wilson lock & dam

A must see when visiting Muscle Shoals. Also go to the Music Hall of Fame where great music was recorded.

We drove over the dam and also got a wonderful view from the 360 Grille restaurant at the Marriott. It is an amazing engineering achievement being built 1918 - 1924 and it is a National Historic Landmark. Worth a stop if you are in the area!

Really interesting place, good views and photos for sure, nice walk too, close to muscle shoals and Florence

My wife and I were thrilled to be able to drive over this historic dam when visiting Florence from Memphis on 10 May 2014. I am ashamed to declare how many times we have driven very close to this site without taking time to stop and view it. We took advantage of time we had on this Saturday afternoon to drive from the Marriott Shoals Resort over the dam to a couple of nice viewing areas on the south banks of the Tennessee River. First, we drove to the parking area of the visitor center. From a trail that goes toward the south end of the dam, one can see the impressive arches of the dam. However, further access to the dam, turbines, etc., does not seem to be possible. When leaving this restricted area, one can access two viewing areas that also serve as launching sites for fishing boats. The first area is easy to find, but the second could be missed if one is not paying attention as one drives northward. The second offers superb views of some gorgeous waterfront homes, the east side of the dam, and nice views of the dam and Shoals Resort. I am not sure if any tours of the dam are offered since this part of the visitor center was not accessible after 4:30pm that Saturday. In any event, the unusual classical architecture of Wilson Dam is not found anywhere else among all the other TVA dams. This dam is worth seeing for many reasons.

Tried to go to Wilson Dam - which is finally open again after 9/11/01 - but we couldn't go because of maintenance. They aren't even allowing people to walk on the dam. Wish I could have seen it. Once they open it up, I highly recommend, especially if there's a barge going through the locks. It's a cool place to visit.

Very interesting if you like this sort, amazing engineering involved to acomplish what is done, considering all was done in the early 1900 era as power generation for plants making things for WWI.If you get to see a vessel go thru the lock section traversing the the river stage count yourself lucky.

I was just out driving on a pretty fall day. I had my camera with me, and took a few foliage picture in Joe Wheeler State park. Then I drove to the dam area. I couldn't find a good spot to take a photo of the whole dam/lock area. I find the Tennessee River interesting anyway because of its impact on history, industry, and recreation. It you are looking for a spectacular dam, this is not it. Important, yes.

Pretty awesome place to visit especially if you're lucky enough to witness a boat or barge locking thru. Great cat fishing below the dam in the rock pile but be sure to vacate as soon as warning siren blares indicating a lock through.

My two fisher-men loved this area early Sunday morning. My 10 year old grandson caught his first fish on a "lure" - he was so excited and Dad was so proud.

It has been many years since I visited this dam but I visited quite often growing up. Even as an adult I remember looking off the side to the rolling waters and realizing that to fall off the edge would be certain death. If you have the extra time you should stop by, check out the area and watch as a barge goes through the lock...it is very impressive. But, stay out of the temping little stream that trickles along the side of the path...unless things have changed there are leaches in there!

Great place to go to wet a hook and catch some striped bass.Also a good place to go to take a swim.Picnic ares for day use.Camp sites for primitive and electricity too

We really enjoyed our toud of the locks and bridge. A must see. Beautiful setting and again that good ol Southern Houspitality.

A place so high to fill like a bath tub for boats to navigated up the river! AMAZING! ONce upon a time you could go to the overlook at the dam and watch the boats go through the locks. NOw you view from a nearby picnic and hillside. Its still an awesome view. The dam with its high concret roadway across to see the spillways. In the early spring after heavy rains the sounds through the spillways are thunderous! Massive water! Across the north bank looking at the south side is a waterfall near the dam. Look for it. Very nice,. Bring your camera for the views!

I always love visiting this place! My grandfather helped build it, and worked maintenence on the generators. If you want to see and learn about the construction and the working of a lock and dam, and its purpose, be sure and visit!