Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

Tammy Hammel

2022-05

First visit to this park. The staff was very helpful. The facility was nice and loaded with all kinds of information and artifacts. I did not spend a lot of time inside. I walked the trail which was well maintained, easy to moderate, and had benches along the way. There were spots for more learning of the battle with a cell phone in hand you could listen to more history. The trail takes you around the battlefield and you will have a chance to walk along the river. If you do not want to walk, you can drive through and stop at each information site. I enjoyed the walk and saw some beautiful scenery.

Donte Gordon

2024-03

This was such an awesome experience I was able to share with my WOCS class. We really appreciate CW4 Norman's approach to guiding us through history on hollowed ground.

Nathan Venton

2023-10

Beautiful view! There's a short half mile hike up to the tower, but if you want the easier path, you can just go up the service road which is at the end of the parking lot past the gate.

Daniel Duran

2022-05

Nice national military park to enjoy being out and seeing a few historical events! It’s easily accessible with the car but there’s not too much to see! I recommend seeing the museum inside the visitor center! It helps to understand everything that happened!

Bethany Stewart

2017-05

Wonderful place to enjoy a day trip. Lots of history and beautiful scenery. We decided to walk the length of the park since the weather was perfect but it is also an easy drive around the park if you have mobility issues. They also have a guided audio tour which would also be helpful if you have difficulty walking the length of the park. It gives information at each stop and is easy to use by just calling in from your phone. This was especially helpful for my parents who wanted to take a car ride down here after we went but have difficulty walking long distances. Included the picture of the armadillo since we lost count on how many we saw throughout the park. Ha Would recommend!

P F (Passiflora)

2019-05

Beautiful place to hike and learn about US history. For decades I had passed Horseshoe Bend Road on my way to Lake Martin. Yesterday I decided to visit with hiking boots on. I stopped at the visitor’s center where the rangers were friendly and informative. They supplied me with a brochure and a map. There was a video (about 20 minutes) explaining the events that took place-historically accurate and interesting. It is definitely worth watching before taking in the rest of the park. Many people then take a driving tour-a loop with several stops that you could do in 30 minutes if in a hurry or linger and explore. Instead I parked at the first stop and hiked the 2.5 mile trail that led me to most of the historic markers and alongside the beautiful Tallapoosa river and across peaceful meadows. I went on a weekday and only saw one other person on the trail. The trail is wide and well-maintained with crushed gravel and benches along the way. After my hike I took the driving tour which had a couple of stops I had not seen on my hike. So glad I made the trip!

Sunshine Knighton

2021-05

Military History Park with a self guided driving tour. The visitor center's restrooms are currently closed. Very nice, easy hiking trails and battle relics. We enjoyed a walk along the river.

Sheley White

2018-05

Very nice park. The guide was very helpful. The bathrooms were clean and the inside. The movie is only 20 minutes long and the artefacts have so much information posted beside them. My little family enjoyed this trip and today was the actual anniversary of Horse Shoe Bend. This is a must see park.

K H

2021-05

Absolutely loved this place. The park is very well maintained and lots of walking trails. No picnicking allowed here. History was fascinating. Make sure you take plenty of water with you. Office was closed due to COVID-19.

Moving on with Old man river

2022-05

There are 5 stops on the tour drive.. There's great views of the river , it is a horseshoe bend in the river. Andrew Jackson fought and defeated the creek red clubs on March 29 1814. He had 3300 troops including a little over 600 Cherokee and lower creek warriors. The red club creeks didn't protect their rear where they were attacked from by the Indian warriors and Jackson attacked the front.

Cassie Nix

2023-05

Not a ton to see but it is a nice drive through the woods. The visitor center and brochure have the most information. It was still a nice place to stretch after a long car ride and let the dogs out.

Gottfried Kibelka

2021-05

The Visitor Center and all facilities are closed due to COVID-19. That shouldn't discourage you as the nature trails starts right at the overlook close to the visitor center. The trailhead is a wee bit hidden but there is a sign. The trail is mostly a 4 - 6 foot wide gravel path leading through a relatively young, mixed hardwood forest with an understory of different ferns. The trail features stretches of cane (native bamboo) when it gets closer to the Tallapoosa and will lead you to the 2 main exhibits in the park. Not much to see but the beautiful landscape and river. Archeologists determined the location of the bulwark and the park keeps the area of the battle as on open field. I liked the park but whenever I visit a place of native american importance, I feel saddened that the rightful landowners had to be massacred in the name of progress and expansion.

Tyler Krikorian

2021-05

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is a beautiful and quiet place that is rich with history! I recommend stopping at every stop and reading the signs on the events that led to the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. It will make you reflect on how the Native American Creeks were brutally forced off their land for the purpose of American Expansion. In addition to the park's historical events, the park truly expresses the beauty of Central Alabama's forests, rivers, and wildlife.

Mollie U

2024-01

Very beautiful park! I enjoyed they had a walking trail and an auto trail filled with information. Everything was well kept and clean!

Alejandro De Quesada

2019-05

Outstanding historical site with well preserved battlefield. Visitors Center has an excellent exhibits detailing the battle between General Jackson and the Red Sticks.

Karen Hickok

2023-05

Wonderful visitor center and friendly park ranger. Great place for history buffs or just a nice place to visit on a cool February day.

Davis D. Janowski

2021-05

Every American born and raised in the Deep South should have to visit this site and study the origins of the battle that occurred and the consequences arising from its aftermath and how the course of an entire peoples' existence changed, how many suffered and died. I was born and raised in the nearby Florida panhandle, which remained a Spanish holding longer than what became Alabama and Georgia---the Old Southwest as it is no longer generally known. It was "the frontier" in the early 1800s. For my state the Creek defeat at Horseshoe Bend---Tohopeka to the Creek---led to the three Seminole Wars. It is a beautiful place full of history that deserves to be protected, preserved and serve as a place of education for our children. History is written by the victors. I grew up respecting, if not venerating Andrew Jackson. Only later, when an adult and reading on my own, studying both sides, did I come to know of the Creek war leader Red Eagle (William Weatherford), learn of his strategies, valor---as well as mistakes---his escape, and how he later became a close friend of Jackson...

Brian Decker

2024-04

Nice bathroom, visitor center and park. Come here to learn about a part of US history you probably haven’t heard about before.

Darla Wells

2022-05

We loved exploring this military park. The story of the Creek Indian fight is sad and well documented. Nice exhibit in the visitors center and the auto tour is great.

Betty Wallace

2023-12

We drove the Park Tour and visited the small Museum. The Ranger was VERY helpful and knowledgeable. I also got my Passport cancellation stamp there.

CURTIS YOUNG

2022-05

Excellent historical park to visit and admission is free. I've visited the park several times on my way to Cheaha State Park. Great stopping point to stretch your legs and bathroom stop.Lots of displays to look at inside. Also a 15 minute movie.There is also a gift shop inside the visitor center.The old cannon in front is great for pictures.You can drive your car around and stop at points of interest.I wish I had taken more pictures.Battle of Horseshoe BendOn the morning of March 27, 1814, in what is now Tallapoosa County, Gen. Andrew Jackson and an army consisting of Tennessee militia, United States regulars, and Cherokee and Lower Creek allies attacked Chief Menawa and his Upper Creek, or Red Stick, warriors fortified in the Horseshoe Bend of the Tallapoosa River. Facing overwhelming odds, the Red Sticks fought bravely yet ultimately lost the battle. More than 800 Upper Creek warriors died at Horseshoe Bend defending their homeland. This was the final battle of the Creek War of 1813-14. The victory at Horseshoe Bend brought Andrew Jackson national attention and helped elect him president in 1828. In treaty signed after the battle, known as the Treaty of Fort Jackson, the Creeks ceded more than 21 million acres of land to the United States.

Evan Muxen

2018-05

I had a quite enjoyable experience here. My only issue is the remodel of the visitor’s center was not complete and therefore was not was not that large. It was quite informative and gave a tremendous background of the battle. This was a pivotal moment in the United States' history, it ended the Creek War and propelled Andrew Jackson to the White House. This is not a large park still take your time and really experience the park, I recommend walking the nature trail. If you are a bit pressed for time then do the drive trail, but get out at each stop or you only get really half the experience.

Peter Gannon

2024-04

Incredibly beautiful park. Easy path and trails. Bike friendly. Leashed dog friendly.

A Shields

2023-07

The park ranger was very kind and knowledgeable. The park history was very somber. However, they do a good job of presenting the information.

Per Sveen

2022-05

Very interesting historical site where Andrew Jackson’s army killed over 800 Creek Indians in 1814. There are informative signs along the driving tour that give the exact location of the Creek barricade and village.

J Go

2022-05

Small, peaceful and was interesting. Really nice stop for a break out of the car or to learn our history.

Jerry Sherrill

2020-05

They dont clean the fire pits unless you ask. The grass is 2 foot high behind my camper which is where the lake is so I cannot access the water unless I want to be eaten alive by bugs. When they do mow they don't blow off your site afterwards so you end up having grass all over your rugs and you picnic area. I'm very disappointed.

Eddie Vaughn

2022-05

Beautiful rural setting for a most important military battle that too few know about. Very much worth the time to get there. The museum is small but significant.

Michael Cannon

2023-11

a piece of early American history. not so pretty.great facility well kept. drive thru guided tour with your phone excellent 👍. good walking trails

Brandi Pitts

2018-05

We love going to watch the reenactments. Beautiful place to see and lots of trails to hike.