Explore the Natchez Trace: Mississippi | Alabama | Tennessee.
Discover America...a unique journey from Natchez to Nashville.
Attractions
Posted on 01 | 27 | 12 in Attractions
Alabama Music Hall of Fame, 617 U.S. Highway 72 West, Tuscumbia, AL 35674. The outstanding achievements and the music of Alabamians are presented in this state museum. “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy, “Father of Rock and Roll” Sam Phillips and Percy Sledge (“When a Man Loves a Woman”), all Shoals natives, are among the prestigious inductees. You’ll hear rocking rhythms and soul touching melodies as you admire the vast memorabilia from the lives and careers of more than [...]
Posted on 01 | 27 | 12 in Attractions
Belle Mont Mansion, 1569 Cook Lane, Tuscumbia, AL 35674. Belle Mont is one of early Alabama’s crowning architectural achievements. It is one of the most outstanding Palladianstyle houses in the Deep South. The mansion has a raised, two-story central section with flanking, one-story wings and a U-shaped floor plan that embraces a courtyard. This architecture is reflective of Thomas Jefferson’s early designs; a similar plan is preserved among Jefferson’s drawings at Harvard University. (256) 381-5052. www.preserveala.org. Hours: Th – [...]
Posted on 01 | 30 | 12 in Attractions
Birdwatching – The northwest loop of the North Alabama Birding Trail boasts more than a dozen sites located primarily in the Shoals area. Winding back and forth across three major sporting lakes along the Tennessee River, Wheeler, Wilson, Pickwick, these sites offer fantastic birding opportunities. Several sites are noted for their impressive congregations of winter birds – waterfowl, eagles, gulls – as well as a long list of rare or vagrant species to the state. Leighton Ponds, with its assemblage [...]
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve
Posted on 01 | 30 | 12 in Attractions
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, 251 Loop Road, Tuscumbia, AL 35674. A 700-acre, privately owned, scenic, natural area in the Little Mountain region of southern Colbert County. The preserve is organized around a complex of small canyons with rugged topography, including a number of waterfalls, boulder fields and Native American rock shelters. Open year-round to the public for hiking and other outdoor recreational activities. There are more than 15 miles of maintained hiking trails that lead the hiker to scenic [...]
Posted on 01 | 27 | 12 in Attractions
Colbert County Courthouse
Colbert County Courthouse, 200 North Main St., Tuscumbia, AL 35674. This stately building, the brick walls of which date back to its construction in 1881, houses county government and serves as the centerpiece of the surrounding Tuscumbia National Register Historic District. This district is extensive and includes structures from the early days of the town’s history, through the early twentieth century. The dome and columned porticoes were added when the building was rebuilt in 1908 following [...]
Posted on 01 | 27 | 12 in Attractions
Coldwater Stagecoach Stop, 302 South Dickson St., Tuscumbia, AL 35674. Built as early as 1815, this small hewn-log cabin served as a stagecoach stop on the Jackson Military Road and is believed to be one of several cabins operated as a hotel by Michael Dickson, the first white settler to Tuscumbia. (256) 383-0783. www.VisitTuscumbiaAL.com
Built in 1815
. Open by appointment.
Posted on 01 | 27 | 12 in Attractions
Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Graveyard
Coon Dog Cemetery, 4945 Coondog Cemetery Rd., Cherokee, AL 35616. Over 300 coon dogs have been laid to rest in the scenic “Freedom Hills.” Unique headstones and epitaphs pay tribute to man’s best friend. Key Underwood’s raccoon hunting dog, Troop, was the first dog buried here on Labor Day in 1937. The Coon Dog Labor Day Celebration is held at the world’s only Coon Dog Cemetery. Enjoy “old time” bluegrass music, buck dancing, barbecue, and a liar’s contest. [...]
Hawk Pride Mountain Off-Road Park
Posted on 01 | 30 | 12 in Attractions
Hawk Pride Mountain Off-Road Park, 144 Mountain Side Road, Tuscumbia, AL 35674. This privately owned park offers a wide variety of offroading spread over 1,000 acres. Over 40 trails to accommodate everyone from the most sophisticated rock crawlers to simple 4X4s and ATV’s. A mud bog, food vendors, merchandise, wheelchair accessible shower house and restrooms, camping pads for RVs and primitive camping are available. Park is open the 1st and 3rd weekend of every month with spectator and special events [...]
Posted on 01 | 27 | 12 in Attractions
Helen Keller Home, 300 North Commons, W., Tuscumbia, AL 35674The dramatic life and times of Helen Keller are preserved at her birthplace and childhood home, Ivy Green. Built in 1820, the home and birthplace cottage are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Original furnishings of the Keller family decorate 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 [...]
Posted on 01 | 30 | 12 in Attractions
Colbert County Courthouse
Historic Tuscumbia (“One of Alabama’s Best Collections of 19th century architecture from the antebellum period.”) The town of Tuscumbia is centered by its quaint downtown, which includes the majestic Colbert County Courthouse, a restored train depot, early churches and many historic homes. More than 100 buildings remain from the antebellum period. A 6-block area along Main Street holds some of Alabama’s earliest commercial buildings, including the Sutherland Building and Commercial Row. Helen Keller’s father, Capt. Arthur [...]
Posted on 01 | 27 | 12 in Attractions
LaGrange College Site Park, 1461 LaGrange College Rd., Leighton, AL 35646. Established in 1830 as Alabama’s first college, LaGrange soon became known as “The West Point of the South.” The college was destroyed by Union forces led by Colonel Florence M. Cornyn and his “Destroying Angels.” Today, the historic site has been recreated with a pioneer village, including a welcome center and museum, restored cemetery and park with pavilion. Recall LaGrange (annual event) remembers LaGrange College, “West Point of the [...]
Posted on 01 | 27 | 12 in Attractions
North Alabama Speedway, 12200 Hwy. 247, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 This racing facility contains an 1/8th mile asphalt drag strip and a 3/8 mile, semi-bank clay oval. Racing divisions include Super Late Models, Late Model Stock/Crates, Modified Street and Mini Stocks. (256) 381-5051. www.northalabamaspeedway.com. Dragway open on Th at 5 pm.; Speedway open on F at 4 pm.
Posted on 01 | 27 | 12 in Attractions, Restaurants
1292 Mount Mills Road, Tuscumbia (256) 370-7218 or (256) 370-7220 Thurs. – Sat. 11 am to 10 pm. (Closed Dec. & Jan.)
Uniquely Ours, the Rattlesnake Saloon inside Seven Springs Lodge, is a must see in Tuscumbia, not just a restaurant, but the complete dining experience. Once used to shelter Native Americans, the saloon offers great food for lunch and dinner. Take advantage of the talent that the Shoals area produces with the outdoor stage.
Posted on 01 | 30 | 12 in Attractions, Lodging
Seven Springs Lodge, 1532 Mt. Mills Road, Tuscumbia, AL 35674. This facility offers horseback-trail-riding (bring your own horse and tack or rent from facility). Organized equestrian group trail rides held throughout the 3,500 acres of meadow and woodland, dotted with waterfalls and caves. Shiny, silver grain silos, outfitted as bunkhouses, along with campsites and horse stalls, make this site a popular overnight destination or weekend retreat. Open year round. Rattlesnake Saloon, situated within a Native American bluff shelter, provides lunch and [...]
Posted on 01 | 30 | 12 in Attractions
Spring Creek Golf Course, 800 Woodmont Dr., Tuscumbia, AL 35674 This nine-hole, city-owned course is a flat one, excellent for beginners and seniors. Paved cart paths, pro shop. (256) 386-5670.
Posted on 01 | 27 | 12 in Attractions
1 Spring Park Rd., Tuscumbia, AL 35674. The park provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a family picnic with playground and children’s amusements, including a train, carousel, roller coaster, and splash pad. Coldwater Falls is one of the most photographed spots in the county. More than 4.3 million gallons of water cascade down this 48-foot tall cliff daily. Near the falls, an Indian statue, Sacred Tears, stands 12 feet in height and pays tribute to Tuscumbia’s early heritage in [...]
Spring Park Light & Water Show
Posted on 01 | 27 | 12 in Attractions
1 Spring Park Rd., Tuscumbia, AL 35674. 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 Muscle Shoals. A patriotic show is presented near holidays and a Christmas show is offered during December. (256) 389-1357. www.tuscumbiarailway.com. Presented at dusk on weekends, mid March – Dec. Free.
Tennessee Valley Museum of Art
Posted on 01 | 27 | 12 in Attractions
Tennessee Valley Art Center
Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 North Water St., Tuscumbia, AL 35674. This regional art center is a venue for cultural activities. Galleries provide annual and rotating exhibits, juried fine art and craft shows, workshops for adults and children. The Martin petroglyph exhibit is permanent and may be seen at any time. (See website for Exhibit Schedule.) (256) 383-0533. www. tvaa.net. Hours: M – F 9 am – 5 pm; Su. 1-3 pm. Admission. Gift [...]
