Experience The 'Old West' At One Of Alabama's Most Unusual Lodges
By Lisa Battles|Published October 20, 2023
×
Lisa Battles
Author
Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
You probably don’t associate Alabama with wild western cowboys or wagon trains, yet the Deep South offers an Old West experience in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Seven Springs Lodge is located on a property that’s been in the same family since 1916. While generations worked it for farming and timber over many years, today the land is home to the lodge and the internationally known Rattlesnake Saloon. You’ve probably heard about the restaurant, and yet it’s not just the saloon that gives this spot its frontier feel.
The vibe at Seven Springs Lodge truly feels like the Old West in late April for its weeklong Frontier Days event. Note that should you miss them, the lodge hosts trail rides on mules and horses on select days throughout the year, too.
Do try to make it out to Frontier Days for a fantastic time. The entire week is full of events including rides, karaoke, bull riding, barrel racing, horse and mule track races, and live music.
Some of the week's entertainment happens over at the Rattlesnake Saloon, which the family opened in 2009. The saloon got its name from workers who were building the restaurant, who ran across a rattlesnake den in the surrounding area.
The restaurant's unique atmosphere creates a one-of-a-kind experience that brings together food, music, and friends. People visit from all over the country and the world. Note that it closes from December until early February each winter. Be sure to double-check dates before planning a visit.
For overnight guests, lodge accommodations include two rustic cabins and many campsites that range from developed to primitive. There are 100 electrical and water hook-ups for RVs, campers, and trailers, and at least a dozen of them have sewage. Tent campers will find plenty of spots to set up sites.
The lodge’s most unique option for overnight stays is its two grain silos, which contain cozy, fully-furnished, two-story rooms. The first floor of each has a bed, fridge, microwave, TV, and living area.
Bunkbeds are upstairs. Bathroom facilities in an adjacent, smaller silo. In warmer months, you can take a dip in the pool just steps from your space.
If you're bringing your horse for trail rides, you can choose among 153 stalls located next to the lodge. There are a few small pens to accommodate those who prefer to group horses together.
The property’s 20,000 acres include woodland trails that weave through incredible rock formations. The trails are a huge draw for horseback riding enthusiasts.
Another popular spot for trail riders and hikers, Newsome Springs Loop is just to the northwest of Seven Springs Lodge toward Cherokee. The 6.2-mile round trip is challenging and takes almost three hours for most to complete on foot.
What do you think about sleeping in a silo? Let us know if you’ve had this experience or another camping or riding adventure at Seven Springs Lodge. You can keep up with its seasonal closing and opening dates and special event details by following the Seven Springs Lodge and the Rattlesnake Saloon on Facebook.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
