Telling Northwest Alabama’s Stories

The northwest corner of Alabama may look small on a map, but this part of the Tennessee River basin has had an outsized influence on America’s culture and history. People and places in the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area’s six counties have shaped America to an astonishing degree with music, engineering, education and more. And it’s still happening! From outdoor recreation to Grammy hitmaking to historic preservation and sustainable reuse, we continue to be a vibrant presence on the national landscape. See for yourself—explore our website to learn more and plan your own visit.

River

River Heritage

The Tennessee River has shaped history and culture in northwest Alabama for centuries.

Feather

Native Heritage

Native Americans came to northwest Alabama for the Tennessee River’s food, water, and transportation.

Trumpet

Music Heritage

Music inspires and shapes northwest Alabama. Native Americans called the Tennessee River “Singing River.”

Featured Projects

"Native Flora" digital magazine

Check out MSNHA’s new & exclusive “Native Flora” magazine. You’ll explore northwest Alabama’s rich biodiversity and learn how to plant & care for your own plants plus enjoy valuable tips & stunning photography. Download & read for free,

Upcoming Events

MSNHA Blog

A Cannon Ball’s Tale

By Greg Gresham North Alabama Civil War Round Table If you’ve ever been in Pope’s Tavern Museum, you might remember seeing an extremely large cannonball, much bigger than anything you

Featured Video

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Featured Photos

The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area is full of talented photographers. Featured on our pages are images taken by Abraham Rowe, Christi Britten, Brian Corrigan, Mary Carton, Shannon Wells and others—images that focus on the natural beauty, history and innovation that the MSNHA is known for. Browse through the gallery below and watch for an announcement about our annual photo contest—your photo could end up here, too!