parks in and around Tuscaloosa
There are so many ways to have fun in and around Tuscaloosa that there is no way for us to form a fully comprehensive list, but the parks in the overview listed below should be a great place to start!
Most of the parks are maintained and managed by PARA - Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority. You can find more detailed information here. Their Activity Centers offer additional opportunities for indoor sports.
Munny SOKOL
PARA FACILITY
The Munny Sokol Park has 12 different areas:
- Ray C. Jenkins: Multipurpose Arena
- Sokol B - F
- Sokol Multipurpose Field East and West
- Sokol Park Bike Trail
- Sokol Park Pump Track
- Will May Dog Park
5901 Watermelon Rd
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
Bowers Park
PARA FACILITY
Bowers Park has 9 different areas:
- Belk Activity Center
- Ball Field Complex
- Disc Golf
- Pool
- Trail
- Elm Shelter
- Maple Shelter
- Minnie Sellers Shelter
- Sycamore Shelter
1600 James I Harrison Jr Pkwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
Lake Lurleen
Located nine miles northwest of Tuscaloosa and Northport, this 1,625-acre park is a scenic retreat set on the banks of Lake Lurleen and offers plenty of recreation and relaxation. Facilities include a modern campground, activity building, picnic areas, play areas, pavilions, a beach and bathhouse, fishing piers, RV storage, boat rentals and boat-launch areas.
13226 Lake Lurleen Road
Coker, AL 35452
River Walk
The Tuscaloosa Riverwalk is a paved 4.5-mile walking and cycling trail (great with a stroller, too) and runs along the south bank of the Black Warrior River near downtown. The trail goes partly through woods and has some playgrounds and gazebos on the way. It's a pretty outdoor escape in the heart of the city.
2710 Jack Warner Pkwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Lake Nicol
Lake Nicol is a fun place to kayak, fish, hike and picnic. The cliffs are an easy hike. The paths around the lake are in and out trails (no loop). It is a great place to enjoy nature and watch birds. Lake Nicol has a spillway, too that is at the other end of the lake and you have to drive to a different parking lot to see it.
4409 Nicol Park Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
Lake Harris
A short drive from the downtown over the Lake Tuscaloosa Spillway is Lake Harris - a beautiful location to hike, watch birds, relax and explore. High cliffs (be careful), hiking trails (in and out path) two dams, and lots of water to swim. Lake Harris is a wonderful place and you'll never get bored of this Tuscaloosa hotspot!
From Lake Nicol Road, turn onto the dirt trail, Lake Harris Road. Follow Lake Harris Road for approximately three miles until you encounter the lake entrance.
Lake Tuscaloosa
Lake Tuscaloosa is the biggest lake around Tuscaloosa and was constructed to supply domestic and industrial water for the City of Tuscaloosa. However, the lake has become very popular for recreation including boating, swimming and fishing. There are public and private boat ramps located on the lake, as well as several private marinas. You can't go swimming except you own or rent a boat and jump in directly from your vessel.
Dam & Spillway
You can visit the Lake Tuscaloosa dam & spillway with the car and overlook a big part of the lake. The dam was constructed on North River, flooding the area that would become Lake Tuscaloosa.
3013-3025 New Watermelon Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
Moundville
Moundville Archaeological Park (South of Tuscaloosa) is a prehistoric collection of partially excavated mounds providing insight into how North America’s largest population of Native Americans lived almost a millennium ago.
Moundville Archaeological Park is one of the great cultural and teaching resources in West Alabama with it's museum in the middle of the area.
634 Mound State Parkway, Moundville, AL 35474
Arboretum
The University of Alabama Arboretum features walking trails through a native woodland section, a wildflower garden, a collection of ornamental plants, an experimental garden, and a children’s garden. Most of the Arboretum’s land was donated by the federal government to help support the University’s goals of promoting research and providing public education and service.
Capitol Park
From 1826 to 1846, Tuscaloosa served as the state capital. Its once-beautiful capitol building was completed in 1829, three years after Tuscaloosa was designated as the capital. It was an impressive sight; an architectural jewel that stood tall and proud for anyone passing by to admire.
In 1923, the building caught fire while a construction worker was doing routine repairs. The flames spread quickly, engulfing the structure and sending it to its fiery demise.
Today it's a beautiful park with the ruins.
Palmore Park
PARA FACILTY
Palmore Park is a PARA facility hosting a splash pad, shelters with picnic tables, a skate park, a disc golf course, and paved trails.
Amenities:
- Electricity
- Grill
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Rentable Facilities
- Restrooms
- Water-Bathrooms
