Visit Georgia's Historic Native American Earth Lodge

Unless you knew it was there, the last thing you would expect just outside of downtown Macon is a beautiful prehistoric American Indian site. Over the course of thousands of years, several different American Indian cultures lived on the land. The Mississippian began around 900 CE. During this period, the Mississippian people built mounds for the elite members of their society. It is these mounds that still stand today for guests to come to visit and learn about these fascinating people. Welcome to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park in Bibb County.

Grand TemplePhoto byAuthor Jan Baker

For ease of access, visitors can either park at the visitor's center or by the grand temple. The visitor's center is a museum of artifacts from the Mississippian period. Be sure to catch the movie that plays periodically in the theater.

From the visitor's center, take the paved path to the Earth Lodge. Guests are welcome to enter the tunnel and see for themselves the authentic structure built by the Mississippian Indians. It was used as a winter council chamber. It seats about 50 people and is the place where the community would hold meetings. In the middle of the fire pit. A bird is sculpted into the ground. Around the earth lodge is a raised slab with indentations that serve as individual seats. While the roof was reconstructed in the 1930s, the floor is completely original. Be sure to press the button to hear the presentation on the history of the Earth Lodge.

Continue on the path, and you will arrive at the Grand Temple. Guests are allowed to climb to the top of the temple for an incredible view.

The National Park also has several beautiful, well-kept hiking trails. The best part is that you can bring your four-legged friend, just be sure to keep them on a leash.

The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is open 7 days a week. Be sure to wear your best walking shoes and bring plenty of water.

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