Lauderdale County: Architecture, History and Nature

The Rosenbaum House in Florence is the only building in Alabama designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright also designed the house’s original furniture. Guided tours last about 30 to 45 minutes; check tour details before your trip.

Architecture, Museums and History

Pope’s Tavern tells the story of its construction in two stages: the building was erected as a two-room brick house in the 1830s, then expanded into an inn in the 1850s. The Pope’s Tavern Museum features exhibits on slavery and Civil War history, as well as medicine, food preparation and everyday life in the 19th century. Workshops and programs explore lessons from the past; programs may change.

The Florence Mound was built by Indigenous communities nearly 1,700 years ago and used as a ceremonial gathering place. The museum at the foot of the mound serves as an educational center that brings cultural practices together. Its offerings include presentations, workshops and classes for children; there is also a garden with native plants. Programs and facilities may change.

The Kennedy-Douglass Art Center comprises three historic buildings. Exhibition galleries, studio workshops and outdoor spaces for hands-on learning give the venue a distinctive focus. The two-day Arts Alive is held every May by the Kennedy-Douglass Arts Volunteers. If you plan to attend the festival, confirm the dates and program before your trip; both may change.

Florence is also connected to music history: William Christopher Handy was born there in 1873 in a modest cabin, which now houses his museum. At the W. C. Handy Birthplace Museum, visitors can see the piano associated with the first performance of “St. Louis Blues,” as well as handwritten sheet music. Exhibits may change.

Another way to experience Florence is The Carriage Wine & Market in the historic downtown. The wine bar and retail shop carry wine, beer, artisan cheese, specialty grocery items, freshly cut flowers and farm products. Individual offerings may change.

Along the Tennessee River and in Nature

McFarland Park lies between the Tennessee River and downtown Florence. A paved, lighted jogging path runs around the harbor. The River Heritage Trail follows the Tennessee River channel for about 1.3 miles. It connects its starting point to the Patton Island Overlook and features interpretive signs and several viewpoints. The two paths can be distinguished by their described routes: one loops around the harbor, while the other follows the channel to a viewpoint.

Joe Wheeler State Park is a 2,550-acre resort park on the shore of Wheeler Lake in Rogersville. It has hiking and mountain biking trails. The campground has 116 sites, including 110 with full water, electric and sewer hookups. Trail conditions and access may change; the number of sites and available amenities may also vary.

The 298-acre Shoal Creek Preserve in Lauderdale County includes fallow fields, mature hardwood forests in the uplands and scenic creek bottoms for visitors to explore. Two hiking trails total 4.3 miles. Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge offers a different kind of natural focus: the 1,060-acre area is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, and 2.5 miles of roads and trails are open for hiking. Check visitor guidance before your visit, as refuge rules may change. The refuge protects the only known population of the Alabama cavefish.

The 60-acre Blowing Springs Cave Tract is preserved to protect important cave habitat for the federally listed gray bat. It offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Together, these natural destinations highlight both landscapes and trails, as well as habitat conservation.

Historic Places and Events

Waterloo Landing is believed to be where the Trail of Tears march ended and boats were loaded for the journey west. Each year, the Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride also ends in Waterloo with an outdoor festival featuring live music and a powwow. Be sure to confirm event details before your trip.

Other offerings include the Mavis Tour Bus’s weekly tours: the Florence City History Tour, the Shoals Studio Tour and the Shoals Music Tour. Check the schedule before making plans, as it may change. The St. Florian Oktoberfest at St. Florian City Park features food and live music; dates and program details may also change.

Discover more destinations: Florence, Killen, Clarke County, Pike, Elmore, Dekalb County, Geneva County and Marengo County.

For the main travel overview: Alabama.