Florence AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Florence, Alabama.
1. Frank Lloyd Wright's Rosenbaum House
HISTORIC USONIAN ARCHITECTURE
Frank Lloyd Wright's Rosenbaum House is a historic Usonian home with original furnishings and unique design that provides an insightful tour for architecture enthusiasts. The house features personal family stories and is set in a peaceful neighborhood setting. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that highlight Wright's architectural innovations and the home's historical significance.
2. Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall
TRAIL OF TEARS MONUMENT
Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall is a moving monument that honors Indigenous people who were forced from their homelands during the Trail of Tears. The wall stands as a powerful tribute created by Tom Hendrix in memory of his great-great-grandmother, a Yuchi Indian who walked back home to Alabama after being relocated to Oklahoma. Visitors can walk along the winding stone wall and reflect on this important piece of American history.
3. Indian Mound & Museum
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS HERITAGE
The Indian Mound & Museum serves as a center for education about the people indigenous to the Shoals area. The museum is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Native Americans who once inhabited the region. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts and learn about the mound that dates back thousands of years.
4. University of North Alabama
HISTORIC CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
The University of North Alabama offers beautiful grounds and historic buildings for visitors to explore. The campus is home to Leo III and Una, live lion mascots that have become beloved fixtures of the university. Visitors can enjoy the Harrison Fountain, the amphitheater, and the university's historic architecture while strolling through the campus.
5. McFarland Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
McFarland Park offers camping facilities and beautiful views along the Tennessee River. The park features walking trails, fishing spots, and boat launches for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, and special events throughout the year at this scenic riverside destination.
6. TVA Wilson Dam
ENGINEERING MARVEL
TVA Wilson Dam is an impressive engineering feat spanning the Tennessee River between Lauderdale and Colbert counties. The dam, completed in 1924, provides hydroelectric power and created Wilson Lake, a popular recreation spot. Visitors can view the massive structure, learn about its historical significance to the region's development, and watch boats pass through the lock system.
7. Riverfront Park Walkway
SCENIC DOWNTOWN STROLL
Riverfront Park Walkway offers beautiful views of the Tennessee River and the city skyline. The paved pathway is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling along the waterfront. Visitors can enjoy public art installations, seating areas, and access to downtown Florence's restaurants and shops.
8. Ivy Green
HELEN KELLER'S BIRTHPLACE
Ivy Green is the birthplace and childhood home of Helen Keller, located just a short drive from Florence in nearby Tuscumbia. Visitors can tour the well-preserved 1820s home where Helen Keller was born and see the famous water pump where she first understood the concept of language. The grounds include the main house, cottage, and gardens that tell the remarkable story of one of America's most inspirational figures.
9. Trowbridge's Ice Cream Bar
HISTORIC LOCAL EATERY
Trowbridge's Ice Cream Bar is a beloved Florence institution that has been serving homemade ice cream and signature orange pineapple ice cream since 1918. The charming old-fashioned soda fountain and lunch counter offers sandwiches, soups, and classic American fare in addition to their famous desserts. Visitors experience a nostalgic step back in time while enjoying this family-owned establishment that has changed little over the decades.
10. Alabama Chanin Factory
SUSTAINABLE FASHION DESTINATION
Alabama Chanin Factory showcases designer Natalie Chanin's sustainable, hand-sewn clothing and home goods in a renovated industrial space. Visitors can tour the facility to see artisans at work creating beautiful garments using traditional techniques with organic cotton. The location includes a café serving farm-to-table cuisine and a store where customers can purchase the company's signature pieces.
11. Singin' River Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Singin' River Brewing Company offers locally crafted beers in a welcoming taproom environment in downtown Florence. The brewery hosts live music, food trucks, and special events throughout the year, making it a cultural hub for the community. Visitors can sample a variety of beer styles while learning about the brewing process and the company's connection to the musical heritage of the Shoals region.
12. FAME Recording Studios
LEGENDARY MUSIC LANDMARK
FAME Recording Studios is a legendary music landmark where artists like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and The Rolling Stones recorded iconic hits. The studio, founded by Rick Hall in 1959, helped create the distinctive "Muscle Shoals sound" that influenced American popular music. Visitors can take tours of the working studio to see the original equipment and hear stories about the famous musicians who recorded there.
13. Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
ROCK MUSIC HERITAGE
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is a historic recording facility where artists like The Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, and Lynyrd Skynyrd created legendary albums. The studio, founded by the Swampers rhythm section in 1969, has been restored to its 1970s appearance and offers guided tours. Visitors can see original instruments and equipment while learning about the studio's significant contribution to rock, soul, and R&B music.
14. Florence Harbor Marina
WATERFRONT RECREATION HUB
Florence Harbor Marina provides boating access and services on the Tennessee River with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The marina offers boat rentals, slips, and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy meals overlooking the water. Water enthusiasts can launch from this central location to explore Wilson Lake and the river system while enjoying the area's natural beauty.
15. Court Street Market
LOCAL SHOPPING DISTRICT
Court Street Market encompasses a collection of unique local shops, boutiques, and restaurants in downtown Florence. The charming district features historic buildings renovated to house businesses offering everything from fashion and home goods to specialty foods. Visitors can enjoy a day of shopping, dining, and experiencing the local culture in this walkable area of the city.