Tishomingo State Park- Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tishomingo State Park is steeped in history and scenic beauty. Archaeological excavations confirm the presence of Paleo Indians in the area now encompassed by the park as early as 7000 B.C.; the park takes its name from the leader of the Chickasaw nation, Chief Tishomingo. The famous Natchez Trace Parkway, the premier highway of the early 1800s and a modern scenic parkway, runs directly through the park. Today's visitors to Tishomingo State Park discover the same timeless natural beauty that enchanted the Indians centuries ago. Tishomingo offers a unique landscape of massive rock formations and fern-filled crevices found nowhere else in Mississippi. Massive boulders blanketed in moss dot the hillsides, and colorful wildflowers border trails once walked by Native Americans.
Rattle Snake Saloon- This land has been in the family since 1916 when Owen Foster, bought the first track of a 6000-acre plot of land for 25 cents an acre. ‘Plain’ Owen used the land mainly for farming and timber. His son William Owen Foster, better known as ‘Chicken Owen’, later used the shelter that is now the Rattlesnake Saloon as a hog pen. The 33-foot hole that now runs all the cables / power / electricity to the Saloon was drilled through the rock by him originally as way to feed the hogs without traveling around the then undriveable bluff.
After years of working the land, Owen Daniel Foster Sr had a new vision for the land and created the Seven Springs Lodge. ‘Danny’ wanted a place that catered to hunting, but has since opened the land to trail riding, atv and motorcycle events, chuckwagon races and even SHiFT Design Camp.
Danny Foster and his youngest son, William Gordon Foster, soon realized that the logical companion to a Lodge is a Saloon. Their initial idea quickly grew from a watering hole with gravel base and a feed trough, to a lean-to shanty before finally settling on the current design. During construction some workers found a rattlesnake den a distance off from the shelter with a mother snake and twelve little ones which inspired our family to name it the Rattlesnake Saloon.
The Saloon took just 49 days to construct before opening on Labor Day weekend in 2009. Since opening it has been featured in magazines, music videos, and tv shows and has become one of the top attraction in the area. So far our guestbooks show visitors from all 50 states and over 30 other countries have stopped at the Saloon.
After being open for 5 years, Momma Faye stepped in to complete the family business. She was the missing piece and added the perfect touch of Southern Hospitality by going out of her way to make sure all visitors feel like family. Her Sidewinder’s Trading Post is where you will find souvenirs and apparel to remember all the great times at Seven Springs Lodge and Rattlesnake Saloon.
Dismal Canyon- A 1.5-mile hiking trail on the canyon floor follows the stream through sky-reaching boulders, past thundering waterfalls, into a secret world of mossy-green and pearl gray filled with ferns and giant trees. Its waterfalls, natural bridges, cliffs and boulders give this place a magnificent splendor. Explore the strange and beautiful labyrinth of caverns, grottos and small slot canyons formed by massive house-size boulders broken off the towering bluffs and strewn about by geological events going back to the Paleozoic era - 300 million years ago. Among the shadows of this primeval sunken forest, you'll see the mysterious sanctuaries occupied by Paleo, Cherokee, and Chickasaw inhabitants.
Red Bay Water Park- Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
Historic Roxy Theatre- The historic Roxy Theatre has been a beloved fixture of downtown Russellville since 1949. It first served as a movie theatre and today as a venue for concerts, recitals, and talent shows. It is located inside the new Americana Music Triangle, which marks the roots of nine music genres. The Roxy is 16 miles south of Muscle Shoals, the home of Fame Recording Studio, and 58 miles northeast of Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Come hear the sounds of country, folk, gospel, the blues, and rock and roll by professional and local performers. The Roxy Theatre is maintained and operated by the Franklin County Arts & Humanities Council. Please check the website for upcoming shows and events.
Bear Creek Lakes - Bear Creek Lakes is one of Franklin County’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, to even whitewater rafting! Fun and adventures are awaiting at Bear Creek Lakes. Whether you are here for one day or ten days, Bear Creek Lakes always has something exciting to do.
Coon Dog Cemetery- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Cane Creek Canyon- 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.
Tiffin Motor Homes- Anyone interested in the RV lifestyle is invited to tour the Tiffin factory in Red Bay, Alabama, each weekday morning at 9:30 am CT.
Looking for a perfect fishing spot, or somewhere to go camping? What about something fun like whitewater rafting or kayaking? Then Bear Creek Lakes is the place for you! However, make sure you have a permit for the activities. An annual permit is $25.00 and offers unlimited use of all camping, hunting, fishing, boating, picnic tables, and swimming areas. A 3-consecutive day permit pass is $10 and a one day pass is $4. At Bear Creek Lake, you can bring or rent canoes or kayaks and go on an adventure with the family, or by yourself on any of the boating areas the 4 lakes at Bear Creek has to offer! There are also swimming areas to cool off in as well! Check out the Floatway, too! Don’t forget fishing! As long as you have a fishing permit, you are allowed to fish at Bear Creek Lake. The four lakes are rated as some of the cleanest recreational waters in the South, so what better place to sink a line and relax? For those of you looking to go on a hunting trip, you can also hunt at Bear Creek Lakes, as long as all rules are followed. Click here to find the FAQ with the rules of hunting at Bear Creek Lakes. Bear Creek Lakes is open year-round, and so are their campsites and cabins! If you’re looking to camp, prices range from $17 to $20 per night. For cabins, pricing starts at $85 and may go up.
While enjoying your stay at Red Bay Acres, you might want to check out the Dismal’s Canyon--a natural landmark dating back 300 million years! It is an 85 acre Nature Conservatory that is privately owned. Offering two beautiful cabins, you can camp at this beautiful landmark and enjoy all that nature has to offer! Reservations can be made year-round except for in February. You can also choose to use one of their many campsites. Prices range based on what you want. See them here. With a guided night tour, you can go and see the dismalites which are glowworms that can only live in certain areas--and Dismal’s Canyon is that area! You can take the 1.5-mile hike on the canyon floor and explore a beautiful maze of coves and discover countless waterfalls past sky-high boulders, trees, and beautiful ferns. If you’re looking to really relax, a variety of different massages are offered to cabin guests, day guests, and campers. From a deep tissue or a couple's massage to facials and body scrubs, there is sure to be something to really help you relax while on vacation! There is also a country store right on the way in or out of the canyon! Make sure you stop here for a couple of souvenirs like Indian wares and postcards! Enjoy your lunch at the Soda Fountain and Grill, too!
Since you’re already RVing, what a fun day trip it would be to go and see Tiffin Motorhomes, located right here in Alabama! In 1972 after years of business experience, an old RV dealership was bought and Tiffin Motorhomes was born! It is one of the few family-owned motorhomes manufactures left. Today, you can choose to go on a factory tour and see where all the magic happens! How cool would it be to see where you Tiffin Motorhome was built? Even if you don’t have a Tiffin, you are sure to be awestruck by the Tiffin Motorhome facility! Monday through Friday, you can go on a free tour starting at 9:30 am CST. This will include meeting the craftsmen and getting an up-close look at how all the little details are carefully put into each Tiffin Motorhome. This will also include getting to learn about how complex each motorhome truly is! You will surely be amazed! Click here for more information on the factory tours.
