Step into History with Tuscaloosa’s New Downtown Walking Tours This April

If you’ve ever wanted to explore Downtown Tuscaloosa’s rich history, now’s your chance! This April, history will come alive every Saturday as Visit Tuscaloosa teams up with Historic Tuscaloosa for an exciting new activity: the Historic Tuscaloosa Downtown Walking Tours. This special series is part of the Alabama Tourism Department’s statewide history-focused walking tour program. It’s the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the stories that have shaped the area.

The walking tours, which will take place every Saturday in April, kick off at 10:00 a.m. at the historic Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and offers a fascinating journey through more than 200 years of Tuscaloosa’s history. Each tour is limited to 20 participants. These intimate walks will ensure a personal and interactive experience as you discover the city’s most historic landmarks and hidden gems.

Leading the tours is Will Hawkins, the Executive Director of Historic Tuscaloosa. With his expertise and passion for the city’s past, Hawkins will guide you through Tuscaloosa’s transformation, from its time as Alabama’s state capital to its vibrant architectural and cultural evolution. As he puts it, “The Downtown walking tour will be an informative, fun, and entertaining experience. We’ll cover as much of Tuscaloosa’s 200-year history as possible and dive into some captivating stories from our shared past. Come learn something new and walk away with a better understanding of Tuscaloosa’s glorious history.”

While the tours are free to attend, donations to Historic Tuscaloosa are encouraged to help preserve the city’s historic landmarks. It’s a great way to give back and support the ongoing preservation of the city’s heritage.

Kelsey Rush, President and CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa, also highlights the importance of these tours as a way to connect visitors with the community’s rich history. “Fostering partnerships like this not only engages visitors, but also strengthens the connection to Tuscaloosa’s many history-defining chapters. We’re thrilled to work alongside Historic Tuscaloosa to share these stories,” she says.

Secure your spot!

Space on the tours is limited, so registration is required. To reserve your spot, call Historic Tuscaloosa at (205) 758-2238 or email info@historictuscaloosa.org. You can also reach out to Visit Tuscaloosa at (205) 391-9200 or info@visittuscaloosa.com for more details.

So, mark your calendar and join us for the Tuscaloosa Downtown Walking Tours this April. It’s a chance to step into history, where every street corner has a story to tell.

A special thanks to our corporate partners at Buffalo Rock Pepsi for sponsoring this content!