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.
Itinerary Overview
Region: East Central Alabama
Route: Horseshoe Bend →Auburn University →Tuskegee Airmen NHS →Tuskegee Institute NHS
Total Drive Time: ~2 hours, 15 minutes
Activity Time: ~7–8 hours
Start Time: 8:30 AM
Stop 1: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
Website: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
What to Expect:
This scenic bend in the Tallapoosa River is a peaceful park with paved trails, interpretive signs, and a small but engaging visitor center. It preserves the site of the 1814 battle between U.S. forces and Red Stick Creek warriors, a turning point in the Creek War. Families can watch a short film, view artifacts, and enjoy sweeping river views from gentle walking paths. Open spaces make it a great spot for a picnic or quiet reflection.
NPS Stamp: Yes! No Passport book? No Problem — Grab Yours Here!
Educational Tie-In:
- Role of geography in military strategy
- Creek War and its impact on Native American land
- Understanding treaties and historical consequences
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: How might the Tallapoosa River’s bend have helped—or hurt—those defending it?
Faith Connection: Courage and leadership can be used for good or harm—discuss the importance of using influence for God’s purposes.
Funny Saying: “This bend’s like a giant horseshoe for river giants!” — Oliver
Stop 2: Auburn University
What to Expect:
Auburn’s campus blends historic brick buildings with green lawns and lively student activity. The iconic Samford Hall makes a great photo backdrop, and the campus bookstore is perfect for picking up Auburn gear. Visitors can stroll the campus, explore the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, or soak in the energy of a vibrant college town.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In:
- What a university is and how it works
- Auburn’s contributions to agriculture and veterinary medicine
- Linking higher education to career paths
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: If you could study anything in college, what would it be?
Faith Connection: Proverbs 18:15 — “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Funny Saying: “Do they have a class for rocket building? Or cookie tasting?” — Ethan
Stop 3: Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
Website: Tuskegee Airmen
What to Expect:
Located at Moton Field, this site tells the story of the first African American military pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Restored hangars feature aircraft, flight simulators, exhibits, and oral histories. Visitors can walk the training grounds and learn about the Airmen’s combat achievements and their fight against segregation.
NPS Stamp: Yes
Educational Tie-In:
- Segregation in the U.S. military
- Perseverance and excellence under discrimination
- World War II aviation history
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: What qualities do you think helped the Tuskegee Airmen succeed?
Faith Connection: Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Funny Saying: “If I was a pilot, I’d name my plane ‘The Cookie Comet.’” — Oliver
Stop 4: Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
Website: Tuskegee Institute
What to Expect:
On the campus of Tuskegee University, this site includes the George Washington Carver Museum and Booker T. Washington’s home, The Oaks. The museum preserves Carver’s laboratory and features interactive exhibits about his agricultural innovations.
NPS Stamp: Yes
Educational Tie-In:
- Agricultural science and crop rotation
- Carver’s legacy in innovation and environmental stewardship
- Booker T. Washington’s role in education reform
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: Which of Carver’s inventions do you think made the biggest difference?
Faith Connection: 1 Peter 4:10 — “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”
What We Learned
We saw how geography, determination, and education can change history—from riverside battles to university classrooms and airstrips.
Did We See State Symbols Today?
No
PPlan It Yourself
You can map this exact route — and customize it for your own family’s adventure — using Roadtrippers Plus. It’s our favorite trip-planning tool for finding kid-friendly stops, tracking drive times, and keeping everything in one place.
View our full trip on Roadtrippers: Ethan & Oliver Adventures Great Alabama Road Trip Map
Up Next: Day 12 — Giants, Gators, and the Gulf
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As an Amazon Associate and Roadtrippers affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Unless otherwise noted, all destinations, attractions, and resources mentioned here are places we’ve personally chosen to visit and recommend. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these locations beyond the affiliate programs we participate in. We simply use and enjoy their tools and share them as a resource for fellow travelers.
