Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

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Parks

District-Of-Columbia

Nearby: Korean War Veterans Memorial Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

The Martin Luther King Jr.

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Summary

Memorial is a major attraction in the District of Columbia and is dedicated to the famous civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. The memorial is located in West Potomac Park and is surrounded by beautiful cherry blossom trees. It was opened to the public in 2011 and has since become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

There are several good reasons to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Firstly, it is a great way to pay tribute to the life and legacy of one of the most important figures in American history. Secondly, the memorial is a beautiful piece of architecture that is sure to impress visitors. Finally, the memorial is located in a scenic part of the city and provides a great opportunity to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Some specific points of interest to see at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial include the 30-foot tall statue of Dr. King, which is surrounded by a wall inscribed with some of his most famous quotes. There is also a bookstore on-site that sells a variety of books related to Dr. King and the civil rights movement.

Interesting facts about the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial include that it is the first memorial on the National Mall to honor an African American individual, and it was designed by a Chinese artist named Lei Yixin. Additionally, the memorial includes a quote from Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech that has been controversial due to its removal of the word "if."

The best time of year to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is mild. However, it is open year-round and can be visited at any time. Visitors are advised to check the National Park Service website for any information on changes to hours or operations due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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