A Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide to Northwest Alabama
Growing up in Northwest Georgia, I have traveled to nearby Alabama many times throughout my life. Being a power wheelchair user, I have been excited to find wheelchair accessible trails, waterfalls, and some of the most delicious Southern foods in North Alabama as well.
But during my most recent trip to Northwest Alabama, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I was planning to visit cities and attractions that I had never explored before. From touring a recording studio in Muscle Shoals, to visiting Helen Keller’s birthplace, and staying in a lakefront cottage in Joe Wheeler State Park, I was super impressed by everything that I found to do there. I couldn’t wait to get back home and type up this blog post for you to tell you all about it!
I’ve laid out all the incredibly accessible things to do so that you can go and enjoy it as much as I did. So, get ready to experience Northwest Alabama from the comfort of your own wheelchair.
Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Northwest Alabama
FAME Recording Studios
My first stop was to visit what is known as the hit recording capital of the world, Muscle Shoals, Alabama. In this small town, I visited FAME Recording Studios, where some of the world’s most iconic musicians have produced huge hits. These artists include Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, and many others.
I had a 90-minute tour booked for 9:00 AM, so when I pulled in, I was happy to see free, accessible parking near the entrance. After rolling inside and watching a short video in the gift shop, the guided tour began. I learned so much about what goes into recording and the history of music within Muscle Shoals.
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The entire tour was wheelchair accessible as we entered several rooms and listened to the guide explain the instruments we were seeing. I loved hearing the stories of the artists who recorded their hits in the very spot where I was sitting. If visiting this area, FAME Recording Studios is a must-do.
Ivy Green, the Birthplace of Helen Keller
Next, I have always wanted to learn more about the life and legacy of Helen Keller, so when I saw that her birthplace, Ivy Green, was located in nearby Tuscumbia, I headed there immediately. The old Southern home and grounds were beautifully kept, and I was happy to find wheelchair accessible free parking near the entrance.
I rolled up the paved sidewalk and followed it around the left side of the house, circling around to the back door. This doorway was easy to enter in my power wheelchair, and the friendly staff greeted me upon my entrance.
As a wheelchair user, I only had access to the bottom level of Helen Keller’s birthplace as there was a large staircase to the upper floor. I was able to roll throughout every room on the bottom level and enjoyed seeing some of her actual clothes, photos, memorabilia, and furnishings of Keller and her family in every room. I was also interested in seeing photos of Helen and her life-changing teacher, Anne Sullivan.
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Outside, you can roll up to the actual well pump house, which was where Helen said her first word, “Water.” Born with the ability to both hear and see, Helen later became deaf and blind at the age of 18 months due to the onset of a disease believed to have been Scarlet Fever.
In the backyard, you will find a large outdoor amphitheater where in the summer months, you can purchase tickets and watch the play called The Miracle Worker. Tickets may be purchased by calling 256.383.4066. This play depicts the story of her life and the important role that her teacher played in helping her to become a successful author, advocate, and activist while overcoming her deafness and blindness.
Alabama Music Hall of Fame
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame, located in Tuscumbia, Alabama, honors all styles of music and is dedicated to Alabama’s musicians and musical heritage.
Open every day of the week except Sunday and Monday, this self-guided museum will lead you through several styles of music, including one of Elvis’s first recording contracts, to seeing the band “Alabama’s” actual tour bus, to rolling across the floor filled with names of stars who have graced us with tons of melodic hits.
The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, and there are plenty of displays, wardrobes of the artists, and memorabilia throughout the decades of music legends from Alabama.
Old Railroad Bridge & Muscle Shoals Waterfall Walk
If you are looking to enjoy the outdoors in Northwest Alabama, consider visiting the Old Railroad Bridge and the Muscle Shoals Waterfall Walk. These two locations are only a short drive from one another and offer some beautiful views of the Tennessee River.
You could start by visiting the Old Railroad Bridge, which has a paved path that is mostly shaded and leads you to the start of the bridge. The pathway is a bit steep at the base of the bridge, but there is a smooth ramp on the right that makes it super easy to roll onto the bridge.
The Old Railroad Bridge is over 1,500 feet long and spans across the Tennessee River. The bridge is smooth and easy to roll across. The views from here are gorgeous, and you will need to turn around and take the trail back to the parking lot.
The Muscle Shoals Waterfall Walk is paved and runs along the Tennessee River. It’s a very wide trail, and as you roll along, you are also close to the banks of the water. From here, you can see Wilson Dam in all its power and glory.
After rolling about 0.18 miles along the pathway, the mist from Wilson Dam Falls can provide a cool respite as you roll past it. It is very tall and such a great spot to sit and admire the rushing water at the basin.
Historic Nitrate Village One
Do you ever reminisce about your childhood and you can still smell the scent of your old elementary school classroom and the books on the shelves? Recently, I visited the Historic Nitrate Village One, and this was the feeling that I felt when rolling up the ramped entry and entering the classroom.
Touring this old schoolhouse, it was surreal to think about the previous students and the reasons that the school was even here. This neighborhood was built by the U.S. government to house workers for a World War I nitrate plant. Some of the streets here are laid out and designed into the shape of the Liberty Bell, which made this an even more interesting and iconic place to visit.
Events are often held here, such as theater plays for the community as well as celebrations and community events. You can inquire about events here by going to their website. If more info is needed, click on “contact” in the search bar and fill out your info with the inquiry, and you should hear back from them soon. I was happy to see that they are working to improve accessibility and even asked me about how to make the accessible restrooms even more user-friendly.
Eat delicious food in Northwest Alabama
I was only in northwest Alabama for a couple days, but during that time, I found some really great places to eat. Here are four wheelchair accessible restaurants I’d highly recommend visiting:
Walton’s Restaurant – For a taste of Southern comfort food done right, Walton’s Restaurant is a must-visit. This beloved local establishment offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal. It felt like I was at my grandma’s house while I dined here. Their menu features classic southern dishes, and I particularly enjoyed the fried catfish, accompanied by perfectly cooked fried squash, creamy mashed potatoes, and hush puppies. For dessert, the unique and delicious possum pie was the perfect sweet ending. And don’t worry, possum isn’t actually in the pie… it has chocolate, whipped cream, and more deliciousness! The portions at Walton’s are generous, the service is friendly, and it’s clear why this restaurant has been a community favorite for years.
The Red Clay Table – The Red Clay Table offers a unique and upscale dining experience in Sheffield, Alabama, focusing on innovative seasonal cuisine. This restaurant prides itself on utilizing fresh, local ingredients to craft dishes that are incredibly flavorful. We started our meal with the delicious fried green beans, a delightful twist on a classic. For my main course, I savored the grilled shrimp paired with a perfectly cooked sweet potato. With an elegant yet comfortable ambiance, The Red Clay Table is an ideal choice for a special occasion or simply for those seeking a refined and accessible meal that showcases some of northwest Alabama’s best offerings.
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360 Grille – Perched atop the Renaissance Tower, 360 Grille provides not only exceptional food, but also breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This revolving restaurant offers a unique dining experience, allowing you to take in the beauty of northwest Alabama as you enjoy a meal. I was pleased to find an elevator to easily get me to the restaurant. For my entree, I absolutely loved my meal, enjoying the Mixed Grill which came with a crab cake, perfectly cooked steak, and fresh amberjack, which was the catch of the day. It was so delicious! The upscale atmosphere, combined with the unparalleled vistas, made 360 Grille an unforgettable dinner.
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Russell Barbecue – For mouth-watering barbecue in northwest Alabama, look no further than Russell Barbecue. This fairly new down-home eatery is a local institution, renowned for its slow-smoked meats and classic Southern sides. I opted for the tender brisket, complemented by a generous serving of potato salad (possibly the best potato salad I’ve ever eaten!) and creamy macaroni & cheese. For dessert, the rich and comforting banana pudding was the perfect finish. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal with family and friends. While there, I even had the pleasure of meeting Piper, the child of the owners, who also uses a wheelchair, and we had a blast doing some wheelchair races through the restaurant! Russell Barbecue provides a delicious and accessible option for any barbecue enthusiast.
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Where to Stay: An Accessible Cottage in Joe Wheeler State Park
Throughout my time in northwest Alabama, I stayed in a rather unique accommodation. It was a lakeside cottage in Joe Wheeler State Park, and it was seriously fantastic. I loved it so much in fact that I’m already thinking about my next stay at this cottage.
Joe Wheeler State Park is 2,550 acres large and boasts a waterfront lodge with a restaurant and convention facilities, an 18-hole championship golf course, a full-service marina, and various lodging options including cabins, lakeside cottages, and camping sites. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and more, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure. If you want to enjoy the outdoors during your time in North Alabama, this is definitely the place to stay!
I stayed in Cottage # 8, which is wheelchair accessible. It’s right on the lake and just a short drive from all of the attractions and activities I talked about up above. It was nice to be in a serene outdoor environment at this cottage, but still close to everything that northwest Alabama had to offer.
The cottage had a large living area with a TV and fireplace. There was also a full kitchen connected to the living area, so if you bring your own groceries, you could cook anything your heart desires. I was really impressed with the size of the space and it was so easy for me to maneuver around in my power wheelchair.
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The back deck was also wheelchair accessible. It was smooth to roll on it and I loved sitting on the deck every morning and taking in the views. I could easily see the water and hear the birds chirping, which was a perfect start to every day.
There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms on the lower level of the cottage. In one of the bedrooms, the bed was 28 inches tall and there was plenty of clearance underneath the bed for a hoyer lift. In the bathroom that connected to this bedroom, there was a bathtub.
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In the other bedroom on the lower level, the bed was 25 inches tall and the bed had plenty of clearance underneath for a hoyer lift. The connecting bathroom had a roll-in shower with smooth entry and a fold-down shower seat, a pull-under sink, and there were grab bars by the toilet.
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Additionally, a third bed was located upstairs. There wasn’t a bathroom upstairs.
If you’d like to learn more about the lakeside cottages at Joe Wheeler State Park and book a stay of your own, just click here.
With every new place that I visited, Northwest Alabama surprised me. I absolutely loved my few days in this area as a wheelchair user and could’ve certainly stayed longer, continuing to enjoy all of the wheelchair accessible attractions and restaurants that are available. If you haven’t already visited Northwest Alabama, what are you waiting for?! And if you have visited in the past, it’s time to start planning your return for even more fun!
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*Thank you to Visit North Alabama for working with me on this trip and showing me the best of wheelchair accessible North Alabama! While my experiences were complimentary, all opinions expressed are authentic and my own.
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