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

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 & Museum

The Florence Indian Mound is the Tennessee Valley area's largest domiciliary mound.   It is typical workmanship of the Indians who lived in this area before the Cherokees, Chickasaws, and Creeks.  Early settlers found steps on one side of the mound, and discovered that it had been enclosed by an earthen wall. The museum contains Native American artifacts dating back over 10,000 years arranged in chronological order. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

1028 South Court Street
(256) 760-6427

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

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.

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.

http://www.shoalschildrensmuseum.org