2025 Reunion

To be held in Tuscaloosa AL where one can see the new Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2025.

See more details below. Reunions are held bi-annually.

Reunion Registration (online fillable PDF form)

USGS Retirees’ Reunion - Reserve the dates September 30 - October 3, 2025, in  Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Take some time to visit and reunite with your friends and former USGS colleagues in historic Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  Enjoy a detailed tour of the newly built, state-of-the-art, USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility HIF, including their extensive new laboratory and flow tank testing capabilities.  Also tour the National Water Center, which is a first-in-the world facility that will enable NOAA, in partnership with other federal agencies, to deliver a new generation of water information and services to the nation.  Explore the University of Alabama campus, including the Paul W. Bryant Museum and Bryant-Denny Stadium (note the Alabama Crimson Tide football team will be home to play Vanderbilt University on Oct. 4). We’ll have an optional golf outing, and The Riverwalk (nearby) is a two-mile path along the Black Warrior River that winds past shops and eateries. Stay in the Embassy Suites conveniently located in downtown Tuscaloosa.  Tuscaloosa is just 1 hour’s drive from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport or 3 hours from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.  Currently there are no shuttle services available from either airport to Tuscaloosa for the arrival and departure dates of the reunion.

SIGN-UP FOR THE REUNION NOW!!

 

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tuscaloosa – Alabama Downtown

2410 University Boulevard

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

(205) 561-2500

Link for reservations is open now: https://group.embassysuites.com/a7a9iw

You can also enter the code CES90X under "Special Rates" to access the available rooms at the reunion room rate of $160/night (includes taxes and fees).

 

NOTE: 

  • The Registration Form (at bottom) does not include the Hotel Room Reservation (above)

  • The hotel offers a reunion block rate 2 days before/after the reunion if you want to extend your stay based on room and rate availability.

  • No cost for hotel reservation or cancellations (up to 48 hours before arrival)

 

Tour/Activity Options for the 2025 Tuscaloosa Reunion


  • Tuesday, Sept. 30 – For those interested in golf, we will arrange for tee times at the Ol’ Colony Golf Complex, home of the University of Alabama Golf Team.  For those willing to travel to the Birmingham area, there are two courses of the twelve courses comprising the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail there: Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge.  Green fees are $59 for 18 holes including cart (Mon.- Fri.) for seniors 62+, $79 for weekends; $39 for those choosing to walk.

  • Wednesday, Oct. 1 – Transport via bus to National Water Center Tour, box lunch, transport to USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility tour, and transport back to hotel.  All bus transportation provided (if signed up).

  • This NWC will strengthen the nation’s water forecast capabilities for floods and droughts, improve preparedness for water-related disasters, and inform high-value water decisions at the local, state, and national levels. With capacity for a staff of 200, the interagency personnel of the National Water Center include employees from NOAA, USGS, FEMA, Visiting Scientists and contractors

  • The 92,000 sq ft U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) supports the water-resource monitoring efforts of USGS and other Federal scientists by providing quality assured hydrologic equipment and instrumentation support. The new 8.8-acre home starts a new chapter for the USGS facility, which originated in 1970 and was previously housed at Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. A team of about 50 USGS employees will work alongside university students and staff. 

  • The University of Alabama where tradition meets innovation. A trip to Tuscaloosa isn’t complete without a visit to campus and all the wonderful museums and galleries. Campus tours showcase our stunning grounds, top-tier academic facilities and living spaces from historic architecture to modern amenities. Visit the Gorgas House Museum -- the oldest building on campus.

  • The Paul W. Bryant Museum exhibits artifacts and memorabilia that trace the long history of University of Alabama football. State-of-the-art displays enhanced by videos highlighting great players, plays, and games are produced from the museum’s archives. Bus transport available. 

  • Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium (100,077 capacity) - Visit the eighth largest stadium in the U.S. (constructed in 1929 at a cost of $196,000) where Bear Bryant and Nick Saban each won 12 national championships.  Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 11am (except Fridays before home football games). The first 35 individuals who purchase tickets will be accommodated for each tour. Tickets may be purchased online beginning one month prior to the desired date. The public tour price is $30 per person; the group rate price is $15 for those buying 15 or more tickets. Bus transport is available.

  • The Alabama Museum of Natural History, located in Smith Hall on the University of Alabama campus, is the oldest museum in the state, founded in 1831. The exhibits depict the natural diversity of Alabama from the Age of Dinosaurs, the Coal Age, and the Ice Age. 

Other Major Attractions in Tuscaloosa and other cities across the State:

  • The University of Alabama (informally known as Alabama, UA, the Capstone, or Bama) is a public research university established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831. The campus is nationally renowned for its beauty, architectural design, immaculate upkeep, award-winning student housing and first-class academic buildings and laboratories. The university has a rich history and was a center of activity during the American Civil War and civil rights movement.

  • University of Alabama Football – The University is perhaps best know for it’s athletic achievements, particulary UA’s football program. The Crimson Tide is among the most storied and decorated football programs in NCAA history. Beginning play in 1892, the program is the third winningest program in college football history with 974 official victories. The Tide claims 18 national championships, 34 conference championships, and has made an NCAA-record 78 postseason bowl appearances. The program has 36 seasons with ten wins or more and has 46 bowl victories, both NCAA records. The team’s ralying cry is “Roll Tide.” The team will be home to host Vanderbilt on October 4. Tickets can be purchased on SeatGeek, StubHub, Vivid Seats or the UA Ticket Office.

  • Moundville Archeological Park - on the Black Warrior River 18 miles south of Tuscaloosa. The second-largest U.S. site of its era, Moundville preserves 29 massive flat-topped earthen mounds for ceremonial structures and the homes of nobles. The 326-acre site has a museum, laboratory, and nature trail.  https://moundville.museums.ua.edu/

  • The River Walk - is a stunning trail that travels along the banks of the Black Warrior River. The pathway offers many shady areas for a break from the heat, and there are shops and restaurants for people to enjoy during their visit. Visit: https://visittuscaloosa.com/tuscaloosas-outdoor-adventures-the-riverwalk/

  • Mercedes-Benz Factory Tour – The Mercedes-Benz Plant Tuscaloosa houses the only Mercedes-Benz Museum outside of Germany with several vintage Mercedes vehicles on display. Reservations are required for plant tours. Museum admission is free, but there is a charge for the tour. https://mbusi.com/visitorcenter

  • Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum (Birmingham) -- See more than a thousand mint-condition motorcycles on exhibit at one time. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest motorcycle collection. With over 1,800 motorcycles spanning over 100 years of production, the Barber collection represents 220 different manufacturers from 22 countries. The museum also features the world’s most extensive collection of Lotus cars, plus an assortment of other rare and unusual cars.  With stunning views of the Barber Motorsports Road Course, this high energy environment makes for a one-of-a-kind field trip!  Guided Field Trips are prearranged and take place on weekdays.  There are several different tours to choose from.  Visit https://www.barbermuseum.org/field-trips/ to plan your visit.

  • U.S. Space & Rocket Center (Huntsville) -- The state's most visited attraction and the largest space museum in the world: the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC). The USSRC is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. For more information visit https://www.rocketcenter.com/

  • The Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Trail  -- The story of civil rights movement illustrates how the courageous efforts of many foot soldiers broke down the color barrier over the years. The trail is a self-guided walking tour through downtown Tuscaloosa with a total a 18 stops.