Points of Interest between Birmingham, Alabama to Tuscaloosa, Alabama

picture of Birmingham, Alabama

Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving from Birmingham, Alabama to Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Are you planning a road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Tuscaloosa, Alabama? If so, there are plenty of sights to see and places to stop along the way. Whether you want to explore the outdoors, soak up some history, or grab a bite to eat, there's something for everyone. Here are our top picks for things to see and do on your journey.

Outdoors Galore

  1. Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge: Located just east of Tuscaloosa, Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to take a break from the road and explore the outdoors. Here, you'll find over 3,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, wetlands, and the Cahaba River. The refuge is home to a variety of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, so bring a camera and binoculars. Hiking trails are also available.

  2. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park: A little further down the road, you'll find Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. This sprawling park is home to hiking trails, picnic areas, and various historic structures, including a furnace and ironworks. Visitors can also take a guided tour to learn more about the park's history.

  3. Lake Lurleen State Park: Located just north of Tuscaloosa, Lake Lurleen State Park is a picturesque setting for a picnic or a hike. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, swimming, and boating. You can also rent a canoe or kayak and explore the lake.

History Buffs, Rejoice!

  1. Alabama Museum of Natural History: Located on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, the Alabama Museum of Natural History boasts an impressive collection of fossils, rocks, minerals, and other specimens. Visitors can learn about Alabama's natural history, as well as its Native American and Civil War-era history.

  2. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: If you're interested in Civil Rights history, take a detour to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. This museum tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham and features exhibits on iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.

  3. Moundville Archaeological Park: Just south of Tuscaloosa, you'll find Moundville Archaeological Park, an ancient Native American site that dates back to the 11th century. Here, you can explore numerous mounds and learn about the people who built them. Guided tours are available, and the park also hosts various events throughout the year.

Feed Your Belly

  1. Saw's Barbecue: If you're in the mood for some finger-licking good barbecue, stop by Saw's Barbecue in Homewood. This establishment has been featured on several food TV shows and offers a variety of meats, sides, and sauces. Don't miss the pulled pork!

  2. Niki's West Steak and Seafood: Niki's West Steak and Seafood has been a Birmingham landmark for over 60 years. This cafeteria-style restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, from Southern favorites like fried chicken and collard greens to fresh seafood. Be sure to save room for dessert - the pies are heavenly.

  3. Dreamland Bar-B-Que: Another barbecue hotspot is Dreamland Bar-B-Que. This Tuscaloosa institution has been serving up ribs, sauce, and slaw since 1958. The menu is simple, but the food is delicious. Be prepared to get messy - this is true finger food!

Conclusion

When driving from Birmingham, Alabama to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, there are plenty of sights and activities to keep you entertained and make your journey more enjoyable. Whether you're into nature, history, or food, there's something for everyone. So fuel up, hit the open road, and get ready for an adventure.