Alabama Road Trip with Kids: Heroes, History, and Home Again (Day 11)
Welcome to Day 11: Horseshoe Bend to Tuskegee
If you’re looking for things to do with kids in central and eastern Alabama, this day blends battlefield bravery, educational inspiration, and one unforgettable walk under the wings of history.
If you’re following along with Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip, this chapter dives into courage, invention, and the power of learning—straight from the red clay roads of Alabama.
Today takes you from the quiet riverbanks of Horseshoe Bend to the legacy-filled halls of Tuskegee. It’s a reminder that heroes don’t always wear capes—sometimes they wear flight suits or carry books.
📍 Day 11 Itinerary at a Glance
Route: Horseshoe Bend ➡️ Auburn ➡️ Tuskegee ➡️ Montgomery
Total Drive Time: ~2 hrs 45 min
Total Distance: ~115 miles
- Montgomery to Horseshoe Bend: ~1 hr 15 min
- Horseshoe Bend to Auburn: ~45 min
- Auburn to Tuskegee: ~25 min
- Tuskegee to Montgomery: ~30 min
Stop 1: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
What to Expect: A sacred and quiet battlefield nestled in nature. Learn about the 1814 Battle of Horseshoe Bend and the Creek War’s lasting consequences.
- Nature trails and interpretive signs
- Creek War history and Andrew Jackson’s involvement
- Kid-friendly walking paths through woods and fields
Notebook Prompt:
What did the signs at Horseshoe Bend help you understand?
Educational Tie-In:
Native American history, U.S. expansion, and primary source interpretation.
Faith Tie-In:
Proverbs 16:7 — “When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
Memory Maker:
Ethan whispered, “They were brave too,” as he imagined 800 warriors standing their ground.
Stop 2: Auburn University
What to Expect: A glimpse of Alabama’s largest university. (And while we’re not Auburn fans—Roll Tide!—there’s plenty to explore if your family wants to return.)
Educational Tie-In:
Discuss the difference between college education and museum learning.Notebook Prompt:
If you went to college in Alabama, what would you want to study?
Parent Tip:
Use this moment to talk about future dreams—and how higher education helps get there.
Stop 3: Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
What to Expect: The legacy of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen and their WWII training site.
- Walk through Hangar 1 and Hangar 2
- See aircraft replicas and historic photos
- Learn about overcoming discrimination through excellence
Notebook Prompt:
What would it feel like to be the first to do something brave?
Educational Tie-In:
WWII history, aviation, segregation in the military
Faith Tie-In:
Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.”Memory Maker:
Oliver stood under the Red Tail plane and said, “They flew even when people said they couldn’t.”
Stop 4: Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
What to Expect: Explore the legacy of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. (Note: The Carver Museum may be closed due to renovations. Check website before visiting.)
Notebook Prompt:
What would you want to invent if you could?
Educational Tie-In:
STEM learning, education as empowerment, perseverance in adversity
Faith Tie-In:
Proverbs 22:29 — “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings.”
Memory Maker:
Ethan laughed, “Walking 500 miles to school? That’s more than we’ve driven this week!”
Evening Wrap-Up: Montgomery Return to family!
After honoring history-makers all day, the family headed back to Montgomery for dinner and well-earned rest.
Notebook Prompt:
Which stop today made you feel inspired—and why?
Want to make a full southern meal? Check out these kid friendly recipes
What We Learned Today:
- Heroes show up in many forms—some flew, some taught, some built.
- History shapes the future when it inspires us to act.
- Learning is everywhere—on battlefields, in hangars, and between the pages of a great story.
Read the Story Version:
This entire day is woven into Day 11 of Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip—full of flight suits, brave hearts, and a legacy that still flies high.
📬 Next Up: Day 12: giants, gators, and the Gulf — Get ready for a wild finish to your Alabama adventure!
Check out our Alabama Roadtrip map on Roadtrippers
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored or affiliated with any organization, attraction, or company mentioned. All opinions are my own, and all recommendations are based on our personal family experiences while researching and writing the Ethan & Oliver Adventures series.
