About Tuscaloosa

Black Warrior River

Tuscaloosa is a small city about sixty miles southwest of Birmingham.  Tuscaloosa takes its name from the Mississippian Chief Tuskaloosa ("Black Warrior"), for whom the Black Warrior River is also named. The Black Warrior River begins in the Appalachians and flows between Tuscaloosa and its neighboring city, Northport until it reaches the Tombigbee River.

Greater Tuscaloosa has a population of approximately 115,000.  The University of Alabama, which in the past decade has grown in size from approximately 20,000 to more than 32,000 students, is central to the economy and culture of the city. 

For dining options in the Tuscaloosa area, click here.

There are many interesting things to see and do in the Tuscaloosa area.  One of the most notable is the Kentuck Festival of the Arts, which will be taking place on the weekend of our conference.  Kentuck is considered one of the top art festivals in the U.S.  Many artists from the Southeast display and sell their work at Kentuck, and there are artists from other parts of the country as well.

Railroad Bridge over the Black Warrior River

For more Tuscaloosa sights and events, check out the Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission (http://visittuscaloosa.com/) and the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society (http://www.historictuscaloosa.org). 

Historic downtown Northport, situated along the banks of the Black Warrior River, is a favorite destination for visitors, who especially enjoy the old-fashioned Main Avenue. Visit the City of Northport's Visitor's guide (http://www.cityofnorthport.org/pages/1/Visitors.html) for more information.

You can also find out about events and activities in nearby Birmingham from the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (http://birminghamal.org/).