10 Best Things to Do in Tuscumbia, Alabama

April 9, 2020 - Updated

Tuscumbia, Alabama can be found within the state’s Colbert County, in the northwestern region. From unique museums to historic landmarks to local parks and restaurants, the small town in Alabama offers quite a bit. All of these things to do in Tuscumbia offer a memorable experience and are family-friendly attractions.

1.Ivy Green

Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, was originally built back in the year 1820, just one year later from Alabama becoming the 22nd states. It is a white clapboard, simple home design constructed in the typical architecture of the southern United States. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1954 as a shrine to the “miracle” that happened in the life of the deaf and blind Helen Keller. Visitors can explore the grounds of a historical treasure of America, one that has survived untouched throughout the Civil War and is maintained in its original state.

300 North Commons St West, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, Phone: 256-383-4066

2.Spring Park

Spring Park is the most popular park in Tuscumbia, Alabama. It’s situated within the downtown area and features a large lake, single story shelters, a two-story open shelter, a large playground, barbeque grills, public restrooms, and more. Also within the park is the Cold Water Falls, the largest man-made stone waterfall known to exist in the world. The lake contains a memorial fountain that is dedicated in remembrance of Princess Im-Mi-Ah-Key, who was Chief Tuscumbia’s wife. The fountain is made up of fifty-one jets that are choreographed to music and lights. Spring Park is open year-round, every day.

Spring Park Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, Phone: 256-386-5670

3.Alabama Music Hall of Fame

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame honors Music Achievers in three different ways. First, by showcasing exhibits that illustrate their accomplishments. Second, by placing a permanent bronze star on its walk of fame. Third, by inducting them into the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was the result of the Muscle Shoals Music Association’s dream and goal. The association is made up of owners of recording studios, songwriters, musicians, producers, and other professionals in the music industry. Every year, thousands of people come to tour the facility and learn about the contributions of the people of Alabama to music.

617 U.S. 72 W, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, Phone: 256-381-4417

4.Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve

The Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve encompasses more than seven hundred acres of maintained and privately protected scenic natural area within Colbert County’s Little Mountain region. The land was granted official status of being a nature preserve through an easement of conservation with The Nature Conservancy of Alabama. Open throughout the entire year for outdoor recreational and educational activities, the nature preserve is primarily an area for day-use with limited camping available for organized groups. Trail signs, hiking guides, and trail maps are offered to help visitors have a successful and safe outing and also to protect the preserve.

251 Loop Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, Phone: 256-381-6301

5.Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard

Deep in the thick wilderness in Freedom Hills, in a grassy small meadow, Key Underwood buried Troop, his faithful coon dog. The spot where Troop was buried was hunting camp popular with coon hunters. Troop was known as the best coon dog throughout the entire region. The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard was born from Underwood’s devotion to his faithful coonhound, and has now become a popular tourist attraction. It is also the world’s only cemetery of its kind. Other hunters have since buried their coon dogs in the cemetery, which is now the resting place of over 185 coon dogs.

4945 Coondog Cemetery Rd, Cherokee, AL 35616, Phone: 256-412-5970

6.Belle Mont Mansion

Belle Mont Mansion is a historic plantation house of the Jeffersonian style in Colbert County, near Tuscumbia, Alabama. The historic home was added in 1982 to the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance. Belle Mont is considered by scholars of architecture to be an excellent example of the influence Thomas Jefferson had on the architecture of the early days of the United States. The house is one of just a handful of surviving examples located in the Deep South. Once a family home, the Belle Mont Mansion is now operating as a historic house museum.

1569 Cook Ln, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, Phone: 256-381-5052

7.Tuscumbia Railroad Depot Museum

The Tuscumbia Railroad Depot Museum is housed inside a fully-restored train depot from 1888. The Depot was constructed on the grounds of the first railroad built west of the Allegheny Mountains. The original Depot was built by the Memphis and Charleston Railroad in 1888 to be used as the division headquarters, and it has now been restored to its original condition. Visitors and locals alike in the region can stop by the museum to view train and rail memorabilia, telegraph demonstrations, and the photo gallery. Guests can also have a fun experience with the interactive train simulators.

204 W. 5th St, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, Phone: 256-389-1357

8.Rattlesnake Saloon

The Rattlesnake Saloon is the watering hole in Tuscumbia, Alabama under the rock. It is a place where the entire family can relax, spend some quality time together, and enjoy the connection to the history of the local area. The Rattlesnake Saloon is a handicap accessible establishment that invites people to come and fill their belly with delicious food and listen to live music performed by local musicians. Tables at the saloon are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Customers old enough can grab a cold beer after 5:00pm, and the staff strive to provide everyone with an extraordinary experience.

1292 Mount Mills Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, Phone: 256-370-7220

9.Palace Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop

The Palace Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop located on Main Street in Tuscumbia is much more than simply a shop where people can get a tasty sandwich or the perfect milkshake, it is a nostalgic step back to the past. Visitors today can enjoy the history of the place as much as they do the sandwiches, malts, milkshakes, and more menu items that it offers. The Palace Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop was opened years ago by Harvey Robbins and Joyce Ann, his wife, and is housed inside a historic building that was built back in the year 1833.

100 S. Main St, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, Phone: 256-386-8210

10.Aunt Bea's Bakery and Bistro

At Tuscumbia’s Aunt Bea's Bakery and Bistro, baking is a true passion. The bakery uses only the freshest and finest ingredients to make homemade sweets that warm customers’ hearts and fill their bellies. A delicious lunch menu is offered at Aunt Bea’s as well. The bakery and bistro first opened its doors to the public in the historic downtown area of Tuscumbia in 2013. Believing in offering fresh baked goods, Aunt Bea’s bakes muffins, cookies, pastries, pies, cakes, and cupcakes fresh daily in order to ensure the same excellence and freshness on every visit. Custom cakes are also available for order.

107 East 6th St, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, Phone: 256-320-5053