Colbert County is home to a number of must see attractions sure to suite the interest of all family members.
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TUSCUMBIA
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HELEN KELLER HOME (IVY GREEN)
300 North Commons, W., Tuscumbia
256-383-4066 or 888-329-2124.
This historic 1820’s home is available for tour 7 days a week. See the famous pump where Helen Keller first spoke “w-a-t-e-r” with the help of teacher, Anne Sullivan. Home contains original furnishings and memorabilia. Main house, birthplace home, separate kitchen & cook’s room. Stroll the grounds and see international gifts placed there.
Individual Rates: $6 Adults, $5 Seniors, $2 Students.
Group Rates (20 or More): $5 Adults; $1.50 Students.
Tour time – 1 hour.
Gift Shop. Open Monday – Saturday: 8:30am – 4:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
www.helenkellerbirthplace.org
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TENNESSEE VALLEY MUSEUM OF ART
511 N. Water Street, Tuscumbia, 256-383-0533. (across the street from Helen Keller’s Birthplace).
Art Center which serves a three-county region with changing visual arts exhibits in two galleries. The permanent Martin Petroglyph Exhibit houses an important work of prehistoric stone carvings by Native Americans. They are displayed in an elaborate natural bluff setting and interpreted for students.
Tour time – 30 minutes.
Gift Shop. Monday – Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Closed Saturday; Sunday: 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
Admission rates vary; Group Rates available for 15 or more.
www.tvaa.net
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SPRING PARK
Main Street, Tuscumbia, (256) 386-5670.
This historic park dates back to the early 1800’s. It features the world’s largest man-made natural stone waterfall named Coldwater Falls and a fountain that is dedicated to the memory of Princess Im-Mi-Ah-Key, wife of Chickasaw Indian Chief Tuscumbia (for whom the town is named). The fountain has 51 jets all choreographed to lights and music. The center jet of the fountain shoots over 125 feet into the air. The water show is each Friday, Saturday & Sunday night at dusk. Trout fishing year round, (fee charged). Spring Park is also a great place for a picnic or just to enjoy the outdoors. Children love the Spring Park Train, Carousel, Python Roller Coaster and Splash Pad (fee charged) & playground. 1950’s Claunch Café is open for lunch only (11am-2pm), Sun.-Thurs. Closed Fri & Sat.
www.TuscumbiaRailway.com
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SPRING PARK LIGHT AND WATER SHOW
South Main Street, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, (256) 389-1357
This show offers a spectacular display of dancing waters, with 51 flumes propelling water 150 feet into the air; choreographed to the music of Alabama's nationally known artists with a focus on those who recorded in the Muscle Shoals area. A patriotic show is presented near holidays and a Christmas show is offered during December. Show is presented on weekends, mid-March through December, with extended schedule seasonally.
www.TuscumbiaRailway.com. Free.
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SPRING PARK MARKET
Spring Park, Tuscumbia, (256) 383-0783
Spring Park Market is an upscale farmers market and runs for 16 weeks during June, July, August and September, no market June 19th (Helen Keller Festival). The Market is open on Thursday's from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. All growers have a Growers Permit and all vendors selling a packaged food have a food processors permit. Live music is provided each week and a guest chef giving cooking demonstrations using the fresh produce and the specialty products available that day. The Train in Spring Park runs each Market Thursday during this time and the Trolley is available free from downtown Tuscumbia for those that would like to park uptown and ride down to the park. Chairs are provided for the public to enjoy the market atmosphere. A playground is available for children.
www.VisitTuscumbiaAL.net
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ALABAMA MUSIC HALL OF FAME
617 U. S. Hwy. 72 West, Tuscumbia,
256-381-4417 or 800-239-2643.
This State museum pays tribute to Alabama’s many music achievers. This museum represents all styles of music as well as the industry itself. Enjoy viewing memorabilia from stars, wax figures, first tour bus of country music group, Alabama, and much more. Your group can record a song in the recording studio.
Individual Rates: $8 Adults, $7 Seniors, $7 Students (13-18 years) $5 Students (6-12 years); Children under 6 admitted free.
Group Rates: (10 or more): $4 Adults, $2 Students (through 8th grade).
Tour time 45 minutes (add at least 20 additional minutes to make recordings).
Gift Shop. Open Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm; Sunday 1 – 5pm.
www.alamhof.org
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COLBERT COUNTY COURTHOUSE
200 North Main Street, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
(256) 383-0783
This stately building, constructed in 1881 and rebuilt after a fire in 1908, houses county government and serves as a centerpiece of the surrounding Tuscumbia National Register Historic District. Visit the Circle of Valor Veterans' Memorial on the grounds at the northeast corner of the building. Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
www.ColbertCounty.org
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COLDWATER STAGECOACH STOP
301 South Dickson Street, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
(256) 383-0783
Built as early as 1815, this small hewn-log cabin served as a stagecoach stop and is believed to be one of several cabins operated as a hotel by Tuscumbia's first white settler, Michael Dickson. Open by appointment and for special events.
www.VisitTuscumbiaAl.com
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COONDOG GRAVEYARD
Directions: 7 miles West of Tuscumbia on US Highway 72, turn left on Alabama Hwy 247 and travel 12.8 miles, turn right (5 miles) and follow signs to attraction. Cherokee. 256-383-0783 or 800-344-0783.
A unique tribute to man’s best friend, this park is located in the Freedom Hills of North Alabama. Over 185 coon dogs have been buried at the site. Visitors can enjoy reading the headstones, the flowing spring below the cemetery and perhaps the chatter of a squirrel or the song of a bird.
No Admission Charged.
Tour time 30 minutes. Driving time from Tuscumbia is 30 min.
www.coondogcemetery.com
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HISTORIC LaGRANGE COLLEGE SITE PARK
AND PIONEER SETTLEMENT
7 miles east of Muscle Shoals, off Ala. 157, Leighton, 256-446-9324.
Listed on the Alabama Historical Register of Landmarks. Once the home of Indians and their legends, best known as the site of Alabama’s first College, now a park dedicated to recreating life on LaGrange Mountain. Log buildings, including a barn, corn crib, home etc., are arranged to simulate a pioneer village.
No Admission Charged.
Tour time 30 minutes. Welcome Center open Sunday (only), 1pm-4pm
www.recall-lagrange.00me.com
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TUSCUMBIA DEPOT
204 West 5th Street, Tuscumbia, (256) 389-1357.
This completely restored depot, c. 1888, was used by both the Memphis and Charleston Railway Companies. The same depot where Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller traveled through often in its early years. Rail memorabilia as well as computerized trains simulators allow you to have the experience of actually driving a train. One room houses early carriage that belonged to Helen Keller’s family.
Individual Rates: $2 adults, $1 youth.
Open Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.;
Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
www.TuscumbiaRailway.com
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BELLE MONT MANSION
1569 Cook Lane, Tuscumbia, 256-381-5052.
Sitting atop a hill overlooking acres of cotton fields, Belle Mont Mansion is one of Alabama’s most distinguished homes. The Belle Mont Mansion is an excellent example of Jeffersonian style architecture of the early American Republic. It was constructed in the early 1800’s and is known for it’s high quality brickwork and contrasting wood trim.
Group Rates:(10 or More): $4 Adults, $3 Seniors, College Students & Military w/ID $2, Students (6yrs – 18yrs). $2 (Children under 6 yrs Free).
Tour time 40 minutes. Open Thursday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
www.preserveala.org
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SHEFFIELD
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RITZ THEATER
103 West 3rd Street, Sheffield, 256-381-8370 or 256-383-0533.
Silent movie house, restored to its Art Deco style, is now used for community theater. Adjoining “Encore Room” provides seating for dinner theater for groups by appointment only. Prices upon request. Tour of historic theater included in price. This facility is open by appointment only.
www.tvaa.net
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MUSCLE SHOALS SOUND STUDIO MUSEUM
3614 Jackson Hwy., Sheffield, 256-783-2641.
This recording studio produced many of the top hit recordings made in the Muscle Shoals area, beginning in the 1960’s and featuring the studio musicians called “The Swampers” (Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section). Famous artists recorded here include the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Cher, Lynyrd Skynyrd, many more. Museum features original equipment, instruments, and photographic displays.
Tour time 30 minutes.
Individual Rate: $10
Group Rate: $5 (15 or more).
www.MuscleShoalsSound.org
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RIVERFRONT PARK
Alabama Ave. Sheffield.
Along the shores of the Tennessee River, boasts one mile of inviting shoreline, boat launches, fishing piers, docking facilities, picnicking, gazebo and restrooms. Also home of the Boundless Playground, ramps replace steps, sand tables replace sand boxes, a game of tic-tac-toe can be played using Braille and rubber surfaces make wheelchair access easy. A truly accessible playground for all children. Free
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MUSCLE SHOALS
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FAME RECORDING STUDIOS
(Where it All Began"
603 East Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
(256) 381-0801
Fame Recording Studios was the first successful professional recording studio in Alabama and was established in 1959. World renowned for creating "Southern Rock," "Southern Soul" and "Country Soul," - all equaling an interesting mix of popular music that became known as "the Muscle Shoals Sound," FAME Recording Studio has worked with many famous artists from Aretha Franklin to Tom Jones to the Country Music Group, ALABAMA, the Osmonds, Wilson Pickett, Mac Davis, Clarence Carter, Paul Anka, and Andy Williams (to name a few). Current popular artists include James LeBlanc, Twinkle Shazelle, Jimmy Hughes and Jason Isbell. In the last 40-plus years, FAME has been involved in recording or publishing records that have sold over 300 million copies world wide. Open by chance or by appointment.
www.famestudios.com
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WILSON LOCK AND DAM
Highway 133 North, Muscle Shoals, 256-386-2451 or 800-882-5213.
One of the highest single lift locks in the world, this dam produces hydroelectric power for the Shoals area as well as many other areas in the South. Once used as a munitions plant during World War I, this facility is now a part of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Two axle vehicles (only) are allowed to drive across the Dam.
www.tva.gov/sites/wilson.htm
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JACK-O-LANTERN FARM
Garage Road, Muscle Shoals, 256-386-2335
The Market at Jack-O-Lantern Farm is a year round Thursday and Saturday farmers market. It is located at the greenhouses on the TVA Reservation in Muscle Shoals. Jack-O-Lantern Farm offers hydroponically grown and local "Naturally Certified" fruits and vegetables. They also offer the locally produced food products from Shoals Culinary Center, homemade sourdough bread from Red Gingham Gourmet and homemade jams, jellies and baked goods from Carolyn's Kitchen. They are open Thursday's from 3 - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday's 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Free
www.JackOLanternFarm.com
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PATHWAYS: WALK THROUGH THE HISTORY OF MUSCLE SHOALS
2010 East Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
(256) 383-5675
Learn about the early history of Wilson Lock and Dam (including Henry Ford's offer to buy it and his subsequent land sale), and Muscle Shoals music through exhibits located within the Muscle Shoals City Hall. Original photographs, including topography map, posters, etc. Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., weekdays. Free.
www.VisitMuscleShoalsAl.com
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FLORENCE
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CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF THE SHOALS
2810 Darby Drive, Florence, 256-765-0500.
The museum features a variety of educational “hands on” exhibits which reflect the culture and the unique aspects of the Tennessee Valley. Admission: $4 per person, under 2 free. Gift Shop – Unique educational and fun toys.
Open Thursday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
www.ShoalsChildrensMuseum.org
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KENNEDY-DOUGLAS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
217 East Tuscaloosa Street, Florence, AL 35630
(256) 760-6739
This three-complex cultural center houses galleries with rotating exhibits and a museum. It serves as an educational facility and as a center for the coordination and promotion of cultural activity, offering classes and workshops. Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Free.
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W. C. HANDY BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM
620 West College Street, Florence, 256-760-6434.
This log cabin served as home to the “Father of the Blues.” See the famous piano on which Handy wrote Saint Louis Blues, Memphis Blues, and more. Museum houses memorabilia, musical instruments, and original manuscripts from some of Handy’s most famous works.
Admission: $2 Adults, $.50 Children.
Tour time 30 minutes.
Some gift items available. Open Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00am to 4:00pm; Closed Sunday & Monday.
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POPE'S TAVERN MUSEUM
203 Hermitage Drive, Florence, 256-760-6439.
Constructed over 150 years ago, this facility has functioned as a tavern, stage stop, and a confederate hospital. The building houses a city museum featuring pioneer artifacts and Civil War memorabilia.
Admission: $2 Adults, $.50 Children.
Tour time 30 minutes. Souvenirs available.
Open Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm. Closed Sunday & Monday.
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INDIAN MOUND & MUSEUM
South Court Street, Florence, 256-760-6427.
This great mound, called “Wawmanona” by the Native Americans, is the largest one of a number found in the Tennessee Valley. Adjacent to the mound is a wonderful museum that features relics of these early mound builders.
Admission: $2 Adults, $.50 Children.
Tour time 30 minutes. Souvenirs available.
Open Tuesday – Saturday; 10:00am to 4:00pm
Closed Sunday and Monday.
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FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S ROSENBAUM HOUSE
601 Riverview Drive, Florence, 256-740-8899.
Premier example of Usonian-style architecture. It is the only structure in Alabama designed by the 20th century‚s most notable architect.
Individual Rates: $8 Adults, $5 Students & Seniors
Group Rate: $5 (10 or more)
Open Tuesday - Saturday: 10am to 4pm, Sunday: 1 ˆ 4pm, Closed Monday.
Note: Reservations are required for Groups of 10 or more |
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SHOALS CULINARY CENTER
610 West College Street, Florence, AL 35630, (256) 764-0044
This food industry operation is designed to foster entrepreneurialship by creating job opportunities, and growing the food industry. Nearly 20 specialty food items are produced. Tours and cooking classes for individuals and groups by appointment. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Free.
www.shoalsec.com
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