Cullman
Around Cullman
Photo: Dave warren80 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Alabama · 92k people
Cullman
Where every street feels like home.
Wallace State Community College navyWallace State Community College gold
Welcome to Cullman! Whether you're here for the German heritage, the lake, or just passing through, you'll find a friendly small-town vibe. Grab a bite at a local barbecue joint and take a stroll around the historic square.
Clubs for Cullman
No clubs for Cullman yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Cullman. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Cullman. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Hurricane Creek Park Natural area with trails and creek access
- Cullman County Museum Local history exhibits
- Clarkson Covered Bridge Historic covered bridge over Crooked Creek
- Lewis Smith Lake Large reservoir for boating and fishing
- Cullman County Fairgrounds Hosts the county fair and events
- Historic Downtown Cullman German-style architecture and local shops
- Outdoors Hiking at Hurricane Creek Park
- Outdoors Boating and fishing on Smith Lake
- With kids Visiting the Cullman County Museum
- With kids Swimming at Smith Lake
- Evenings Live music at local venues
- Evenings Bar hopping on the square
- Locals love Downtown square
- Locals love Lake recreation areas
Through the year
- Cullman County Fair September Annual county fair with rides, livestock, and food
- Cullman's Fourth of July Celebration July Fireworks and family activities at the fairgrounds
- Cullman Farmers Market May-September Weekly market with local produce and crafts
- Music on the Square Summer Summer concert series in downtown
- Covered Bridge Festival October Celebration at Clarkson Covered Bridge with crafts and food
Cullman has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Best: Spring and fall are the best times to be outdoors.
Talk like a local
- “The square”
- Downtown Cullman
- “The lake”
- Lewis Smith Lake
- “The fair”
- Cullman County Fair
Getaways
- Huntsville Space & Rocket Center and vibrant downtown
- Birmingham Zoo, museums, and nightlife
- Decatur Riverfront parks and historic district
- Gadsden Noccalula Falls and outdoor recreation
Local flavour
Rooting for Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA football), Auburn Tigers (NCAA football), Atlanta Braves (MLB), Tennessee Titans (NFL)
Eat and drink
- German-style bratwurst
- Southern barbecue A staple across Alabama.
- Sweet tea Classic Southern beverage.
- Sauerkraut Common in local German-influenced dishes.
Where people go
- Historic downtown squares Cullman's downtown features preserved architecture and local shops.
- German-style architecture
- Small family farms Rural character of the surrounding county.
Heritage and traditions
Cullman is proud of its German heritage, which is woven into its architecture, festivals, and food, and of its small-town Southern charm with a strong sense of community.
This time of year in Cullman
- Cullman County Fair October Annual fair with rides and livestock shows.
- Art Walk April and October Downtown galleries open for evening strolls.
- Cullman Art Walk April and October Downtown galleries and live demonstrations.
- St. John's German Festival October Church-sponsored festival with German food and dancing.
Say it like a local: “Coke (for any soda)” — A carbonated soft drink.
Festivals
- Cullman Oktoberfest September Celebrates German heritage with beer, bratwurst, and music.
- Covered Bridge Festival May Arts and crafts at the historic Clarkson Covered Bridge.
- Music on the Square Summer Free summer concerts in downtown Cullman.
- Cullman Art Walk April and October Downtown galleries and live demonstrations.
- St. John's German Festival October Church-sponsored festival with German food and dancing.
- Cullman Farmers Market May through September Weekly market with local produce and crafts.
Landmarks with a story
- Clarkson Covered Bridge One of Alabama's oldest covered bridges, built in 1904.
- Cullman County Museum Local history, including German settlement and Civil War artifacts.
- St. John's Evangelical Protestant Church Historic German Lutheran church in downtown Cullman.
- Cullman Historic District Downtown with German-style architecture and historic buildings.
- Cullman County Courthouse 1907 courthouse with a distinctive clock tower.
- Loretta Park Historic park with a spring and picnic areas.
Food traditions
- German-style bratwurst Brought by German settlers, served at Oktoberfest and local restaurants.
- Southern barbecue Smoked pork, ribs, and chicken with regional sauces.
- Sweet tea A Southern staple, served at every meal.
- Sauerkraut German heritage dish, often served with sausages.
- Peach cobbler Popular dessert, especially in summer at local festivals.
Music and arts
- Southern gospel music Churches and community groups perform gospel and hymns.
- Bluegrass and country Local musicians play at festivals and downtown events.
- German folk music Polka and oompah bands appear at Oktoberfest and heritage events.
- Folk art and crafts Quilting, woodworking, and pottery at local craft fairs.
A little history
- 1873 German immigrant John Cullmann founded Cullman as a German colony.
- 1877 Cullman County was created from parts of Blount, Morgan, and Winston counties.
- 1872 The railroad reached Cullman, boosting trade and population.
- Late 19th century Cullman became a center for German culture in Alabama, with schools and churches.
- Early 20th century The county's agricultural economy grew with cotton and timber.
Rivalries
- Alabama vs Auburn football Iron Bowl rivalry divides local fans
- Game day High school football
- Game day Smith Lake fishing tournaments
- Outdoors Hiking Hurricane Creek Park
- Outdoors Boating and fishing on Smith Lake
- With kids Cullman County Fair
- With kids Smith Lake
Locals speak with a Southern accent, often using phrases like 'y'all' and 'fixin' to'. German heritage influences some place names and family traditions, but everyday speech is distinctly Southern.
Only here
- Cullman is one of the few places in Alabama with a strong German heritage, visible in its architecture and festivals.
- The Cullman County Fair has been a tradition since 1920.
- Clarkson Covered Bridge is one of the oldest covered bridges in Alabama.
- Cullman's downtown has a unique German-style layout with a central square.
New here? A few tips
- Learn to say 'Cullman' with a short 'u'—it's 'CULL-man'.
- Be ready for hot, humid summers and mild winters; spring brings tornado risk.
- Try a local German restaurant for bratwurst and sauerkraut.
- Visit the farmers market on Saturday mornings for fresh produce and crafts.
- Attend a Music on the Square concert to meet locals.
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Cullman, AL. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.