Title: Alabama Museum of Natural History in Tuscaloosa - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

  

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# Alabama Museum of Natural History Tours and Activities

![Photo provided by Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/52000/52215-Alabama-Museum-Of-Natural-History.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo provided by Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/52000/52215-Alabama-Museum-Of-Natural-History.jpg)

![Photo provided by Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/52000/52214-Alabama-Museum-Of-Natural-History.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo provided by Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/52000/52214-Alabama-Museum-Of-Natural-History.jpg)

## Visit Alabama Museum of Natural History

Activities

[Tuscaloosa travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Tuscaloosa.dx3390)

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#### Examine prehistoric fossils, local wildlife specimens and archaeological artifacts in this fascinating museum, which is devoted to the natural world.

The skeleton of a basilosaurus, an ancient kind of whale, hangs over the Grand Gallery of the Alabama Museum of Natural History. This giant fossil is just one of many artifacts displayed here with the purpose of teaching visitors about history, science and paleontology. Revel in the academic atmosphere of the museum and learn more about the world around you through its enlightening exhibits.

The cornerstone of the museum was laid in 1907 and the building, also known as Smith Hall, was completed in 1909. At the time of its construction, a museum boom had swept across America and the Alabama Natural History Museum was built to reflect the classical revival styles of similar buildings in New York, Chicago and Washington. Pause for a moment to notice the rather plain exterior. Then enter to see the central gallery brilliantly lit by sunlight streaming in from a glass roof.

Get familiar with the various animal species living in Alabama at the Tuscaloosa’s Backyard Critters exhibit, which documents city life in all shapes and sizes. The Skulls and Skeletons display provides additional information about animals and how they work.

Inspect thousand-year-old fossils and discover how the world was made at the museum’s geological displays. These collections focus mainly on marine fossils. If you’re traveling with a group of 10 or more, sign up for a guided tour, which will provide extra information on all the exhibits.

Listen to experts share their knowledge at one of the museum’s lectures. Many of the talks by local academics are free. In October, embrace the Halloween spirit on a guided tour of the surrounding university campus at night.

The museum hosts outdoor field trips in summer. Dig for prehistoric treasures and dredge the river floor to find out more about the geography and geology of the state.

The Alabama Museum of Natural History is located on the University of Alabama campus. It is closed on Sundays as well as during university holidays. To get here, take the Tuscaloosa Trolley service to Lloyd Hall stop. The museum has on-site parking, which is free for the first hour.

### Popular places to visit

![Tuscaloosa which includes heritage architecture, château or palace and flowers](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/52000/52228-University-Of-Alabama-Tuscaloosa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### University of Alabama

Stroll along tree-lined pathways and visit historic buildings, museums, galleries and sports arenas while experiencing life at one of Alabama’s oldest universities.

[](https://expedia.ca/University-Of-Alabama-University-Area.d6097636.Vacation-Attraction)

![Denny Chimes](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/8d17966d63913677d5da1bacfdce25b1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Denny Chimes

You can find out about the history of Tuscaloosa with a stop at Denny Chimes. You can attend a football game while in the area.

[](https://expedia.ca/Denny-Chimes-Tuscaloosa.d6097642.Vacation-Attraction)

![Gorgas House](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/52000/52193-Gorgas-House.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Gorgas House

Learn about the family history of former University of Alabama president Josiah Gorgas at the oldest building on the university’s campus.

[](https://expedia.ca/Gorgas-House-Tuscaloosa.d553248634340961086.Vacation-Attraction)

![Bryant-Denny Stadium](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/f84f34de95be8ab975493393b0e0f2af.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Bryant-Denny Stadium

Catch an event at Bryant-Denny Stadium during your trip to Tuscaloosa. You can attend a football game while in the area.

[](https://expedia.ca/Bryant-Denny-Stadium-Tuscaloosa.d6097638.Vacation-Attraction)

![Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/52000/52264-Jemison-Van-De-Graff-Mansion.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion

Visit this historic Tuscaloosa house to admire its Italianate architecture and learn about the life of a well-known businessman and politician.

[](https://expedia.ca/Jemison-Van-De-Graaff-Mansion-Tuscaloosa.d553248634340967233.Vacation-Attraction)

![Tuscaloosa featuring a park, a house and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/52000/52279-Battle-Friedman-House-Garden.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Battle–Friedman House

Visit this historic house to see displays of period furniture and elaborate architectural designs that provide a peek into 19th-century life in Tuscaloosa.

[](https://expedia.ca/BattleFriedman-House-Tuscaloosa.d553248634340950702.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Alabama Museum of Natural History

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Hotel Capstone

320 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL

[](https://expedia.ca/Tuscaloosa-Hotels-Hotel-Capstone.h24048.Hotel-Information)

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Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown by IHG

111 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL

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![Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown near University](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/52000000/51880000/51876900/51876889/29a7db55_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown near University

2285 JACK WARNER PKWY, Tuscaloosa, AL

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Embassy Suites by Hilton Tuscaloosa Alabama Downtown

2410 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL

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Residence Inn by Marriott Tuscaloosa

211 RICE MINE ROAD LOOP, Tuscaloosa, AL

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2451 JACK WARNER PARKWAY WEST, Tuscaloosa, AL

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Tuscaloosa

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Crimson Chimes - Book for Football - walk to stadium, coliseum and more!

Tuscaloosa

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Bama Bed & Breakfast Campus

46 Sherwood Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.