18 Fun Things to Do in or Near Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama is a vibrant city in west Alabama with a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore. Named after the Indian Chief Tuskaloosa, Tuscaloosa is an awesome city that offers many fun adventures.

Check out my article 9 Things to Do in or Near Northport Alabama. You see, Northport and Tuscaloosa are connected by the Hugh Thomas Bridge over the Black Warrior River. So many attractions in Tuscaloosa are just minutes away from Northport and vice versa.

Whether you’re a local looking for new experiences or a visitor planning your trip, here are 18 fun things to do in or near Tuscaloosa that will make your visit unforgettable.

Contents

• 1. Visit the University of Alabama
• 2. Discover History at the Alabama Museum of Natural History
• 3. Explore the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk
• 4. Cheer “Roll Tide” for the Crimson Tide at a Football Game
• 5. Take in a Alabama Basketball Game or Gymnastics Meet at Coleman Coliseum
• 6. Enjoy watching Alabama Baseball at Sewell–Thomas Stadium
• 7. Visit the Paul W. Bryant Museum
• 8. Indulge in Eating Southern Cuisine
  • Dreamland BBQ
  • Archibald & Woodrow’s Barbeque
  • Waysider Restaurant
• 9. Immerse Yourself in Art at the Paul R. Jones Museum
• 10. Enjoy Outdoor Recreation at Lake Lurleen State Park
• 11. Get on the Water at Lake Tuscaloosa
• 12. Shop at the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market
• 13. Attend a Concert at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
• 14. Take a Tour of the Old Tavern Museum
• 15. Visit Capitol Park
• 16. Visit the Children’s Hands-On Museum
• 17. See the Moundville Archaeological Park
• 18. Tour the Historic Battle-Friedman House
• There You Have It!

1. Visit the University of Alabama

Home to the Crimson Tide and a symbol of pride for the city, the University of Alabama is a must-visit. Go down University Blvd and stroll through the picturesque campus, see and take a selfie with the 5 statutes of legendary Alabama’s football head coaches outside Bryant-Denny Stadium, take in a game in the 101,000 seat Bryant-Denny Stadium, see the historic Denny Chimes and listen to the ringing of its 25 bells, relax at the open space of The Quad located at the center of the university campus, or explore the Alabama Museum of Natural History. The university offers a glimpse into the city’s past and its vibrant academic community.

2. Discover History at the Alabama Museum of Natural History

Located on the University of Alabama campus, the Alabama Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of natural wonders. From varied artifacts, this museum showcases the history of Alabama and its diverse ecosystems. The museum has fossils, rocks, and minerals collected from all over the State of Alabama. It’s a great educational experience for both kids and adults.

3. Explore the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk

Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Tuscaloosa Riverwalk. Enjoy stunning views of the Black Warrior River, charming bridges, and beautifully landscaped parks. Walk, jog, or bike along the trail, or simply relax on one of the benches and enjoy the serenity of the day and its surroundings. This scenic pathway is perfect for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

4. Cheer “Roll Tide” for the Crimson Tide at a Football Game

Tuscaloosa is known for its passionate unyielding support of the University of Alabama’s football team, the Crimson Tide. The Crimson Tide has won an impressive 18 national championships and numerous SEC titles. Catching a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium is an experience like no other. Join the sea of fans, feel the energy, and witness the thrill of college football at its finest.

5. Take in a Alabama Basketball Game or Gymnastics Meet at Coleman Coliseum

Coleman Coliseum, located at 201 Coliseum Circle is a 15,383-seat multi-purpose arena and the home of the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s and women’s basketball and women’s gymnastics teams.
Enjoy watching some hoops by getting into the rhythm of the crowd and cheering on the Tide!
Watch the mental focus and discipline of gymnasts as they compete including the floor exercises, vault, balance beams and other activities.

6. Enjoy watching Alabama Baseball at Sewell–Thomas Stadium

Take in a baseball game and watch the Tide hit it out of the park! Sewell–Thomas Stadium located at 241 Paul W Bryant Drive, sits across Paul W. Bryant Drive across from the Bryant Museum and Conference Center. The stadium has a seating capacity of 8,500 baseball fans.

7. Visit the Paul W. Bryant Museum

The Paul W. Bryant Museum is dedicated to the history of University of Alabama football, past teams, coaches and players and the legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
The museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, memorabilia and a film documenting the life and coaching career of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Coach Bryant’s office has been preserved for museum visitors to see.
Located at 300 Paul W. Bryant Dr, the Paul W Bryant Museum is a must-see for any Crimson Tide fan.

8. Indulge in Eating Southern Cuisine

Tuscaloosa boasts a vibrant food scene, with plenty of restaurants offering delicious Southern cuisine. From mouthwatering barbecue to flavorful traditional southern comfort food, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Dreamland BBQ

Dreamland BBQ founded in 1958 by John “Big Daddy” Bishop and his wife Miss Lilly is one of the longest operating barbeque restaurants in Tuscaloosa. Famous for their hickory fired tender barbeque ribs smothered in their own southern barbeque sauce, Dreamland today can be found across the South. While Dreamland’s original small cinderblock structure located at 5535 15th Avenue East in the Jerusalem Heights neighborhood still operates, franchised locations of Dreamland are found throughout the South in Alabama at Northport, Mobile, Huntsville, 2 locations in Birmingham, 2 locations in Montgomery, locations at Duluth and Roswell, Georgia and in Tallahassee, Florida. Travelers can enjoy the same delectable barbeque started long ago at the original small Dreamland building in Jerusalem Heights where Coach Paul Bear Bryant and many other University of Alabama Football greats sat down to eat barbeque with slices of white loaf bread for sauce dipping.

During home games at the University of Alabama Dreamland is packed with Crimson Tide fans who come to Tuscaloosa to cheer on the Crimson Tide and afterward to eat Dreamland barbeque at this original historic location.
See the video and post by WVTM13 in Tuscaloosa on Dreamland preparing for the Alabama home game with Texas. It gives a history of Dreamland preparing for the fans coming to Tuscaloosa to eat Barbeque at Dreamland!

Archibald & Woodrow’s Barbeque

Another well-known barbeque eatery includes the family operated Archibald & Woodrow’s Barbeque located at 4215 Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa and at 1211 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Northport. It all began in 1962 with George and Betty Archibald. George Jr. and his sister Paulette participated in the cooking and today it’s still a family operated business through 3 generations with George and Betty’s grandson Woodrow. Today George and Betty’s grandson Woodrow owns and operates both locations. Patrons enjoy the mouth-watering hickory smoked slabs of ribs and pulled pork. Check out their menu selection for both locations.

Waysider Restaurant

The Waysider located at 512 Greensboro Avenue has been a historic Tuscaloosa tradition for over 70 years. It is one of the oldest, — if not the oldest restaurants in Tuscaloosa. It is a huge part of the Crimson Tide tradition as Coach Paul Bear Bryant was a regular patron. From its houndstooth awning over the outside of the front door, to the Bear’s two-seater table that he sat at for years for his breakfast, many football photos and Tide memorabilia, and Daniel Moore’s incredible paintings of Alabama’s championships that grace the restaurant’s walls, it doesn’t get much better than this! The Waysider is a must visit when in Tuscaloosa!

The food is outstanding serving up one of the best breakfasts around the South with its country ham and red-eye gravy, made-from-scratch biscuits, coffee, and, on game-day weekends, elephant-shaped pancakes! For lunch its famous meat and three has meat selections including homemade chicken pie, pot roast, grilled chicken breast, meatloaf and sides including mashed potatoes, creamed corn, field peas with snaps, fresh turnip greens and more. Just good southern cooking!

9. Immerse Yourself in Art at the Paul R. Jones Museum

Located at 2308 6th Street in downtown Tuscaloosa, the Paul R. Jones Museum, is a hidden gem, showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary art. Explore the thought-provoking exhibits and admire the works of both established and emerging artists. The gallery provides a unique opportunity to appreciate art in a welcoming and intimate setting.

10. Enjoy Outdoor Recreation at Lake Lurleen State Park

Escape the city and head over to Coker, Alabama to Lake Lurleen State Park for a day of outdoor adventure and relaxation. This 1,620-acre beautiful State Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a serene lake where you can go fishing, kayaking, boating and swimming. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy some quality time with family and friends.

The State Park was named in honor of the late Governor Lurleen B. Wallace, Alabama’s only female governor and wife of late Governor George C. Wallace. Governor Lurleen B. Wallace was from Tuscaloosa County and was a graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School. Governor Lurleen B. Wallace died while in office.

11. Get on the Water at Lake Tuscaloosa

Lake Tuscaloosa provides awesome water opportunities for water adventurers. This expansive reservoir offers a wide range of activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is filled with various fish including bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and more.

12. Shop at the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market

Support local vendors and discover fresh produce, grass fed meats, artisanal products, and handmade crafts at the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market located at 1900 Jack Warner Parkway. Open on Saturdays, this year around vibrant market, voted as No. 1 in Alabama of the 2022 America’s Farmers Market is a hub of activity where you can find unique souvenirs and taste the flavors of Tuscaloosa.

13. Attend a Concert at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater

For music lovers, the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater located at 2710 Jack Warner Parkway is a must-visit venue. With a capacity of over 7,400 this outdoor amphitheater hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. Check the schedule and catch a live performance by your favorite artist or discover new talents in a stunning setting in view of the Black Warrior River.

14. Take a Tour of the Old Tavern Museum

The historic Old Tavern, built in 1827 served as a stagecoach inn and later a Civil War hospital. Today, the 19th-century building is one of the oldest standing structures in Tuscaloosa and serves as a museum.

Located at 500 Nicks Kids Ave, the Old Tavern Museum is next to the Children’s Hands-On Museum and Capitol Park.

15. Visit Capitol Park

In Capitol Park you will see relics of Alabama’s State Capitol when it was in Tuscaloosa. The state capital was moved to Montgomery, Alabama in 1846. After the capitol’s location was assigned to Montgomery, the structure in Tuscaloosa was used by the Alabama Central Female College. The structure was destroyed by a fire in August 1923, leaving only a few broken columns, remnant areas of the foundation, and a part of the wall.

Capitol Park, located at 2800 6th Street, offers a serene place to enjoy Tuscaloosa’s historical scenery.

16. Visit the Children’s Hands-On Museum

The Children’s Hands-On Museum challenges kids to learn through exciting interactive exhibits. Kids learn past activites of yesteryear and of activities of present-day society. This hand on museum with its 3 floors and 24 exhibits of a local environment provides kids with a awesome fun learning experience.

Kids can feel the mist of water from the river while learning about river transportation from the wheelhouse of a towboat. They will learn where food comes from as they experience a Farmers Market with its various vegetables and fruit. Kids gain insight about hospitals as they admit themselves and learn about good health and the body. There are tons of other interactive exhibits and activities for age groups from newborns to age 13.

17. See the Moundville Archaeological Park

Located on the Black Warrior River just minutes south of Tuscaloosa near the town of Moundville, this Archaeological Park preserves hundreds of acres where 29 gigantic flat-topped earthen mounds of various sizes were strategically arranged in a rectangular pattern around a large central plaza. The museum is filled with pre-Columbian art, including pottery and other treasures uncovered.

The Moundville Archaeological Park is one of the nation’s premier Native American heritage sites. The park features a half-mile nature trail, picnic areas, views of the Black Warrior River, and a campground.

18. Tour the Historic Battle-Friedman House

Visit the Historic Battle-Friedman House at 1010 Greensboro Avenue and explore the impressive architecture and interior design of this historic mansion. Take a guided tour to learn about its significance and the prominent figures who once called it home.

There You Have It!

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offers a range of activities and attractions that cater to all interests. Whether you’re drawn to history, nature, art, or sports, this vibrant city has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the local culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and create unforgettable memories in Tuscaloosa.