What it is
This National Park Service site preserves the Sweet Auburn blocks where Martin Luther King Jr. was born, grew up, worshipped and preached. Walking the preservation district, you can see the neighborhood where he played as a child, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was baptized and later served as co-pastor, the second Atlanta fire station to be integrated, and the tomb of Dr. and Mrs. King set on a brick island in a reflecting pool. The “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden is also part of the visit.
What to do
Ranger-led programs are free and open to everyone. Rangers lead daily Church Talks, walk-through tours inside Historic Ebenezer, and give Birth Home presentations several times a day. The visitor center is being renovated, so start at the temporary visitor center inside Historic Fire Station No. 6 at 39 Boulevard NE, which handles registration for Birth Home programs; those are limited to small groups. The “Courage to Lead” exhibit tells the story of the movement.
Before you go
The temporary visitor center, Historic Ebenezer and Freedom Hall are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All facilities close on January 1, Thanksgiving Day and December 25; the park stays open on the King federal holiday in January and during the April 4–9 anniversary observance, often with special programs. Program times change, so check the park calendar on nps.gov/malu before you head over. On Saturdays, local food trucks set up at the park.
Getting here
The park offers free visitor parking at 423 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE.
