Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Stockbridge, GA

The Georgia city of Stockbridge is situated in Henry County, approximately half an hour southeast of Atlanta, the state capital.

Established from 1829 onwards, Stockbridge was officially designated a town in 1895, yet it was not incorporated into a city until 1920.

Now a century old, the city of Stockbridge is highly regarded by many in neighboring Atlanta.

It successfully merges the relaxed ambiance of a small town with convenient access to the attractions of Atlanta and its metropolitan area.

Here are the top 15 attractions and activities to experience in and around Stockbridge, Georgia.

1. Aaron and Margaret Parker Jr House

Constructed in 1830, this residence dates back to the formative years of Stockbridge. It stands as one of the oldest structures in Rockdale County and lies within the jurisdiction of Panola Mountain State Park, approximately 14 kilometers away.

Built in the Plantation Plains architectural style, it features a combination of brick and clapboard siding, standing one and a half stories high yet only one room deep.

This authentic farmhouse from the era was utilized by Aaron Parker and his wife to cultivate 1,200 acres of farmland, making it a compelling destination for those interested in exploring Panola Mountain State Park more comprehensively.

2. Panola Mountain State Park

Situated along the border of Rockdale and Henry counties, Panola Mountain rises to an elevation of 288 meters above sea level, standing 80 meters above the surrounding Georgian woodlands.

Encompassing 40 hectares, the mountain itself is an isolated granite formation that protrudes from the Earth’s crust. It is home to one of the region’s most pristine mountain environments, where visitors can experience a habitat that has remained largely unchanged since the era of the indigenous peoples of the area.

A component of the expansive Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, the park features two lakes, picnic areas, and a playground for children.

For those seeking physical activity, the mountain summit can be reached via a ranger-led excursion, in addition to attractions such as geocaching, tree climbing, and archery.

3. Martin Luther King Sr Heritage Trail

Martin Luther King Jr’s father was born and raised in Stockbridge. A short heritage trail commemorates him, following the old railroad tracks that run through the heart of the city.

He regularly attended services at Floyd Chapel Baptist Church, recognized as a refuge for African-Americans to worship since the late nineteenth century.

Upon ordination, King Sr delivered his first sermon at Floyd Chapel prior to relocating to Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.

A plaque commemorating the legacy of the King family can be found on the exterior wall of Stockbridge City Hall.

4. Yule Forest Christmas Tree Farm

As the adage suggests, a Christmas Tree Farm serves a purpose beyond the holiday season, and Yule Forest embodies this concept.

While the full festivities of the season are evident during Christmas, Yule Forest offers additional attractions throughout the year, featuring one of the state’s largest pumpkin patches as a highlight.

Moreover, the site includes a petting zoo aimed at educating children about farm life, alongside a store that sells locally crafted jams and various delicacies.

5. Clayton County International Park

A legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Clayton County International Park was established to accommodate the beach volleyball event.

In addition to its beaches, the park features biking trails, soccer fields, softball diamonds, and opportunities for fishing.

However, upon your visit, you will certainly notice the impressive water slides that tower above the other attractions offered by the water park.

Clayton County International Park is located in Jonesboro, equidistant from Stockbridge as Panola Mountain State Park.

6. Museum of Aviation

Situated approximately 1.5 hours south of Stockbridge, the Museum of Aviation is part of a large air force base located in Warner Robins.

As the second largest aerospace museum operated by the US Air Force, it consistently ranks among the most popular attractions in Georgia.

With an exhibition area of 21 hectares, the museum is divided into four distinct buildings housing around 85 aircraft.

Covering the comprehensive history of powered flight, its most notable exhibits focus on the Cold War, including a U-2 spy plane and a B-29 bomber.

Additionally, the museum showcases the world’s fastest aircraft, a Blackbird, which achieved a speed of over 3,500 kilometers per hour in 1976.

7. Lake Spivey

Although not the largest lake in metropolitan Atlanta, Lake Spivey is one of the most picturesque. Its serene waters are located near Jonesboro on the border between Henry and Clayton counties.

Covering nearly 250 hectares, this lake is a popular retreat for local residents, providing opportunities for boating or simply enjoying the shoreline.

Furthermore, visitors can engage in activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the water in a swimsuit. A permanent water ski slalom course is situated near the dam that formed the lake in the 1950s.

In addition, anglers may wish to attempt to break the record for the largest black crappie caught in Georgia, which weighed nearly two kilograms.

8. Henry County Film Tours

This self-guided tour showcases locations in Stockbridge as well as other areas in Henry County, Georgia, that have served as backdrops for Hollywood films and television shows.

Commencing in Stockbridge itself, the quarries across from the Martin Luther King Sr Heritage Trail were featured in both Furious 7 and several scenes in Black Panther.

Nearby McDonough features the Presbyterian Church, an old bank building, and Memorial Cemetery, which were utilized in the first series of the television show Resurrection.

Hampton is another location within Henry County that has been the setting for various productions, including The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Smokey and the Bandit, and Spiderman: Homecoming, among others.

9. Newman Wetlands Center

The classic perception of Georgia includes humid wetlands populated with alligators and other indigenous wildlife.

Although this stereotype is largely outdated, there are still places where one can explore the state’s natural wetlands.

One such location is the Newman Wetlands Center. Featuring an 800-meter raised boardwalk and a crushed stone path equipped with informative signs, this venue helps visitors appreciate the ecological importance of wetlands and the local wildlife.

Additionally, there are more basic hiking trails that diverge from the main path for a more authentic experience. The primary entrance is located just a 20-minute drive from Stockbridge.

10. Krog Street Tunnel

Heading into downtown Atlanta, the Krog Street Tunnel should be a priority for anyone interested in art.

While a road tunnel may not seem like an ideal venue for artistic expression, it has become a sanctuary for street artists.

The practice of covering the tunnel’s bare concrete walls with graffiti is believed to have originated in the 1960s.

Currently, the tunnel is almost entirely adorned with spray paint, and this artwork is continually changing, ensuring that there is always something new to discover.

From Stockbridge, the Krog Street Tunnel is approximately 30 minutes away, situated on the outskirts of downtown Atlanta.

11. Reynolds Nature Preserve

Reynolds Nature Preserve is situated in Morrow, located at half the distance from Stockbridge as the Krog Street Tunnel.

It comprises 59 hectares of protected forest, featuring five kilometers of hiking trails that encompass an interpretative center, wildlife ponds, a historically significant farm, and a wildflower meadow.

Acquired by the self-taught naturalist William Reynolds in the 1920s, the existing wildlife ponds were created by him in the 1930s.

Additionally, the preserve has established a butterfly trail featuring plantings designed to attract these insects, although it is perhaps more renowned for its excellent birdwatching opportunities.

12. Uptown Comedy Corner

Atlanta’s Uptown Comedy Corner has been an integral part of the urban comedy scene for many years, featuring performances from notable figures such as Chris Rock and Steve Harvey.

This venue also serves as an excellent location to witness rising stars before they become mainstream, continuing to welcome nationally recognized comedians.

Moreover, audiences here can also be noteworthy, as celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Jay Z have been known to attend performances.

Uptown Comedy Corner is located on the eastern edge of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, approximately 24 kilometers north of Stockbridge.

13. Delta Flight Museum

Located a short distance from Uptown Comedy Corner is the Delta Flight Museum, which serves as an excellent companion or alternative to the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins.

Instead of focusing on military aircraft, the Delta Flight Museum is dedicated to the remarkable history of Delta Airlines and the various airlines it has acquired throughout the mid-twentieth century.

The museum features vintage posters that evoke the golden age of air travel, while its two hangars date back to the 1940s.

Exhibits include a range from small six-seater planes to the 767, which served as the airline’s flagship for many years.

14. Fairlie-Poplar District

To gain insight into the essence of contemporary Atlanta, one must look beyond comedy clubs and museums.

A prime location to begin that exploration is the Fairlie-Poplar District, characterized by buildings showcasing a variety of nineteenth- and twentieth-century architectural styles. Notable structures include the triangular flatiron building and the Healy Building, which is recognized as the last significant skyscraper constructed before World War I.

This district is home to an extensive array of cafes and restaurants, perfect for observing the bustling activity of the area. Additionally, to the north lies the SkyView Ferris Wheel, offering panoramic views of Atlanta and Centennial Olympic Park.

15. Children’s Museum of Atlanta

It is uncommon to find an attraction specifically designed to engage children unless it is a play center, which is the niche that the Children’s Museum of Atlanta fills.

Aiming at an audience under nine years of age, the museum offers numerous hands-on activities led by a troupe of professional actors.

This interactive experience is complemented by short musicals and a selection of both temporary and permanent exhibits, including Fundamental Farming, which educates visitors about the role of agriculture in an engaging manner.