Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park — Attraction in Macon

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, located near Macon, Georgia, is a site of significant cultural and historical importance. It features large Native American earthen mounds built over 1,000 years ago and preserves the rich history of the people who have inhabited the region for the past 17,000 years.

Here's what you can discover at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park:

Mounds: The park is home to several major mounds, including the Great Temple Mound, which stands 56 feet tall. Visitors can climb to the top of this mound for stunning views of the surrounding area. Earth Lodge: This reconstructed ceremonial structure has a clay floor that dates back over 1,000 years. Inside, visitors can see the original seats and council chamber layout, offering a glimpse into the political and ceremonial life of the Mississippian culture. Museum and Visitor Center: The park's museum showcases artifacts unearthed from the site, including pottery, tools, and weapons. Informative exhibits detail the history of the native people and the later European settlers. Trails: A network of trails connects the various mounds and features within the park, providing opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Archaeological Significance: The park's diverse cultural record tells the story of prehistoric Native Americans, European explorers, and African American slaves, offering unique insights into the human history of the Southeastern United States. Ranger Programs: Rangers provide guided tours and educational programs that delve into the history, culture, and nature of the area. Check the schedule for seasonal events and programs. Picnic Areas: Scenic picnic areas allow visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoor setting. Accessibility: The park's visitor center, museum, and Earth Lodge are accessible to visitors with mobility challenges, and portions of the trail system are also accessible. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park provides a rich and engaging experience for history enthusiasts, families, nature lovers, and anyone interested in exploring the diverse heritage of the region. From the ancient mounds to the peaceful trails, the park offers a journey through time that connects the present to the distant past. Whether spending a few hours or an entire day, visitors will find much to explore and appreciate in this...

My fondest memories from being a kid was going here after my Papa's Dr appointments in Macon...25 years ago give or take lol Now that I have kids I make it one of our stops when we're in the area.

We have been half a dozen times easily over the past few years. (There's no cost to visit.) My kids are amazed each time they climb to the top at how much they can see. The climb isn't very bad, there are benches if you need to rest for a while and the view is stunning. Don't forget to take water though, especially if you start your walk from the museum.

The facility and grounds are always clean with friendly staff. The main trail is clear and easy to walk, wheelchair/stroller friendly until you get to the stairs to climb the mound. We like the short "alligator" trail as my kids call it but it's not stroller friendly lol I did see somewhere not long ago there was a bike path, we haven't taken that one yet but something to inquire about if you're a bike rider.

The museum is great. Each time we go I think I've looked at everything yet I still spot something new I didn't know before.

They have a nice gift shop and participate in the national park passport book if you have one just stamp it at the desk. We love the Indian Celebration they have each year too! Keep an eye out for it, you'll really enjoy all of the traditions and history shared that weekend.

They have monthly craft days for kids so check their site for that ... They participate in the Junior Ranger Badge program and I saw you can get a badge for your puppy dog if you take them with you. We'll have to take ours next visit so she and my little girl can get their badge together. ❤️

Lots to see and learn, stop by and check it out if you're...

I've been wanting to go here for years and my visit did not disappoint. Between the natural beauty and the cultural significance of the area, it's a must visit. The visitor center has very informative displays and a large amount of artifacts to view. I suggest starting off there to give yourself a good background before viewing the mounds. If you're a gift shop fan like me, the one here is small but mighty. I was happy to see they had items from local artisans for sale as well as the usual shirts/books/ magnets. The folks working in the visitor center were lovely as well. The mounds and trails were spectacular. Trails were well maintained and easy to follow. If you're limited on how much walking you can do, many mounds are visible from multiple parking areas along the road through the site. There is a staircase that takes you to the top of the largest mound which provides spectacular views and lets you immerse yourself in the significance of the site. Hiking trails are available around the area, and are all fairly short but pleasant hikes. There are many seating areas throughout if you need to rest or just want to sit and appreciate the area. Definitely bring of water and sunscreen because it's Georgia and the areas around the mounds are mostly in direct sun. There was a large amount of wildlife around as the park was not very crowded. The thing I was most surprised by was the amount of native wildflowers and other flora through the area. If you're a native plant lover, you'll find an unexpected treat here. I spent about 4 hours at the park and didn't make it through everything, so if you're a real history buff or like to meander, you could easily spend...