Overview
Scottsboro is in the Mountains region of Alabama and is the seat of Jackson County, having enlivened a railroad mode of commerce there. It is a memorial to a seemingly rare instance where civil rights prevailed in the otherwise rather torn history of equality in this country, in a case known as the Scottsboro Boys. It's also the site of a unique venue where unclaimed airline baggage is publicly sold.
5 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Scottsboro
The Scottsboro Boy's Museum & Cultural Center
This museum relates the story of how 9 African American youths were alleged to have raped two white women aboard a train in 1931 and summarily convicted through mob acts and extrajudicial measures, but who thankfully wer…
Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge
A historic communal gathering place of the Cherokee and where European settlers even first convened to hold court. Now known for its bat population.
Remnants of B.B. Comer Bridge
For those interested in metal artwork, you can see here some creativity at hand using leftovers from the demolished BB Comer Bridge. Basically it's a steel girder pyramid and not terribly exciting.
Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center
Local history museum/recreated pioneer village type place.
Scottsboro Railroad Depot Museum
It might not look like too much, but this depot was more or less the lifeblood of Scottsboro for the longest time, and is one of only 3 pre-Civil War train depots remaining in Alabama. It was the site of a battle between…
Jackson County Park
A relaxing place by the river where you can purchase food to feed the ducks or walk out on a dock and appreciate the scenery.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Dec and Mar. (climate data from nearby Huntsville)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HSV Huntsville International Airport, Huntsville — 42 mi away. Directions
- CHA Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field), Chattanooga — 53 mi away. Directions
- BHM Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Birmingham — 87 mi away (major hub). Directions
Scottsboro is off on its own it seems on the west bank of the Tennessee River. You can get there from Huntsville pretty directly via US Route 75, and to I-65 over what used to be this derelict passage over the Tennessee River called the Comer Bridge, now thankfully replaced by a modern span.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning The Scottsboro Boy's Museum & Cultural Center, Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center, Scottsboro Railroad Depot Museum
- Lunch McCutchen's Magnolia House
- Afternoon Remnants of B.B. Comer Bridge, Jackson County Park
Day 2
- Morning Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Scottsboro is off on its own it seems on the west bank of the Tennessee River. You can get there from Huntsville pretty directly via US Route 75, and to I-65 over what used to be this derelict passage over the Tennessee River called the Comer Bridge, now thankfully replaced by a modern span.
See
See The Scottsboro Boy's Museum & Cultural Center
This museum relates the story of how 9 African American youths were alleged to have raped two white women aboard a train in 1931 and summarily convicted through mob acts and extrajudicial measures, but who thankfully were eventually exonerated by the US Supreme Court, thereby setting precedent for effective counsel and right to juries for defendants. Jackson County also commemorated the Scottsboro Boys plight in 2004 with a plaque in front of the courthouse.
See Remnants of B.B. Comer Bridge
For those interested in metal artwork, you can see here some creativity at hand using leftovers from the demolished BB Comer Bridge. Basically it's a steel girder pyramid and not terribly exciting.
See Scottsboro Railroad Depot Museum
It might not look like too much, but this depot was more or less the lifeblood of Scottsboro for the longest time, and is one of only 3 pre-Civil War train depots remaining in Alabama. It was the site of a battle between Union and Confederate troops both fighting for control.
Do
Buy
Eat
Eat McCutchen's Magnolia House
Some little Southern delectables, in a big old house.
Sleep
Nearby
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Park · 22 mi away
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Russell Cave National Monument
Park · 1 listings · 25 mi away
Guntersville
City / town · 2 listings · 26 mi away
Huntsville
City / town · 85 listings · 32 mi away
Cowan
City / town · 17 listings · 34 mi away
Winchester
City / town · 36 mi away
Arab
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My experience
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