Ocmulgee National Monument

After getting the RV fixed at the KOA, he told us that our axles were on wrong and wearing our tires really fast.  We were a bit freaked out but we had to continue on our journey and headed to Ocmulgee National Monument before arriving at our Atlanta campground to make a plan on what to do about our axle and tired.  Ocmulgee National Monument is located in Macon, Georgia and was of specific interest to us because it's Book of Mormon lands!  The Visitor Center was a completely different kind of design as a nod to the Native American Indian of 3,000 year ago to 1826.  Mainly, this location dates to 900-1100 BC for the Early Mississippian Era to Late Mississippian Period of 1100-1350 AD.  And, many artifacts from c. 1690-1715 called the Muscogee Indiana.  It's a fascinating place to be!

Inside the Visitor Center held the passport stamp area, info desk and store.

Down a hallway started the exhibits on the Muskogee (Creek) Indians.  There are quite a few photos so I won't give dialogue but you can read the signs associated with the exhibit.

After the exhibit, we ventured to walk the mounds with the dogs for a little while.  The dogs still aren't accustomed to the southern heat, so they can only walk about 1/2 mile to a mile before they are spent.   Our first view was of the Earth Lodge ceremonial mound or council mound.  We passed by a hut before arriving there.

As we walked we could see the Temple Mound in the distance and railroad tracks that destroyed many of these mounds.

Then, we came to a cornfield and beyond was the Village Site and across from that the location where a Trading Post once stood inside a wooden perimeter.

In the distance from this spot, we could see a huge, tall mound much closer than when we were at the Ceremonial Mound with stairs leading to the top and I was curious to see it, but Scott wanted to take the dogs back, so I headed over and he took the dogs back for water and rest.  It was called the Greater Temple Mound.

We had met three guys just before I left and they said that from the top of that mound you can see downtown Macon, so I was even more curious.  But, the warned me to watch for gators!  OK.  Now, I was a bit more concerned but ventured on...

This middle field is where I left Scott and the dogs and you can see the  wooded out trading post on the left.
The farthest field is over by the Ceremonial Mound.

This is a swampy lake through the trees where Mr. Gator lives.

I would suggest you do this park early in the morning like we did.  Even so, it was terribly hot and I was dripping in perspiration by the time I returned to the VC.  I think kids would find this site very interesting and the VC really fun.  There is a Junior Ranger program.  Parking is plentiful so don't worry about bringing the rig but DO NOT try to drive to the mounds and there is a railroad track with only a 10' clearance and you won't make it.  Either walk or unhitch...and watch for gators!

After visiting this park we had a lot of discussion on Book of Mormon lands as it relates to the United States and listened to a symposium on the Jaredite archeology of the land.  So much to consider.  I find it interesting that the Book of Mormon gives ample evidence of the history of the Native American people in this land and South America since 600 BC.  Something to consider.