If there are volunteers on site you can go into the firehouse and see a 1927 American LaFrance fire engine and learn more about the civil rights movement led to the 1963 desegregation of the Atlanta Fire Department. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park- 22 miles, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area- 18 miles, Freedom Riders National Monument - 92 miles, Little River Canyon National Preserve - 110 miles, Russel Cave National Monument - 156 miles. The Visitor Center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. This is the place to stop for a brief orientation to the historic site, which facilities are open, how to sign up for a Birth Home tour, and the location of the nearest restroom. Plan your trip or call 404-848-5000 for help and the latest schedule updates. Civil rights walk of fame. 15 Scenic Fall Hiking Destinations in the USA, 28 Diverse RV Blogs + Vlogs That Inspire an RV Lifestyle, Guide to Visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta, Georgia, 10 Essential RV Camping Tips for Beginners, 14 Beautiful Parks and Hikes Near Philadelphia, 42 Beautiful Places to Hike Around the World (All Fitness Levels), My Experience at Feria del Barrio Philadelphia (Hispanic Heritage Month), I Married My Travel Partner: Our Terrain Wedding in Photos. MARTA you can take bus Route 3 (Martin Luther King Dr./Auburn Ave.) or Route 99 (Boulevard/Monroe Dr.). I have been a Park Ranger for almost 20 years and can't wait to share with you National Park Travel Tips, Recipes, and so much more! Getting to the park via The Atlanta Streetcar. If you are in Atlanta, Georgia and want to explore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (also known as the Martin Luther King Jr. Contact: National Park Service at 404-331-6922. This post may contain affiliate links. All facilities are closed January 1st., Thanksgiving Day, and December 25th. No advanced registration or phone reservations are accepted. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is open from 9am to 5pm on January 20th, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Birth Home is open for ranger-led tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Video programs are presented in the Visitor Center Theater on a continuing basis. The first tour at 10:00 am and the last tour at 4:00 p.m. Tours are limited to 15 people. Based on Kunta Kinte, Alex Haley's ancestor made famous in his book "Roots", this statue of Kunta Kinte raising his infant daughter to the stars is a testament to the centuries-old struggle for equality and freedom for all people. Pets are not allowed in the following structures except for certified service animals trained to assist persons with disabilities or to guide dogs accompanying visually impaired persons. For the next twelve years he lived here with his grandparents, parents, siblings, other family members and … The featured exhibit entitled "Courage To Lead" follows the parallel paths of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement. Your email address will not be published. Be prepared to wait several hours for the next available tour. See what's new in the D.R.E.A.M Gallery home of special exhibits that change from time to time. Ebenezer Baptist Church is where his funeral was held amidst worldwide coverage in 1968. Throughout the Center, Martin Luther King, Jr's lifetime of speeches and sermons are played for all to hear, and the exhibit climaxes with a stirring and tear-jerking exhibit from his April 3, 1968 speech to the Memphis sanitation workers. Once you get out of the car in the enormous parking lot leading to the center, your trip begins on The International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, a path of plaques and footprints created by Civil Rights activist and artist Xernora Clayton in honor of the African-American pioneers and their supporters who were instrumental in following and continuing the peaceful path for African-American and African equality around the world. Some highlights include: Visitor Center exhibits. The junior ranger program is a great way to learn more about the park during your visit. Fire Station No. You can find less crowds if you visit the MLK Jr. National Historical Park early during the week or on Sundays. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Saratoga National Historical Park - New York, Things to do in Petrified Forest National Park, The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site Visitor Center. You can explore the rectory and exterior of the church that Martin Luther King's father and grandfather preached at and where Martin, Jr. was baptized and started his career in the ministry before moving to Alabama in the 1950s. The back of Martin Luther King, Jr. Center goes out to Auburn Avenue and the old Ebenezer Baptist Church. We ended up driving around the block a few times to find the entrance to the parking lot. Location – 501 Auburn Avenue, NE. Gary Tarleton, NPS. We will remain closed until further notice. Walk further down Auburn Avenue and see Martin Luther King's grave afloat a reflecting pool and take a moment to pray and remember this man's life to better others. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. National Register of Historic Places. It is well worth a half-day to tour this wonderful historical monument to one of America's pioneers of peace and equality. One African-American man found this out the hard way in the 1950s when he was visiting family in the South from Chicago and called a white woman "Babe!" The Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Park is a must-do in Atlanta! Yes! Historical Park, I hope this guide helps keep the information straightforward and accessible. You should arrive in the morning to register for one of that day’s later tours, If your tour isn’t available until later in the day, feel free to explore the rest of the historical park while you wait. January 20, 2009 was a great moment in American History when Barack Obama was sworn into office as the first African-American President of the United States of America. A staffed Information desk is located just inside the front doors of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Visitor Center. The NPS & the King family have done a great job of restoring & preserving these inspiring sites. 6 is staffed by volunteers when possible. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center and other sites on Auburn Avenue are open daily from 9-5 and are free of charge to tour. Park Hours: The Visitor Center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and … Located in the lobby of the Visitor Center is the "Children of Courage" exhibit, which is geared towards our younger visitors. You can march or walk among this interactive exhibit and experience the march for yourself. 6. 6 (learn about the desegregation of the Atlanta fire department), Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (where MLK went to church and ultimately became a minister). Birth Home Tour - If you plan to see the Birth Home you will need to sign up for the ranger-led Birth Home Tour at the visitor center. There’s lots to learn and explore during your time visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. The New Ebenezer Baptist Church is also open to the public and was the site of Martin's mother's tragic shooting in 1971 as she played the piano during a Sunday church service. Across the street from Dr. King's Birthplace is a row of shotgun homes that were home to African-American laborers in the early 20th Century and was the site of several riots against the police who were sent there to break up strike meetings that occurred in the houses. Because of its popularity, you may need to plan ahead to grab a spot. Martin was born in this 1895 Victorian home and lived here for the first 12 years of his life. Enjoy your visit to Atlanta! National Park Service. The photos and memorabilia from the several exhibits will hit you like a line drive with the emotional tales of lynchings of African-Americans in the South. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Freedom Hall will be closed to the public beginning, Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Printable list of US National Parks in Alphabetical Order, Printable List of all 419 US National Park Sites, List of US National Parks in Alphabetical Order, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Top things to do when visiting Martin Luther King Jr. NHP, Visit Martin Luther King Jr. birthplace home, Become a Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park Junior Ranger, Things to know when planning a visit to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, National Parks near Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, « Sylvan Lake Lodge and Cabins - Custer State Park, Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site ». Required fields are marked *. Since 1980, the MLK Center has been a National Historic Site that is preserved for future generations to learn about the life and works of this fascinating man. March 13, 2009. The park is also accessible by public transit. As you walk from the Visitor Center towards the birthplace home you will pass Fire Station No. Park Entrance Fee: $0.00 there is no charge to visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta.