Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site - Things to See in Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia - Drawing visitors from the around world, this memorial complex was established to preserve the places where Dr. King was born, worked, worshiped and is buried. Several facilities, which are operated in partnership by the National Park Service, Ebenezer Baptist Church and The King Center, provide visitors the opportunity to pay tribute to Dr. King and to explore his life's work and legacy.
Admission and Hours - Admission and parking are free. Winter hours (mid-August to mid-June) are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer hours (mid-June to mid-August) are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed: Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1.
Exploring Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site - Most of the historic site is self-guided. First-come first-serve reservations on the day of your visit are required to tour the Birth Home of Dr. King (see below). Surrounded by a preservation district, designated to maintain the historic integrity of the Atlanta neighborhood known as Sweet Auburn, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site includes:
Admission and Hours - Admission and parking are free. Winter hours (mid-August to mid-June) are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer hours (mid-June to mid-August) are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed: Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1.
Exploring Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site - Most of the historic site is self-guided. First-come first-serve reservations on the day of your visit are required to tour the Birth Home of Dr. King (see below). Surrounded by a preservation district, designated to maintain the historic integrity of the Atlanta neighborhood known as Sweet Auburn, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site includes:
- The National Park Service Visitor Center - The best place to begin your visit, the Visitor Center provides a staffed information desk for park orientation. Exhibits and films explore the life of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement.
- The King Birth Home - Restored and furnished to recall the house during the 1930s and 1940s, this is where Martin Luther King, Jr., was born on January 15, 1929 and lived until the age of 12. Visiting the King Birth Home is permitted only by first-come first-served 30-minute ranger guided tours. Because tours fill quickly, make sure to register in person for the tour at the National Park Service Visitor Center as soon as you arrive.
- Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church - Built in the years from 1914 to 1922, this historic church is where Martin Luther King, Jr. was baptized, was ordained into the Baptist Ministry, served as co-pastor and planned non-violent civil rights strategies. On April 9, 1968, Dr. King's funeral took place here.
- Historic Fire Station No. 6 - Built in 1894, Fire Station No. 6 is the oldest standing firehouse in Atlanta. It served a vital role in the Sweet Auburn community until 1991.
- The King Center and Dr. King’s Tomb - The final resting place of Dr. King, Jr. is located here. Directly in front of the tomb, The Eternal Flame always burns. Freedom Hall commemorates the life of Dr. King with exhibits, timelines and some of Dr. King's personal artifacts.
- Peace Plaza - Landscaped grounds of the Peace Plaza include the International World Peace Rose Garden, reflection fountain, and the Behold Monument.
- More from About.com's Guide to US Parks
- Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site - NPS Website
- The King Center Website
- Top Atlanta Attractions
- Getting Around Atlanta
- Explore Atlanta Hotels and Compare Prices
- Georgia Airports
- Mileage and Estimated Driving Time to Atlanta