Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Tuskegee, Alabama

Tuskegee, situated on the edge of the scenic Tuskegee National Forest, is located 39 miles east of Montgomery, Alabama.

The designation “Tuskegee” is derived from the Muskogee word “Taskeke,” which translates to “warriors.” Established by General Thomas Simpson Woodward in 1833, this city is now among the largest in Macon County.

The city boasts a rich and varied history. Initially, Tuskegee served as a cotton plantation, and it played a significant role during the Civil Rights Movement when boundaries were manipulated to exclude African-American residents and voters.

Tuskegee has attracted global attention due to a reprehensible medical study and is also renowned as the home of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first squadron of African-American pilots who served in World War II. Visitors to Tuskegee can gain insights into its complex history through its historic buildings, museums, cultural centers, and national forests, making it a vibrant and intriguing base for further exploration of Alabama.

1. Tuskegee National Forest

Located just north of the city, Tuskegee National Forest is the smallest national forest in the United States, encompassing 11,252 acres.

This forest is particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for horseback riding, fishing, wildlife observation, as well as hiking and mountain biking trails.

It is an all-season destination; in spring, wildflowers and magnolias bloom, while the autumn months showcase a stunning display of changing leaves.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Tsinia Wildlife Viewing Area offers a chance to observe rare bird species in their natural habitat.

Visitors can also opt for overnight stays in Tuskegee National Forest; thus, consider bringing a picnic and setting up a tent under the stars with friends, family, or a loved one.

2. Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site

The Tuskegee Institute was established in 1881 with the primary goal of training Alabama’s most promising teachers.

The intention was to create a Normal School where African-Americans could educate others of their race and facilitate their integration into society.

Booker T. Washington was appointed as the principal, despite the absence of a school building at that time.

Undeterred, Washington sought to develop relationships with white supporters to secure land and attract students.

He recognized that educated African-Americans with specialized skills could enhance the local community and foster acceptance among white citizens.

Thanks to notable donations, the school was relocated a year later to a 100-acre abandoned plantation, which was subsequently transformed into functional classrooms and facilities for students.

Fast forward nearly 140 years, this historic site continues to educate the public about the institution’s achievements and its transformative impact on Tuskegee.

3. George Washington Carver Museum

Adjacent to the Tuskegee Institute Historic Site is the George Washington Carver Museum.

Located on the university campus, it offers self-guided tours of its exhibits, photographs, and artifacts.

George Washington Carver was an African-American inventor and passionate botanist.

He became a professor at the Tuskegee Institute during their search for distinguished educators to teach local African-American children.

While at the school, he devised techniques to mitigate soil depletion caused by cotton overproduction.

He encouraged local farmers to diversify their crops by growing sweet potatoes and peanuts, enhancing both their sustainability and quality of life.

Moreover, he provided them with informative bulletins containing recipes that utilized their harvests. Today, visitors can explore the life of George Washington Carver along with his inventions and environmental initiatives at this captivating museum in Tuskegee.

4. Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Before 1940, African-American citizens were prohibited from flying for the United States military.

That changed with the emergence of the Tuskegee Airmen. Following extensive advocacy, an all African-American squadron was established in Tuskegee, Alabama.

This squadron included pilots, maintenance personnel, support staff, bombardiers, and navigators, with the Tuskegee Institute tasked with training them.

The historic site, which opened in 1998, features informative displays and exhibits at the Hangar One Museum located at Moton Field.

5. Lake Tuskegee

Lake Tuskegee, also referred to as City Lake, is a charming waterfront destination situated close to Downtown Tuskegee, offering excellent opportunities for sailing, water sports, and fishing.

This 92-acre lake is surrounded by grassy areas and woodlands, providing ample spots for picnicking and relaxation under the sun.

Moreover, many interesting bird species, including Eastern Bluebirds, Barn Swallows, and Orchard Orioles, inhabit the area, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching enthusiasts—remember to bring your binoculars!

6. Tuskegee Human & Civil Rights Multicultural Center

The city of Tuskegee, along with Macon County, Alabama, has historically attracted a diverse mix of cultures and ethnicities, encompassing Native American, European American, and African American citizens.

This museum extensively details the city’s history, showcasing timelines that highlight Civil Rights milestones, transformative educational systems, and one of the most egregious medical injustices in history.

Covering over two centuries and three distinct cultures, this museum offers visitors an insightful glimpse into the region’s heritage.

7. The Legacy Museum

The Legacy Museum is situated on the campus of Tuskegee University.

This engaging museum provides an overview of the Tuskegee Institute and examines medical ethics, particularly concerning the notorious Tuskegee study.

The museum also boasts an extensive collection of African, American, European, and Oceanic artworks spanning over a century.

Although it may not be the largest museum, it certainly offers a wealth of information and is a valuable visit for those interested in the history of the city.

8. The Oaks – Home of Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington was acknowledged as a pivotal leader within the African-American community.

His influence extended from Tuskegee Institute, where he served as principal, advocating for education for African-American children.

Washington resided in a house known as The Oaks in Tuskegee.

This 15-room residence narrates the life story of Booker T. Washington, an author, orator, and presidential advisor, making it a worthwhile visit when in Tuskegee.

9. National Memorial for Peace and Justice

Opened in 2018, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice is dedicated to all African-Americans who have faced racial segregation, slavery, lynching, and those falsely accused of crimes.

The memorial spans six acres, employing art, design, and sculpture to narrate these harrowing stories.

The centerpiece is memorial square, featuring 800 six-foot tall steel monuments, each representing a racially lynched victim in the United States and beyond.

This poignant memorial not only educates but also sparks meaningful discussions, making it a must-visit during your time in Montgomery.

10. Blue Seas 2 Restaurant

Blue Seas 2 Restaurant, located on West Martin Luther King Highway in Tuskegee, serves delicious meals reminiscent of traditional home cooking.

Featuring buffet-style offerings such as baked butternut squash pudding and baked fish with vegetables, it provides an ideal setting to enjoy generous servings of Southern-style cuisine after a day of exploring Tuskegee.

11. Dexter Parsonage Museum

For those interested in the history of the Civil Rights Movement, the Dexter Parsonage Museum is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family resided during that crucial period in Montgomery.

The museum features permanent exhibits related to his time at the residence, along with original furnishings and photographs of the 12 Dexter pastors who also lived there.

With numerous inspirational quotes, unpublished photographs, and eyewitness accounts spanning the era, it is an essential stop for visitors to Montgomery.

12. Rosa Parks Library and Museum

In Montgomery, the year 1955 marked the courageous act of Rosa Parks, an African-American woman who defied segregation by refusing to relinquish her bus seat to a white passenger.

During this time, African Americans and whites were segregated in various aspects of life, including public transportation.

This pivotal moment sparked a series of transformative events, advancing the Civil Rights Movement.

At the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, you can delve into this incident and other significant moments in history.

Following your exploration of the museum, step outside to the bus stop where that landmark event transpired.

13. Sweet Creek Farm Market

If you are seeking delectable Alabama cuisine and fresh produce, Sweet Creek Farm Market is the ideal destination.

Situated just outside Montgomery, this charming market provides farm-to-table dishes, signature sandwiches, freshly baked goods, and delightful homemade ice cream.

With reasonable prices and generous portions, it is an excellent option for dinner after a day of sightseeing before returning to Tuskegee.

14. John Emerald Distilling Company

The John Emerald Distilling Company draws inspiration from the Sharp brothers, who emigrated from Scotland to America.

Located in Downtown Opelika, this modern distillery offers tours and tastings of their spiced rum, whiskey, and gin, which are sold locally.

The informative 20-minute tour includes visits to the barrel storage area, warehouse, production area, and bottling facility.

At the conclusion of the tour, guests can sample some of the spirits in the tasting room and purchase a bottle or two as a keepsake.

15. Museum of East Alabama

Northeast of Tuskegee, in the delightful city of Opelika, lies the Museum of East Alabama.

This compact museum serves as an excellent venue for exploring the history of Opelika and East Alabama through a collection of unexpected artifacts and exhibits.

Visitors can view displays dating from the American Civil War, learning how segments of the city functioned as a POW camp during World War II.

Additionally, the museum provides insights about the Native American tribes that inhabited the area and illustrates how local industries shaped the city’s development.