DeSoto Caverns: Adventures with Adamson Ford ep. 5

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Your favorite adventure crew, on the road again. Photo via Bham Now

Did you know you can explore 2,000+ years of history inside the earth, right here in Alabama? We went to check it out for ourselves, thanks to our friends over at Adamson Ford. Come check it out!

A Look Inside the Earth

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DeSoto Caverns Park is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Childersburg, Alabama. It’s less than an hour drive from downtown Birmingham, and basically a straight shot down Hwy. 280.

The park is home to one of the most impressive and historic show caves in the United States. Tour guides show visitors around the caverns while sharing historical and scientific info.

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Don’t forget your sweater! The caverns are a cool 60 degrees year-round. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

DeSoto Caverns is noted for having one of the largest accumulations of onyx-marble stalagmites and stalactites in the world. If it’s been a while since high school science class, those are the formations you see all throughout the cave.

I must admit, I’m someone who hasn’t spent a whole lot of time underground in her life. Even so, I can’t image anyone not being blown away by seeing this in person—it really is like stepping into an alien planet.

Prehistoric to Prohibition

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Looking up in the cave is a little disorienting, but it’s worth it. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Over 2,000 years ago, Prehistoric Native Americans called the cavern “Kymulga,” meaning “Healing All.” In 1796, Benjamin Hawkins, a presidential agent, wrote to President George Washington describing the beauty of the cave, making it the first noted cave in the (newly formed) United States.

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This is a little preview of the laser light show—it’s awesome. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Since then, DeSoto Caverns has been a home for all manner of people, from Civil War soldiers to moonshiners rebelling against Prohibition in the 1920s. The cave truly has a rich history and a fascinating story to tell.

Did I mention there’s a laser light show down in the caverns? Honestly, it was 100% the coolest thing I’ve seen in all of 2020.

Tag Along on the Adventures

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The cave is active, which means there’s water flowing through it and formations continue to grow. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

DeSoto Caverns was awesome to see in person, but it isn’t the only neat spot within a day trip’s distance of Birmingham. One local company that’s been part of the community for more than a century wanted to help us show off some of the most unique places in Central Alabama.

Adventures with Adamson is a series where we scope out the best day trips within a few hours of Birmingham and bring you along with us. Here’s where we’ve gone so far:

We only have one more road trip left in the six-month series, so be sure to stay tuned to Bham Now and share our adventures with your road trip buddies. These are destinations you’re definitely not going to want to miss.

Keep the Fun Going

DeSoto Caverns Park has a ton to offer above-ground as well. You can find all kinds of entertainment like character quests, forge demonstrations, fire juggling shows and more.

Made your way through the caverns and caught a show or two? Test your skills on one of the 20+ attractions, including a 3/4 acre maze, mini-golf, archery, train rides… I’m having fun just writing this list.

All attractions are currently being sanitized between every use and masks are, of course, required in the park. Want a fun day trip getaway for yourself or your family? Here’s how to visit:

  • Address: 5181 Desoto Caverns Pkwy. Childersburg, AL 35044
  • Admission: Tickets start at $29.99 and kids 3 and under are free
  • Hours: Friday & Saturday, 10AM-5:30PM | Sunday 12PM-5:30PM
  • Social: Facebook | Instagram
  • Website

The Ride: 2020 Ford EcoSport

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Ready for anything. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

When you’re heading down Hwy. 280 on a Friday, it’s always good to have the best gas mileage you can get. Still, if you’re loading up the whole crew, you may not want to pile into a little car. Our friends at Adamson Ford hooked us up with a 2020 EsoSport to hit the road.

The 2020 Ford EcoSport is a subcompact SUV that’s surprisingly roomy inside. It was super easy to handle and comes equipped with auto start-stop technology. It also looks super cute and sporty, which, yes, does matter.

After this road trip, I was about ready to trade in my ride and upgrade to something suited to hit the road whenever I’m ready for another adventure.

Always Adamson, Always Family

If you’re gearing up for your next road trip, Adamson Ford is ready to get you there. Whether you need a new car, a tune-up or anything in-between, they’ll treat you like family.

Whether you’re headed deep into the earth or just headed into the office, you deserve an upgraded ride. Give them a call today!

Do you have a favorite hidden gem that we need to check out? Shoot me an email at beth@bhamnow.com to let us know!

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Beth Cunningham
Beth Cunningham

A Birmingham transplant who can usually be found hitting a new hiking trail or restaurant opening when she's not writing stories and snapping photos for Bham Now.

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