Local Attractions

Libby Jordan - Superintendent

256-760-6379
Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts
217 E. Tuscaloosa St.
Florence, AL 35630
W.C. Handy Home, Museum & Library

W.C. Handy, the "Father of the Blues," was born in a small log cabin in Florence on November 16, 1873.  Handy became famous for his blues compositions such as "Memphis Blues" & "St. Louis Blues".  He was also a musician, band conductor, and author. The museum houses a collection of memorabilia, musical instruments, personal papers and original sheet music.  Handy's famous trumpet and his personal piano are just a few of the items on display.

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

620 West College Street
(256) 760-6434

Wilson Lock & Dam

Completed in the early 1920's, Wilson Dam was once used as a power supply center for  munitions plants in World War l. 

The completion of the dam allowed a once un-navigable stretch of the Tennessee River, "Muscle Shoals", to become a major transportation resource for the Shoals Area.  Later, Wilson Dam became the cornerstone of the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Indian Mound and Museum
1028 South Court Street
Florence, AL 35630

Phone:  (256) 760-6427

Visit our new Indian Mound Museum - Opened in 2017!

Typical example of the work of the early Native Americans who lived in Alabama before the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Creek nations inhabited this region.

Located near the banks of the Tennessee River, the Florence Indian Mound is the Tennessee Valley's largest domiciliary mound. 

It is a typical example of the work of the early Native Americans who lived in Alabama before the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Creek nations inhabited this region.

It is a 42 foot high quadrilateral mound with 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 contains Native American artifacts dating back over 10,000 years, arranged in chronological order from Paleo to Historic periods.

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm.

Admission Charged.

Pope's Tavern Museum

At one time a stagecoach stop, tavern, and inn, Pope's Tavern is one of the oldest structures in Florence.  It was used as a hospital for both Union and Confederate wounded during the Civil War.   The museum houses artifacts and beautiful antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries, Civil War artifacts and items of local history.

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

203 Hermitage Drive
(256) 760-6439

The Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House

This home, designed and built in 1939-40, is the only structure in Alabama designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and is an example of his Usonian style. 

Open for tours, Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. 

A National Historic Property. Completely restored in 2001.

http://www.wrightinalabama.com

The Children's Museum of the Shoals

The Children's Museum of the Shoals, Inc. offers hands-on exhibits and programs geared specifically to the developmental stages and needs of children. Our mission is to further classroom education and compliment existing cultural and educational resources. 

Exhibits and activities encourage children to imagine, make choices and create. These exhibits enable children to discover different cultures, values and occupations, as well as to demystify science, technology and the arts.

For More Attractions Around the Entire Shoals Area, Visit: