MONTE SANO STATE PARK
Monte Sano, Spanish for Mountain of Health, rises more than 1,600 feet above sea level. The mountain has attracted visitors since the mid 1820s with the establishment of the town of Viduta, a derivative of the Spanish word Vida, meaning life. Viduta was home to a sanatorium and a hotel resort, Hotel Monte Sano, which opened its doors on June 1, 1887 and closed in the early 1900s due to a declining economy.
With the developments of the CCC in the 1930s came 11 stone cabins, which are still used today, picnic area and pavilions, an amphitheater and a stone lodge, which was destroyed by fire in 1947. February 2004 marked the completion of the reconstruction of the Monte Sano Lodge. Today all of these features are still in use and include the addition of three new cabins, one new pavilion and a campground with 89 improved camping sites.
The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails so you may get back in the woods to enjoy the serenity of the mountain. An 8 mile mountain bike trail is being constructed and maintained by local riders.
The staff at Monte Sano State Park would like to personally invite you to come and visit the park we take such great pride in promoting.
Today, the Monte Sano Lodge offers a serene mountain setting not only to the outdoorsman and the family seeking to get away from it all but, also to the businessman who can now conference in this modern facility with modern internet connections and state of the art meeting rooms.
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939, The Monte Sano Lodge catered to those who cherished the outdoors setting for family gatherings, business meetings, weddings and receptions until its destruction by fire in 1948.
For over 54 years the once majestic lodge lay in ruins atop Monte Sano Mountain. In 2002 the state of Alabama began a reconstruction of the old lodge a project that not only restored the beauty of the facility but also modernized it, while keeping the original intent available to the public.
Dogwood Room
Holding between 40 and 90 persons the Dogwood Room is located near our conference coffee bar on the Northern side of the lodge. This room is perfect for business meetings, with our podium and screen displays combined with Internet access. Depending on the room setup the room will suit most family reunions.
Dogwood Room Includes
Use of pantry 40 - 90 chairs depending upon set up 8 round folding tables for banquets or 7 rectangle folding tables for conference settings You cannot rent just the Dogwood room on Saturday, or Sunday. The Entire Lodge must be rented on these days of the week. An eight hour minimum is required on holidays.
The Monte Sano Lodge was designed for business meetings, receptions, dinners, weddings,and other party gatherings. Some events, though too large for one room, are not large enough for the entire lodge. For this we offer Fearn Hall. Guests will arrive first through this room. If you choose to leave this area as is there is no additional fee. Should you choose to serve food, set-up tables or chairs, or arrange the furniture in this room there is a set-up fee as stated below.
Fearn Hall must be reserved before any of its furniture may be moved or any decorations or the like may be displayed.
In the event there are two simultaneous functions in the lodge, the bluff side terrace and Fearn Hall are to be commons areas only
The largest of the rooms in the lodge can easily accommodate up to 112 persons in a banquet setting and between 72 and 175 persons in a conference setting. This room is ideal for large wedding receptions or business dinners and with easy access to our catering kitchen this room is a must.
The largest of the rooms in the lodge can easily accommodate up to 112 persons in a banquet setting and between 72 and 175 persons in a conference setting. This room is ideal for large wedding receptions or business dinners and with easy access to our catering kitchen this room is a must.
A eight hour minimum is required on Saturday, Sundays and Holidays.
Full use of the catering kitchen 72-120 chairs depending upon set up 15 round folding tables for banquets and up to 30 rectangle folding tables for conference meetings. Use of dual fireplaces with wood upon request.
You cannot rent just the Oak Hall on Saturday, or Sunday. The Entire Lodge must be rented on these days of the week.
These quaint, stone cabins cabins 1 - 11, are built in the Arts and Crafts style, popular at the time of construction. Rustic in its appeal, with a hand-crafted stone fireplace and the original wood floor. Step onto the side screen porch to take in the fresh mountain air and breathtaking panoramic view of the natural surroundings.
Cabins rent all year with a two-night minimum on weekends and a three-night minimum on holiday weekends. Of Monte Sanos 14 cabins, cabins 1 - 11 have working stone fireplaces. We do offer a handicapped cabin that is wheelchair accessible. All cabins are one room with central heat and air and a separate shower and bathroom kitchens include stove, microwave, sink, refrigerator, some dishes and utensils. A double bed and a twin bed except Cabin 14 which has one double bed, table, chairs, loveseat and basic cable TV are provided in all of our cabins. Monte Sano staff also provide hair dryer, linens, towels, coffee maker, toaster and Iron and Ironing board for use by our cabin guest. All of our cabins provide an outdoor grill and picnic table. One rack of wood is provided October 1 thur April 1. We suggest bringing a couple of fire starter logs with you.
A minimum one night's deposit is required for cabin reservations. Guest may use a Visa, Master Card or American Express for payments and deposits cash, personal or business checks and money orders are also accepted. A cash deposit must be received within 5 days of the reservation date. All cancellations must be made 72 hours prior to reservation date to avoid being charged the minimum one night's deposit. Three-Night minimum on major holidays andTwo-Night minimum on weekends. No Pets Allowed.
Improved Camping
All prices are for a maximum occupancy of 4 persons, an additional charge per person is charged for occupants over the age of 6 that exceed the 4 person maximum occupancy. Monte Sano also permits one additional tent per site for children under 16 for an additional charge. We do take reservation, but we do not reserve.
Full hook sites.There are 21 full hook up sites that are first come first serve and 63 water and electric sites.
Primitive Camping
Primitive campground rates are per night per 2 persons. An additional charge per person is charged for every person over the 2-person occupancy limit 6 years older and over. Any extra tents are charged full rate and must be approved by campground staff. No site can be occupied for more than 5 nights. Plus 5% lodging tax.
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939, The Monte Sano Lodge catered to those who cherished the outdoors setting for family gatherings, business meetings, weddings and receptions until its destruction by fire in 1947.
For over 55 years the once majestic lodge lay in ruins atop Monte Sano Mountain. In 2002 the state of Alabama began a reconstruction of the old lodge; a project that not only restored the beauty of the facility but also modernized it, while keeping the original intent available to the public.
Today the Monte Sano Lodge offers a serene mountain setting not only to the outdoorsman and the family seeking to "get away from it all" but, also to the businessman who can now conference in this modern facility with modern internet connections and state of the art meeting rooms.