Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

08/28/2026

Two weeks? Two Weeks?!

It is officially 2 weeks from our largest event of the year. We will be welcoming many Southeastern Tribal Nations back to their ancestral homelands to celebrate their history and culture. There will be cultural demonstrations, crafts, storytelling, and much more. This is a thrilling free event for all ages and will be occurring all weekend. The event will run Saturday September 12th and Sunday September 13th. We hope to see you soon!

Here is some key information:

▪️Event is Saturday September 12th and Sunday September 13th, 2026
▪️Program starts at 10:00 AM and runs until 5PM each day
▪️No onsite parking – free parking available at 171 Emery Hwy, Macon GA (with Bibb Co Sheriff Deputy on-site)
▪️Free shuttles to the event from the parking lot starting at 9:15 AM
▪️ADA shuttle with wheelchair lift will be available
▪️The event is free!!

Have more questions? Head over to our website to review and check out the frequently asked questions.

Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration

08/13/2026

The Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration is only one month away on September 12th and 13th!

One of the neatest aspects of the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration is the opportunity to interact with Native artists. There will be many artists representing a variety of southeastern tribes showcasing their art at the event. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn the process and inspiration behind their art and creations.

We will even have hands-on programs at our Make and Take tent where youth will have the opportunity to create their own art, guided by a Native artist. The program schedule is still being finalized, but when it is ready it will be posted on our website.

The event is free and runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday and Sunday.

There will be no on-site parking during the event. Free parking is available at 171 Emery Hwy, Macon, GA, 31217.

A free shuttle will transport visitors to the event. An ADA shuttle with lift will be available. The first shuttle will depart at 9:15 AM from 171 Emery Highway in Macon.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the event!

For more information, visit our website: https://www.nps.gov/ocmu/planyourvisit/ocmulgee-indigenous-celebration.htm

08/02/2026

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and the Ocmulgee Mounds Association are seeking volunteers for the annual Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration, taking place September 12–13, 2026.

This two-day event celebrates the cultures and traditions of Southeastern Native American communities through dance performances, storytelling, demonstrations, and more.

Volunteer roles include:

▪️Assisting with hands-on activities like pottery
▪️Greeting and guiding guests at the information tent
▪️Supporting cultural presenters and demonstrators
▪️Staffing water stations for guests and participants
▪️General event support

Join us in making this special event a success while learning more about the deep Native history of this land.

Location: Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Macon, GA
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13, 2026

To sign up or learn more, visit: https://ow.ly/fNqk50ZuPA2

NPS Photo

08/01/2026

It’s peak summer here in central Georgia and it’s HOT!

If you’re planning to visit Ocmulgee Mounds this month, be sure to be prepared. Here are a few tips for a safe and enjoyable hike:

🕗 Start early – The gates open at 8:00 am, allowing you to get a head start on the sun.

💧 Bring plenty of water – carry a water bottle and drink it!

🥵 Be mindful of your limits - even though we are not as remote as other parks, there are some steep hills and sunny trails that can test your limits.

👣 Avoid hiking alone – and if you must, make sure someone knows where you are and what your route is.

🌳 Find the shade - Several trails, such as the Bartram Trail and the Opelofa Trail, offer shade to help you stay cool.

If you encounter a heat-related or any other emergency, please call 911.

We hope to see you soon!

07/29/2026

The countdown continues!

In just six weeks, we will be hosting the 34th annual Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration! Mark your calendars for this exciting event that celebrates Indigenous heritage and culture.

The celebration will take place on September 12th and 13th, beginning at 10:00 AM and concluding at 5:00 PM each day.

This free event is family friendly and offers a wide variety of things to do and see. In our main event arena, there will be storytelling, music, dancing, game demonstrations and more. Hands-on activities will be available, designed to engage attendees and foster a deeper appreciation for Indigenous heritage and culture. Additionally, many Native artists will be present, showcasing their unique wares, providing a chance to support Indigenous craftspeople and learn about the process behind their art.

There will be no on-site parking during the event. Free parking is available at 171 Emery Hwy, Macon, GA, 31217.

A free shuttle will transport visitors to the event. The first shuttle will depart at 9:15 AM from 171 Emery Highway in Macon.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the event!

For more information, visit our website:

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07/15/2026

Summer is well underway here in central Georgia, and that means we are getting closer to our annual event, the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration!

Starting Saturday September 12th, we are welcoming many Southeastern Tribal members back to their ancestral homelands to showcase their thriving culture through songs, stories, dance, music, art and more. There will be an arena with an all-day schedule of performances, opportunities for kids to create their own art or craft with a visiting Native artist and more!

The event is Saturday and Sunday, September 12th and 13th from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

There will be no on-site parking during the event. Free parking is available at 171 Emery Hwy, Macon, GA, 31217.

A free shuttle will transport visitors to the event. The first shuttle will depart at 9:15 AM from 171 Emery Highway in Macon.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the event!

For more information, visit our website: https://www.nps.gov/ocmu/planyourvisit/ocmulgee-indigenous-celebration.htm

06/19/2026

Internship opportunity!

Ocmulgee Mounds NHP is recruiting a 14-week intern to work in the visitor services division. This internship is managed through the American Conservation Experience (ACE). The ACE Member will primarily focus on providing formal and informal public interpretation and developing content for the park social media and website that will enhance visitor experience and understanding of resource significance.

This is a paid internship that includes housing. For more information and to apply, visit https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1297197

05/19/2026

We’re Hiring!

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is hiring a seasonal Park Guide to support the Interpretation, Education and Visitor Services team. We are looking for an enthusiastic and flexible individual to join our team and support summer programming and events.

This position overlaps with exciting events happening over the summer and early fall, including the annual Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration. Park housing may be available.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.usajobs.gov/job/868929600

04/25/2026

Still time to come on down to the mounds and join us!

We are setting up for the Among Our Relatives-A Color Walk Workshop with Okcate Smith McCommas-
Today @ 11am.
FREE

04/24/2026

We’ve got an exciting weekend of programming here at Ocmulgee Mounds!

We are excited to welcome Mvskoke artist Okcate Smith McCommas as she leads several engaging programs at the park.

Okcate will host two youth programs for participants ages 5-18 on Saturday and Sunday. During these sessions, attendees will learn about plant and animal relatives while Okcate shares stories from her formative years in her Tribe’s homelands, her journey to the Mvskoke Reservation in Oklahoma, and the differences between these places. After the walk, Okcate will guide the group in creating an interpretive collage inspired by the colors and visions seen along the way.

In addition to the youth programs, Okcate will offer an artist talk where she discusses her art and the intentions behind it. A lifelong multi-media artist, Citizen of the Mvskoke Nation with Purépecha, Scottish, and Eastern Band Cherokee ancestry, Okcate approaches art as a powerful tool of expression and an agent of change. Through her work, she addresses intergenerational trauma and celebrates the relationships between Body and Land.

Program Schedule:
📅Among our Relatives youth program: Saturday April 25th @ 11:00 am
📅Artist Talk: Saturday April 25th @ 2:00 pm
📅Among our Relatives youth program: Saturday April 26th @ 2:00

For more information, check the calendar on our website.
https://www.nps.gov/ocmu/planyourvisit/calendar.htm