Stretching along the banks of Black Warrior River, Tuscaloosa is a vibrant city that’s home to the historic University of Alabama. It boasts a strong football culture and an excellent natural history museum, as well as a scenic riverfront trail.
Things to do in Tuscaloosa
Gain insight into Alabama’s football culture at the Paul W. Bryant Museum, located at the University of Alabama. It’s named in honour of the legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and packed with memorabilia celebrating his career, including a list of more than 600 Americans that have been named after him.
Also on the Tuscaloosa campus is the Alabama Museum of Natural History, set within an elegant Beaux Arts-style building. Witness the skull of an American mastodon and the famous Sylacauga meteorite, as well as an Eocene whale designated Alabama’s State Fossil.
On the eastern edge of the city is the Tuscaloosa Museum of Art, home to the extensive Westervelt-Warner collection. It features notable works by renowned portraitist John Singer Sargent and Impressionist Childe Hassam, as well as Charles Bird King, who was known for his paintings of Native Americans.
Stretch your legs along the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, which winds along the southern bank of Black Warrior River. It extends from Manderson Landing to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater and is dotted with picnic areas and playgrounds where you can soak up the city views.
Getting around Tuscaloosa
Birmingham International Airport is located around one hour’s drive from Tuscaloosa, while long-distance buses make the two-hour journey to Montgomery. Trolleys travel throughout Tuscaloosa, but having your own vehicle is the best way of getting around.