Tuscaloosa is located in the west-central part of the state of Alabama. The city is named after the Choctaw chieftain Tuskaloosa who fought Hernando de Soto in the Battle of Mabila in 1540. It is the county seat of Tuscaloosa County. Located on the Black Warrior River, Tuscaloosa is the fifth largest city in Alabama. It is the principal city of the Tuscaloosa Metropolitan Statistical area. The city experiences a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons.
The city is considered as the regional center of industry, commerce, healthcare and education in West Alabama. It is also the home of the University of Alabama. Tuscaloosa is a home to many and different cultural sites and events which mirrors the history and modern role of Alabama and the Southeast. Many of these events are sponsored by The University of Alabama, making the university the dominant economic and cultural engine of the city.
The University of Alabama Arboretum is a must-see for visitors and visitors. The arboretum emphasizes on the native plants and animals of Alabama. It features 2.5 miles of walking trails which take you through native piney woods and an oak-hickory climax forest. A wildflower garden containing more than two hundred fifty species is one of the main attractions in the arboretum. The arboretum also includes an experimental garden, an open-air pavilion, a bog garden, and a children’s garden.
You can also visit the Alabama Museum of Natural History, the state’s natural history museum. This museum is located at the Smith Hall of Alabama University and is the oldest museum in the state. Exhibits include items and artifacts related to geology, mineralogy, paleontology, ethnology, history, zoology and photography.
Other attractions in the city includes Dreamland Bar-Be-Queabama Stage and Screen Hall of Fame, Battle-Friedman House, Christ Episcopal Church, Hugh R. Thomas Bridge, Paul Bryant bridge, Queen City Pool and Pool House, Woolsey Finnell Bridge and Bryant-Denny Stadium.