Things To Do Near Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
Allow plenty of time to explore the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site — with two museums and a selection of historic buildings, you'll want to take your time. When the museums are closed, the grounds are still open for self-guided tours. Nearby in Tuskegee, a selection of historic sites, restaurants, and shops rounds out your trip.
Hiking Trails
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Scenic Overlook Trail
Start your trip to the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site on the Scenic Overlook Trail, which travels from the parking lot to an elevated overlook. From here, you can see the entire collection of historic buildings, including the two hangars and the Skyway Club. In the distance, keep an eye out for the planes that land and take off from Moton Field.
Location
1616 Chappie James Ave., Tuskegee, AL 36083
Length
0.1 mile
Intensity
Easy
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Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Trails
Explore the paths that run around the two hangars and the outbuildings at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site to learn more about the history of the area. Keep an eye out for the series of educational panels that line the trails; they include historic photos and provide fascinating stories about the buildings and the lives of the Tuskegee Airmen. Some of the buildings you'll pass include the cadet house, the bath and locker house, and the warehouse that was used for vehicle storage. The path is paved in some places and made of packed dirt in others.
Location
1616 Chappie James Ave., Tuskegee, AL 36083
Length
Varies
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Skyway Club
In the 1940s, segregation limited opportunities for the Tuskegee Airmen cadets to socialize. To create a safe place for entertainment and dining, the cadets built the Skyway Club at Moton Field. Here, both civilians and military personnel were free to attend social gatherings and to enjoy a meal. In 2018, a group of teens working with Groundwork USA National Youth Programs used a grant to restore and to refinish the club to its former glory.
Location
1616 Chappie James Ave., Tuskegee, AL 36083
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Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
Learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen and African American history at the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site. Located as part of Tuskegee University, this site also pays homage to Booker T. Washington, who championed high-quality education for African Americans.
Location
1212 W Montgomery Rd, Tuskegee, AL 36088
Museums
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Hangar #1 Museum
Once you reach the airfield at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, head straight to the Hangar #1 Museum. The visitor center is inside; it offers a quick video to orient you to the site. Once you move into the museum itself, a collection of exhibits explains the training process for the Tuskegee Airmen. Kids love the multi-sensory exhibits that recreate different Airmen experiences. While you're there, check out two of the planes that were used in training during World War II.
Location
1616 Chappie James Ave., Tuskegee, AL 36083
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Hangar #2 Museum
The Hangar #2 Museum is the newest museum at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Your visit starts with an engaging movie that dives deep into the lives of the men and women who took part in the Tuskegee Airmen Experiment. As you learn about the dangers and challenges, you'll get a sense of the bravery and the dedication required of each participant. After the movie, examine the Red-tail P-51 Mustang airplane, and pop into four different video exhibits that cover the history, the victories overseas and at home, and the enduring legacy of the program.
Location
1616 Chappie James Ave., Tuskegee, AL 36083
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George Washington Carver Museum
Drive to the campus of Tuskegee University to visit the George Washington Carver Museum. This unique spot honors the life and inventions of Carver, who was born into slavery and who went on to become a renowned agricultural scientist who taught and researched at the Tuskegee Institute. Carver was the first African American to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree; he also worked to help poor farmers improve their productivity. During your visit to the museum, you can see some of Carver's legendary peanut products and inventions.
Location
1200 W Montgomery Rd, Tuskegee, AL 36088
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Tuskegee University Bookstore
Pick up books about the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Tuskegee Institute at the Tuskegee University Bookstore. It's also a great place to find university-themed clothing and gifts.
Location
1200 W Montgomery Rd, Tuskegee, AL 36088
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Diaspora Creations
Diaspora Creations offers a variety of products in traditional fabrics, patterns, and colors from around the African diaspora. From wax cotton dresses to colorful jewelry, this store has options for women, men, and children.
Location
203C W Montgomery Rd, Tuskegee, AL 36083
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Blue Seas 2
A meal at Blue Seas 2 requires a big appetite. This casual spot serves delicious options like the Tuskegee Philly fish sandwich, fish and chips, and the Booker T. turkey burger. The fried chicken and mac and cheese are local legends, and the homemade pies are worth the visit alone.
Location
205 W Martin Luther King Hwy, Tuskegee, AL 36083
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Tiger Pause
Get a cup of coffee and a light meal at Tiger Pause, a cozy coffee shop known for its friendly service. In addition to a full selection of coffee drinks, this spot offers sandwiches, smoothies, and salads; you can also choose from a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Location
117 Westside St, Tuskegee, AL 36083