Coker AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Coker, Alabama.
1. Lake Lurleen State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Lurleen State Park offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich history on its 1,625-acre grounds. The park's centerpiece is a sparkling 250-acre lake with over 23 miles of shoreline, perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy over 23 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails while experiencing the park's storied past involving Native American tribes.
2. Kentuck Art Center
CREATIVE ARTS HUB
Kentuck Art Center is a vibrant cultural institution showcasing the work of local and regional artists. The center hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and the annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts, which draws thousands of visitors. Art enthusiasts can explore unique galleries featuring contemporary and folk art in various media.
3. Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
RIVERSIDE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Tuscaloosa Amphitheater is a premier outdoor concert venue located on the banks of the Black Warrior River. The 7,470-seat amphitheater hosts national touring acts across multiple genres throughout the year. Concertgoers enjoy excellent acoustics and scenic river views while attending performances at this state-of-the-art facility.
4. The Old Tavern Museum
HISTORIC STAGECOACH STOP
The Old Tavern Museum preserves one of Tuscaloosa's oldest structures, built in 1827 as a stagecoach inn. Visitors can explore period-furnished rooms that tell the story of early 19th century travel and hospitality in Alabama. The museum offers guided tours showcasing artifacts and exhibits about Tuscaloosa's development as an early state capital.
5. Capitol Park
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT GROUNDS
Capitol Park preserves the ruins of Alabama's state capitol building that served from 1826 to 1846 before the capital moved to Montgomery. The park's peaceful grounds feature the building's original foundation stones and informational markers explaining the site's historical significance. Visitors can enjoy the shade of mature trees while reflecting on this important piece of Alabama history.
6. Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center & Museum
AUTOMOTIVE HERITAGE EXHIBITION
The Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center & Museum showcases the rich heritage of this iconic automobile manufacturer and its presence in Alabama. Visitors can view classic and contemporary Mercedes-Benz vehicles while learning about the company's manufacturing processes. The center offers factory tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into how these luxury vehicles are produced.
7. Bama Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Bama Theatre is a beautifully restored 1938 movie palace that now serves as a performing arts center in downtown Tuscaloosa. The venue features a stunning atmospheric interior with twinkling stars and clouds projected onto its ceiling, creating a magical environment for performances. Today, the theater hosts films, concerts, theatrical productions, and community events year-round.
8. Children's Hands-On Museum
INTERACTIVE LEARNING CENTER
Children's Hands-On Museum (CHOM) provides interactive educational exhibits designed to engage young minds through play and exploration. The museum features multiple themed areas including a miniature city, science center, and historical recreations that bring learning to life. Children can participate in daily programs, special events, and hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
9. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park preserves the ruins of a Civil War-era iron furnace complex that once supplied iron to the Confederate Naval Yard. The 1,500-acre park includes a museum, pioneer farmstead, and working gristmill that bring 19th-century industrial history to life. Visitors can explore hiking trails, attend craft demonstrations, and shop at the park's traditional craft cabins during special events.
10. University of Alabama Arboretum
BOTANICAL EDUCATION CENTER
The University of Alabama Arboretum showcases native plants and ecosystems across its 60-acre grounds. Visitors can explore several distinct habitats including wildflower gardens, eastern hardwood forests, and a unique collection of plant species native to Alabama. The arboretum offers walking trails, educational programs, and research opportunities focused on plant conservation and environmental stewardship.
11. Tuscaloosa Transportation Museum
MOBILITY THROUGH TIME
The Tuscaloosa Transportation Museum chronicles the evolution of transportation in Alabama through engaging exhibits and historic vehicles. Located in the historic Queen City Bath House, the museum highlights the region's connection to the railroads, waterways, and automotive industries. Visitors can examine vintage automobiles, railway artifacts, and interactive displays that tell the story of how transportation shaped the development of Tuscaloosa and Alabama.
12. Bryant-Denny Stadium
CRIMSON TIDE FOOTBALL HOME
Bryant-Denny Stadium is the iconic home field of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team, with a seating capacity exceeding 100,000 fans. The stadium features the Walk of Champions plaza, showcasing bronze statues of the program's national championship coaches including Bear Bryant and Nick Saban. Tours of this historic venue allow visitors to explore the locker rooms, press box, and field while learning about Alabama's storied football tradition.
13. DreamLand BBQ
LEGENDARY ALABAMA RIBS
DreamLand BBQ is an iconic Tuscaloosa institution known for its simple menu of legendary ribs and white bread since 1958. The restaurant maintains its rustic atmosphere while serving slow-cooked pork ribs with their famous secret recipe sauce. Visitors from across the country make pilgrimages to this barbecue landmark for an authentic taste of Alabama's culinary heritage.
14. Midtown Village
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Midtown Village is Tuscaloosa's premier open-air lifestyle center featuring over 50 retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The shopping complex offers a mix of national brands and local boutiques in a pedestrian-friendly setting with landscaped courtyards and outdoor seating areas. Visitors can enjoy a full day of shopping, dining, and seasonal events in this vibrant commercial district.
15. Paul W. Bryant Museum
CRIMSON TIDE SPORTS HISTORY
The Paul W. Bryant Museum celebrates the rich athletic heritage of the University of Alabama with particular focus on legendary coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant. The museum houses thousands of artifacts including championship trophies, historic uniforms, and interactive exhibits chronicling the Crimson Tide's storied sports programs. Visitors can experience the evolution of college athletics while learning about the coaches and players who built Alabama into a national powerhouse.