Florence Travel Guide

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Welcome to Florence, a charming city located in the northwest corner of Alabama, United States. Nestled along the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River, Florence is a destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

One of the highlights of Florence is its rich musical heritage. Known as the "Shoals," this region has been a breeding ground for legendary musicians and songwriters. Visit the iconic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where renowned artists such as Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan recorded their hits. Immerse yourself in the soulful tunes that have shaped the American music scene by exploring the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

For history buffs, Florence is a treasure trove of fascinating stories. Take a stroll through the historic downtown district and admire the beautifully preserved architecture that dates back to the 19th century. Visit the Pope's Tavern Museum, a former stagecoach stop that served as a hospital during the Civil War. Step back in time as you explore the Indian Mound and Museum, which showcases artifacts from Native American civilizations that once thrived in the area.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Florence and its surroundings. Head to the nearby Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts. Take a leisurely hike along the trails of Frank Lloyd Wright's Rosenbaum House, a stunning example of the architect's organic design principles. And don't miss the breathtaking views from the scenic overlooks at McFarland Park, where you can watch the sun set over the glistening Tennessee River.

No visit to Florence would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Sample mouthwatering Southern cuisine at local favorites like Big Bad Breakfast or Trowbridge's Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop, a beloved institution since 1918. And be sure to explore the vibrant dining scene in downtown Florence, where you can savor everything from farm-to-table fare to international flavors.

Alternative names: Population: 40 thous.Area: 26.31 mi²Elevation: 531 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°48'31"N, 87°40'13"W

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AlabamaUnited States

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Florence Top Attractions

Florence Attractions - What to See and Explore

Florence offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Rosenbaum House, UNA Health Services, Old Florence Water Tower, Shoals Community Theatre. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Historical place • History museum
Rosenbaum House
The Rosenbaum House is a single-family house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and built for Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum in Florence, Alabama. A noted example of his Usonian house concept, it is the only Wright building in Alabama, and is one of only 26 pre-World War II Usonian houses.
Observatories and planetariums
UNA Health Services
UNA Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by the University of North Alabama. It is located in Florence, Alabama. It has 2 telescopes, a Celestron 0.35 m Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope. The UNA Planetarium is a 65-seat planetarium with a Spitz A3P projector and East Cost Control Systems controller.
Tower
Old Florence Water Tower
The Old Florence Water Tower is a historic water tower in Florence, Alabama. It was built in 1889 by the Jeter and Boardman Gas and Water Association to increase water capacity in the town, which was undergoing a boom in population.

34°48'4"N • 87°40'31"W
Shoals Community Theatre
Concerts and shows • Non-profit • Music venue
Dam
Wilson Dam
Wilson Dam is a dam spanning the Tennessee River between Lauderdale County and Colbert County in the U.S. state of Alabama. Completed in 1924 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, it impounds Wilson Lake, and is one of nine Tennessee Valley Authority dams on the Tennessee River.
Gothic Revival architecture
Wesleyan Hall
Wesleyan Hall, constructed in 1856, is one of the oldest structures on the University of North Alabama campus, located in Florence, Alabama.
Park
Wilson Park
The Wilson Park Houses are a group of three historic homes in Florence, Alabama. Built as upper-class residences between 1890 and 1918, the houses are adjacent to Wilson Park, laid out as a public space upon the city's founding and later renamed for President Woodrow Wilson.
34°48'4"N • 87°40'36"W
Southall Drugs
Southall Drugs is a historic commercial building in Florence, Alabama. It was built in 1900 to house the pharmacy of Charles Morton Southall.
34°48'10"N • 87°40'40"W
First Fridays Downtown Florence
Concerts and shows • City hall
34°49'31"N • 87°38'40"W
Sweetwater Mansion
Sweetwater Mansion, located in Florence, Alabama, is a plantation house designed by General John Brahan of the Alabama Militia.
Historical place
Larimore House
The Larimore House was a historic residence and school in Florence, Alabama. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Zoo
George H. Carroll Lion Habitat
The George H. Carroll Lion Habitat is a 12,764-square-foot, climate-controlled facility located on the campus the University of North Alabama that houses the only live lion mascot in the United States, Leo III.
Museum
George Coulter House
The George Coulter House is a historic house located at 420 South Pine Street in Florence, Alabama.
Museum
James Martin House
The James Martin House is a historic residence in Florence, Alabama. Martin was a leading Florence industrialist of the Antebellum era, who owned a cotton spinning mill along Cypress Creek.
34°48'20"N • 87°40'50"W
Norton Auditorium
Concerts and shows • Concert hall • Theater
34°48'9"N • 87°40'44"W
Trinity Episcopal Church Florence
Church
Neighbourhood
Cherry Street Historic District
The Cherry Street Historic District is a historic district in Florence, Alabama. Florence was founded in 1818 and quickly prospered as a cotton shipping port on the Tennessee River, but did not see its greatest growth until the latter part of the 19th century.
34°48'13"N • 87°40'27"W
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
Cafe • Library
34°48'30"N • 87°40'45"W
UNA Collier Library
Library

Things to See and Do in Florence by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Florence.

Culture

Shoals Community Theatre
Florence
Concerts and showsNon-profitMusic venue
First Fridays Downtown Florence
Florence
Concerts and showsCity hall
Norton Auditorium
Florence
Concerts and showsConcert hallTheater

Day trips

Florence – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Florence, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Muscle Shoals Sound Studio (Sheffield), Princess Theatre (Decatur), Alabama Music Hall of Fame (Tuscumbia).

2.8 miS
Specialty museum, Music venue, Museum
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Sheffield
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is a recording studio in Sheffield, Alabama formed in 1969 by four session musicians known as The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section who had left nearby FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals to create their own recording facility.
41 milesE
Concerts and shows, Theater
Princess Theatre, Decatur
The Princess Theatre is a 677-seat performing arts venue in Decatur, Alabama. The art deco-style building was originally built in 1887 as a livery stable. In 1919, the building was transformed into a silent film and vaudeville playhouse. In 1941 the Princess received its art deco redesign.
6.9 miS
Specialty museum, Museum
Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Tuscumbia
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame, first conceived by the Muscle Shoals Music Association in the early 1980s, was created by the Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board, which then saw to its Phase One construction of a 12,500 sq ft facility after a statewide referendum in 1987.
41 milesE
Bridge
Norfolk Southern Tennessee River Bridge, Decatur
The Norfolk Southern Tennessee River Bridge is a lift bridge operated by the Norfolk Southern Railway over the Tennessee River at Decatur in the north central part of Alabama in the United States.
49 milesW
Specialty museum, Museum, Railway station
Corinth Depot, Corinth
Corinth Depot, also known as the Southern/GM&O Depot and now known as Corinth Crossroads Museum, was constructed circa 1917, and is located at 221 North Fillmore Street, in Corinth, Mississippi.