Alabama has one of the highest densities of caves in the U.S., and even world. Cavers from all over jump at the chance to explore our amazing caves. Listed below are 12 amazing caves in Alabama that you absolutely must check out. Keep in mind that some of these caves may be on private property. If that's the case, be sure to take "No Trespassing" and "Private Property" signs seriously. Or ask the property owner for permission first.

1. Cathedral Caverns - Grant, AL

Located in Grant, Alabama, this cave is a karst cave with many large stalagmites covering about three acres. Originally called "Bats Cave," this cave was first developed as a tourist attraction in the 1950s.

2. Neversink Cave Preserve - Jackson County, AL

Cavers from all over the world are attracted to this 162ft open air pit because of its beautiful waterfalls and rare ferns that cover the walls.

3. DeSoto Caverns - Childersburg, AL

This cave is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is often referred to as "Alabama's Big Cave." The main room of this cave is 12 stories high and larger than a football field. Because this cave's rock formations are actively growing, guests are not permitted to touch them.

4. Rickwood Caverns - Warrior, AL

The illuminated limestone formations in this cave are estimated to be over 260 million years old.

5. Russell Cave National Monument - Bridgeport, AL

Located in Jackson County, Alabama, Russell Cave is the third longest mapped cave in Alabama, and the 90th in the U.S. The entrance of this cave was once used as a shelter for prehistoric Indians during the earliest known human settlement in the southeastern United States.

6. Manitou Cave - Fort Payne, AL

This cave was named for "the great spirit" by the Cherokee tribe in the 1700s.

7. Bangor Cave - Blount County, AL

Bangor Cave was once home to Bangor Cafe Club, the only underground nightclub in the U.S. at the time of its opening in 1937. While Bangor Cafe Club was open, it was one of the most glamorous and controversial places in the South. The cave was recently purchased and hopefully the new owner will bring it back to the condition it once was.

The Bangor Cafe Club's bar area as it appeared in the late 1930s.

8. Tumbling Rock Cave - Scottsboro, AL

This cave, which is over 6 miles long and one of Alabama's biggest, is perfect for beginners.

9. Stephens Gap - Woodville, AL

Cavers love this 150ft pit, and the huge walk-in entrance attracts hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from all across the U.S.

10. Three Caves - Huntsville, AL

At the base of Monte Sano Mountain in Huntsville, Alabama, you'll discover three very large man-made caves. These caves were used as a limestone quarry until 1955, and they're now mostly used as the backdrop for special events.

11. Sauta Cave - Scottsboro, AL

This cave is formerly known as "Blowing Wind Cave" and is a bat lover's dream. On summer evenings, as many as 300,000 gray bats emerge from the cave, making it the largest bat emergence east of the Mississippi River.

12. Rattlesnake Saloon Cave - Tuscumbia, AL

The Rattlesnake Saloon is located in the mouth of a cave in Tuscumbia, Alabama. This cave's opening is about 300ft long and 100ft wide. Featured on several television shows and in several publications, this cave restaurant is a definite must-see if you're ever in the area. There's no other place quite like it.

Have you been to any of these caves? What cave(s) did I miss? Let me know in the comments below!