Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Russellville, Alabama

The city of Russellville is located in Franklin County, Alabama, around 18 miles south of Muscle Shoals. The city received its name in honor of Major William Russell, an early settler involved in the construction of Andrew Jackson’s military road connecting Nashville and New Orleans. Russellville is renowned for its annual Watermelon Festival, which features live music, entertainment, motor shows, and arts and crafts. Outdoor enthusiasts can also appreciate the city’s proximity to lakes, rivers, and national forests, while music aficionados can easily access world-famous recording studios, museums, and theaters.

1. Bankhead National Forest

Situated just 22 miles from Russellville, Bankhead National Forest is celebrated for its National Wild and Scenic River and is affectionately called the “land of the thousand waterfalls.” Spanning over 181 acres in Alabama, it offers countless outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, boating, canoeing, and swimming, along with abundant wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. Inside the forest, visitors can discover ancient Native American artifacts and petroglyphs, particularly around the Kinloch Shelter area, where rock carvings and prehistoric drawings can be observed.

2. Dismals Canyon

Dismals Canyon is a privately managed Natural Conservatory located approximately 14 miles south of Russellville, Alabama. This pristine, hidden gem lies beneath the Appalachian foothills, serving as a sanctuary for various wildlife and natural wonders. It features a 1.5-mile hiking trail that winds through mesmerizing waterfalls, majestic trees, and swimming spots, offering ample activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Cabins can be rented during the summer months, allowing guests to connect intimately with nature, or participate in nighttime guided tours to witness the glow-in-the-dark “Dismalites.” These unique glow worms thrive in select habitats around the globe, emitting a radiant blue-green light in search of food. It is a truly enchanting experience that is not to be missed, so come prepared with your sense of adventure and a camera for a magical canyon exploration.

3. Rattlesnake Saloon

The Rattlesnake Saloon, located near Tuscumbia, is a distinctive establishment for drinks, dining, and entertainment, uniquely situated beneath a rock formation. The property has been in the same family since 1916, originally purchased for 25 cents per acre. Initially utilized for agriculture and timber, the land became a landmark after the family discovered a mother rattlesnake with twelve offspring nestled amongst the rocks. This encounter inspired the name Rattlesnake Saloon. Since opening in 2009, the venue has gained fame and has been featured in music videos and magazines, becoming a highly-rated destination in the area. Its rustic-themed menu offers selections like Chuckwagon Nachos, The Buckaroo Sandwich, and the renowned black angus beef Rustler burger, The Duke. Should you desire a memorable night out, a lodge is available for overnight accommodations.

4. King Drive-In

Outdoor cinemas have been a cherished leisure activity since the 1930s in Camden, New Jersey. King Drive-In, situated just off I-43 near Russellville, began screening films in the summer of 1949 and remains one of the few surviving drive-ins in North Alabama. With occasional triple features on weekends, intermissions provide guests the opportunity to purchase snacks, allowing for a viewing experience either inside vehicles or outside, depending on the weather conditions. If you seek an enjoyable evening while in Russellville, the King Drive-In offers an excellent venue to view the latest Hollywood blockbusters alongside family and friends.

5. FAME Recording Studios

FAME Recording Studios, located in Muscle Shoals, has welcomed some of the most prominent recording artists globally. Established in Florence, Alabama in 1959, the studios relocated to Muscle Shoals shortly thereafter. Recognized for its inclusive atmosphere, the studio invited artists of all backgrounds to record, quickly gaining worldwide fame. It has hosted renowned artists such as Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Billy Ocean, and Alicia Keys. Music enthusiasts can learn more about the storied history of FAME while touring the studios, located just 18 miles north of Russellville.

6. 43 Grill

If you are seeking authentic Southern-style home cooking, consider dining at 43 Grill in Russellville. This American diner serves a variety of comforting dishes, including pork chops, chicken, ribs, steak, and fish, complemented by numerous side options. The establishment is known for its attentive service, garnering predominantly positive reviews, and generous portion sizes. 43 Grill provides an ideal dining choice for lunch or dinner when staying in Russellville.

7. Ivy Green

Ivy Green in Tuscumbia is the childhood residence of Helen Keller, who became a prominent advocate for individuals who are deaf and blind worldwide after an illness left her without sight or hearing. Rather than allowing her condition to limit her, Helen authored eleven books, lectured internationally, and even learned to read various languages in Braille. Her birthplace in Tuscumbia showcases her remarkable journey through personal artifacts, books, photographs, and narratives. Additionally, the annual Helen Keller Festival attracts thousands of visitors who enjoy performances held on the grounds of Ivy Green to honor her lasting legacy.

8. Alabama Music Hall of Fame

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame is committed to honoring not only bands and songwriters but also producers, music studio owners, composers, and lyricists. Visitors can explore engaging musical exhibits, displays, and photos, or even attempt to record their own music in the studios! Some notable highlights include a decorated band tour bus, gold Cadillacs, and an array of stage costumes belonging to famous artists. For those passionate about music and eager to learn more about the Alabama music scene, this venue serves as a fantastic resource.

9. Jesse Owens Museum & Park

Jesse Owens captivated the world during the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games when he secured four gold medals. This achievement was especially significant at a time when Adolf Hitler aimed to demonstrate the supremacy of the Aryan race. As an African-American athlete from Oakville, Alabama, Owens disproved this notion by winning the long jump, 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4 x 100 meters relay. The museum chronicles his athletic accomplishments through films, exhibits, and memorabilia, featuring a bronze statue of Owens and a replica of the 1936 Olympic torch. The adjacent park offers an Olympic Gold Medal Tree, an interactive Broad Jump Pit, and numerous sporting areas and picnic pavilions.

10. Muscle Shoals Sound Studios

Established by four session musicians in 1969, Muscle Shoals Sound Studios emerged as a direct competitor to FAME Recording Studios in Sheffield, Alabama, hosting acclaimed artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger, and The Black Keys, whose album “Brothers” was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2011. The studio is open most of the year for daytime tours while remaining an active recording facility at night. Guests have the opportunity to explore the recording studios, view an extensive collection of analog instruments, and observe isolation booths designed for vocals and percussion.

11. Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center

Located near Bankhead National Forest and the Jesse Owens Museum and Park, the Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center preserves a wealth of archaeological treasures dating as far back as 10,000 B.C. The center offers geological evidence of the settlement of ancient tribes and the evolution of people in the area. It also features the largest ceremonial Indian mound in Alabama, an engaging museum, a 5k hiking trail, opportunities for lake fishing, and various family-friendly activities. Anyone interested in exploring Alabama’s history will find this to be an excellent starting point.

12. Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n’ Biscuits

Since its establishment in 1977, Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n’ Biscuits has been serving flavorful, seasoned chicken accompanied by fresh buttermilk biscuits. Conveniently located near Franklin Shopping Centre, both locals and visitors frequently stop by for breakfast prior to shopping, or for lunch and dinner after a day at the mall. The menu’s offerings include seasoned steaks, sausage, country ham, and eggs, making it a quintessential destination for authentic Southern-style dining.

13. Pond Spring – The General Joe Wheeler Home

Pond Spring was the residence of General Joe Wheeler, a U.S. congressman and Confederate Lieutenant General, who was one of only two individuals in the country to achieve the rank of general in the U.S. Army following the Civil War. Located just a few miles from the shores of Wheeler Lake in Alabama, his former home comprises twelve historic structures, archaeological artifacts spanning centuries, and beautiful gardens. Key features include the Federal-style Sherrod House, dating back to 1830, the Hickman dogtrot cabin from 1818, a cook’s house, and the spring-fed pond that lends its name to the estate. Visitors can choose between self-guided and guided tours, but should confirm availability with a curator prior to their visit.

14. Wheeler Lake & Dam

Constructed during the 1930s, Wheeler Dam focuses on enhancing flood control and stimulating economic development in the surrounding area. Named after Joe Wheeler, the congressman who championed progressive development in the region, Wheeler Lake is a popular destination for boating and fishing, attracting thousands annually in pursuit of bass, catfish, bream, and crappie. If fishing is not of interest, visitors may also enjoy a romantic sunset cruise on the lake or kayak along its shores, admiring the breathtaking bluffs and scenery.

15. City Lake Park

If you prefer a relaxing day with minimal driving or sightseeing, take a leisurely stroll to City Lake Park in Russellville. This park provides an ideal setting for a waterside walk, and you can engage in activities like playing frisbee or softball, or let children explore the adventure playground. Bring a picnic or grab takeout, and unwind on the grass, basking in the delightful Alabama sunshine.