Helen Keller Home
300 N. Commons, West Tuscumbia, AL 35674256-383-4066 www.HelenKellerBirthplace.org Open: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 am – 4 pm Admission Charged; On-site Gift Shop
The dramatic life and times of the “first lady of courage,” Helen Keller, are preserved at her birthplace and childhood home, “Ivy Green.” The main home and birthplace cottage dating back to the 1820s, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Original furnishings are displayed throughout the home and museum, highlighted by hundreds of Miss Keller’s personal mementos, books, and gifts from her lifetime of travel and lectures for the betterment of the world’s blind and deafblind.
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The grounds are remarkably kept by a group of Master Gardeners. Plantings include those that Helen Keller wrote and talked about in her various books – roses, honeysuckle, daffodils, ivy, magnolia, figs, and assorted herbs.
The home may be toured entirely along with the birthplace cottage, where Helen once lived with Anne Sullivan. While there, be sure to walk the garden and grounds to see the various gifts presented to the home from many countries worldwide. The original well pump where Miss Keller first spoke the word “w a t e r” is a great spot for that perfect photo.
The Miracle Worker Play
At “Ivy Green,” Birthplace of Helen Keller Presented in an outdoor theatre on the grounds in June/July each year.
Every summer, people from around the world come to Tuscumbia to watch William Gibson’s play The Miracle Worker in the outdoor theatre on the grounds of Ivy Green, the home of Helen Keller. The inspiring play dramatizes the efforts of Anne Sullivan to open the world of communication to her deaf and blind student Helen Keller.
The play is Alabama’s “Official Outdoor Drama” and has been recognized numerous times by the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast and by the American Bus Association as a Top 100 Event in the United States. The Miracle Worker is the longest consecutively running outdoor drama in the state.
It runs six weeks each summer on Friday and Saturday evenings in June and July. Purchase your tickets by calling the Helen Keller Home at 256-383-4066.
Belle Mont Mansion
1569 Cook Lane Tuscumbia, AL 35674256-381-5052Belle Mont (alabama.gov) Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm Admission Charged
Belle Mont Mansion is one of Alabama’s most distinguished Federal period homes. Built in 1828 for Dr. Alexander Mitchell, a physician, and planter, the home is distinguished by its Jeffersonian-Palladian architecture as favored by Thomas Jefferson in building his own home, Monticello. The style is marked by a tall central pavilion flanked by matching, single-story wings which embrace a rear courtyard. The approach through farmlands to the home’s hilltop setting adds a dimension of authenticity to a visit to Belle Mont, where the story of the imposing brick house and its inhabitants through nearly 200 years may be experienced. Period furnishings from across the region are displayed, and original decorative arts and architectural features are preserved. Belle Mont Mansion is one of only five house museums owned by the State of Alabama, Alabama Historical Commission. It is operated by a local support group, the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation.
Spring Park
South Main Street Tuscumbia, AL 35674256-389-1357, 256-386-5670www.cityoftuscumbia.org Open Year Round, daylight – 10 pm
Well landscaped Spring Park is used daily by residents and visitors who come to Tuscumbia to enjoy the quaintness of the town, shopping, and the beautiful park and its amenities. It offers a pleasant and relaxing place to enjoy a family picnic, including playground equipment.
Several amusements provide an excellent venue for young children to enjoy a roller coaster, carousel and narrow gauge train that runs through the park (nominal fee for amusements).
The park offers a strikingly beautiful waterfall that stretches 80 feet wide and 48 feet tall. Cold water splashes over the sandstone rocks through the falls and a lovely Indian statue stands 12 feet tall paying tribute to the American Indians who were relocated through this location to Oklahoma during the 1830s along the Trail of Tears. A breathtaking water show, choreographed to lights and music, is presented most nights at dusk in the lake that is in the park. Water shoots about 150 feet into the area and the waters dance to the music.
Alabama Music Hall of Fame
617 U.S. Highway 72 W Tuscumbia, AL 35674 256-381-4417www.alamhof.org Open Tuesday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm; Saturday, 10 am-4 pm
In 1990, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame opened to the public for tours. Exhibits tout the outstanding accomplishments of music achievers from throughout the state of Alabama. “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy, “Father of Rock and Roll” by Sam Phillips, “Father of Country Music” by Jimmy Rogers, “Father of Muscle Shoals Music” by Rick Hall, “Queen of the Blues” by Dinah Washington, “Queen of Gospel Music” Vestal Goodman, “Legend of Country Music” Hank Williams, and “First Lady of Country Music” Tammy Wynette, are among the prestigious inductees. You’ll experience the story of the state’s contribution to our music heritage through artifacts, photographs, and text panes while listening to the varied sounds of Alabama’s music. This museum presents exhibits of more than 1,000 stars, representing all styles of American music. The newly remodeled gift shop has an excellent selection of music-related souvenirs.
W. C. Handy Home
620 W. College St. Florence, AL 35630256-275-3128www.florencemuseums.org Closed to the public but open for group tours by appointment
William Christopher Handy was born in a small log cabin in Florence, Alabama, on November 16, 1973. Handy became famous for his blue compositions such as “Memphis Blues” & “St. Louis Blues.” He was a musician, conductor, and author.
The museum houses a collection of memorabilia, musical instruments, personal papers, and original sheet music. His famous trumpet and personal piano are just a few of the items on display.
Handy died in New York in 1958. His hometown, Florence, honors him with a week-long W. C. Handy Music Festival every July.
FAME Recording Studio
603 E. Avalon Ave. Muscle Shoals, AL 35661256-381-0801www.famestudios.com
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Open for tours: Monday-Friday, 9 am & 4 pm tours; Saturday, 10 am-3 pm (tours on the hour, last tour begins at 2 pm) Admission Charged
FAME was established in 1959 as the first successful professional recording studio in Alabama. The famous Muscle Shoals Sound was launched by Arthur Alexander’s 1961 hit, “You Better Move On.” The 2013 internationally acclaimed documentary Muscle Shoals told the story of FAME and its founder, Rick Hall. Releases from FAME have sold over 350 million copies worldwide.
Muscle Shoals Sound (first location)
3614 Jackson Highway Sheffield, AL 35660 (256) 978-5151www.Muscleshoalssoundstudio.org Open for tours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm (Tours given on the half hour, last tour at 3:30 pm) Admission Charged
Established in 1969 by the “Swampers,” this was the location where the Rolling Stones, Cher, Bob Segar, Rod Stewart, Paul Simon, the Staples Singers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many others created some of the most popular hits of the 1970s.
Cypress Moon Productions (2nd location of Muscle Shoals Sound)
1000 Alabama Avenue Sheffield, AL 35660 (256) 335-6961www.facebook.com/Cypress-Moon-Studios Open for tours: Monday-Saturday, 10 am-3 pm Admission Charged
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio moved here in 1978. For over 25 years, the “Swampers” continued to record hits after moving from their Jackson Highway location. Recording artists included Bob Seger, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Julian Lennon, Glenn Frey of the Eagles, Jimmy Buffett, and countless others. In 2005, this complex was purchased by Tonya Holley and was renamed Cypress Moon Studios.
LaGrange College Site Park
1491 LaGrange College Rd. Leighton, AL 35646256-446-9324www.lagrangehistoricsite.com Park is open daily. Welcome Center – Sunday, 1 – 4 pmDonations welcomed for park upkeep
Established in 1830 as Alabama’s first college, LaGrange became known as the “West Point of the South.” During the War Between the States in 1863, the college was destroyed by Union forces.
This site now boasts a pioneer village to include many buildings from the early era of LaGrange, including several log structures, a wedding chapel, a Bed and Breakfast Inn, a Country Store, a kitchen, our buildings, and picnic facilities. These facilities are rented for special events, and several festivals are held at the site each year.
Ritz Theatre
111 West 3rd St. Sheffield, AL 35660256- 383-0533www.tennesseevalleyarts.org
Open for community theatre and special events as posted on the website
Built in 1927, this former silent movie house was renovated in 1985, preserving the original 1930s art deco interior. The theatre is now home to a vibrant community performing arts program. Production and film calendars are available on the website.
Tuscumbia Railway Depot
204 West 5th St. Tuscumbia, AL 35674256-389-1357, 256-386-5670www.cityoftuscumbia.org Open: Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm; Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm
This 1888 restored passenger depot was utilized by the Memphis, Charleston, and Southern Railway companies. This is the same depot that Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller utilized as they traveled from Boston to Tuscumbia through the years after Helen left Tuscumbia to be taught at Perkins Institute in Boston. Today, it is a museum dedicated to rail memorabilia, and the nearby roundhouse is utilized as an event venue.
Rattlesnake Saloon
1292 Mt. Mills Rd. Tuscumbia, AL 35674256-370-7220www.RattlesnakeSaloon.net Open: Feb through Nov, 11 am – 10 pm (Thurs, Fri, Sat); Open Sunday afternoons seasonally.
The “watering hole under the rock” is a popular destination that offers a unique dining experience under a Native American rock bluff shelter. The menu includes a variety of unique burgers and sandwiches. The Rustler Burger is listed as one of the “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die”. The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association has given the burger the Top 2 burger in the state of Alabama.
Coon Dog Cemetery
4945 Coondog Cemetery Road Cherokee, AL 35616256-383-0783 Open daily, year round, daylight hours
On Labor Day in 1937 Key Underwood buried his faithful coon hound, Troop, at the edge of the forest of Freedom Hills in NW, Alabama. Following this burial, many of Underwood’s friends also needed a burial ground for their favored hunting dogs and so each chose a spot, close to that first grave, and so it went. Today, over 300 coon dogs have been laid to rest in this quiet, scenic, natural area. Unique headstones and epitaphs pay tribute to man’s best friend. It is said to be the only cemetery of its kind in the world.
This cemetery is used only for authentic coon dogs and has a fee and procedures for burying a dog. Go to www.CoonDogCemetery.com to learn about burials.
Annually, each Labor Day, a festival is held to honor those buried there and coon dogs in general. There is music and dancing, food, a liar’s contest, and lots of fun. The event begins mid-morning and is over at about 4 pm.
Old Railroad Bridge
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2100 Ashe Blvd. Sheffield, AL 35660256-383-0783https://oldrailroadbridge.com/ Access from 43/72 North – Turn left at Reservation Rd (TVA) intersection and Birmingham St. Turn right onto Ashe Blvd. and continue north to the parking area.
This pedestrian-only bridge is 1580 feet long and 14 feet high and stretches from the south side of Pickwick Lake out into the river. The original pier is still there, circa 1832. The original bridge opened in 1839 as a toll bridge with trains crossing the upper deck and wagons, pedestrians, and livestock crossing over the bottom. The original bridge was burned on April 16, 1862 during the Civil War by President Abraham Lincoln’s brother-in-law, a Confederate General. The superstructure was rebuilt in 1903 and still stands. Today, it is used by pedestrians who want to “take a walk” or who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake or by those attending an event on the old bridge.
Wilson Lock and Dam
3985 Reservation Rd. Muscle Shoals, AL 35661256-764-5223www.tva.gov/sites/wilson.htm
Wilson Dam boasts one of the highest single-lift locks in the world. Construction on the dam began during World War I. It first began as a munitions plant to support the War effort. About 100,000 workers were sent in by the U.S. government to build these facilities, and planned residential housing was built to accommodate the people moving in. When the war ended, the facilities were about to be completed, but not a single munition had been manufactured at the facilities.
Automobile tycoon Henry Ford and the electric light inventor Thomas Jefferson came to the area, proposing to the U.S. Congress to build a city 75 miles long as an industrial site. They offered $5 million for the site, which Congress refused. By 1933, Congress had created the Tennessee Valley Authority, thus providing much-needed electricity for the entire Tennessee Valley. Today, many boats and barges lock through the dam, one of seven along the TVA system of lakes.
Natchez Trace Parkway
Stretches 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, through 33 miles of Alabama, and on to Nashville, Tennessee800-305-7417www.nps.gov
This beautiful All-American Road and National Scenic Byway is a National Park connecting three states and many historical sites. In Alabama, the Colbert Ferry site at Milepost 327 offers a bicycle-only campground, restrooms, a picnic area, a boat launch, fishing, swimming, hiking, and a bounty of green space for walkers.
Indian Mound and Museum
1028 S. Court St. Florence, AL 35630256-760-6427 Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm www.florencemuseums.org Admission Charged
This mid-Woodland period mound would have been constructed from 100 B.C. to around 300 A.D. – long before the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Creek nations inhabited the area.
The 42-foot high quadrilateral mound has a summit measuring 145 x 94 feet. Early settlers in the region found steps on the east side and evidence that the mound had been enclosed by a semi-circular earthen wall.
The museum at the mound’s base contains American Indian artifacts dating back over 12,000 years, arranged chronologically from Paleo to historical periods.
Frank Lloyd Wright (Rosenbaum House)
601 Riverview Dr. Florence, AL 35630256-718-5050 www.wrightinalabama.com Admission Charged Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm; Sunday, 1 pm – 4 pm
The only Wright-designed house in Alabama was built in 1939-40 for Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum, who were the sole owners of the house until 1999, when the city of Florence acquired it.
Constructed of cypress, glass, and brick, the house has all the hallmarks of Wright’s Usonian design – flat, multi-level roofs, cantilevered eaves and carports, flowing space, use of natural materials, and expanses of glass. The house has many pieces of original Wright-designed furniture. Wright designed an addition to the house in 1948, adding two wings.
Rock of Ages (Trail)
Historic Churches of Colbert County Download the brochure from this site 256-383-0783
The Rock of Ages Trail showcases a collection of cherished churches which are at least 100 years old, providing a glimpse into the spiritual fabric of Colbert County’s early settlement. Strong and righteous men and women founded their churches and built their houses of workshops. Today, their testimony is evident in stone, brick, mortar, and simple clapboard, bearing witness to faith and fortitude. These historic churches are still in use for worship.
We invite you to reflect on the past and seek quiet inspiration as you tour the historic churches of Colbert County, Alabama.
Cherokee Kayak Trail
Town of Cherokee 3780 Old Lee Highway Cherokee, AL 35616256-359-4959 www.WelcomeToCherokeeAl.org
The Cherokee Kayak Trail is located on Bear Creek, stretching about eight miles from Bishop Bridge, south of Allsboro, to the Buddy Durham Road Bridge, just off Allsboro Road.
The town has a fleet of single and tandem kayaks for rent. The town’s employees will provide drop-off and pick-up services for kayakers renting from the town or using their own boats. The cost for rental is $30 for a single-seat kayak and $40 for a two-seater. The cost of kayakers using their own boat is $10 for transportation.
The trail is a great float for both novice and experienced kayakers. It typically takes about four to six hours to paddle the length of the trail.
For more information on the kayak trail or to reserve a kayak, call Cherokee Town Hall at 256.359.4959.
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