Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

The Basics

At the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, stroll around to follow the journey of Dr. King from his birth to his rise as one of the country’s most important leaders. Inside the visitor center is a museum that chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement, and Dr King’s role in it. The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change has more information on MLK’s life and work, and a few of his personal effects, including his Nobel Peace Prize. His grave, between the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center, is surrounded by a long reflecting pool and rose garden.

The National Park Service offers free, guided tours of Dr. King’s Birth Home; pick up a timed ticket at the information desk. Other tours from downtown Atlanta via bus, electric car, or Segway make stops at this historic site along with other city sightseeing highlights.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Fire Station No. 6, a restored firehouse, has a gift shop selling memorabilia relating to Dr. King’s life.

• Most portions of the National Historical Park are accessible to wheelchair users. Wheelchairs are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Most exhibits and tour routes are inside, but you must pass between buildings, so dress accordingly for the weather.

How to Get There

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is in Midtown Atlanta, east of the CNN Center. The site is also part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District, an area bounded roughly by Irwin, Randolph, Edgewood, Jackson, and Auburn Avenues. You can get here easily by bus and MARTA trains.

When to Get There

A typical visit to the National Historical Park takes between one and two hours. The visitor center, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall are open from 9am to 5pm daily. The Birth Home is open for ranger-led tours from 10am to 4pm daily. Fire Station No. 6 is staffed by park volunteers and is open from 9am to 5pm. All facilities are closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

The Eternal Flame

Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. King are buried in a crypt at the King Center. The eternal flame there symbolizes the continuing effort to realize Dr. King’s dream of the “Beloved Community,” which was his vision for a world of justice, peace, and equality for all mankind.

Ways to explore

Follow the journey of Martin Luther King Jr. from his birth to his rise as one of the country’s most important leaders. Take a self-guided tour of the site; start at the Visitor Center, then visit the museums and monuments that chronicle Dr. King’s life and the American Civil Rights Movement. Highlights include the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, where you can view his Nobel Peace Prize, the World Peace Rose Garden, and his crypt.

The National Park Service offers free, guided tours of Dr. King’s Birth Home and Ebenezer Baptist Church; arrive early to secure one of the first-come, first-served spots. The park is also included on many Atlanta sightseeing tours, along with other attractions that highlight the city's history and culture.

Accessibility

Most portions of the National Historical Park are accessible to wheelchair users. Wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. Martin Luther King’s Birth Home is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator to the second floor, and the Ebenezer Baptist Church can be accessed via a metal ramp. Service animals are welcome throughout the park.

Age limits

The park is kid-friendly, but best suited for children aged 5 and older.

What to pack

Camera, reusable water bottle, sunglasses, picnics to eat in designated areas (Park Pavilion, Peace Plaza, Amphitheatre)

What to wear

Layers for indoor and outdoor temperatures, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Smoking, drones, pets inside park facilities

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi, free parking

Address 

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is centrally located in Midtown Atlanta. You can get here easily by bus and MARTA trains.

Driving

Set your directions to the parking lot at 423 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue Northeast. Once you arrive, cross Irwin Street and walk down the Promenade to reach the Visitor Center.

Public transportation

The Atlanta Streetcar is the easiest way to get to the historic park: take it to Stop 9, King Historic District. You can also ride the MARTA Blue or Green lines to King Memorial Station; the park is roughly a 13-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

Free docent-led talks at the Birth Home are held daily at 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. They’re limited to 15 people on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early.

Best days to visit

Plan your trip for a weekday for fewer crowds, though you might have to share the park with visiting school groups.

Best months to visit

In general, Atlanta is at its best in the spring and fall, when comfortable temperatures make outdoor sightseeing more enjoyable.

Special events

Join city-wide celebrations leading up to MLK Day in January, including parades and the annual Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church.