Helen Keller Home
300 North Commons, W.
Tuscumbia, AL 35674
The 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 blind and deaf-blind. (See Events for “The Miracle Worker” play and Helen Keller Festival.)
Hours: M-Sa 8:30 am – 4 pm. Admission. Gift Shop.
Find out more about Hellen Keller’s Home here!
(256) 383-4066; toll free (888) 329-2124
www.helenkellerbirthplace.org
Spring Park
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 commemoration of Native Americans. An amazing likeness to an American Indian chieftain is expertly carved by a chainsaw artist into an oak tree. Food vendors and restaurant dining available in the park.
Open daily, year round.
(256) 386-5670
www.VisitTuscumbiaAL.com
Spring Park Light & Water Show
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.
Presented at dusk on weekends, mid March – Dec. Free.
(256) 389-1357
www.VisitTuscumbiaAL.com
Pathways: Walk through the History of Muscle Shoals
2010 E Avalon Ave.
Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
The early history of the City of Muscle Shoals, including Wilson Lock and Dam and Muscle Shoals Music, is showcased through visual displays and exhibits located along a special corridor within City Hall.
Hours: 8 am – 4:30 pm. Free.
(256) 383-5675
www.VisitMuscleShoalsAL.com
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.)
Hours: M – F 9 am – 5 pm; Su 1-3 pm. Admission. Gift Shop.
(256) 383-0533
www.tvaa.net
The Ritz Theatre
111 West 3rd St.
Sheffield, AL 35660
This 1920s silent movie house is restored to its Art Deco Style and is used for community theatre. (See website for Production Calendar.)
Open for productions and for group tours by appointment.
(256) 381-8370; (256) 383-0533
www.tvaa.net
Coon Dog Cemetery
4945 Coondog Cemetery Rd.
Cherokee, AL 35616
Over 225 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. (See Events for Coon Dog Labor Day Celebration.)
Open daylight hours, daily, year round. Free.
Find out more about the Coon Dog Cemetery Here!
(256) 383-0783
www.coondogcemetery.com
Jack-O-Lantern Farms
334 Garage Rd.
Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
A year-round market, located at the greenhouses on the TVA Reservation in Muscle Shoals, it offers hydroponically grown and local, “Naturally Certified” fruits and vegetables, imported and domestic cheeses, along with specialty food products from the Shoals Culinary Center.
Hours: Year Round. Tu & Th 3 – 7 pm; Sa 9 am – 2 pm
(256) 386-2335
www.JackOLanternFarm.com
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.
Dragway open on Th at 5 pm.; Speedway open on F at 4 pm.
(256) 381-5051
www.northalabamaspeedway.com
Wilson Lock and Dam
3985 Reservation Rd.
Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
The cornerstone of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Wilson Dam boasts one of the highest, single-lift locks in the world. Construction on the dam began during World War I. TVA was created in 1933.
(800) 882-5263
www.tva.gov/sites/wilson.htm
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.
Open by appointment.
(256) 383-0783
www.VisitTuscumbiaAL.com
Tuscumbia Railway Depot
204 West 5th St.
Tuscumbia, AL 35674
This 1888 restored passenger depot was utilized by both the Memphis and Charleston and Southern Railway companies. In it’s early years, the depot was used often by Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. Today it is a museum dedicated to rail memorabilia. A Keller family carriage occupies one room of the museum. Tuscumbia boasts the first railroad west of the Appalachian Mountains. Admission.
Open by appointment.
(256) 389-1357
www.VisitTuscumbiaAL.com
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 a fire. Visit the U.S. War Veterans Memorial, the Circle of Valor, on the grounds at the northeast corner and the monument honoring Confederate soldiers of the county that were killed during the Civil War.
Hours: M – F 8 am – 4:30 pm. Free.
