Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Georgia

NPS Photo

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a tireless advocate for racial equality, working classes, and the oppressed around the world. Commonly called Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or MLK Day, the third Monday of January is a federal holiday to honor his life and legacy. Places where he made history and of the greater Civil Rights Movement he influenced are preserved in many national parks and in local communities around the country.

In honor of the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., national parks waived entrance fees for everyone on Monday, January 16, 2023, as the first fee free day of the year. It is also a day of service when thousands of volunteers participate in service projects across the country, including at national parks.

Find volunteer opportunities inspired by this day of service or visit a park to learn more about the history of Dr. King and the pursuit of civil rights in America.

MLK Day of Service

“The greatest birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to others.” - Coretta Scott King

MLK Day of Service is a defining moment in volunteerism, as Americans across the country step up to make communities more equitable and take action to build the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream. While Dr. King believed this community was possible, he acknowledged and fought for systemic change. His example is our call to action.

This is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Many national parks traditionally host a variety of service projects that people can sign up for as volunteers.

Find volunteer opportunities inspired by this day of service or look for a volunteer event.

Walk in Dr. King's Footsteps

The National Park Service preserves the stories of Dr. King's life and its profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement in our national parks and in communities across the country through the work of our programs and partnerships. Explore some of these places and check the calendar below for special events or ranger programs hosted by national parks.

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  GEORGIA

  Martin Luther King, Jr. NHP

  Walk through Dr. King's neighborhood in Atlanta that influenced his life and visit his birthplace, home, church, and burial site.

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  ALABAMA

  Selma to Montgomery NHT

  Retrace the steps of the 1965 Voting Rights March led by Dr. King on this 45-mile long trail.

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  ALABAMA

  Birmingham Civil Rights NM

  Visit the places where Dr. King and his fellow civil rights activists coordinated a nonviolent campaign to end segregation.

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  DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

  Lincoln Memorial

  Stand where Dr. King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech beside other prominent civil rights activists.

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  DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

  Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

  Reflect on the lasting legacy of Dr. King at a national memorial in the heart of the nation's capital.

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  NATIONWIDE

  African American Civil Rights Network

  A new network of sites telling the story of the African American Civil Right Movement includes places from Dr. King's life.

Find an Event

Set the calendar to January to find in-person and virtual programs about Dr. King's life and service projects at national parks around the country. Remember to check ahead for trip planning information and to recreate responsibly for a safe visit.

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  Struggle, Community, and Triumph

  African American Heritage

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  Our Nation's Arc to Equality

  Civil Rights

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  The Road to Equality

  Segregation & Desegregation