Explore Tuscaloosa, Alabama, By AJ Grass: Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s charm welcomes visitors year-round. Drive through Tuscaloosa County in Alabama and you’ll discover unexpected treasures to explore and the welcoming charm of the South.
Enjoy world-class arts and cultural events or explore the many opportunities for recreation outdoors. Tuscaloosa County is popular for its natural beauty, state parks, and lakes; among these are Lake Tuscaloosa, Holt Lake, Lake Lurleen, Lake Nichol and Oliver Lake. Relax on the banks of the Black Warrior River or enjoy recreation and activities at one of the three state parks in the Tuscaloosa area: Lake Lurleen State Park, Moundville Archeological Park, and Tannehill State Park. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Tuscaloosa County.
Public Parks Provide open spaces to enjoy
No need to worry about missing your workout while on vacation. With 31 public parks in the area, the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA) has plenty of open spaces to enjoy. Get family and friends together for team sports at one of the 20 softball fields or 8 baseball fields in Tuscaloosa. Afterwards, relax and share a picnic, there are 17 areas available, and playgrounds for younger children to enjoy. Test you skills on one of 45 tennis courts or tee off at area golf courses, which includes 5 public courses, 4 private courses, and 2 practice ranges.
Children will enjoy visiting the Children's Hands-On Museum (CHOM) where they can explore hands-on exhibits, and attend exciting programs and special events. Be sure to bring to camera to capture memories of the kids navigating a towboat, exploring the planetarium or pretending to be a bird.
Moundville Archaeological Park
The Moundville Archaeological Park is another great place for families where you can step back in time and experience life in an Indian village. Located just fifteen miles south of Tuscaloosa at 1 Mound Parkway in Moundville, Alabama, the park is internationally known as one of the most important prehistoric Indian settlements in the nation. In addition to the Indian Villages, the 320-acre park has nature trails to hike and a museum filled with interesting artifacts.
A trip to the South wouldn't be the same without visiting an antebellum mansion. The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion one of Alabama's jewels. This 1862 antebellum mansion is one of the finest remaining examples of Italianate architecture in the South. The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion is also home of the Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Center, where you'll find information information on area events, activities, and more beautiful antebellum mansions to explore.
