Must see places 

The Shoals area in northwest Alabama is rich in culture, history, outdoor beauty, and musical heritage—making it an exciting place for new students to explore. From scenic hiking preserves and historic landmarks to world-famous music studios and unique local attractions, the Shoals offers something for everyone within a short drive of campus. This list highlights many of the region’s must-see spots, perfect for weekend trips, study breaks, or learning more about the area’s deep roots and vibrant community.


  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Rosenbaum House: The only house in Alabama designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, known for its unique architecture and guided tours.
  • Florence Indian Mound and Museum: Features a large ancient earthen mound and exhibits on Indigenous history and artifacts.
  • University of North Alabama: Historic campus with a lively atmosphere and live lion mascots on display.
  • W. C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library: Museum dedicated to the "Father of the Blues," featuring memorabilia and displays about his life and work.
  • Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: Legendary music studio where famous artists recorded classic hits; tours offered.
  • FAME Recording Studios: Historic recording studio tied to the "Muscle Shoals Sound" and music history, offering tours.
  • Wilson Dam & Lock: Large hydroelectric dam on the Tennessee River, with scenic views and nearby recreational trails.
  • McFarland Park: Riverside park with picnic areas, walking paths, disc golf, and event space.
  • River Heritage Park: Park with splash pad, scenic views, and an amphitheater for concerts and festivals.
  • Deibert Park: Peaceful park with walking trails, ponds, and a popular playground.
  • Pope's Tavern Museum: Local history museum in a former stagecoach inn and Civil War hospital.
  • Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall (Tom’s Wall): Unique stone wall built as a tribute to a Native American ancestor’s journey.
  • Pickwick Lake: Large, scenic lake popular for boating, fishing, and relaxation.
  • Children’s Museum of the Shoals: Hands-on museum with interactive exhibits for kids and families.
  • The Rolling Stones in the Shoals in 1969 Historic Marker: Commemorative marker for the band’s iconic recording session in the area.
  • Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve: 700-acre preserve with 15 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and canyon overlooks.
  • Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery: The world’s only coon dog cemetery, featuring unique memorials in the Freedom Hills.
  • Shoal Creek Preserve: 300-acre nature area with scenic hiking and horseback-riding trails along creeks and waterfalls.
  • Forks of Cypress: Ruins and monument of a historic antebellum home, ideal for local history enthusiasts.
  • Alabama Music Hall of Fame: Museum with exhibits celebrating Alabama’s music legends and a working studio.
  • Helen Keller Birthplace (Ivy Green): Childhood home of Helen Keller, now a museum with tours and summer plays.
  • Rock Springs Nature Trail: Woodland trail near Florence with creek crossings and peaceful scenery.
  • Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts: Cultural hub in historic homes, featuring art exhibits and community events.
  • Wildwood Park: City park for mountain biking, hiking, and paddling on Cypress Creek with well-maintained trails.
  • Natchez Trace Parkway: Historic scenic highway with overlooks and short hikes near the Shoals area.
  • Riverfront Park (Sheffield): Park on the Tennessee River for picnics, fishing, and sunset views.
  • Veterans Memorial Park: Tranquil park honoring military service, with memorials and walking trails.
  • Old Railroad Bridge: Alabama’s oldest bridge, now for pedestrians, offering river views and a historic walking path

Local parks

River Heritage Park
McFarland Park
Spring Park
Deibert Park
Wildwood Park
Gattman Park

ACTIVITIES

  • Walk, run, or bike the scenic paths and historic Old Railroad Bridge connecting Florence and Sheffield.
  • Spend a morning at the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts: check out exhibit openings, hands-on workshops, or community classes.
  • Attend freshmen mixers, open mic nights, and on-campus club meetings to meet new people and get involved.
  • Shop and stroll Florence’s historic downtown or explore the Vintage South Marketplace in Muscle Shoals for unique local finds
  • Study, hang out, or volunteer at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library or local coffee shops with new classmates.
  • Plan a group trip to Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve or Shoal Creek Preserve for hiking, trail running, and waterfall views.
  • Take advantage of free concerts, outdoor movie nights, and sports games—keep an eye on campus activity calendars.
  • The Boiler Room - Spend an evening bowling at this unique downtown venue, which blends vintage lanes with games, great food, and a relaxing vibe—perfect for group outings or meeting new friends.
  • Shoals Theatre - Catch a show, concert, or community event at this historic downtown theater, where you can enjoy live entertainment and films year-round.
  • First Fridays - Join the buzz in downtown Florence on the first Friday of each month (April–December), featuring art vendors, live music, food trucks, and late-night shopping—ideal for a fun and festive cultural experience.
  • Lauderdale Lanes - Enjoy classic bowling and a lively atmosphere at this popular traditional bowling alley, a great place for campus groups or casual nights out.
  • Wohalia Sports - Try your hand at the driving range, play mini-golf, or throw axes at this vibrant local spot, offering a bit of everything for active fun with friends.
  • The Florence Escape Room - Challenge your problem-solving skills with teammates in themed escape rooms—a perfect group activity for bonding and excitement.
  • TVA Nature Trails - Walk, jog, or bike scenic riverside and woodland trails managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, offering a low-cost way to enjoy the area’s outdoor beauty.
  • Pickleball - Get active playing pickleball at local parks or sports centers—it's a fast-growing, social game popular among students and the community.
  • Kayak or Canoe - Explore the Tennessee River or Cypress Creek by kayak or canoe for a refreshing outdoor adventure, easy to coordinate with campus or rental groups.
  • Disc Golf - Try out disc golf at McFarland Park and other courses around Florence, which are beginner-friendly and great for group outings.
  • Golf - Tee off at several excellent local courses, including RTJ Golf Trail at The Shoals and Blackberry Trail, whether you’re a beginner or experienced golfer.

same day road trips

  • Amish Country Tours – Ethridge, TN: Ride a wagon or drive through the Amish community to shop for handmade goods and experience a simpler way of life.
  • Yellow Deli – Pulaski, TN: Enjoy sandwiches, soups, and baked goods in a peaceful, Hobbit-style café rich in charm and character.
  • Dismals Canyon – Phil Campbell, AL: Hike through mossy canyons, visit waterfalls, and see glowworms after dark in this unique natural wonder.
  • Shiloh National Battlefield – Shiloh, TN: Walk or drive through the historic Civil War battlefield, with monuments, interpretive sites, and a visitor center.
  • Loveless Café via Natchez Trace Parkway – Nashville, TN: Take the scenic parkway during fall foliage season and stop in for legendary biscuits and southern cooking.
  • Nashville, TN: Explore Broadway’s live music, museums, murals, great food, and unique city neighborhoods in a quick day trip.
  • Huntsville, AL: Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Botanical Garden, or hike Monte Sano—plus enjoy foodie spots and creative districts.
  • Lynnville, TN: A small historic town with antique shops, an old railroad museum, and local ice cream—perfect for a quiet day trip.
  • Milky Way Farm – Pulaski, TN: Tour the historic Mars candy family estate with a castle-like main house, farmland views, and event offerings.
  • Rattlesnake Saloon – Tuscumbia area: Dine in an open-air restaurant built into a cave; visit for burgers, live music, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
  • Bankhead National Forest – Winston County, AL: Spend the day hiking to waterfalls, swimming holes, and cliff overlooks in this lush forest.
  • Cathedral Caverns State Park – Woodville, AL: Go on a guided tour of an enormous show cave with impressive rock formations and a cool year-round atmosphere.
  • Unclaimed Baggage Center – Scottsboro, AL: Hunt for lost luggage treasures—electronics, clothes, books, and odd finds all in one unique store.
  • Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park – Hodges, AL: Hike or horseback ride through trails that include waterfalls, rock formations, and overlook points.
  • Jesse Owens Museum – Oakville, AL: Learn the story of the Olympic track star from Alabama in a small, inspiring museum with athletic and historical exhibits.
  • Red Bay, AL: Visit a quaint small town with antique shops, local cafes, and the Tiffin Motorhome Visitor Center.
  • Courthouse Square in Columbia, TN: Explore boutique shopping, murals, and great food in this rising small-town day trip destination.
  • Leiper’s Fork & Franklin, TN: Stroll small-town art galleries, shops, and coffee spots with a mix of southern hospitality and creative charm.
  • Elvis Presley Birthplace (Tupelo, MS): Tour the modest home where Elvis was born, explore museum exhibits about his life, and see the church where he first sang gospel music. A must for music lovers and pop culture fans.
  • Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo (Tupelo, MS): Go on a safari-style bison bus tour, feed giraffes, and get close to more than 260 animals at one of Mississippi’s largest wildlife parks—great for a unique animal adventure.
  • Downtown Tupelo Murals & Main Street: Snap photos with vibrant Elvis murals and quirky street art, then browse local shops, bakeries, and the open-air farmer’s market (seasonal) for a taste of local flavor and color.
  • Blue Canoe (Tupelo, MS): This “laid-back, funky joint” is known for live music, a casual Southern vibe, over 100 kinds of beer, and quirky menu items like award-winning bread pudding—a spot locals recommend for evening hangs and good eats.
  • Queen’s Reward Meadery (Tupelo, MS): Sample handcrafted meads—including unusual flavors—in a charming, family-owned tasting room. Try a sampler flight for a fun, offbeat beverage experience.
  • The Marshall County Historical Museum (Holly Springs, MS): A delightfully oddball museum filled with quirky artifacts, Civil War relics, dollhouses, taxidermy, and true curiosities donated by locals. It feels like exploring a massive, eccentric attic and rewards the curious
  • Jesse Owens Museum & Park – Oakville, AL: A small museum dedicated to the Olympic track legend with exhibits and a replica of his childhood home.
  • Bankhead National Forest – Double Springs, AL: Alabama’s largest national forest featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, bluff overlooks, and swimming spots.
  • Unclaimed Baggage Center – Scottsboro, AL: A unique shopping adventure in a store selling lost airline luggage containing electronics, clothes, and curiosities.
  • US Space & Rocket Center – Huntsville, AL: Explore interactive exhibits and giant rockets at this premier space museum and science center.
  • Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment – Huntsville, AL: The largest private arts facility in the South with artist studios, galleries, workshops, and live events.
  • Natural Bridge Park – Natural Bridge, AL: See the longest natural rock bridge east of the Rockies, plus hiking and picnic areas surrounded by lush forest.
  • Cook Museum of Natural Science – Decatur, AL: Hands-on science museum featuring live animals, aquariums, and interactive exhibits for all ages.
  • Mooresville – Mooresville, AL: Alabama’s oldest town with historic buildings, the oldest operating post office, and quaint local shops and bakeries.
  • Noccalula Falls Park – Gadsden, AL: Home to a beautiful 90-foot waterfall, with trails, gardens, a petting zoo, and seasonal events for visitors to enjoy.

STORES YOU SHOULD check out

THRIFT SHOPS
  • Thrift Mart on Avalon (Muscle Shoals)- Big thrift selection. Great for budget fashionistas or students decorating on a dime.
  • Family Times Thrift (Sheffield)
  • America’s Thrift Stores & Donation Center: Extensive selection of secondhand clothing, housewares, furniture, and toys in Florence.
  • Shoals Dream Center Thrift Store (Florence): Non-profit thrift shop with a wide variety of items; friendly staff and community support.
  • Shoals Dream Center Thrift Store (Sheffield): Clean thrift shop in Sheffield offering affordable finds and supporting charitable area programs.
  • 256 Thrift Center: Small business in Tuscumbia featuring diverse thrift items; accessible location and great for college students.
  • Blue Door Thrift Store - Florence

ANTIQUES, BOUTIQUES & LOCAL SHOPS
  • Lucky Finds Boutique: On-trend women’s fashion and accessories with a relaxed, local vibe.
  • Nellie Mae Boutique: Chic clothing and plus-size fashion with shoes and jewelry in a boutique setting.
  • Market House Boutique Florence: Trendy clothing and unique gifts from a locally owned store with friendly service.
  • Southern Trash: Florence-based vintage shop offering curated retro clothing and accessories.
  • Muscle Shoals Record Shop: Independent record store with vinyl albums, knowledgeable staff, and local music culture.
  • Timeless Treasures and Gifts: Eclectic antiques, furniture, and home décor perfect for collectors and decorators.
  • Funky Monkey Of The Shoals: Quirky antique store with vintage oddities and fun, ever-changing selections.
  • Renaissance Antiques: Florence shop offering quality antiques and collectibles with fair pricing.
  • Classic Antiques & Collectibles: Antique shop in Sheffield known for its wide variety of quality collectibles and décor.
  • Mom’s in Seven Points (Florence) - Curated vintage, quirky fashion, retro finds, and good vibes. It’s like stepping into your cool aunt’s closet — with a record player spinning in the background.
  • Southern Native (Florence) - Modern Southern style with a bold, independent twist. Apparel, candles, accessories, and decor that scream local pride.
  • Homestead Mercantile (Tuscumbia) - Handcrafted goods, vintage home items, and charming small-batch products. Great for dorm decor and gifts with Southern soul.
  • Studio 23 (Florence) - A working art studio and gallery featuring local artists. Inspires creativity and often has student-friendly events or classes.
  • Ye Ole General Store (Florence – Downtown) - A true Florence icon. Loaded with old-school character — think hardware meets heritage — plus fun treasures and nostalgia.
  • Autographs (Florence – Cox Creek Pkwy)
  • A local gem for comic books, sports memorabilia, vintage collectibles, and pop culture treasures. Great for students into fandoms, collecting, or just wanting to browse something cool after class. They also have occasional signings and events.
  • Court Street Books: Independent bookstore and coffee shop in downtown Florence with new and used books, community events, and a cozy atmosphere.
  • Eleven 54 on Wood
  • Florence Trading Company
  • Jar & Co
  • Market House
  • James & Alma
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