Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Alabama.

In the park service’s words

Before the first African American military pilots became known as the "Red Tails" they wore striped tails as they began their flight training in the Army's PT-17 Stearman bi-plane. Their flying adventure started at Moton Field, in Tuskegee, Alabama, where the Army Air Corps conducted a military test to determine if African Americans could be trained to fly combat aircraft.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Tuskegee Airmen NHS Hangar 1: Hangar 1 is the starting point for the indoor museums. It focuses on the training of the cadets and the involvement of the Tuskegee Institute.
• Tuskegee Airmen NHS Hangar 2: Hangar 2 focus on the stories of the Tuskegee Airmen themselves. The four pods feature videos highlighting different aspects of the Airmen and their fight for a Double Victory, both at home and abroad.
• Tuskegee Airmen NHS Outdoor Activities: The Scenic Overlook is available for picnicking, relaxing, reflecting, and walking. From there you will enjoy a great view of the Historic Core where original buildings from the 1940's tell stories of times gone by. 20 Wayside Exhibits are strategically placed throughout the site that allow you to take a leisurely stro

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Tue 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Wed 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sun Closed. The park is open Monday-Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm CST. The park is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Getting there

To reach Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site... From Atlanta, GA - Take I-85S towards Montgomery, AL for approximately 127 miles to Exit 38. Turn left at the stop sign and travel 1/2 mile and turn left on Chappie James Ave. Follow the signs to the Parking Area on left. Follow the path downhill to the Historic Site. From Montgomery, AL - Take I-85N towards Atlanta, GA for approximately 36 miles to Exit 38. Turn right at the stop sign and travel 1/2 mile and turn left on Chappie James Ave.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Tuskegee Airmen NHS Visitor Center: Mon 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Tue 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Wed 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sun Closed. The Visitor Center and museums are open Monday-Saturday from 9:00AM to 4:30PM. They are closed for the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years.

Weather

The weather in Tuskegee is generally sunny, averaging around 218 sunny days annually. Average rainfall is 52 inches a year, with an average snowfall of 0 inches. The high temperature in July is around 92 degrees, and average low in January is around 42 degrees.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Great Smoky Mountains, about 255 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.