with parades, music, and, of course, tons of strawberries!
4. A Massive Shrine in a Small Town – The town is home to the Ave Maria Grotto, a four-acre park featuring 125 miniature replicas of famous religious structures, all created by a single Benedictine monk.
5. Tornado Recovery Champions – Cullman was hit hard by a tornado in 2011, but locals rallied together, rebuilt quickly, and proved just how strong the community spirit is.
6. Biggest Borough in the World? – Cullman once marketed itself as the largest city of its size in the U.S. with the most boroughs—six in total, inspired by its founder's vision of organized expansion.
7. Children’s Book Came to Life Here – The beloved book The Little Engine That Could inspired a local group to build a charming miniature train park where children can ride and play in a storybook setting.
8. Living History at Sportman Lake Park – This local treasure offers a working blacksmith shop, pioneer village, and even paddle boats for a relaxed day of learning and fun.
9. The Oktoberfest Spirit Lives On – Cullman’s annual Oktoberfest mixes traditional German food, polka music, and beer gardens—bringing Bavaria to Alabama every fall.
10. Cullman's Growing Scene – Though rooted in history, Cullman is expanding fast, with new restaurants, businesses, and parks popping up and drawing families who want small-town charm with big-time opportunities.

From its German roots to its modern-day community life, Cullman is a city that surprises people with its heart, history, and hidden gems.