Indian temple mounds at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

PARK OVERVIEW

Located in Macon, Georgia, a sizeable city an hour and a half south of Atlanta, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park preserves earthen mounds built by Indians between 900 and 1000 AD. Unlike other Indian mound sites in the United States, the Ocmulgee Mounds are not burial mounds (with one exception) but are instead earthen platforms on which temples and houses for the elite were built so they overlooked the village. Some mounds existing today are nothing more than tiny hills that would go unnoticed to the average person. Some are as tall as a five story building. All were built one bucket of dirt at a time.

There are a total of twelve points of interest in the park—seven Indian mounds, one earth lodge, one pre-historic site, one Civil War site, and two European history sites. Not all sites are accessible by vehicle, but all major sites are, though some do require a short walk to visit them. Hiking is the only way to see all points of interest.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park was recently expanded, but it will be many years before new areas will be open to the public.

OPERATING HOURS

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park grounds are open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. The Visitor Center and Earthlodge are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The park is gated, and all vehicles must be out by or shortly after closing time.

The entire park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for the park.

FEES

There are no fees to enter Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. Donations are always welcome.

Some of the Special Events do have charges.

SCHEDULING YOUR VISIT

Visitor Center and Museum
(allow 1-2 hours)

Driving to the Mounds and Historic Sites
(allow 1.5 hours)

Hiking to the Mounds and Historic Sites
(allow 3 hours)

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