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
McCalla, Alabama- 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.
- 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
Coker, Alabama- 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.
- 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
Located on Holt Lake- 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.
Highway 69, Moundville - 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.
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Northport, Alabama
Highway 69, Moundville
- Paul W. Bryant Museum
300 Bryant Drive, University of Alabama Campus- 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
Northport, Alabama- 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, Alabama- 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
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.- Children's Hands-On Museum (CHOM)
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.
- The Gorgas House
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.
ARTS
- The Warner Collection: Gulf States Paper Corporation National Headquarters
1400 River Road, N.E.
- 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.
- 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
University of Alabama Campus- 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.
- 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
University of Alabama Campus- 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
1600 Stillman Boulevard- 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.
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.
- 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
1010 Greensboro Avenue- 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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President's Mansion
University of Alabama Campus - University Blvd.- 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
421 Queen City Avenue- 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)
Historic Capitol Park
2800 6th Street- 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
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. - The Gorgas House
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.
