Sweet Home, Alabama! The Best Sights & Sounds Around Muscle Shoals

This blog post was updated on May 3, 2024.

Located along the banks of the Tennessee River, the area of Muscle Shoals in northwest Alabama is not only a nature lover’s dream but a music lover’s haven too, where a small handful of recording studios have been responsible for some of the biggest hits in popular music over the past half century. Visitors to the area don’t take long to realize that it’s a fantastic place for fans of modern architecture and history buffs as well. So, whatever you’re into, it’s more than possible you’ll find a down home taste of it here.

Let’s have a look at just a few of the many many excellent reasons to plan a getaway in Alabama for your next adventure!

Alabama Music Hall of Fame

Let’s start our journey with an unmissable eye-opening lesson in the roots of American music. Because practically every reputed music artist who has ever called the Deep South state their home — from king of country Hank Williams to cosmic jazz pioneer Sun Ra — has made the pilgrimage to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame at least once. The iconic Alabama Music Hall of Fame has a well-defined mission: to honor all styles of music while preserving and celebrating both the work of Alabama’s greatest musicians and the state’s great musical heritage.

Florence Indian Mound and Museum

If you intend to visit the Florence Indian Mound and Museum, get ready to learn everything about the local Native American tribes that have called the Tennessee River Valley home. Used as a gathering spot for religious rites, the Florence Indian Mound stands over 43 feet tall. Believed to be over 2,000 years old, the mound is now covered in trees and vegetation, with a single staircase allowing visitors to ascend to the summit for nice views of the Tennessee River and surrounding countryside.

At the base of the mound sits a museum, a fantastic place to dive right into the history of the Native American relics that were excavated from the land near the mound. Focusing on Native American culture during the long-lost Woodland Period, the museum showcases a variety of one-of-a-kind artifacts, including arrowheads that were used to hunt woolly mammoths thousands of years before the arrival of Columbus.

Wilson Lock and Dam

One of the largest and most beautiful dams in the Southeastern United States, Wilson Lock and Dam is a welcoming destination for those with a love of amazing architecture. Built in 1924, Wilson Lock and Dam was designed in the Neoclassical form, giving it hints of the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. The dam has a lift of between 93 and 100 feet, making it the tallest single lift lock east of the Rocky Mountains.

While the dam’s architecture gets most of the attention, nature lovers will further appreciate the abundance of hiking trails and campgrounds near the facility. A favorite spot for bird watchers, the dam is also haven for beautiful waterfowl like herons and pelicans.

Fame Studios

Looking for a heaping dose of living music history? Be sure to drop by the reputed Fame Studios to see where so much of the Muscle Shoals magic actually happened, and still does to this day. This unassuming-looking working studio has seen the likes of Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Wilson Picket, Otis Redding, Duane Allman, Etta James, Alicia Keys and many, many more icons record here and is still cranking out the hits. Not bad, huh? If you want to enjoy the full experience, you’ll be happy to know that studio tours are held on a regular basis, so remember to check its website regularly so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Spanning over 400 miles across three states, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a natural paradise tinged with the glow of history. Forged over centuries by migratory bison, the road was a major thoroughfare for Native Americans and settlers heading west in America’s earliest days.

The Natchez Trace Parkway covers over 33 miles of wilderness near Muscle Shoals. Popular among local hikers and campers, the Trace features great views of the Tennessee River and its surrounding creeks and springs. Colbert Ferry Park is especially highly regarded among visitors to the area for great swimming, boating, and biking opportunities.

Helen Keller’s Birthplace — Ivy Green

Ivy Green is the birthplace of Helen Keller, a blind and deaf woman who famously learned to communicate and break her isolation from the world thanks to the constant efforts of the groundbreaking teacher, Anne Sullivan. Located in the sleepy little town of Tuscumbia, this historic home has been lovingly preserved and offers great insight into this amazing and truly inspiring real story of struggle and victory over the worst adversities imaginable. If you are interested in Hellen Keller’s fascinating life and are involved in blind and deaf advocacy causes, this is a destination you just can’t miss on your visit.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rosenbaum House

For all of you 20th century design enthusiasts, a visit to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Rosenbaum House in Florence, Alabama is an absolute must. Built in 1939, the house is the only structure designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the state of Alabama and the only Wright house in the southeastern U.S. that is open to the public. Whether you consider yourself an expert or just enjoy exploring significant buildings, this architectural marvel is definitely worth the visit if you’re spending time in Alabama.

W.C. Handy Museum and Library

Music lovers will definitely enjoy visiting the birthplace of legendary musician William Christopher Handy, a trailblazing African American performer popularly known as the “Father of the Blues.” A tiny two-room cabin, the W.C. Handy Museum and Library features several artifacts from his life, including the piano where he composed his signature song “St. Louis Blues,” his brass trumpet, and several books of sheet music written in the musical icon’s own hand. Video presentations found in the cabin further detail the story of Handy’s life and his continuing impact on blues and modern music.

You Might Also Enjoy: Check Out These Music-Themed Things to Do in Memphis

Fishing on Pickwick Lake and Wilson Lake

Lastly, those with a passion for fishing will find much to enjoy in the many bodies of water that surround Muscle Shoals, particularly Pickwick Lake and Wilson Lake. You don’t have to take our word for it: Pickwick Lake was actually featured in Bassmaster magazine as the best spot to fish for bass in Alabama. With a surface area of over 47,000 acres, Pickwick Lake spans a massive area that includes parts of Mississippi and Tennessee. Due to the lake’s great size, it encompasses a multitude of habitats that attract a great variety of fish. In addition to bass, catfish, bream, and crappies all call Pickwick Lake home.

At approximately 15,500 acres, Wilson Lake is much smaller than Pickwick Lake, but nonetheless presents many great fishing opportunities for novice and experienced fishermen alike. What sets Wilson Lake apart from other fishing destinations is the size of the fish that call the lake home. In years past, anglers at Wilson Lake have caught bass that have broken world records, while catfish weighing in at 50 pounds have also been caught in Wilson’s quick currents.

FAQs: 

Q: What are the operating hours for the Alabama Music Hall of Fame?  
A: The Alabama Music Hall of Fame typically opens from 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. It’s advisable to check their official website for any changes or special holiday hours before planning your visit.

Q: Are there any admission fees for the Florence Indian Mound and Museum?  
A: Yes, there is a small admission fee for the Florence Indian Mound and Museum. Adults are charged a nominal fee, with discounts available for seniors, students, and children. Children under 6 enter free.

Q: Can I take a guided tour at Fame Studios?  
A: Yes, Fame Studios offers guided tours which provide a detailed look into the history of music recorded there. It’s recommended to book in advance through their website, as spots can fill up quickly.

Q: What activities are available at Wilson Lock and Dam?  
A: Besides exploring the impressive architecture, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and bird watching. There are several trails and campgrounds in the vicinity that provide great recreational opportunities.

Q: Is the Natchez Trace Parkway suitable for family biking?  
A: Absolutely, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers a safe and scenic route for family biking adventures. It’s well-maintained with minimal vehicle traffic, making it ideal for bikers of all ages.

Q: What are the best times of year to visit the Rosenbaum House?  
A: The Rosenbaum House can be visited year-round, but spring and fall are particularly pleasant due to the mild weather, which enhances the experience of touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural design.

Q: How can I learn more about upcoming events in Muscle Shoals?  
A: For the latest information on events and attractions in Muscle Shoals, visiting the official Muscle Shoals tourism website or local event calendars online is recommended. They provide updates on festivals, live music events, and other community activities.

Have any other tips for travelers vacationing in Muscle Shoals and its surroundings? Be sure to let us know in our comments section below!