In Mississippi, the Emmett Till Interpretive Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 5 pm CT. In Illinois, visitor information is at Pullman National Historical Park, open daily, but Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ is only viewable from the exterior.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. Admission is free.
From Memphis, take Highway 61 south to Sumner, Mississippi, and visit the historic courthouse and Graball Landing, or head to Chicago for the poignant Roberts Temple Church, each a haunting yet powerful stop on a civil rights pilgrimage.
Motor vehicles can only stop or park in designated parking areas. No overnight parking, camping, or picnicking allowed. No specific RV or motorcycle restrictions mentioned.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, designated in 2023, is a poignant and powerful tribute to a pivotal moment in American history. This national monument spans three significant sites: the historic Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, Graball Landing on the Tallahatchie River, and the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, Illinois.
In Sumner, the Tallahatchie County Courthouse stands as a stark reminder of the injustice that unfolded within its walls, where an all-white jury acquitted the men accused of Emmett Till’s murder. The courthouse’s imposing presence is set against the backdrop of the Mississippi Delta’s rolling hills and lush cotton fields, a landscape both beautiful and haunting.
Graball Landing, where Emmett Till’s body was recovered from the Tallahatchie River, is a somber site that reflects the tragic events of 1955. The river, lined with cypress trees and home to catfish and largemouth bass, flows gently through the heart of Mississippi, its waters carrying a weighty history.
In Chicago, the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ is where Mamie Till-Mobley held her son’s open-casket funeral, a moment that galvanized the Civil Rights Movement. The church, a beacon of community and resilience, is surrounded by the vibrant streets of Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the history and legacy of Emmett Till and his mother through guided tours and educational programs. During the summer, the monument may host special events such as lectures and memorial services, while in the fall, the changing leaves of the Mississippi Delta add a melancholic beauty to the landscape.
For those seeking a deeper connection to the area, local outfitters offer historical tours and river excursions. Nearby, the town of Glendora, with its quaint shops and historic homes, provides a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. This national monument is not just a place to visit but a journey through the complex tapestry of American history, inviting travelers to reflect, remember, and reckon with the past.
- Area (mi²)
- 0.1
- Established year
- 2023
Top 3 Facts about Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument
Mamie Till-Mobley, who became a civil rights advocate after her son’s murder, was the first black student to make the A Honor roll and the fourth black student to graduate from her predominantly white high school, achieving this in a time of significant racial segregation. She later worked as a teacher in the Chicago Public School system for 23 years.
Along the Tallahatchie River, cypress and tupelo trees stand tall, their roots submerged in the murky waters that are home to largemouth bass and catfish. The air is filled with the songs of herons and egrets, while alligators bask in the sun on riverbanks lined with willows and magnolias. This serene backdrop contrasts sharply with the poignant history it preserves, inviting visitors to reflect on both the natural beauty and the profound significance of this place.
Along the Tallahatchie River, where Emmett Till’s body was recovered, the water flows gently through a landscape of rich alluvial soil and dense Southern forests. The river’s tranquil surface reflects the lush greenery of the Mississippi Delta, with temperatures often soaring to over 90°F in the summer months. This serene yet historically significant area is a testament to the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Living History & Cultural Demos
- Scavenger Hunts
- Virtual Junior Activities
- Arts & Crafts.
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan a few days for this poignant journey, especially during the humid Mississippi summer. Navigate dirt roads with reliable GPS and fuel up beforehand. Visit the Tallahatchie County Courthouse and Emmett Till Interpretive Center, then rest and refuel in nearby towns due to limited services. Attend the annual Emmett Till Memorial Service in August for a deeper connection. Bring water and snacks for the scenic but rugged terrain.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Bring snacks, a hat, and sunglasses for daytime explorations. Check the weather forecast and include a rain jacket or umbrella if necessary. For longer stays, add camping gear and a first aid kit.
Respect Wildlife
When visiting, respect the Mississippi Delta’s fragile ecosystem by staying on designated paths, avoiding litter, and not disturbing wildlife. Be mindful of summer heat and humidity, and wear insect repellent. In urban areas, recycle and support local conservation efforts. Leave the area as you found it.
Stay Informed
Watch your step on uneven, wet, or icy surfaces. Dress for the weather and stay hydrated. Seek shelter during thunderstorms. Lock your car and guard valuables. Call 911 in emergencies. Stay informed about weather and park rules.
Seasons
Visit in spring (March to May) when temperatures range from 60 to 80°F. Mild weather makes it ideal for exploring historic sites. Attend the annual Civil Rights Heritage Tour in April to immerse in the profound history and significance of the era.
Visit in summer for poignant commemoration events, like the August Graball Landing ceremony, amidst sweltering Mississippi heat (90s°F). A compelling journey through civil rights history, despite the humid weather.
Visit in the crisp autumn months of October and November, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Attend the annual Emmett Till Memorial Service, a poignant tribute to his legacy. The fall season offers a somber yet reflective atmosphere, ideal for contemplating the site’s historical significance.
Visit in winter (December to February) for a somber reflection amid crisp temperatures (40s-50s°F) and occasional frost. The serene landscape amplifies the historical significance, though some sites may have limited hours. A poignant time to immerse in civil rights history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
The closest cities to the monument sites are Sumner, Mississippi, for the Tallahatchie County Courthouse and Graball Landing, and Chicago, Illinois, for the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ. Sumner is the nearest city to the Mississippi sites, while Chicago is the nearest to the Illinois site.
-
Pets are generally not permitted inside national monuments, except for service animals. It is best to check with park officials for specific rules regarding pets in this monument. Service animals, however, are allowed.
-
For the Mississippi unit, parking is available across the street from the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Sumner, and there is limited roadside parking at Graball Landing in Glendora. In Illinois, parking can be found near Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, though it is recommended to use the parking facilities at Pullman National Historical Park 11 miles to the south.
-
The must-see spots include Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, Illinois, where Emmett Till’s open-casket funeral was held; the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where the trial of his murderers took place; and Graball Landing on the Tallahatchie River in Mississippi, where Emmett Till’s body was recovered after his murder in August 1955. These sites are significant for their role in highlighting the racial injustices of the time and their impact on the Civil Rights Movement.