Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is one of the Nation's best-kept secrets, but not for long.
With plans to designate it as America's newest National Park, now is the time to visit. Learn about the indigenous communities that call this region their homelands and observe remarkable mounds that date back thousands of years ago!
Show Your Support In Two Ways
1. Sign the form asking your congressional leaders to designate the National Park! Congress is considering a bill to protect the mounds as Georgia’s first national park. Public support is crucial! The Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative is the driving force behind this effort, and we need you. Help preserve the mounds and the surrounding wilderness for future generations - a place to hike, canoe, fish, hunt, bird-watch, reflect and appreciate the deep history of the Muscogee people. Add your name today to encourage Congress to vote and to stay updated on the effort to protect a treasured place where people have lived for more than 17,000 years.
SIGN FOR SUPPORT
2. Watch ONPPI Director of Advocacy Tracie Revis' Ted Talk which discusses why the designation is so important for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation's citizens!
WATCH HERE
THEN & NOW
The region along the Ocmulgee River saw over 17,000 years of continuous human habitation and over 2,000 artifacts have been recovered from the site. In the 18th century, this area was made up of around 60 towns and formed the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. With the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the Muscogee Nation forcibly relocated in 1836 to Oklahoma, to the region now known and recognized as their capital, Okmulgee. The Muscogee Nation are the descendants of the Mississippian people who constructed the mounds thousands of years ago, seven of which have been preserved at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon. Local organizations such as the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative(ONPPI), Ocmulgee Mounds Association(OMA), Visit Macon, and elected officials are working with The Muscogee Nation to tell the story of the people and land accurately and respectfully. When the park is designated as a national park status, The Muscogee Nation will co-manage it, making it the first time in history that a tribe that was once removed from the land will help operate the national park.
Today, you can walk through 8 miles of trails interlaced with lush forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Explore the park's visitor center to learn more about the culture and heritage of the region or view artifacts recovered from thousands of years ago.
Annual Events
Every September, indigenous communities and visitors gather at the Ocmulgee Mounds for the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration which celebrates Southeastern Native American culture. Traditional vendors, food, demonstrations, dance and activities make up the two-day festival. Transportation during the celebration is easy thanks to shuttles that drive visitors to the park and back!
The Lantern Light Tour, annually held in the Spring during the International Cherry Blossom Festival, offers a rare look at the mounds. Grab a lantern and stroll along the luminary-lined path from the Visitor Center to the top of the Great Temple Mound. The mound overlooks downtown Macon's nighttime cityscape and is a stargazer's dream spot thanks to a beautiful view of the night sky with minimal light pollution.
