Everything you need to know for a great visit to greater Gadsden Alabama. Start with our Quicklinks to zero in on a popular area or attraction. Learn more from our introduction and links to the local history timeline. Explore recommendations for sights, activities, food, lodging, entertainment, and festivals and events. No time to do all this online? Download a travel guide or have Amazon deliver one to you door.
Gadsden Alabama Quick Links
Greater Gadsden
Altoona Attalla Glencoe Hokes Bluff
RainbowCity Sardis City Southside
Top Attractions
Gadsden Museum of Art Hardin Center Imagination Place
Lookout Mountain Noccalula Falls Park Martin Wildlife Park
Discover Greater Gadsden Alabama
Gadsden is an historic small city in northern Alabama and the county seat of Etowah County. Straddling both shores of the Coosa River, Gadsden has its roots in river boat commerce and transportation. About 40,000 residents live in Gadsden proper, and just over 100,000 in the Greater Gadsden metropolitan area.
White settlement of Gadsden started in the early 19th century. John Riley’s 1826 house was reportedly the first sturdy construction in the region, and eventually became the post office and a stagecoach stop which still stands today and is the oldest building in the city.
By the 1840s Gadsden developed into a riverboat landing and was named for Col. James Gadsden of South Carolina. While best known for negotiating the 1854 Gadsden Purchase, Gadsden was also a great promoter of building a transcontinental railroad through the southern United States. They named the city after him in a brazen attempt to secure railroad passage through Gadsden, but were disappointed and the railroad ultimately followed a different route through Chattanooga, Tennessee.
For most of its history Gadsden hosted local industries that benefited from its riverfront location, including steel and automotive tires, but by the 1980s most of those industries faded and the city fell on hard times.
Aggressive redevelopment efforts resulted in the city reemerging as a tourist destination in the 1990s, with significant cultural, outdoor and sports resources for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.
These are our top recommendations for visitors to Gadsden Alabama. Why the Faber dozen?
The greater Gadsden Alabama area offers a wide variety of cultural, historical, outdoor, sports, and family attractions and activities. Here are some of the most popular things right in Gadsden:
Central-Carver Legacy Museum Showcasing the spirit and determination of Gadsden residents through exhibitions and cultural activities. 1030 Tuscaloosa Ave. +1 (256) 549-4742.
Historic Downtown Gadsden Enjoy a stroll through historic downtown Gadsden. Shops, restaurants, local events. 635 Broad Street, +1 (256) 547-8696.
Imagination Place Children’s Museum. A learning playground with miniature city, desert making machine, 10-foot tornado and more. 510 Broad Street, +1 (256) 543-2787.
Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts Offers a variety of visual, musical and theatrical presentations. Visit the model railroad. 501 Broad Street, +1 (256) 543-2787.
Gadsden Museum of Art View the permanent fine arts collection, local historical artifacts, and special exhibitions. Special events. 515 Broad Street, +1 (256) 546-7365.
Moragne Park Family fun including sand volleyball, horseshoes, playgrounds walks and picnic area. +1 (256) 549-4680.
Walnut Gallery Cultural exchange venue offering free public events. 806 Walnut Street, +1 (256) 549-0351.
See the complete list
Hungry? We can help you with food and drink recommendations for Greater Gadsden Alabama. Choose from family dining, BBQ, bakeries and cafes, fast food, or international and ethnic cuisines. If you are looking for drinks, check out our recommended watering holes in food & spirits.
Family Dining
Applebee’s 1722 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, +1 (256) 546-7774.
Beans & Greens 10294 Centre Road, Gadsden, +1 (256) 492-3267.
Beans & Greens 278 1700 Piedmont Cut-Off Road, Gadsden, +1 (256) 492-6868.
Capeside Fish Company 726 West Grand Avenue, Rainbow City, +1 (256) 952-2793.
The Choice 531 Broad Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 546-9055.
The Fisherman 1873 Highway 77, Southside, +1 (256) 442-5252.
Hungry Hut 701 West Main Street, Glencoe, +1 (256) 492-6660.
Lola & Runts 1729 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, +1 (256) 467-4109.
Top O’ the River 1606 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, +1 (256) 547-9817.
Western Sizzlin’ Steak House 209 W Grand Avenue, Rainbow City, +1 (256) 442-5061.
Zeke’s Pizza 5686 Hwy 278 E STE 1, Hoke’s Bluff, +1 (256) 393-5920.
Bakeries and Cafes
Blendz Smoothie & Nutrition 115 West Grand Avenue, Ste 55, Rainbow City, +1 (256) 438-5515.
Cothran’s Bakery 440 George Wallace Drive, Gadsden, +1 (256) 547-2133.
The Cupboard 411 4th Street NW, Attalla, +1 (256) 538-9843.
Flipside Cafe 931 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, +1 (256) 467-4926.
BBQ
Holy Smoke BBQ & Catering 1724 West Grand Avenue, Attalla, +1 (256) 442-5151.
Lizzies’s BBQ 1440 Broad Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 494-0098.
Pruett’s BBQ 1617 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, +1 (256) 547-4188.
Ray’s BBQ of Rainbow City 3815 Rainbow Drive, Rainbow City, +1 (256) 515-7405.
Fast Food
Big Chief Drive-In 600 Main Street, Glencoe, +1 (256) 492-4660.
Chick-Fil-A 1008 South 4th Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 543-7770.
Guthrie’s 3333 Rainbow City Drive, Rainbow City, +1 (256) 442-9070.
Moe’s Southwest Grill 510 E. Meighan Blvd., Gadsden, +1 (256) 546-4778.
Zaxby’s 1510 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, +1 (256) 546-3323.
International
Asahi Sushi House 3225 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, +1 (256) 413-0012.
Bubba Rito’s Southwestern Grill/ Noccalula Falls 1325 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, +1 (256) 459-4166.
El Tapatio Mexican #2 1504 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, +1 (256) 546-6088.
Five Star China Buffet 100 East Meighan Blvd, Gadsden, +1 (256) 492-8788.
Kati Thai Cuisine 102 D Eble Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 467-4221.
Los Arcos 940 Gilbert’s Ferry Road, Gadsden, +1 (256) 538-2003.
Palermo’s Italian Grill 607 E. Meighan Blvd, Gadsden, +1 (256) 467-4603.
Tre Ragazii’s Italian Cafe 519 Broad Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 543-2726.
Food & Spirits
Back Forty Beer Company 200 N 6th Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 467-4912.
Blackstone’s Pub & Eatery 525 Broad Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 543-7473.
BLU. Chop House 538 Broad Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 438-5588.
Chestnut Station 410 Chestnut Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 546-4229.
The Downtown Tavern 514 Broad Street, Gadsden, +1 (205) 223-0843.
Gridiron Bar & Grill 201 South 3rd Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 546-7305.
Harp & Clover 124 Court Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 467-4824.
Jefferson’s 529 Broad Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 546-4112.
Old Havana Cigar Co. 438 Chestnut Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 444-7291.
The Still 221 South 3rd Street, Gadsden, +1 (256) 312-8764.
Lodging in Gadsden Alabama
Best Western Plus Hotel & Suites 205 Enterprise Drive, +1 (256) 570-0569.
Budget Inn 2704 West Meighan Blvd, +1 (256) 543-3790.
Comfort Suites 96 Walker Street, +1 (256) 538-5770.
Deerfield Inn & Suites 2580 Hwy 77, +1 (256) 413-1300.
Econo Lodge 1612 West Grand Avenue, +1 (256) 570-0117.
Fairfield Inn & Suites 116 Walker Street, +1 (256) 538-2100.
Hampton Inn 129 River Road, +1 (256) 546-2337.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 106 Walker Street, +1 (256) 691-0225.
Motel 6 1600 Rainbow Drive, +1 (256) 543-1105.
Redwood Inn 201 North Hood Avenue, +1 (256) 543-8410.
Rodeway Inn 3909 Meighan Blvd, +1 (256) 543-0323.
Super 8 Motel Gadsden 2110 Rainbow Drive, +1 (256) 547-9033.
Gadsden Alabama Camping
The Cove RV Resort & Campground 4122 Old Pump Station Road, +1 (256) 467-3158.
Noccalula Falls Campground 1500 Noccalula Road, +1 (256) 543-7412.
River Country Campground 1 River Road, +1 (256) 543-7111.
Shopping Near Gadsden Alabama
Gadsden Mall 1001 Rainbow Drive, +1 (256) 547-0501.
Historic Downtown Attalla Downtown Attalla, +1 (256) 538-1872.
Historic Downtown Gadsden Downtown Gadsden, +1 (256) 547-8696.
Mountain Top Flea Market 11301 US Hwy 278 W, Attalla, +1 (205) 589-2706.
Beat 60 Group entertainment. Work together to find clues and solve puzzles. 227 Broad Street, +1 (256) 813-4909.
The Factory Fun center with trampoline, dodge ball, foam pits, arcade. 100 Thomas Drive, +1 (256) 312-8974.
Pioneer Village at Noccalula Falls Park A display of pioneer living with demonstrations, period furnishings, general store. 1500 Noccalula Road, +1 (256) 549-4663.
Paradise Lanes Bowling fun for the whole family. 729 Sutton Bridge Road, Rainbow City, +1 (256) 413-0300.
Premiere Cinemas 16 1001 Rainbow Drive, +1 (256) 547-3030.
Sand Mountain Corn Maze Corn maze, pumpkin patch, general store and hay rides. 8420 Cox Gap Road, Sardis, +1 (256) 302-0900.
Tigers for Tomorrow Exotic animal rescue preserve, environmental center and barnyard. Over 35 large animals. 708 County Road 345, Attalla, +1 (256) 524-4150.
Big Wills Outfitters Experience “River Time” floating along scenic Big Wills Creek. 2881 Wesson Gap Road, Attalla, +1 (256) 538-3226.
Cherokee Rock Village Premiere site for hiking, camping, rock climbing and exploring. 2000 County Road 70, Leesburg, +1 (256) 523-3799.
Chief Ladiga Biking Trail Alabama’s premiere rails-to-trails project, offering 33 miles of county trails through Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. +1 (256) 549-0351.
Horse Pens 40 Historic nature park offering hiking, camping, bouldering. Picnic areas. 3525 County Hwy 42, Steele, +1 (256) 538-7439.
James D. Martin Wildlife Park & Walking Trail Urban green space on a wooded island. Birdwatching, hiking, biking. US 411, +1 (256) 549-4680.
Noccalula Falls Park Noccalula Falls, Pioneer Village, Black Creek Trail. Beautiful natural area with multi use trails. Main trail handicap accessible. 1500 Noccalula Road, +1 (256) 549-4663.
First Friday Downtown Gadsden
The biggest event in Gadsden Alabama, held on the first Friday of every month, 18:00-21:00. Hundreds of classic cars come out and line the streets. Live music, street food, shopping. Join the fun!
Gadsden Alabama Events Calendar
Annual Events listed by month.
February
Downtown Gadsden Chili Cook-Off First Saturday in February, held at noon. +1 (256) 547-8696.
International Festival Cultural displays, food and entertainment. Gadsden Convention Hall, +1 (256) 549-8438.
April
Alabama Chocolate Festival Chocolate taste-off, live music, carnival rides, food, contests, and prizes. Rainbow Plaza, Rainbow City, +1 (256) 413-1201.
Coosa Valley Model Railroad Train Show Operating layouts, food, door prizes. Great family activity. Gadsden Convention Hall, +1 (256) 549-4669.
Smoke on the Falls BBQ Festival Professional and amateur teams compete for honors. People’s Choice contest, live music, vendors, kids fun area. Noccalula Falls Park, +1 (256) 549-4663.
May
Altoona Day Town festival. Arts and crafts, kids fun, live music, food. Altoona, +1 (256) 549-0351.
Attalla Vintage Market Antique festival with dozens of vendors joining the local antique shops. Attalla, +1 (256) 538-1872.
Celebration in the Park Honor our veterans with live music and entertainment, games, rides and food. Glencoe, +1 (256) 492-1425.
Kids Fishing Rodeo Annual kids fun fishing event. Moragne Park, +1 (256) 549-4680.
Memorial Day Service Hosted by the Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association. Ola Lee Mize Patriots Park (inside Noccalula Falls Park), +1 (256) 467-4042.
US Hwy 11 Antique Alley Yard Sale A 502 mile long yard sale along US Hwy 11. First Thursday through Sunday following Mothers Day. Attalla, +1 (256) 538-1872.
June
Barbarian Challenge
Rockin’ on the River
Sardis City Celebration
Wheels on the Hill
July
July 4th Fireworks
Southside Cityfest
August
The World’s Longest Yard Sale
Gadsden-Etowah Habitat for Humanity Dragonboat Festival
September
Etowah County Fair
Hokes Bluff City Fest
Hwy 411 Yard Sale
October
Allis-Chalmers G-Round-Up
Attalla Heritage Day Celebration
Halloween Super Bash
November
Christmas at the Falls
Festival of Trees
Veterans Day Parade
December
Attalla Downtown Christmas Open House
Christmas at Imagination Place
Let It Snow
Annual Christmas Parades
Practical Matters
By Car
Gadsden Alabama can be reached by car via interstate highway I-59 from either Birmingham, Alabama to the west or Chattanooga, Tennessee to the east. It is also only 55 miles from Huntsville, Alabama via US Route 431. From Atlanta, Georgia, take I-20 west to US Route 431 north.
By Bus
Gadsden is served by Greyhound Bus Lines.
By Air
Gadsden is served by the Northeast Alabama Regional Airport (GAD), formerly Gadsden Municipal Airport, which offers flight services for private aircrafts. There are no scheduled commercial flights at this time.
The closest commercial service is to Birmingham (BHM).
Gadsden operates a convenient to use “trolley service” on four routes around the city. These are not actual trolley cars, but shuttle buses.
See the downloadable Gadsden Alabama trolley service route maps:
East Trolley (Gadsden State CC) Route
East Trolley (Gadsden Regional) Route
Cost to Ride: 50 cents Regular Fare. Age over 60, the Disabled and Those on Medicare 25 cents Fare
Days of Operation: Monday through Saturday*
Hours of Operation:
– 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. Monday through Friday
– 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. Saturday
Transfer Stations:
– Broad St @ 4th St
– East Broad Street @ South 8th St
Trolleys Do Not Operate on the following holidays:
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Memorial Day (4th Monday in May
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (1st Monday in September
Veteran’s Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November
Christmas Day (December 25)
Service During Severe Weather
Gadsden Trolley Company services are suspended during severe weather . Listening to your radio will keep you informed about service stoppages.
For more information about the Gadsden Trolley Company, call the Transportation Services office at 543-3278 or 549-4519.
Gadsden Alabama is a fun place to visit anytime of year, with a lot of local activities and events to make it interesting whenever you choose to visit.
Best Time of Year to Visit Gadsden Alabama
Weather wise, the best times to visit Gadsden are from early May to mid June and late August to early October, when the skies are relatively clear and temperatures mild. Mid-summer days can be too hot for anything but water activities.
Gadsden Alabama Travel Resources
Greater Gadsden Tourism Portal
Sweet Home Alabama Official Travel Site of Alabama guide to greater Gadsden tourism.
Gadsden Travel Guidebooks:
Gadsden Travel Memoirs:
Coming soon
