Located in the northwestern corner of Alabama, Colbert County is part of the place called The Shoals and awash in historical landmarks with a touch of natural beauty and cultural hotspots. Here are the 15 best things to do in Colbert County:
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: The great recording studio in Sheffield; the birthplace of many mega-hits by everyone from The Rolling Stones to Aretha Franklin, to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Take a tour to learn its storied history.
Ivy Green: Travel back in time and spend some time at the birthplace and childhood home of Helen Keller in Tuscumbia. This historic site includes the well pump where the famous “miracle” of Helen Keller’s first communication took place.
Coon Dog Cemetery: A more off-the-grid stop near Cherokee, this cemetery is reserved for coon dogs. The specifics of this burial site indicate that the cemetery only deals with coon dogs, helping to preserve the heritage and tradition of this heavily hunting-based area.
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve: Great hiking through this 700-acre privately owned nature preserve in Tuscumbia. It is home to a host of different trails, waterfalls, and amazing views.
Rattlesnake Saloon: Enjoy a meal at one of the most unique saloons located just under a giant rock bluff in Tuscumbia. It is accessible by a cave through a “taxi” service that all the while serves up a really unique dining.
Downtown Sheffield: Take a walk downtown in Sheffield; enjoy the historical setting; look through some of the local boutiques and antique shops. The old buildings in this area are architecturally beautiful.
Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House: Visit the only Frank Lloyd Wright home built in Alabama, located in Florence. This house is one of the best examples of Usonian architecture and is beautifully maintained.
Tennessee Valley Art Center: Situated in Tuscumbia, this is a place to come to enjoy regional art and traveling exhibits. The Helen Keller Festival is held here each year.
Wilson Dam: Proceed to the Tennessee River’s biggest hydroelectric dam, spanning across the Tennessee River, which was one important link in the economic progress of the Tennessee Valley.
Spring Park: Stay at this beautiful Tuscumbia park, which is home to a magnificent light and water show, many playgrounds, and a carousel that makes it a perfect fit for families.
The Shoals Golf Club: One of the championship courses of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, acclaimed for the beauty of its layout and challenge of its design.
Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard: Another homage to the hunting culture of the region, this one is the original coon dog cemetery and a more solemn counterpart to the more whimsical Coon Dog Cemetery.
The W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library: Find the birthplace of the “Father of the Blues,” W.C. Handy, with lots of his personal papers, artifacts, and memorabilia, in Florence.
Leighton Hidden Beauty: In Leighton, with a few small family-run businesses dealing mainly in antiques and local crafts, there is a good chance for a different sort of souvenir or gift.
Sheffield Indian Mound: Visit this ancient prehistoric Native American site to learn about the prehistoric peoples who once called the Tennessee Valley home. There is so much history, culture, and natural appeal in Colbert County. The destination is pretty exciting, considering its deep roots and its scenic beauty, characteristic of North Alabama. There are things of interest for anyone, from music lovers to history buffs to outdoor adventurers.
