Northport, AL

Northport feels like a small Southern town that happens to have a college city next door. Cross the bridge from Tuscaloosa and you land in historic downtown, where brick storefronts line Main Avenue and the Kentuck Art Center fills a cluster of buildings with working artist studios, galleries and a gallery shop. Kentuck grew its famous fall art festival here over five decades, and although the festival moved across the river to Tuscaloosa in 2024, the art center remains the heart of downtown. The town is small enough to get to know in an afternoon, and close enough to Tuscaloosa that you can easily pair the two.

Spend an afternoon walking Main Avenue, browsing boutiques and antique shops, and stopping at Kentuck to see artists at work. The Northport Heritage Museum covers local history, and the city’s holiday tradition, Dickens Downtown, fills the streets each December. For time outdoors, Lake Tuscaloosa is right on the edge of town and Lake Lurleen State Park, in nearby Coker, has a beach, trails and camping. Downtown is also an easy place to find Southern plates and a good cup of coffee.

Northport questions, answered

What is Northport known for?

Northport is best known for its historic downtown and the Kentuck Art Center, which supports working artists with studios, galleries and classes on Main Avenue. The town also has easy access to the Black Warrior River and Lake Tuscaloosa. Many visitors know it as the calmer side of the river during Alabama football season.

How do I get to Northport?

Northport is right across the Black Warrior River from downtown Tuscaloosa, connected by US 43 and US 82. The nearest commercial airport is Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International (BHM), about an hour and 10 minutes away via I-20/59. Downtown Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama campus are only a few minutes’ drive.

Is Northport a good place to stay on Alabama football weekends?

It can be. Northport is close enough to reach Bryant-Denny Stadium with a short drive or rideshare, and it is usually a bit quieter than the campus area. Rooms still fill early on home game weekends, so book well ahead. Browse local places to stay to see what is available.

Where is the Kentuck Festival of the Arts held now?

After more than 50 years in Northport, the Kentuck Festival of the Arts moved across the river to Tuscaloosa in 2024 and returned there in 2025. It takes place each fall. The Kentuck Art Center itself is still in downtown Northport on Main Avenue, open most weekdays and Saturday afternoons.