CULLMAN, Ala. — At the 2026 PEAK Awards, held Sept. 24, in Decatur, Cullman’s Ave Maria Grotto was named 2026 Attraction of the Year. Presented by the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA), the PEAK Awards recognize outstanding contributions to tourism across North Alabama.
Visit Cullman Marketing Manager Delaine Van Dyke was also awarded a scholarship to attend Year Two of Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College. The professional development program is a three-year curriculum for tourism professionals focused on destination marketing, leadership, research, branding, advocacy and other areas of the travel industry. Students who complete the program may earn the Travel Marketing Professional credential.
Two Cullman leaders were also honored as String of Pearls leaders: Alabama Sen. Garlan Gudger and Visit Cullman Executive Director Harmony Heard Steed. The String of Pearls recognition was created to honor cornerstone professionals and leaders whose work has helped strengthen tourism throughout North Alabama.
“Cullman County continues to show what can happen when strong leadership, community partnerships and a commitment to preserving what makes a place special come together,” said Gudger. “Tourism is an important part of Alabama’s economy, and I’m proud to see Cullman recognized for the attractions, professionals and leaders who are helping move our community forward. It is especially meaningful to see Ave Maria Grotto, one of Cullman County’s most treasured attractions, receive this well-deserved recognition. I am grateful to be included among this year’s String of Pearls honorees.”
“Cullman County has attractions that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else, and Ave Maria Grotto is one of the finest examples,” said Jeff Clemons, chairman of the Cullman County Commission and chairman of the Cullman County Tourism Bureau. “For generations, the Grotto has welcomed visitors to experience a remarkable piece of our history, faith and culture. To see it named Attraction of the Year is something our entire county can celebrate. Combined with the recognition of our tourism professionals and leaders, these honors show the strength of Cullman County’s tourism community and the people behind it.”
For Heard Steed, the recognitions demonstrate the strength of collaboration throughout Cullman County’s tourism industry.
“This was an incredibly special day for Cullman,” she said. “From one of our treasured attractions being recognized, to professional development for our team, to leadership honors that celebrate a commitment to tourism, each recognition tells part of Cullman’s story. None of this happens alone. It happens because of strong partnerships, people who believe in our community and a shared desire to keep moving Cullman forward. I am honored to be recognized alongside Senator Gudger and so proud of Delaine, Roger (Steele) and the entire Ave Maria Grotto team.”
The Attraction of the Year honor adds another chapter to the story of Ave Maria Grotto, the historic St. Bernard Abbey attraction featuring more than 125 miniature structures created by Brother Joseph Zoettl. The attraction has welcomed generations of visitors and continues to preserve and share a one-of-a-kind piece of Cullman’s history and culture.
“This recognition means so much because Ave Maria Grotto has been part of Cullman’s tourism story for generations,” said Steele, director of Ave Maria Grotto. “Brother Joseph created something truly remarkable, and today we have the privilege and responsibility of caring for his work and sharing it with visitors from near and far. Attraction of the Year is a wonderful honor for our entire team, St. Bernard Abbey and everyone who continues to support the Grotto.”
Visit Cullman said it is proud to celebrate each of these honors and the continued momentum of tourism throughout Cullman County. “Together, local attractions, tourism professionals, community leaders and partners are helping visitors find even more than they expected in Cullman.”
For more information, visit www.VisitCullman.com.
