After nearly a century of hosting visitors at Monte Sano State Park, the rustic cabins have undergone a facelift.

They’re not the “glamping” style of cabins that is gaining popularity around the country, but they provide modern comforts, offering visitors the perfect mix of heritage and hospitality.

“Several of these cabins boast stunning views of the valley surrounding Monte Sano, and we’re thrilled to have upgraded the interiors to create an experience as beautiful as the setting,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Our mission is to provide exceptional amenities at Alabama’s state parks and ensure every guest enjoys a truly first-class stay.

“We’ve preserved the charm of a historic mountain retreat while elevating comfort and relaxation so visitors can unwind and make unforgettable memories.”

Blankenship joined local, state and state parks officials last Friday for a ribbon-cutting to unveil the upgrades.

“It’s always wonderful to cut a ribbon, because that means this project is finished and something new is here to be enjoyed by our park visitors,” Blankenship said. “We could not be more pleased with the upgrades here at Monte Sano State Park, and we can’t wait for the other projects to finish so more people can stay, play and explore all of our state parks.”

Photo from the Department of Conservation.

Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the 14 bluff-side cabins now blend timeless craftsmanship with modern comfort. The cabins’ kitchens and bathrooms have been updated and are complemented with new furniture and fixtures. But they don’t lessen the feel of a century ago.

And, the cabin renos were not the only improvements to the park.

There are now larger campsites with improved accessibility. The park has added bathhouses in the campground and on the grounds to add convenience and comfort.

There is also a new “family-style” bathhouse in the campground with four fully private stalls each featuring a toilet, shower and sink. Designed with safety, privacy and accessibility in mind, this modern amenity ensures guests of all ages can enjoy a comfortable, worry-free stay, parks officials said.

“It’s important for our park patrons to have easy access to clean and safe facilities,” State Parks Director Matthew Capps said. “Construction of new bathhouses and restrooms rarely attracts headlines, but these are important projects that make every visitor’s stay more enjoyable by expanding accessibility and enhancing amenities for all visitors.”

Funding for the upgrades at Monte Sano State Park came from the $85 million bond issue for parks approved by Alabama voters in 2022.

State Rep. James Lomax, whose district includes Monte Sano State Park and who grew up visiting the park, joined to celebrate the upgrades.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done in the Alabama Legislature to support our state parks and thankful to the commissioner and his team for seeing this project through to completion,” said Lomax (R-Huntsville). “The quality of life in the Huntsville area, the fastest growing city in Alabama, is unmatched and this improvement to Monte Sano State Park is evidence of that.”