Inspiring Stops Along The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Trail On The Chattahoochee River

Each year Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy are honored on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 17th, celebrating the integral part he played in the Civil Rights Movement. However, you can visit inspiring Martin Luther King, Jr. monuments, historical parks, institutes, and museums all year round. At these institutions visitors can learn about the Civil Rights Movement, King’s life and involvement in the movement, black history, and more. One place to find a variety of these stops is along Georgia’s Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Trail on The Chattahoochee River.

Charming Galena Experiences

Best For Variety Of Places To See
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park in Atlanta, Georgia is an inspiring stop on the trail to uncover King’s story and learn about his life and legacy. Starting with his birthplace, the park gives visitors a glimpse into King’s life. There are many significant places to visit in the park including the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where King became an influential pastor and the house where Dr. King was born. The Behold Monument, Park Visitor Center, and “I Have A Dream” World Peace Rose Garden are also popular places within the park to learn about King and the Civil Rights Movement and celebrate his legacy.

MLK National Historic Park Trip Tips
Entrance Fee: Free admission, Must-See Place or Exhibit: Birthplace of MLK, Nearby Attractions: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, Thumbs Up Diner

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Inspiring MLK Stops: Albany Civil Rights Institute (Albany, GA)

Best For Learning About Civil Rights
Visitors to this stop on the trail get the opportunity to enter the newly restored 1906 Old Mt. Zion Church and learn about the civil rights struggles. The Albany Civil Rights Museum and Institute features a variety of exhibits and artifacts such as oral histories, photographs, documents and artifacts, and educational exhibits to help visitors discover and understand the movement. Many of these artifacts and exhibits feature Dr. King, as his involvement in the movement was one of, if not the most prominent of all. If you visit on the second Saturday of the month, you’ll also have the chance to see the Freedom Singers perform at the church.

Albany Civil Rights Institute Trip Tips
Entrance Fee: Small Admission Fee, Must-See Place or Exhibit: Oral histories, Nearby Attractions: Ray Charles Memorial Riverside Park

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Inspiring MLK Stops: The King Center (Atlanta, GA)

Best For Most Information and Unique Exhibits
Located in Atlanta, GA, the King Center is a global destination, resource center, and community institution that receives nearly a million visitors each year. The King Center is home to Dr. & Mrs. King’s Crypt, the inspiring Eternal Flame exhibit, and Freedom Hall. It is also an astounding resource for materials and information on Dr. King’s life and legacy. The King Center houses the largest collection in the world of primary source materials on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement. The outdoor memorial containing the crypt of Dr. King and his wife is one of the most celebrated memorials in the world. But there is much more to discover at the center, including African and Georgian art, special programs, a resource center, and exhibits honoring Dr. and Mrs. King, Mahatma Gandhi, and Rosa Parks.

The King Center Trip Tips
Entrance Fee: Free Admission, Must-See Place or Exhibit: Dr. and Mrs. King’s Memorial Crypt, Nearby Attractions: Atlanta Botanical Garden, Freedom Park, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

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Best For Interactive Exhibits and Displays
One of the most engaging and interactive cultural attractions on the trail, the Center for Civil and Human Rights is a popular stop. Visitors can get a better understanding of the civil rights movement, and its connection to the global human rights movement of today. The center has many immersive exhibitions and galleries for visitors to explore and discover. The Lunch Counter Sit-In, where you can place yourself in the shoes of non-violent protestors of the 1960s, and Freedom Riders exhibits are two popular immersive experiences out of many that allow you to get a glimpse of the civil rights movement. The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection is another exhibit where visitors can view the personal papers and items of Dr. King.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights Trip Tips
Entrance Fee: Admission tickets, Must-See Place or Exhibit: Fragments, Nearby Attractions: Georgia Aquarium, Original Selfie Museum

Content Writer and Social Media Coordinator. I paint, listen to music, and play with my dogs a lot. When I’m not doing all that, I love to read and try new things.

Maeve Miller

Writer, River Travel Magazine