A New Chapter Is Taking Shape on Lake Tuscaloosa

By Chanelle Hayes-Sessions
Photos courtesy of Visit Tuscaloosa

During my visit to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, I spent some time on Lake Tuscaloosa, and it was easy to see why people have been coming here for generations. The lake is tree-lined and peaceful, with boats moving across the water and homes scattered along the shoreline. At the same time, things are changing around it.

One of the biggest changes is The Westerfield Club, the reimagining of the former NorthRiver Yacht Club, which was founded in 1978 by Tuscaloosa businessman and philanthropist Jack Warner. A new group of local investors purchased the club in 2025 and began a new chapter for the property.

Back in the early days, the marina was much smaller. According to Joe Ingram, director of marina operations, it was once the only marina on the lake — essentially a small hut with a gas pump.

“It was very nice, but not at this scale,” he said.

Warner’s legacy can still be seen throughout the property. A major American art collector, he amassed an extensive collection, part of which was once housed there. According to Ingram, a small stone building on the grounds that once displayed some of the artwork is now being restored.

Before acquiring NorthRiver Yacht Club, the ownership group had already developed The Captain’s Club, a lakefront boating and social destination that offers several membership options, including Social, Carefree Boat Club and Boat Slip memberships. Social members have access to The Grill, an open-air restaurant serving lunch and dinner with a bar, as well as The Lawn, Wibit Park, the Captain’s Cabin, paddleboards and kayaks, and club events.

For those who want to get out on the water without owning a boat, the Carefree Boat Club provides access to boats, along with training, concierge and online booking. The Boat Slip membership is designed for people who already own a boat and need a place to keep it on the lake.

There is also a market on the property that sells snacks, wine and souvenirs, along with specialty drinks such as Bushwackers, a frozen rum-based coffee and chocolate cocktail.

In addition to The Captain’s Club, another major part of the development is Hill House, a collection of lakefront condos. They were recently completed, with residents moving in about a month before my visit.

The full Westerfield Club property is expected to be completed in phases by 2027. Plans include a hotel, spa and cottages, along with an 11,500-square-foot family-friendly pool with cabanas, water slides and a splash pad.

More is coming, too: a golf facility with 10 covered outdoor hitting bays, an indoor simulator room, a teaching facility and TrackMan technology throughout; a pro shop and smokehouse serving drinks and barbecue; and clubhouse additions, including a library and billiards room and a great room with a full-service restaurant and lounge.

One thing to make note of is that members of The Westerfield Club can enjoy the amenities of The Captain’s Club. However, members of The Captain’s Club do not have to be members of The Westerfield Club. The market and gas pumps are also open to the public. Once complete, guests staying at the hotel or cottages will have access to amenities at both clubs.

“In addition to local memberships, The Captain's Club and The Westerfield Club offer national memberships for individuals and families who may not call Tuscaloosa home,” said Robins Bonner, director of membership sales. “Whether coming to town for University of Alabama sporting events, visiting a child attending UA or simply for pleasure, national members have the opportunity to enjoy the clubs as a place to gather, entertain and feel at home.”

For more information, visit captainsclublaketuscaloosa.com or westerfieldclub.com.