Ocmulgee National Monument

One of our favorite places to visit here in Macon, for several reasons, is the Ocmulgee National Monument. The main one being that it is free! It is open almost every day of the year and the kids love to walk through it and visit the mounds and all the resident wildlife. We've visited several times, and I love taking photos down there. Here are some more recent ones. We've been visiting more often lately due to the newest resident--a young alligator!

A deer by the marsh, Adrian said he saw a fawn with her but I couldn't see it.

Another deer eating her breakfast

Dad's not amused by my photographing him 

The Lesser and Greater Temple Mounds

The young alligator again, and a Great Blue Heron

I think this is a snowy egret? Correct me if I'm wrong...

Below are some older photos of the mounds and wildlife, and the lodge--which visitors can enter and explore. There are several short trails that wind throughout the park that hikers can explore. One of which is the River Trail, which takes you under the interstate and right up to the Ocmulgee River. It has been closed recently due to flooding but I plan to visit it soon and take more photos with my fancy grown-up camera.

Just a turtle, hanging out in the middle of the trail. 

Sunning turtles and the young alligator

Chipper and Me, on a morning walk through the park

Climbing up the Lesser Temple Mound

Ollie's first visit inside the Earth Lodge

At the River Trail in 2010

At the end of the River Trail

A view of the marsh from atop the Great Temple Mound

A snapping turtle on its way to the marsh

One of the many trails

A bridge over the railroad

The Ocmulgee National Monument also hosts a variety of events throughout the year such as the Lantern Walks in March (which we've yet to attend) and the annual Ocmulgee Indian Celebration in September--where members of local Native American tribes shares stories, music, dances, and crafts. There is also a museum in the Visitor's Center that is free to visit and has a gift shop filled with local art and historical gifts. Very neat! If you're ever in Macon, you must check out this park. It is definitely worth a visit! Like their Facebook page and visit their website for more information.

A dancer at the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration

Story-telling at the Celebration

A warrior and his warhorse at the celebration