Historic Tuscaloosa Downtown Walking Tours

In April 2025, history came alive every Saturday as Visit Tuscaloosa teamed up with Historic Tuscaloosa for an exciting new activity: the Historic Tuscaloosa Downtown Walking Tours. This special series was part of the Alabama Tourism Department’s statewide history-focused walking tour program. It was the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the stories that have shaped the area.

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The walking tours took place every Saturday in April at 10:00 a.m. at the historic Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. The tour lasted about 90 minutes and offered a fascinating journey through more than 200 years of Tuscaloosa’s history. Each tour was limited to 20 participants. These intimate walks ensured a personal and interactive experience as attendees discovered the city’s most historic landmarks and hidden gems.

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Leading the tours was Will Hawkins, the Executive Director of Historic Tuscaloosa. With his expertise and passion for the city’s past, Hawkins guided guests through Tuscaloosa’s transformation, from its time as Alabama’s state capital to its vibrant architectural and cultural evolution. He said, “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.”

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