OPERATING HOURS
The Visitor Center for Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Keep in mind that times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for the park.
AMENITIES
- Ranger-staffed information desk where you can ask questions and pick up a park brochure
- Museum
- Park orientation film
- Book and souvenir store
- Restrooms
PARK FILM
Start your visit to Horseshoe Bend National Military Park by watching a 22-minute film about the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. This is a live-action documentary (real actors) that does an excellent job of not only explaining the battle, but also the 200 years of Creek history that led up to the violent confrontation. The film depicts war action with shooting and men falling dead (bloodless). It is suitable for children who understand the concept of war and death. The film is shown on demand, so you can watch it at any time.
HORSESHOE BEND MUSEUM
I get the feeling that Horseshoe Bend National Military Park’s museum and the film were created by the same people, for the museum plays out as if it were the script for the film. The first exhibits cover the origins of the Creek Indians, then go on to explain their social organization and how all of this was affected by the European settlers. A second section of exhibits explains the battle and the immediate events leading up to it, while the final exhibits tell about the battle’s aftermath, both in regards to the Americans and the Creeks. The museum is made up of both information panels and actual artifacts, most of which were found on the battlefield (some of them very recently).
Artifacts found on the battlefield on display at the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Visitor Center museum
Creek Indian artifacts on display at the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Visitor Center museum
There is also a short, light-animated map program that describes the battle. If you already saw the park film, it doesn’t add any new information, but it is short enough that it won’t hurt to watch it. Push a button and it starts playing.
SCHEDULING YOUR TIME
While most people take a glance at the information and artifacts and are in and out of the museum in a few minutes, those who have a great interest in the battle can read and see everything in about a half hour. Factor in the park film and you can spend up to an hour at the Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Visitor Center.
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Last updated on April 18, 2023