Wilson Lock & Dam
Wilson Lock & Dam
4.5
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Engineering marvel built in 1924 spans 4,541 feet in length at a height of 137 feet.
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4.5
45 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
14
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Carrie0693
Madison, AL1,839 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We walked along the side on the way to the dam. There were waterfalls and a playground that was amazing for kids and a great spot to go fishing. We will come back again.
Written 17 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Curtis S
Kingsport, TN2,631 contributions
Sept 2020
As with most things during the pandemic, most buildings were closed. However, you can park and take a short walk to an overlook which gives perspective to the overall size of the installation, which is big. Worth a quick look if you're in the area. Recommended
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa N Jeff
Mount Pleasant, TX130 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
Spent the afternoon watching the fisher people, though sadly nobody caught anything, we still enjoyed the views of the fast flowing waters . Plenty of open spaces and lots places to social distance from others.
Written 22 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sidnaw59
lansing92 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Stopped by on a whim. Neat to see the locks, as we are from Michigan and tough to compare the Soo Locks with anything. Unfortunately visitors center was closed, I guess they feel folks don't travel in February. Nice views, did it once that was enough.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MTW
Muscle Shoals, AL3 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Wilson Lock & Dam is a very impressive structure. The Dam was begun during WW1 and completed in the 1920’s. It was one of the first dams built on the Tennessee River and was one of the largest public construction projects in the nation employing some 10,000 workers. For many years the 90’ lift from Pickwick Lake to Wilson Lake was the largest single lift lock in the world. It no longer has that title but it is very impressive to watch a barge lock through. Great views can be had by walking out onto the bridge to look below at the lock and spillways. Visitor access is also frequently available by driving to the Lock on the North end of the dam. A great view of the dam is also available by driving to the rock pile access area on the South end of the dam. You can park and walk East almost to the dam. Abundant waterfowl can be seen, pelicans, herons, eagles, etc. Great place!
Written 10 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
linda c
Garland, TX15 contributions
Sept 2019
Call ahead to the Lock Master at 256 764-5223 to find out when a barge will be at lock. Park and walk out on the dam (pedestrian walk) It is amazing to watch the mechanics of barges being lifted up and down 100 feet from one side of dam to the other.
Written 12 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hillary Q
Prince Frederick, MD24 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
Try to visit but the area was closed. Due to evoriment reasons on the sign. Very disappointed. Really wanted to see the waterfall and close up to the dam.
Written 21 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
john7002017
Selmer, TN104 contributions
Apr 2019
As you walk up to the dam from the down stream side there is a park for picnicking. As you get closer to the dam there are water falls off the wall to your right. There are also roaring spring fed streams flowing out of caves in the side of the wall. Be care full here there is very high flow rate. Lots of great photo ops in this area.
Written 3 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George S
70 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
Just moved here in August and amazed by what the area has to offer. Miles and miles of hiking and walking trails, picknicking, camping on the side of the river below the dam, an old railroad bridge which crosses most of the river. The tee-pee family in the photo is not mine. Didn't see where i could post a dam and surrounding area photo.
Written 13 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Z845GCfranks
Elwood, Illinois29 contributions
Jul 2018
there is a water falls at the park and it is very cool on a hot day,you can camp on the top or just fish
Written 27 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred C
Huntsville, AL
Are there tours of the Wilson Lock & Dam?
I'm interested in taking a group of about 40 Senior Adults
from Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL.
If there are tours, who do I contact to coordinate the trip?
Fred Curtis
Colonel, US Army (Retired)
Mztgringo
54 contributions
There was a great tour when I went thru on a school field trip in 1956.
Now they are about monthly ( next one of Wilson Dam is July 27, 2018 at 10 am).
Bring ID and no bad things (or warrants).
Google Tours of Florence Alabama or TVA dams for details.
Enjoy.
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Claim your listingWILSON LOCK & DAM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilson Lock & Dam
- Hotels near Wilson Lock & Dam:
- (6.32 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Florence-Downtown
- (6.64 km) Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa
- (5.63 km) Best Western Plus Tuscumbia/Muscle Shoals Hotel & Suites
- (8.77 km) Hampton Inn Florence-Midtown
- (5.20 km) Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tuscumbia/Muscle Shoals
- Restaurants near Wilson Lock & Dam:
- (0.24 km) Southern Bar-BQ
- (0.45 km) Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant
- (0.77 km) Zaxby's
- (0.91 km) Papa Wok
- (6.88 km) Odette