Learn more about more Atlanta landmarks and museums by visiting 100 Fun Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids Before They Grow Up and Best Atlanta Museums for Families to Learn and Play.

Wander through the exhibits at the Visitor Center.

Must See Things at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park

There's more than 30 acres to discover at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and possibly bring a notebook to write down any info or inspiration you discover. As long as protocols stay current, visitors can tour Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home, the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have a Dream" World Peace Rose Garden, and more. Head to the Visitor Center to sign up for the home tour, get a brief orientation about the park, see the D.R.E.A.M. Gallery, and more.

Tour the home where Dr. King was born and lived the first 12 years of his life at the national park.

Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home

Visit the home where Martin Luther King Jr. was born and the rest of the King family lived. Keep in mind that home tours are conducted 10am-4pm according to staffing levels, with 10 people allowed on each tour. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so arrive early to make sure you'll have time to see the home. On your way, stop by Fire Station No. 6, one of the first desegregated fire houses in the South.

In 1960 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became co-pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church with his father; he remained in that position until his death. 

Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church

Explore the center of the American civil rights movement at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King spoke eloquent, moving sermons and speeches in this congregation. Take a look at the history of the church, hear Dr. King's oratorical greatness, and watch a video of his sister talking about the King family. The church is closed on Sundays to park visitors, so plan accordingly.

The Eternal Flame is a reminder to keep Dr. King's dream of peace alive. 

The King Center

Visit the final resting place of Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, who established The King Center in 1968. Walk by the Reflecting Pool and Eternal Flame as a reminder to keep Dr. King's dream of peace alive. In addition to exhibits about Dr. and Mrs. King, take a look at Freedom Hall's exhibits devoted to Mahatma Gandhi and Rosa Parks. Like all features, entrance is free and visitors can take a self-guided tour.

The "I Have a Dream" World Peace Rose Garden is an artistic interpretation of Dr. King’s life and ideals of peace through nonviolence.

Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have a Dream" World Peace Rose Garden

Stop and smell the roses at this designated International World Peace Rose Garden. The garden's creative starburst design brings attention to the brilliance of Dr. King, making great use of the official flower of the United States. Located in front of the Visitor Center, this garden features a variety of 185 roses and looks out to the graves of Dr. and Mrs. King, directly across the street at the Peace Plaza.

Know Before You Go

• The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park is open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. The birth home is open for ranger-led tours from 10am-4pm, with sign-ups on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Entrance is FREE so no admission fees.
• The physical address is 450 Auburn Ave., Atlanta 30312. Parking is limited but available on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, or take MARTA.
• There are many restaurants along Edgewood Avenue and throughout the neighborhood. Get fresh air after your MLK Park visit and walk along the Atlanta Beltline, stop at a eatery to fill up, and discuss what you learned during the day.

Photos courtesy of the National Park Service