Top 15 Activities in Milledgeville, Georgia You Can’t Miss

Currently serving as the county seat of Baldwin County, Milledgeville, Georgia was established in 1804 as the new capital of the state.

This establishment was on land that had been cleared of its Native American population and was primarily constructed using enslaved labor. This historical context may elucidate its loss of capital status in 1868 during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era.

Notably, although General Sherman occupied the city temporarily during the Civil War, Milledgeville has largely remained intact for over 200 years.

With the motto of ‘capitols, columns, and culture,’ visitors can anticipate a wealth of historic Southern-style architecture alongside a diverse range of attractions, from museums to hiking pathways.

This article highlights the 15 most significant activities to engage in within and around Milledgeville, Georgia.

1. Milledgeville Historic District

The Milledgeville Historic District corresponds to the area established during the city’s founding in the early 19th century.

Covering approximately 3,200 acres, its streets are lined with numerous homes and structures reflecting the traditional Southern architectural styles prevalent prior to the Civil War.

Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the classical Greek Revival style is particularly evident, with Atkinson Hall on the Georgia College campus serving as one of approximately 40 historic structures worth visiting.

2. Old Governor’s Mansion

Resembling a peach-colored iteration of the White House in Washington D.C., the Old Governor’s Mansion is easily identifiable.

This edifice served as the official residence for the state governor throughout the majority of Milledgeville’s tenure as the Georgia capital. It has since been transformed into a historic house museum.

Guided tours provide access to the carefully restored original rooms, which witnessed General Sherman’s occupancy during 1864, when he coordinated the Union army’s March to the Sea from this location.

The mansion’s interior narrates the stories of all Georgians, from the governor to enslaved individuals.

3. Lockerly Arboretum

Established in 1852, the distinguished Rose Hill structure situated within Lockerly Arboretum is another notable Milledgeville site deserving of exploration.

Its interior retains original features such as hardwood flooring, plaster walls, and marble fireplaces, while the exterior is enveloped by approximately 50 acres of gardens.

Symmetrical ponds directly in front of Rose Hill lead into a landscape adorned with rhododendrons, camellias, and various shrubs and trees, creating an ideal setting for a summer picnic.

Recent enhancements include several greenhouses accommodating species that would otherwise not thrive in Georgia’s climate, housing around 60 varieties of orchids.

4. Lake Sinclair

Situated approximately 10 miles north of downtown Milledgeville, Lake Sinclair comprises a vast body of water characterized by three prominent fingers extending into the Georgia landscape.

Formed by damming the Oconee River in 1953, Lake Sinclair encompasses more than 15,000 acres, facilitating a variety of recreational pursuits along its banks and on its waters.

For those who appreciate quieter activities, the visual splendor makes for a beautiful spot perhaps to fish and relax. Conversely, thrill-seekers can rent boats from the Sinclair marina or take advantage of jet skis.

5. William P Wall Museum of Natural History

Having opened its doors to the public in 2004, the William P Wall Museum of Natural History quickly established itself as one of the premier museums in the Middle Georgia region.

Part of Georgia College, the museum spans 2,500 square feet of exhibition space showcasing the extensive history of life on Earth. In addition to unique geological specimens, it exhibits a wide assortment of fossils ranging from mammoth remains to early mammal species.

Adjacent to the museum, a state-of-the-art planetarium further enriches the visitor experience by focusing on the universe’s creation.

6. St Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Constructed during Milledgeville’s prominence as the Georgia state capital, St Stephen’s Episcopal Church plays a pivotal role in the city’s Civil War history.

Located in Statehouse Square, the church was built in 1843 in the Rural Gothic style, characterized by rich woodwork throughout the interior and exterior. It also features exquisite stained glass installed post-Civil War.

The church endured severe damage, as it was repurposed as a stable for General Sherman’s horses while its pews were utilized for firewood. Moreover, its organ pipes were deliberately compromised with molasses.

7. Oconee River

The Oconee River runs along Milledgeville’s eastern border, providing a serene escape just minutes away from the downtown area.

An excellent method to enhance the appreciation of this aquatic landscape is by exploring the Oconee River Greenway.

Spanning approximately three miles, the greenway comprises a mix of wide paths, narrower nature trails, and wooden boardwalks.

For those preferring active engagement, the river offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing, alongside the scenic paths for walking or cycling.

8. Old State Capitol

The Georgia state legislature convened for the first time in the Old State Capitol building in Milledgeville in 1807, even while the building was still undergoing construction.

Upon completion, the structure exemplified one of the most impressive Gothic architectural designs found in the United States, showcasing details reminiscent of Europe’s medieval castles and cathedrals.

Following the relocation of the state capital to Atlanta, the building transitioned into a courthouse and eventually became part of Georgia College. Visitors can explore the grounds, as well as enter a facility that has undergone renovation costing over $10 million.

9. John Marlor Arts Center

Part of the Allied Arts Center, the John Marlor Arts Center is situated in one of Milledgeville’s oldest buildings, dating back to the 1830s.

Located within an area previously known as the Strip, which was a hub for Milledgeville’s African-American community until the 1980s, the center invites visitors inside to view a compact gallery that frequently hosts new exhibitions and artworks every few months.

The Allied Arts Center, comprising three buildings, also offers a diverse array of workshops and seminars accessible to the public.

10. Memory Hill Cemetery

A significant part of the Milledgeville Historic District, Memory Hill Cemetery is adorned with impressive Victorian memorials commemorating the city’s influential figures.

Within its 20-acre grounds lie the remains of some of the community’s notable residents, including author Flannery O’Connor, enslaved African-Americans from the antebellum period, and soldiers who perished in the Civil War.

This cemetery holds such historical importance that its self-guided walking tour includes 47 distinct points of interest, recommending at least an hour for a meaningful visit.

Nevertheless, even a brief stop at Memory Hill Cemetery amidst a broader exploration of Milledgeville will prove rewarding for first-time visitors to the city.

11. Andalusia Farm

This unassuming structure served as home to renowned author Flannery O’Connor for over a decade, from 1951 until 1964.

Originally established around 1814, the farm began as a cotton plantation reliant on slave labor. O’Connor relocated to this site following her diagnosis with the autoimmune disorder Lupus.

During her thirteen years at Andalusia Farm, O’Connor composed the majority of her notable works, with the property profoundly influencing her literary landscape.

Now functioning as a museum, the farmhouse provides insight into O’Connor’s life story, including the narratives of her two novels, the first of which, Wise Blood, was adapted into a film directed by John Huston.

12. Brown-Stetson-Sanford House

This wooden structure exemplifies the Federal architectural style characteristic of Milledgeville. Constructed in 1825, it was designed by local architect John Marlor, after whom the arts center is named.

Having preserved much of its original aesthetic over nearly 200 years, the grand main staircase is particularly noteworthy and serves as a hallmark of Marlor’s design. Visitors can also observe original hand-crafted woodwork in the parlor.

The Brown-Stetson-Sanford House is a delightful inclusion on the city’s historic trolley tours, which utilize a vintage trolleybus named Milly to explore other significant sites such as Rose Hill, the Old State Capitol, and the Sallie-Ellis Davis House.

13. Bartram Forest

Located on the southern periphery of the city approximately five miles from Statehouse Square, Bartram Forest features numerous looping trails for biking enthusiasts.

The trails vary in difficulty, with beginner-friendly 5.5-mile routes and a more challenging 10.3-mile path intended for those with mountain biking experience.

Exploring the area by bike provides a fantastic opportunity to witness Georgia’s native habitats, including remnants of a vast prehistoric sea that covered the terrain about 100 million years ago. The forest is also home to diverse wildlife and was considered Native American territory until 1794.

14. Tubman Museum

Situated in Macon, this museum honors the notable African-American figure Harriet Tubman. Born into enslavement, she became instrumental in the Underground Railroad, facilitating the escape of many enslaved individuals from the southern states. Tubman is set to be commemorated with a portrait on the forthcoming $20 bill.

Located approximately forty minutes northwest of Milledgeville, the museum is aptly named, being one of Georgia’s primary exhibition spaces dedicated to African-American art and culture.

Its artifacts encompass a range of historical items to contemporary sculptures, illuminating the contributions of African-Americans to the United States, including the work of agricultural pioneer George Washington Carver.

15. Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge

Situated approximately westward is the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, established to protect Georgia’s native species since at least 1939.

This region comprises forests interspersed with shallow streams, where ridges are primarily populated by pine trees, and beaver-inhabited creeks create conducive habitats for various hardwood species.

Among its notable wildlife, visitors should be on the lookout for the red-cockaded woodpecker and over 200 bird species, alongside 50 diverse mammal types, including bobcats.

Before setting off on the numerous trails that enhance the refuge’s visitor experience, an informative orientation video is available at the visitor center.