Shoals Aquarium and Wilson Dam
Florence, AL
When traveling down the Natchez Trace Parkway,
through its short trip in Alabama, you will
be within easy driving distance to the City of Florence. Founded in 1814, the city boasts of
its rich history and culture. The Renaissance Tower is Alabama's tallest
tourist attraction. Built in 1991, the tower stands 26 stories high and required
more than 3,500 cubic feet of concrete, 500 tones of steel, 175
miles of wiring, and 550 feet of natural gas piping to build. The Tower is
operated by the State of Alabama and is open year round, seven days a week
except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. If you go to visit be sure you don't
miss the spectacular view from the Renaissance Grille Restaurant which is
located at the top of the Tower. The restaurant overlooks the scenic Tennessee
River and historic Wilson Dam.
The Alabama Shoals Aquarium and Nature
Center,
located inside the Renaissance Towers, is a 4,000 foot exhibit that consists of
40 aquariums and terrariums housing over 400 species of fish and wildlife from
North America and around the world.
Renaissance Tower is also home to the Tennessee Valley Authority Exhibit and
Museum. The exhibit features an audio-visual history of TVA, the Tennessee River
and Wilson Dam.
There is no admission charge and the tour lasts approximately 35 minutes.
Outside, the Dr. Whitey Hall Memorial Native Plant Garden is located on the
north side of Renaissance Tower. The garden is named in honor of Dr. Hall, a
local botanist and dedicated conservationist, and maintained by the Alabama
Wildflower Society. The garden of more than 200 identified varieties of native
plants and wildflowers includes a walking trail dotted with benches, sitting
areas and a small amphitheater.
The
Wilson Dam straddles the Tennessee River at the foot of a 37 mile stretch of craggy rapids
known as the Muscle Shoals. Completed in 1924, Wilson Dam is built in a Neoclassical style
and is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The Muscle Shoals of Tennessee, now mostly inundated by Wilson Dam, have been famous for
the variety of muscles living there. Mr. Ordman once noted that "There is no other place upon
the whole wild world which could be compared with this one in its respect." There were some 60
plus species adorning the area. Many are now extinct.
*** THE END ***
