Attractions & Golf
Alabama Museum of Natural History
6th Ave. Smith Hall UA Campus
205-348-7550
www.museums.ua.edu/history
Hours: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm Tuesday-Saturday. Admission charged.
Experience the natural diversity of Alabama, view collections of geology, mineralogy, history, and paleontology. See the Hodges meteorite, the only meteorite known to have struck a human being. After- hour rentals, special programs and tours are available.
Bama Belle Riverboat
#1 Greensboro Ave.
205-339-1108
www.bamabelle.com
Located in the Black Warrior RiverWalk Park, the Bama Belle is a modern day replica of the grand paddlewheel riverboats which graced the Black Warrior in the 1900's.
Today, you can experience the same magical, romantic, nostalgic celebration of the American spirit on the Bama Belle. The Bama Belle provides an exquisite setting for sightseeing & dinner cruises. Charters for private parties, business meetings or holiday celebrations are also available. Capacity- 200 passengers.
Bama Theatre
600 Greensboro Ave.
205-758-5195
Toll Free: 800-239-1611 ARTS HOTLINE
www.tuscarts.org
The oldest operating theatre in Tuscaloosa. In 1938, the Bama Theatre served as the community's grand movie house, as well as the only air-conditioned building at that time. The Theatre was one of the last movie palaces built in the South.
The building was odd but an interesting mixture of Art Deco style, popular during the period and the lavish so-call "atmospheric" style of theatre architecture popular in the 1920's. The interior is decorated in the Moorish style of Renaissance Spain. The house of the theatre is actually a reproduction of the courtyard of the Davanzati Palace of Florence, Italy.
The entire orchestra and balcony sections are decorated as a Spanish courtyard, complete with balconies and ironwork. Twinkling stars and clouds on the night sky ceiling complete the open-air feel of the performance hall.
Battle-Friedman House & Gardens
1010 Greensboro Ave.
205-758-6138
www.historictuscaloosa.com
Hours: Open Tues. - Sat., 10-4 Sun., 1-4 Admission charged.
The elaborate architectural details and historic furnishings offer a glimpse back to early 1800's. Alfred Battle built the home in 1835. With a servants house, carriage house and grounds, it once occupied the entire block of what was then Tuscaloosa's main residential street.
The two-story house was built with brick walls 18 inch thick. The house is now maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society as a social and cultural center.
Black Warrior Model Railroad Society
725 25th Ave.
205-534-0944
Open every Saturday, 9-12.
See five running tracks with scenery and continuous updated displays. Located in the historic Northport Train Depot. See the old caboose out front. No admission charged.
Bryant Denny Stadium
Bryant Drive
205-348-6010
www.rolltide.com/facilities/bryant-denny.html
Home of the 12 time National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide. Currently seats 92,138.
Children's Hands On Museum (CHOM)
2213 University Blvd.
205-349-4235
www.chomonline.org
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 - 5 & Sat. 10-4. Admission: $5.00 per person for ages 1 and up.
Museums stimulate the imagination and the intellect, and children will learn how and why at CHOM, where they are part of every exhibit. Children can step into historic and scientific "worlds" such as a planetarium; a recreated Choctaw Indian Village; a hospital, where they can play doctor; and many other life-like scenarios.
Special programs and hands-on exhibits make this an anticipated stop for the family. Be sure to see Once Upon a farm, their newest exhibit. The CHOM gift shop provides stimulating educational toys, games, puzzles and books. Groups of ten or more can schedule special field trips to CHOM.
Denny Chimes
University Blvd. On the UA Quad.
205-348-6010
www.tour.ua.edu/tourstops/dennychimes.html
Named after former University President George Denny, the tower was constructed in 1929, and then restored in 1986. This landmark is home to the "Football Walk of Fame", with hand and footprints of legendary Alabama players.
Gorgas House
Capstone Drive UA Campus
205-348-5906
www.tour.ua.edu/tourstops/gorgashouse.html
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-4.
Built in 1829, the Gorgas Houseis the oldest building on the University of Alabama campus. Family heirlooms are on display.
Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion
1305 Greensboro Ave
205-391-9200
Toll Free: 800-538-8696
www.historictuscaloosa.org/tours6.html#t12
The 1862 antebellum mansion is one of the finest remaining examples of Italianate architecture in the South. Home of the Tuscaloosa Visitor Center.
Kentuck Art Center
503 Main Ave. Northport
205-758-1257
www.Kentuck.org
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Sat. 11:30-4:30
Features rotating monthly exhibits of some of the region's finest arts and crafts. There is also a gift shop specializing in arts and crafts by local, regional and national artist.
Ladybug Farm
13587 Pinehill Road
205-333-2762
Pony Ride Lessons. $35 per hour for children and begining adults.
Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center & Museum
located on I-20/59 at exit 89 on Mercedes Drive
205-507-2253
Toll Free: 888-286-8762
www.mbusi.com
There is something for everyone. At the Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center and Museum, you'll enjoy exciting multimedia exhibits, vintage automobiles and our world-class gift shop. And kids will love our exclusive video "The Big Auto Plant", that illustrates just how an M-Class is made in Tuscaloosa county. Free admission.
Moundville Archaeological Park
1 Mound Parkway Moundville
205-758-2861
www.museums.ua.edu/moundville
Located 12 miles south of Tuscaloosa, preserves 325 acres on the Black Warrior River of what was once America's largest city north of Mexico. During the Mississippian Period (AD 1000-1500), Southeastern Indians constructed large earthworks topped by temples, council houses, and homes of the nobility. Twenty-eight of these flat-topped pyramids, the tallest 60 feet high, survive at Moundville as remnants of a ceremonial and economic center whose trade routes extended across eastern North America.
The museum contains artifacts unearthed at the site during archaeological excavations. Ehibits interpret the lifeways of the natives who lived here during prehistoric times.
The gift shop offers an excellent selection of books and Indian Crafts. Admission Charged. Grounds are open daily from 8:00 am until dusk. The museum is open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from March through October and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm from November through February.
Pickens County Courthouse/Face In The Window
Court Square - Carrollton
205-367-2186
Free. Historic couthouse has etched face in window, believed to be likeness of man accused of burning 2nd courthouse building in 1876. Present building building constructed in 1877. Just a short drive from Tuscaloosa.
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
12632 Confederate Parkway McCalla
205-477-5711
www.tannehill.org
This historical state park contains a monument to the confederacy. The park offers camping, golf, hiking and swiming. Special events include a re-enactment of a Civil War battle and monthly Trade Days. This park is located west of Tuscaloosa off of
I-20/59.
Tannehill Sporting Clays
U.S. Hwy 11 N. Woodstock
205-938-3379
Sporting clays, bow shooting, rifle and pistol range. Hours: Wed.-Fri. Noon-6 pm. Sat. 9am-6pm. Sun. 1-6pm.
The Paul W. Bryant Museum
300 Paul Bryant Drive. Between the Bryant Conference Center and Hotel Capstone
205-348-4668
Toll Free: 1-866-772-BEAR
www.bryant.ua.edu
Hours: Open daily, 9am - 4pm. Admission: adults-$2, children,seniors-$1. Gift Shop.
The Paul W. Bryant Museum is the place where "football season never ends!" Named in memory of the legendary Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, the museum showcases over 100 years of Alabama football history. A major tourist attraction in Tuscaloosa, the Bryant Museum is a "must see" attraction.
The exhibit hall highlights teams, players and coaches from the 1892 season to the present with memorabilia, trophies, photos, art, videos and interactive computers. The media, public and researchers depend on the Bryant Museum research library as a source for images and information.
Private parties, civic groups, businesses and conventions choose the Bryant Museum's unique atmosphere for after-hour tours and receptions.
Tom Bevill Visitor Center/U.S. Snagboat Montgomery
Lock & Dam Rd.
205-373-8705
Located on the Tenn-Tom Waterway. Hwy 14 East in Pickensville. Open summer 9-5 and winter 8-5 free admission.
Exhibits describe Tombigbee Valley life. U.S. Snagboat Montgomery is one of the last steam-powered sternwheel boats to ply Southern rivers. About 45 mins to 1 hour from Tuscaloosa.
Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park
Located on McFarland Blvd in front of University Mall. Displays and memorials to those who have served.
University of Alabama Arboretum
Loop Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway
205-553-3278
www.bama.ua.edu/~arboretum
Explore meadow, bog, and woodland wildflower gardens of native Alabama plants and plant communities.
University of Alabama Campus Tours
205-348-5666
Toll Free: 800-933-BAMA
www.tour.ua.edu
Capstone Men and Women, UA's student ambassadors, lead campus tours startinf from 203 Student Service Center each weekday at 10 am & 2pm and 10 am on Sat. To reserve your place on a tour call 348-5666 or e-mail to tour@ua.edu.
Visitors Information Center
1305 Greensboro Ave Downtown
205-391-9200
Fax: 391-2125
Toll Free: 800-538-8696
www.tcvb.org
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30- 5:00, Sat. 10-4.
When visiting Tuscaloosa, make your first stop here. The center is located on the Garden level of the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. There is also a visitor center located inside University Mall that is open during mall operating hours.
West Alabama Aero Modelers
Watermelon Rd
www.waam.us
West Alabama Aero Modelers is located off of Watermelon Rd. in Tuscaloosa County. It's a place you can escape to, or an experience you can share with your family. Remote controlled airplanes can be spotted almost every afternoon soaring over open fields and relaxing spectators.
Visitors are welcome. From I-20/59: take exit 73. Go across Black Warrior River exit onto Watermelon Rd. (Right). Go 3.1 miles. Field is on the right.
Westervelt Warner Museum of American Art
8316 MountBatten Rd.
205-343-4540
www.warnermuseum.org
Hours: 12-5 pm Tues.-Fri.,10-5 on Saturday and 1-5 pm on Sunday. Admission: $7
The musuem includes the holdings of Tuscaloosa businessman, Jack Warner and includes interior furnishings dating from 1700-1865. Paintings by more than 40 different artist are exhibited, including works by Edward Hopper, Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent.
Recognized as one of the most extensive collections of 19th and early 20th century American art, the Warner Collection displays more than 150 works of art.
Woods & Water, Inc.
5101 Summit Ridge
205-342-HUNT
Toll Free: 800-383-9020
www.woods-n-water.com
Hours: M-Sat., 9-9 and Sun. 1-5 pm.
This new 40,000 sq ft store includes "Giants Of The Wilderness" their 60" by 45" tall centerpiece host the finest world class mounts from around the world, fresh water aquarium stocked with fish you only dream of catching. 2,500 sq. ft. gift and cabin furnishings department.
Capstone Club of Alabama
Exit 86 , 4 miles North of I-20/59
205-462-0590
www.capstoneclub.com
Experience a $13 Million Gil Hanse Masterpiece. Play your next round or schedule your next tournament at the Capstone Club. This award-winning course and clubhouse make an ideal location for golf with friends or your next golf outing.
Tee times and dates are available throughout the year. For more information contact PGA Professional, Cary Perez.
Hidden Meadows (public)
13000 Old Cove Rd. Northport
205-339-3673
Open 8 a.m. - dark, daily.
18 hole course located in a valley creating a scenic backdrop, featuring Bentgrass greens, Par 72. Sat - Sun cost is $38.00 and Mon - Fri cost is $30.00, includes cart and green fees. Twilight golf is offered beginning at 3 p.m. for $15.00 on Mon - Fri, and $19.00 Sat-Sun. Directions: Hwy. 43 to Hwy. 171 W., turn left on Hwy. 171 W., then another left onto Shamblin Rd.
Mimosa Golf Course (public)
5700 18th Ave., Tuscaloosa
205-752-8112
Open 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
18 hole scenic and challenging course with small Bermuda greens, Par 72. Tue - Thu cost is $28.00 and Fri - Sun the cost is $30.00, includes cart and green fees for 18 holes. A cart for 9 holes is $9.00 Tue -Sun. Directions to Mimosa - located off 69 south.
Ol’ Colony (public)
401 Old Colony Road Tuscaloosa.
205-562-3201
www.olcolonygolf.com
Designed by former PGA star, turned golf course designer, Jerry Pate. The course opened to rave reviews in 2000. Located on former farmland, the 18-hole facility features rolling fairways and beautiful, contoured greens. Enormous and historic oak trees are present throughout, adding to the beauty and character of Ol’Colony.
Open 7 days a week. For tee times call 205-562-3201. Green Fees: 18 holes- Weekend $31.00, Weekday $25.00 Cart - $9.00 9 holes - Weekend $18.00, Weekday - $14.00 Cart - $6.00. Located on 401 Old Colony Road Tuscaloosa.
Tannehill National Golf Course (public)
12863 Tannehill Pkwy, McCalla.
205-477-4653
Open 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon-Fri. Mon - Fri cost is $31.50, and Sat-Sun cost is $42.00, includes cart and green fees. Directions to Tannehill - exit 100 off I-59.