Muscle Shoals Travel Guide

Home of the Muscle Shoals Sound, Muscle Shoals has been known for music since the 1960s when its recording studios FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio produced hit records.

Things to Do in Muscle Shoals

Music should be high on the agenda in Muscle Shoals: start with a visit to FAME recording studios where artists such as Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Otis Redding and many more have recorded tracks. Take a tour to get special insights into all the magic that was created here. Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is another iconic recording studio which opened in 1969 when studio musicians now known as The Swampers -- David Hood, Jimmy Johnson, Barry Beckett and Roger Hawkins -- left FAME to start their own business. Alabama Music Hall of Fame (in Tuscumbia) is also well worth a visit.

Not far out of town in Tuscumbia, see Helen Keller's birth place and explore the house and grounds to learn more about the author -- there's even a Helen Keller festival held in the town every year.

If you're looking to get out in nature, Muscle Shoals is surrounded by Pickwick Lake, Wilson Lake, and Wheeler Lake, all ideal spots for fishing on sunny days.

Best Time to Visit Muscle Shoals

Any time of year is great to come to Muscle Shoals, however, summer is particularly pleasant for outdoor activties.