Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Griffin, GA

The Georgia city of Griffin is situated to the south of Atlanta and thus falls within the metropolitan Atlanta region.

A distinct city with its own unique atmosphere, Griffin serves as the county seat of Spalding County.

Founded in 1840, Griffin experienced significant growth following the arrival of the railroad just two years later.

Having withstood the trials of the American Civil War, the city has transformed into an appealing destination rich in historical landmarks and diverse activities.

Below are the 15 premier attractions and activities to engage in while visiting Griffin, Georgia.

1. Griffin Commercial Historical District

This downtown district, central to Griffin, encompasses approximately 11 hectares defined by Central Alley, Sixth, Taylor, and Eighth Streets.

Roughly equivalent to eight city blocks, approximately 100 buildings have been added to the United States National Register of Historic Places due to their significance in the city’s development.

Among its landmarks are the historic red brick Griffin City Hall constructed around 1910, the U-shaped Griffin Hotel built around the same period, and the Opera House.

Also referred to as Odd Fellows Hall, this structure was erected in 1892, standing three stories tall with a Romanesque aesthetic complementary to the simpler design of City Hall.

2. Griffin Regional Welcome Center

Although labeled as a welcome center, this appealing facility in downtown Griffin serves more than just as an information center for tourists.

Within its brown brick façade and large windows, visitors will discover the History of Griffin Museum alongside the Griffin Art Gallery.

Constructed in 1899 and initially functioning as a grocery distribution warehouse, it was among the first in the region to incorporate long-term cold storage capabilities.

The museum presents a range of artifacts showcasing Griffin’s extensive history, while the gallery exhibits works created by local artists.

3. Bailey-Tebault House

This significant historic structure, Bailey-Tebault House, was constructed in the early 1860s as the American Civil War commenced.

Its completion was notably delayed due to the Union blockade affecting the Confederate states.

An excellent representation of Greek Revival architecture, the building shares some similarities with the White House in Washington, D.C., particularly its front portico supported by two-story Greek columns.

The interior features exquisite plaster cast moldings on the ceilings and walls, along with fine furnishings, many of which survived from its time as the city’s first hospital in the early 1900s and subsequently as a funeral home.

4. UGA Research and Education Garden

The Research and Education Garden spans 26 hectares and regularly welcomes the public despite its affiliation with the University of Georgia’s Griffin Campus.

Featuring a combination of brick and gravel pathways, along with a shaded arboretum, visitors are invited to explore flora native to the southern United States in a tranquil setting.

The presence of a picnic area and shelter further underscores the garden’s commitment to being a welcoming space for all.

A regular series of events and classes are hosted here, including stargazing sessions and art exhibitions, adding to its community engagement.

5. Walker Hill Museum

This museum is a culmination of decades of collecting efforts by the Walker family, who have occupied the residence on South Hill Street since 1905.

The family’s diverse interests have resulted in a remarkable assemblage of items, some dating back two centuries.

Providing an intriguing glimpse into Southern lifestyles at the turn of the twentieth century, the museum features several rare artifacts.

These range from full-sized carousels with their original horses to early record players, and tours also include the historic homestead constructed in 1867, an old dairy barn, and an outhouse.

6. Heads Creek Reservoir

Heads Creek Reservoir stands as one of several man-made lakes established in the region to ensure a reliable water supply for the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Spanning over 120 hectares, the reservoir serves as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into nature for a few hours.

Its considerable size allows for a tranquil experience, with the prohibition of motorboats contributing to generally calm waters.

This environment, home to beavers, turtles, fish, and diverse bird species, offers various ways to appreciate the scenery, whether from the shoreline or through canoeing or kayaking around the small, uninhabited island.

Heads Creek Reservoir is located roughly 12 kilometers west of Griffin.

7. Film Tours

A substantial number of films and television series have been shot in and around Griffin, with the production team of The Walking Dead being particularly fond of the area.

While it can be exciting to stumble upon recognizable locations serendipitously, the most effective way to experience the backdrops of your favorite productions is through a film tour.

Southern Hollywood Film Tours, based in nearby Peachtree City, integrates video footage with real locations, highlighting scenes from The Walking Dead as well as various movies from the Marvel universe, including Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Peachtree City is accessible via a short road journey of just over 30 minutes from Griffin.

8. Hill-Kurtz House

Hill-Kurtz House is yet another inclusion from Griffin on the National Register of Historic Places, constructed in 1860 for Benjamin J. Milner.

He is recognized for helping establish a local cavalry unit during the American Civil War. Sold just six years later to a printing magnate, the structure exemplifies the Exotic Revival architectural style.

While exploring the suburban streets adorned with expansive lawns and mature trees in search of Hill-Kurtz House, be sure to take note of other historic homes, such as Hunt House, acquired by a Confederate officer who later became a Griffin merchant.

9. Stonewall Cemetery

Established alongside the founding of the city, Stonewall Cemetery is primarily recognized for being the resting place of casualties from the Battle of Atlanta during the American Civil War.

Marked by cannonballs at each corner, the cemetery contains the graves of several hundred Confederate soldiers as well as a lone Union soldier, either killed in battle or succumbing to wounds afterward.

Additionally, various memorials and statues are present, alongside a memorial park opposite which features an eternal flame commemorating all U.S. personnel lost in conflict.

10. Museum of Aviation

The military connections extend beyond Stonewall Cemetery. The city of Warner Robins, located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Griffin, is home to one of the country’s largest aviation museums.

Situated on the edge of a U.S. Air Force base, the Museum of Aviation attracts a greater number of visitors each year than any other Georgia attraction beyond downtown Atlanta.

Boasting an impressive exhibition space covering 21 hectares, the museum showcases 85 aircraft, ranging from small biplanes to extensive bombers dating back to World War II, including a B-52 bomber.

Visitors have the unique opportunity to closely examine a U-2 spy plane and a Blackbird aircraft, which operates at the edge of space.

11. Candler Field Museum

Just a short 15-minute drive from Griffin is another aeronautical marvel. Williamson’s Candler Field Museum, located at Peach State Airport, has made significant efforts to recreate the appearance of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport from the 1920s and 1930s.

The museum’s lobby reflects a check-in desk reminiscent of the era, while the collection includes archived photographs and various powered flight artifacts, along with a selection of aircraft.

This facility centers on civilian aircraft, with the oldest dating back to 1917, merely 14 years after the Wright Brothers’ inaugural flight. Additional attractions include functioning Ford Model A and Model T vehicles.

12. Griffin Golf Course

The Griffin Golf Course operates from 7:30 AM until dusk and offers an 18-hole, 72-par layout. It features rolling fairways bordered by trees typical of this region of the United States.

Additionally, a 12-station driving range and a practice green allow experienced golfers to refine their skills. Established in 1932, the course has had ample time to evolve, with new facilities added regularly.

Alternatively, visitors may explore The Club at Shoal Creek, a secluded course located around a large lake, which has undergone partial reconstruction in recent years to enhance its playability. Nevertheless, the owners have made efforts to preserve the habitat for local deer and wildlife.

13. Griffin Area Concert Association

Although its name may not be the most captivating, few would dispute that the Griffin Area Concert Association stands out as a premier venue for live performances.

The association intentionally curates performances from a diverse range of genres. Therefore, attendees may enjoy anything from country music acts to symphony orchestras or emerging rock bands during their visit.

Regular showcases feature a wide array of talent, including local artists and performers with national and international acclaim. Therefore, if you find yourself with some free time one evening, consider attending a performance by the Griffin Area Concert Association.

14. Atlanta

Until this point, we have avoided mentioning Atlanta, but it is indeed challenging to compile a list of the best activities in Griffin, Georgia, without referencing the state capital.

Located just 50 minutes north by road, Atlanta boasts a diverse array of attractions that makes it easy for visitors from Griffin to spend a day exploring the city.

Families with young children will likely wish to visit Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park, one of the oldest in the United States and an essential center for conservation.

In close proximity, one can explore the buildings of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, the vibrant street art in the Krog Street Tunnel, and various attractions related to Gone with the Wind, including a dedicated museum.

15. Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution endows citizens with the right to bear arms, a principle closely associated with the Southern states, including Georgia.

To explore this aspect of culture safely, visitors should consider participating in activities offered at Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays, which provides a facility for targeting moving clay discs amidst picturesque surroundings.

Featuring not one but two clay shooting courses—one a five-stand and the other an Helice ring—this center welcomes participants of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.

The expansive 50 hectares of open ground, gorges, water features, and rolling hills create an engaging environment for all.