Tuscaloosa: A Melting Pot of Fun and Interesting Attractions
If you’re looking for a travel spot that offers a little of everything, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is your destination. Whether you are a history buff, sports fan or nature lover, Tuscaloosa has something exciting waiting for you.
Must See Attractions
As the only Mercedez-Benz factory outside of Europe, the Mercedez-Benz U.S. International in Tuscaloosa should not be missed. The factory offers tours Monday through Friday, but you will have to make a reservation with the Visitor’s Center in advance.
The Alabama Museum of Natural History is also well worth a look. Located at the University of Alabama, the museum showcases minerals, rocks, fossils and other specimens from the Ice Age, the Coal Age and the Dinosaur Age.
Historical Sites
If you like checking out historic sites and landmarks, Tuscaloosa won’t disappoint you. A must see in the city is the Denny Chimes. Located at the University of Alabama, this 115-feet tall tower with bells was built in 1929 and serves as a monument to honor many of Alabama’s legendary football players.
Capital Park is another site well worth visiting. Located downtown, this park features reconstructed buildings that reflect what the capitol building looked like when Tuscaloosa served as Alabama’s state capital from 1826 through 1846.
The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion is a beautiful 1862 antebellum mansion designed in an excellent example of Italianate architecture. Today, the mansion houses the Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Center where you can learn about the history of the city and the mansion.
Located just outside the city of Tuscaloosa, the Moundville Archaeological Park is a 320 acre park features 20 different Native American mounds that date back to prehistoric times. There is a museum at the park as well where you can see many interesting artifacts from the area and learn about the mounds and the Native Americans who lived here thousands of years ago.
Arts and Culture
The arts and culture scene in Tuscaloosa offers art galleries such as the Renaissance Art Gallery, which showcases works from both traditional and contemporary artists. At the Kentuck Art Center, you can view fine arts and crafts from the region.
The Westervelt-Warner Museum of American Art is and excellent art museum tracing notable American figures and events through a collection of paintings, portraits, sculptures, antiques and artifacts.
You can also enjoy a live performance of ballet, dance, jazz or drama at the Bama Theater. As the oldest theater in the city, the Bama Theater was built in 1938 with the beautiful style of the Spanish Renaissance.
Shopping
Shopping choices in Tuscaloosa include the trendy McFarland Mall as well as a wide range of specialty boutiques, antique malls and outlet stores where you can find a bargain on name brand items.
Sports and Recreation
The top sport attraction in Tuscaloosa is its championship-winning University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team, which plays at the Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority features nearly 2,000 acres of parks in the area that offer eight baseball fields, 20 softball fields, 45 tennis courts, several golf courses and playgrounds.
Located just minutes from downtown Tuscaloosa, the Lake Lurleen State Park is a 1,600 acre park with a huge lake, numerous campsites and picnic areas where you can enjoy activities like camping, canoeing, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.
You can begin making your plans to visit Tuscaloosa today by taking advantage of online hotel deals and securing a reservation.
