Tuscaloosa's southern heritage and the many facets of it's culture - from The University of Alabama to renowned art collections - will welcome you and your family to a location you'll not soon forget. Beautiful lakes and rolling hills populated with old forests make this scenic city perfect for anyone. At Billy Boyd Realty and Construction we want to assist you in understanding what your community has to offer. Listed here are what the Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Bureau lists as some of the best sites and sounds that Tuscaloosa has to offer.
- Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
- On the eastern edge of Tuscaloosa County, Tannehill is the site of one of the Civil War's most important iron furnaces for weapon making. Beautifully set in the foothills of the Appalachian chain, Tannehill features excellent camping and an array of sights such as an old country church, a waterwheel grist mill, museum, gift shop, restaurant, horseback riding, and hiking trails. "Trade Days" are the 3rd Saturday and Sunday, March through November. Admission: Children 5 and under is free, 6-11 is $1.00, 12 and older is $2.00. Senior citizens 62 and up is $1.00. Hours: 7 am till dark. For more information call: (205) 477-5711.
- Lake Lurleen State Park
- A perfect site for family outings and overnight camping trips. This lake has 91 campsites, picnic areas and beach area complete with a bathhouse and park store, and over five miles of hiking trails. Canoes and paddle-boats are also available for use on the lake. Fishing boats available along with canoes and paddle-boats. Picnic areas are available. Admission: Children 5 and under is free, 6-11 is $.50, 12 and older is $1.00. Hours: 7 am to 9pm. For more information call: (205) 339-1558.
- Deerlick Creek Campground
- Deerlick Creek's recreational facilities are second to none. Located on the popular Holt Lake, this campground has 46 campsites, fishing piers, a swimming beach, a bicycle trail, hiking trails and boat ramp. Admission: $12.00/night for a developed campsite (40 available, all with electricity), $8.00/night for a settlers camp with no electricity. Hours: 7am to 10pm. Swimming beach hours: 9am to dusk. For more information call: (205) 553-9373.
- Drive fifteen miles south of Tuscaloosa on Highway 69 until you come to a 300-acre park once described by National Geographic as "the Big Apple of the 14th century." An internationally known National Historic Landmark, Moundville contains 20 prehistoric Indian mounds and an archaeological museum which displays some of the finest Mississippian-era artifacts ever found in North America. Enjoy videos about Native Americans in the museum's theater. Stroll along a beautiful boardwalk nature trail and climb atop the 60-foot-high Temple Mound to see a life-sized diorama of ancient Indian rituals. Relax in the picnic grounds overlooking the Black Warrior River or camp out in the wooded campground. Park Hours: Daily 8am - 8pm. Museum Hours: 9am - 5pm Admission charged. For more information: call (205) 371-3572 or (205) 371-2234.
- International CityFest & Weindorf
- A celebration for the entire family, International CityFest & Weindorf is held every year during the fall season and includes name entertainment, a children's parade, numerous children's event, a championship BBQ cookoff, arts and crafts, music, and more. Weindorf, which means Wine Village, is a celebration of German food, wine, crafts, music and more. Weindorf was inspired by the location of Mercedes-Benz to Alabama. Also, don't miss out on sampling the region's greatest food.
- Kentuck Festival of the Arts
- Kentuck is one of the South's major arts and crafts festivals. It hosts over 30,000 visitors and brings more than 200 artists from across America to Kentuck Park in Tuscaloosa County. Events from storytelling to jazz, and blacksmith demonstrations to working a gristmill, are all part of the festival's attraction. The festival is held the third weekend in October.
- Heritage Week - A Tuscaloosa Pilgrimage
- During the glory of spring in the South, many of the great period homes in the area are open for a historic journey into Tuscaloosa's rich past. Join visitors from throughout the South as they make their pilgrimage to yesteryear in the homes of old Tuscaloosa.
- Sakura Festival
- This event celebrates Tuscaloosa's friendly ties with Japan and its sister city, Narashino City. A variety of evens held during March gives everyone an opportunity to enjoy the Japanese culture.
- Dickens Downtown
- This annual December event in downtown Northport is a Victorian holiday celebration featuring Father Christmas, period music and costumes, magic, arts, food and fun. The shops of historic downtown Northport are filled each year at this time with unique gift ideas. Second Tuesday in December.
- Christmas Afloat
- Every year at Christmastime the Black Warrior river is lit by beautifully decorated boats in a festive parade. The event culminates in an exciting display of fireworks.
- Moundville Native American Festival
- Experience traditional Native American life during the last week of September each year as experts demonstrate Indian crafts, and Indian artists recall the past in songs, dances, and folk tales. The Moundville Native American Festival celebrates the way of life of the Southeastern Indians and offers displays of pottery, baskets, textiles, metalwork, wood carving, tools, weapons, jewelry, hide tanning and musical instruments. Saturday, the final day of the festival, is Indian Market Day, where artisans gather from all over the region to show their wares. Admission charged. For information, call (205) 371-2572 or (205) 348-2136.
- Moundville Archaeological Park
- Drive fifteen miles south of Tuscaloosa on Highway 69 until you come to a 300-acre park once described by National Geographic as "the Big Apple of the 14th century." An internationally known National Historic Landmark, Moundville contains 20 prehistoric Indian mounds and an archaeological museum with displays of some of the finest Mississippian-era artifacts ever found in North America. Enjoy videos about Native Americans in the museum's theater. Stroll along a beautiful boardwalk nature trail and climb atop the 60-foot-high Temple Mound to see a life-sized diorama of ancient Indian rituals. Relax in the picnic grounds overlooking the Black Warrior River or campout in the wooded campground. Park Hours: Daily 8am - 8pm. Museum Hours: 9am - 5pm Admission charged. For more information: call (205) 371-3572 or (205) 371-2234.
- Antebellum Homes
- Some of Alabama's most beautiful antebellum homes are located in Tuscaloosa. If you appreciate fine architecture and beautiful restorations, you'll certainly want to tour these homes. Many are listed in our Southern Heritage section. For other attractions visit our Museums and History section.
- Paul W. Bryant Museum
- Celebrate more than 100 years of Crimson Tide football history. Follow Alabama's winning tradition through exhibits of trophies, photographs, paintings, uniforms, programs and sports memorabilia. Watch highlights of Bama games, the coaches the players through state-of-the-art video displays. Relive the days of Bryant's glory when "The Bear" explains his philosophy of coaching in the video presentation "The Legacy." Admission: charged. Hours: Daily 9am - 4pm. Closed major holidays. For more information, call (205) 348-4668.
- Kentuck Museum and Gallery
- Impressive exhibits of contemporary and traditional American crafts and fine art are regularly featured in this museum. A unique setting for Alabama's rich folk art tradition, Kentuck also features an unusual gift shop filled with pottery, glass, textiles and other fine pieces made by regional artists. Museum Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am - 4:30pm. For more information call (205) 758-1257.
- Greenwood Cemetery
- Tuscaloosa's oldest public cemetery, dating back to the early 1800's. Noted for the many unique headstones, the graves reflect the early history of the Tuscaloosa community with both black and white settlers who lived there.
- Historic Downtown Northport
- Northport, Alabama
- Across the Black Warrior River from Tuscaloosa is the historic river port town of Northport. Visitors will enjoy the cobblestone atmosphere of yesteryear. Shops, restaurants, art galleries and gift shops are a favorite of many tourists.
- Alabama
Museum of Natural History
- Children's Hands-On Museum (CHOM)
- The Gorgas House
- The Warner Collection: Gulf States Paper Corporation National Headquarters
- This nerve center for a national company is home to one of the finest collections of art in the United States. Visitors will be awed by the remarkable selection of historic Americana, classical and modern paintings, as well as, the African and Southern Pacific primitive sculpture. The Warner Collection has made Gulf States one of Alabama's finest showplaces. Also, one of the top 200 collectors in the United States. Admission: No charge. Tours: Monday-Friday at 5:30pm and 6:30pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm, and Sunday 1pm -4pm.
- Sarah Moody Gallery of Art
- Garland Gallery's growing collection will impress any art enthusiast. Its 19th and 20th century art is represented through a wide variety of art media and includes such artists as Picasso and Ansel Adams. Garland's permanent collection is enhanced by the 12 to 15 visiting exhibits scheduled annually at the Gallery. Admission: No charge. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm and Sunday 2pm -5pm. Summer hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm.
- Frank Moody Music Building - School of Music
- It's not surprising that the University of Alabama touts this structure as its acoustic showpiece. A world-class music center, it's the home of the famous Holtkamp Organ - the largest pipe organ in the Southeast with over 5,000 pipes. Moody holds concerts featuring prominent artists in its 1,000-seat concert hall patterned after the home of the Vienna Philharmonic. For concert information call:
- Stillman College
- Historic Stillman College was founded in 1876 to train black ministers. The original building for the college was a home built in 1881, and it still stands. Enjoy the architecture of Italian Renaissance as you tour the college.
- Organized in 1870 by freed blacks who met for several years prior.
- The first church was established at a brush arbor on Old Kenorr
- Caple place. It was built on the present site in 1896.
- Jemison - Van de Graaff Mansion
- Tuscaloosa Visitor Center
- 1305 Greensboro Avenue
- Built in 1861, this antebellum mansion is one of the finest remaining examples of Italian architecture in the South. Many great historic figures lived in the mansion. The restoration of the structure has been carefully planned. The Jemison mansion serves as the Tuscaloosa Visitor Information Center. Admission: Free Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5pm.
- Battle-Friedman Home
- Get a glimpse of life in the 19th century by touring this beautiful antebellum home. Built in 1835, the Battle-Friedman Home once occupied an entire city block and is known for its elaborate architectural details and 18-inch-thick walls. Operated by the Tuscaloosa Preservation Society, this historic mansion now serves as a great social and cultural center. Admission: $3.00 for general public, $2.50 for senior citizens, $2.00 for students Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm. Sundays, 1pm-4pm. Closed on Monday.
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- One of four buildings saved from destruction by Federal Troops at the close of the Civil War, the President's Mansion remains as one of the most outstanding examples of Greek Revival architecture in the nation. The Mansion was built in 1841 and has been home to University presidents ever since. (Private Residence)
- University Club
- A valuable collection of paintings, art, and furniture can be found in this fine example of Greek Revival architecture. The Club was built in 1829 and once served as the Governor's Mansion during the years that Tuscaloosa was the state capitol. (Private Club)
- The site of the old capitol building and its grounds is newly excavated and landscaped and is open to the public. The original pillars and partial rotunda, a remnant of a bygone fire, have been erected on a lovely green next to Tuscaloosa's historic Old Tavern. Hours: Open year round Admission: No charge.
- Dearing-Swaim House
- 2111 14th Street
- In the heart of historical Tuscaloosa stands what is considered to be the finest example of Greek temple architecture in the state of Alabama--the Dearing-Swaim House. This breathtaking structure is built of hand-made clay bricks 19 inches thick. No one visiting Tuscaloosa should leave without seeing this incredible home which is seldom rivaled and could not be replaced today.
- Old Tavern
- The Gorgas House
McCalla, Alabama
Coker, Alabama
Located on Holt Lake
Moundville
Archaeological Park
Highway
69, Moundville
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Northport, Alabama
Highway 69, Moundville
300 Bryant Drive, University of Alabama Campus
Northport, Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Smith Hall, University of Alabama Campus
Smith Hall, the first building to be built on the University campus in the 20th century, is one of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the region. The Grand Exhibition Hall displays fossils, rocks and minerals from the Coal Age, the Age of Dinosaurs and the Ice Age. Also on display is the Hodges meteorite which hit a Sylacauga woman in 1954, the only documented occasion on which a meteorite struck a human. Admission: charged Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 1pm-4:30pm. Closed University holidays. For more information call (205) 348-7550.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Open a child's eyes to a whole new world of history and science in this fascinating Hands-On Museum. Imaginations are challenged as children can take part in every exhibit. Admission: $3.00 per person and free for children under 2. Hours: Tuesday through Friday 9am - 5:pm, Saturday 1pm - 5pm. Groups of 10 or more call 349-4235 for reservations.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Built in 1829, one of the four buildings which survived the burning of the University of Alabama camput during the Civil War in 1865. Designed as a "hotel" or "steward's hall, the original purpose of the house was to serve as a dining hall for the cadets. Now known as the Gorgas House named for Confederate general Josiah Gorgas, who served briefly as president of the University, and his wife, Amelia Gayle Gorgas, who moved there in the late 19th century. The house is now a museum, open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and Sunday, 2:00-4:00 p.m., except for University holidays. Admission is free, donations are accepted. The Gorgas House is also available for rent after hours for receptions, weddings, and other special events. For information call (205)348-5906.
1400 River Road, N.E.
University of Alabama Campus
University of Alabama Campus
1600 Stillman Boulevard
Beautiful Zion A.M.E. Church
Sanders Ferry Road
First African Baptist Church
2661 9th Avenue
This church owns the
oldest church bell in the city of Tuscaloosa.
The bell which was
purchased in 1885, is used today in weddings and other
special events.
Foster Auditorium
University of Alabama Campus
On the
steps to the auditorium, Governor George C. Wallace made his
historic
"stand in the schoolhouse door." His attempt to prevent black
students
registering in the university was a symbolic gesture of protest.
1010 Greensboro Avenue
President's Mansion
University of Alabama Campus - University Blvd.
421 Queen City Avenue
Historic Capitol Park
2800 6th Street
Capitol Park on 28th St. in downtown Tuscaloosa
Discover what life was like in 1827 for pioneers and traders who stopped overnight in Tuscaloosa on their way through Indian country. Trace the two-story brick building's history, which was once home to Governor John Gayle. Visit the site where legislators gathered for heated debates during the time Tuscaloosa was state capital, from 1829 - 1847. The building now houses the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society offices and a gift shop. Admission: Free.
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. - noon and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information call: (205) 758-2238.
Capstone Drive, U of A campus
The Gorgas House, built in 1829, is one of four buildings which survived the burning of the University of Alabama campus during the Civil War in 1865. Designed aas a "hotel" or "steward's hall" the original purpose of the house was to serve as a dining hall for the cadets. Now known as the Gorgas House named for Confederate general Josiah Gorgas, who served briefly as president of the University, and his wife, Amelia Gayle Gorgas, who moved there in the late 19th century. The house is now a museum, open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and Sunday, 2:00-4:00 p.m., except for University holidays. Admission is free, donations are accepted. The Gorgas House is also available for rent after-hours for receptions, weddings, and other special events. For information call (205)348-5906.