Alabama Museum of Natural History — Attraction in Tuscaloosa

The Alabama Museum of Natural History, located in Smith Hall on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa, offers a captivating journey through the state’s rich geological and biological heritage. Established in 1831, it stands as Alabama’s oldest museum and serves as a testament to the state’s natural diversity .

Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by the Grand Gallery, an architectural marvel featuring Corinthian columns and a vaulted skylight. This space houses impressive exhibits, including a replica of Basilosaurus cetoides, Alabama’s state fossil . The museum’s collections span various eras, from the Age of Dinosaurs to the Ice Age, showcasing fossils, minerals, and artifacts that highlight Alabama’s...

The museum has only 5 visitor parking spots, all of which were taken. I drove around for 20 minutes but all I could find were spots reserved for students, faculty, staff, state vehicles, gas shutoff vehicles (?) but no nearby visitor parking spots. With no place to park, I finally left without being able to visit the museum. Judging from other comments, I'm not the only one to leave due to not being able to find a place to park. Quite...

Very enjoyable and quite a few items to see. Well worth the money and time spent. Small gift shop that offers interesting earrings, shark tooth necklaces as well as meteorite necklaces. Took us maybe 30 minutes to see everything but worth the $5 admission - HIGHLY RECOMMEND going to the 3rd floor for the bee hive/exhibit -- it allows outside bees into their process and quite and amazing...