Looking for a historic Southern escape with charm, culture, and outdoor fun? Head to Milledgeville! Wander historic mansions, kayak scenic rivers, and explore a lively downtown filled with shops and cafés. Whether you’re into history, the arts, or nature adventures, Milledgeville delivers small-town charm with rich Southern heritage.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Milledgeville is during spring and fall (March–May and September–November). Pleasant weather makes it ideal for exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor recreation, and attending seasonal festivals.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Milledgeville is located along U.S. Highway 441 and Georgia State Route 49, about 2 hours southeast of Atlanta and 2 hours northwest of Savannah.
- By Plane: Fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), then rent a car for a scenic 2-hour drive to Milledgeville.
- By Bus: Bus services like Greyhound connect nearby larger cities, but driving is usually the most convenient way to reach Milledgeville.
Where to Stay
- Hampton Inn Milledgeville – Comfortable, modern hotel near Lake Sinclair and downtown attractions.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Milledgeville – Stylish accommodations with free breakfast and easy highway access.
Best Things to Do
1. Step into Antebellum History at Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion
Rating: ★★★★★
Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion was constructed as the state’s Executive Mansion, home to the governors of Georgia between the years of 1839 and 1868. It is also one of the state’s “most perfect examples” of the Greek Revival architectural style and has received the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation award. Please call to find out when tours of this National Historic Landmark are currently taking place.
Address: Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion, 120 S Clarke St, Milledgeville, GA 31061, Phone: 478-445-4545
2. Explore Fascinating and Haunting History at Central State Hospital Museum
The Central State Hospital Museum is located among the abandoned buildings of the former Central State Hospital, which was once the world’s largest mental health facility, spread across two thousand acres and featuring over two hundred buildings.
The grounds now provide an eerie experience for visitors.
The Central State Hospital Museum showcases preserved artifacts from the facility that help share what life was like while the largest insane asylum in the world was in operation. Visitors can also drive through the grounds to see the various decaying buildings, but getting close to the numerous structures isn’t allowed.
Address: Central State Hospital Museum, 620 Broad St, Milledgeville, GA 31062, Phone: 478-445-4128
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
3. Walk the Grounds That Inspired Flannery O’Connor at Andalusia Farm
Once the home of Flannery O'Connor, a famed American author, the Andalusia Farm in Milledgeville, Georgia was settled originally in 1814 and used as a farm and cotton plantation until it was bought in 1931 by Dr. Bernard Cline, Flannery’s uncle. The farm was then used for beef and dairy farming and included fourteen buildings across more than 520 acres.
Flannery O’Connor lived at Andalusia Farm for thirteen years, during which she wrote the majority of her literary works, which included settings influenced by the environment of the farm. The grounds now serve as a museum and public tours are available.
Address: Andalusia Farm, 2628 N Columbia St, Milledgeville, GA 31061, Phone: 478-445-8722
Local tip: The new Interpretive Center sits is located next to the Andalusia Farm.
4. Wander Peaceful Gardens and Trails at Lockerly Arboretum
Established by E.J. Grassmann in 1965, the Lockerly Arboretum encompasses approximately fifty acres of rhododendrons, trees, and shrubs, as well as an extensive collection of camellias and a collection of conifers. Lockerly Arboretum’s centerpiece is Rose Hill, a Greek Revival historic house.
Guests can explore the mansion, have a picnic by the pond, and stroll along the trails throughout the grounds. There is a small fee for Rose Hill self-guided tours.
Address: Lockerly Arboretum, 1534 Irwinton Rd, Milledgeville, GA 31061, Phone: 478-452-2112
5. If You’re Curious About Georgia’s Early Days, Tour the Old Capital Museum
Georgia's Old Capital Museum, also known as Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center, operates the Brown-Stetson-Sanford House, built back in 1825 in Milledgeville’s Historic Downtown District. The house museum and heritage center plays an integral role with the State of Georgia, Baldwin County, and Milledgeville’s commitment to the preservation of Georgia’s history, dating back to 10,000 B.C., featuring many different exhibits about the history of the state.
Georgia's Old Capital Museum also hosts numerous GOCHC events, tours for tourists and students, social and civic events and meetings, and the Trolley Tour offered by the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.
Address: 95 Depot Cir, Milledgeville, GA 31062, Phone: 478-453-1803
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
6. Learn Stories of Resilience and Education at the Sallie Ellis Davis House
The Sallie Ellis Davis House in Milledgeville, GA was the former residence of one of Baldwin County’s most passionate and dedicated educators. Born to a native Irish man and an African American woman in 1877, Davis chose to educate African American children instead of living a life of privilege in the segregated South, working throughout her entire career as a principal and teacher at the Eddy School. Today, visitors can take a tour of the historic Sallie Davis House on certain days.
Address: The Sallie Ellis Davis House, 301 S. Clarke St, Milledgeville, GA 31061, Phone: 478-445-5889
7. Bike, Paddle, and Stroll Along the Scenic Oconee River Greenway
The Oconee River Greenway and Riverwalk offers locals and visitors a beautiful green space where you can enjoy the great outdoors. There are plenty of recreational activities to choose from along the greenway including cycling, walking, hiking, fishing and boating.
The greenway is intersected by a network of trails, paths and boardwalks, giving visitors access to the river where you will find a boat ramp and multiple fishing stations. As you explore the river by kayak or canoe you should spot a variety of birds and wildlife. The greenway is open daily from sunrise to sunset and various local outfitters offer paddle-board and kayak rentals.
Address: Oconee River Greenway, 139 Ruth Street, Athens, GA 30601, Phone: 706 613 3801
8. If You Crave Outdoor Trails and Nature Escapes, Explore Bartram Forest
Named after John and William Bartram, the first early naturalists in colonial America, the Bartram Forest Wildlife Management Area covers 1343 acres, located just a short distance outside Milledgeville. Here visitors can spend a few hours exploring the forest on foot or by bicycle, along a network of trails which wind their way around the pine forests, through meadows and beside waterways.
The trails are graded from green to red, offering something suitable to visitors of all fitness levels. There is a pavilion and an educational kiosk where visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna. The larger Wildlife Management Area also offers archery hunting in season.
Address: Bartram Forest Wildlife Management Area, Carl Vinson Hwy SE, Milledgeville, GA 31061, Phone: 478 4524687
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