russell cave has an exceptionally large main entrance, which was used for thousands of years as a shelter by cultures of prehistoric indians, from approximately 6500 bce, the period of earliest-known human settlement in the southeastern united states, to 1650 ce and the period of european colonization. it is believed to have primarily served as a seasonal winter shelter. the people relied on the surrounding forest to gather produce and hunt for game and fish, stone and game for tools, and wood fuel for fires. guided tours of the shelter area are available.