Tuscaloosa's Best Museums and Historical Sites

1. Alabama Museum of Natural History

The Alabama Museum of Natural History is located on the University of Alabama campus and features exhibits that showcase the natural history of Alabama. The museum has a large collection of fossils, including the remains of dinosaurs that once roamed the state. Visitors can also see exhibits on Alabama's geology, flora, and fauna.

Recommended Activity:

• Visit the Dinosaur Hall to see the skeletons of several different species of dinosaurs.
   

2. Moundville Archaeological Park

Moundville Archaeological Park is a National Historic Landmark that preserves the remains of a pre-Columbian Native American settlement. The park features several earthen mounds, a museum with exhibits on the site's history and culture, and a reconstructed Native American village. Visitors can explore the site on their own or take a guided tour.

Recommended Activity:

• Take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of the Native American people who once lived at Moundville.
   

3. Paul W. Bryant Museum

The Paul W. Bryant Museum is dedicated to the history of the University of Alabama football. The museum features exhibits on the coaches, players, and championship teams that have made Alabama football one of the most successful programs in college football history. Visitors can see trophies, game-worn uniforms, and other memorabilia from the program's history.

Recommended Activity:

• Visit the Hall of Honor to see the busts of the greatest players and coaches in Alabama football history.
   

4. Battle-Friedman House and Gardens

The Battle-Friedman House is a 19th-century mansion that has been restored to its original condition. Visitors can take a tour of the house and learn about the history of the family who lived there. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens that are open to the public.

Recommended Activity:

• Take a guided tour of the house to learn about the history and architecture of this beautiful mansion.
   

5. Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park

The Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park is a tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States military. The park features several monuments, including one dedicated to Tuscaloosa's Medal of Honor recipients. Visitors can also see the names of local veterans inscribed on the park's walls.

Recommended Activity:

• Visit the Medal of Honor monument to learn about the brave men who earned this prestigious award.
   

6. Alabama State Capitol

The Alabama State Capitol is located in nearby Montgomery, but it's worth the short drive from Tuscaloosa. The building served as the first Confederate Capitol during the Civil War and was also the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "How Long, Not Long" speech in 1965. Visitors can take a tour of the building and see exhibits on Alabama's political history.

Recommended Activity:

• Take a guided tour of the building to learn about its history and architecture.