15 Best Things to Do in Macon, GA
The city that boasts of beautiful architecture and a unique history- Macon is a must-visit when you are here in Georgia.
The Ocmulgee National Monument tells people stories about the native people of this land while pretty pieces like the Cannonball House and the Hay House just tell people of what a wild past Macon has gone through.
Want to know something even more exciting? You can visit the home of the incredible Allman Brothers Band here. Some of the members are even buried in the historic cemetery of Macon. Okay, now we will be giving you a brief of the top 15 things to do in Macon-
Learn about the Native American Culture at Ocmulgee National Monument
Are you interested to know more about the culture and the past of the Native Americans? Well, in that scenario- there are a lot of areas to explore. Because Macon is filled with native history. And, we will start the first day by taking you on a trip to the Ocmulgee National Monument.
You could even find some things that are over 10,000 years old! Yes, you could probably get your hands on artifacts of 1000 C.E. These South Appalachian regions were inhabited by the native Americans for the longest period!
The museum inside really tells you everything about the past. Great Temple Mound is also located near this region, and you can check that out after you are done with the monument.
See the pretty Hay House
The original name was Johnston-Felton-Hay House, but tourists and even locals just go by the name of Hay House. Hay House is a must-visit in the city of Macon. Located on the iconic Georgia Avenue, the house portrays an excellent history and architecture.
With an architecture style of Italian Renaissance Revival- the Hay House attracts a lot of people who come to visit Macon. The interiors are massive. Being built on an area of 18,000 square foot the house knows how to impress its guests.
You’d almost take an hour to explore the entire house, and the perfect decorations just add more to the beauty.
Visit the Rose Hill Cemetery
Visit one of the most blissful cemeteries in the city- Rose Hill Cemetery. Yes, this cemetery does bring a lot of visitors every day. And, did you know who used to hang out here?
The Allman Brothers Band loved this cemetery and spent most of their time in here writing songs! Interested to visit now? Come on, let’s go. Also, the beautiful location of the cemetery attracts more.
Ocmulgee River which is flowing beside just adds more to the beauty. The cemetery is not only the resting place of some of the most important people of Georgia, but Guitarist Duane Allman and bass player Berry Oakley also rest here in the cemetery!
Check out the Allman Brothers Band Museum
The Allman Brothers Band Museum is one of the top things that you must check out here in Macon. This is like a landmark and the place where the museum stands now happened to be the house of the Allman Brothers Band.
Starting from 1970 to 1973, the house has seen band members, family, and even friends.
Now, the museum has too much of their stuff. You can find a lot of memorabilia.
You can even get your hands on their released as well as unreleased songs, hand-written stuff, the instruments they played. You can still buy some of their merch and song DVDs in the gift shop along with the museum.
See the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds
We talked about the renowned mounds when we visited the Ocmulgee National Monument. The Ocmulgee Mounds have played a huge role in shaping the culture and the history of the native Americans.
Did you know that actually, the Mississippians built this place? And, this place represents huge religious values to those people. These mounds have the shape of those of pyramids. And, they show some of the greatest architectural skills.
There is still the Earth Lodge present where you can go and have a look around. The High Priests’ seating areas are still open to the public. The Rose Hill Ramble takes place right here.
Learn more about African American history at Tubman Museum
The city has a rich past when it comes to the African American community, and they have a heritage worth building a museum for. And, the authorities did that to preserve it. The Tubman Museum speaks all about African American history.
Now, the museum has become more like an icon for the city that has a lot of tales to tell to the tourists. Not only are you going to see some of the best folklores all displayed gracefully.
But, you will also come across several art pieces, paintings, and other various forms of art that represent the heavily talented African American communities of Macon. This art collection is said to be Georgia’s one of the very bests!
Enjoy the peace at the Amerson River Park
The Ocmulgee River is something that you need to enjoy once you are here in Macon. The views are just out of this world and are some of the best you’d get to see on this vacation and the place from where you get the best views of the location has to be the Amerson River Park.
You shall not believe it if we told you that this happens to be a multi-million dollar venture by the government to show people what they have been missing out on. It also has some of the best landscapes suited for picnics.
You can even go boating in the river, and enjoy the sunset while sitting down with your family after enjoying a picnic.
Take a look a history through the Cannonball House
Now, we will be taking you to Cannonball House. This house has quite a unique history. We are sure that you have not yet heard of something like this.
Did you know during the Civil War this house was almost damaged by a cannonball? Yes, it still exists and a lot of people come to see this place because of its unique background story.
The house is constructed in the Greek Revival style, and after a lot of renovations and remodeling- the authorities were able to return it to its previous glory. You can see a lot of original pieces of furniture inside. Most of them are over 200 years old.
The original canon from which the shot was made in 1864 still exists as proof outside the gates of this heavenly house!
Enjoy the Ocmulgee River Trail
We have enjoyed the beauty of the Ocmulgee River. But, would you like to go in and explore more? The Ocmulgee River Trail is something that attracts everyone from far and wide.
The trail is lengthy, scenic, and overall stunning. What’s more beautiful is that it often goes through a forest- so, you can paddle to the shore, step out of your boat, and rest for a while. You can even go explore unknown lands. Yes, this is the epitome of adventure!
When you are venturing from Macon- you might find the route easier as the rapids are only marked as Level 1. The length is almost 200 miles. And, there are even camping options along the way! Yes, this is a complete package of entertainment just for you to enjoy!
Get amazed at Fort Hawkins
Yes, we get the fact that Macon is quite a historically rich city. But, it is not the type of history that gets boring after a while. This history just keeps on getting interesting. For that- just take a look at Fort Hawkins.
While a lot of things that resemble the Native American communities, Fort Hawkins reeks of the Creek Nation as it was built during that period. Yes, constructed back in the 1800s- thousands of people still flock to the site.
Even the government made use of this fort for a long time. Muskogee Creek Nation took the area where the fort is built in a religious way for it also served as the burial ground of their deceased.
Thrift shop at Smiley's Flea Market
If you are someone who likes thrifting instead of buying costly items from mals- you are in for a treat. Here in Macon- Smiley's Flea Market has its facility that just lets shopaholics indulge in some good shopping at an affordable rate.
This is not the only branch of Smiley's Flea Market, you can find these across three destinations in all of the States. However, once you are in Macon- you need to take a look here.
Not only does it have some of the best items of clothing at a super cheap rate, but the styles are excellent too. Looking for some gifts or souvenirs? Smiley's Flea Market has got your back.
Check out the gorgeous Sidney Lanier Cottage
If you are passionate about literature or poetry, then you might have come across the name of Sidney Lanier many a time in your life. Are you excited to check out her birthplace now? Let’s get going.
Sidney Lanier Cottage was the place where the renowned poet lived for a long time. So, it is safe to say that the house has a vast historic significance. But, if you visit now- you are going to be enchanted by a museum that has been built inside the historic home of the poet.
You can find all the works of her life, her life story, and every other intricate detail- displayed beautifully in the various exhibits.
Pray at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
The St. Joseph’s Catholic Church is one of the most exotic structures in all of Macon. It is incredibly hard to come across something so beautiful and stunning that will indeed take your breath away.
Before we even tell you about the church in detail- you must capture the best pictures possible. The building is made in a neo-gothic design and is quite old too. The construction dates back to the 1800s.
The classic stained glass windows all around the church just make the interiors look more aesthetic than it already is. Also, this was built at a time when Catholicism was not so popular. To attract more people- this church played an important role.
Enjoy the International Cherry Blossom Festival
Cherry Blossoms or as they like to call it ‘Sakura’ in Japanese is one of the prettiest things in the world. But, if you are someone who has watched tons of anime, and dreams of streets that have been covered by cherry blossoms- we have something for you.
No, you do not need to visit the streets of Japan for Macon has a complete package just for you. The International Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the beauty of cherry blossoms when they are blooming. And, if you are here during March or April- please see it with your own two eyes if you want to witness an example of perfection.
The streets are lined with cherry blossom trees, and they are filled with the light pink color of the flowers. The street gets lit up and has parades, events, and all kinds of festivities!
Go swimming at Lake Tobesofkee
If you happen to be in Macon for the summer and are looking for something fun and cheerful to do on the last day of your trip, then we have to recommend Lake Tobesofkee for you.
Did you know this reservoir is one of the top attractions in all of Macon? Yes, people see this as a summer destination that looks beautiful and make up their minds to go appreciate the scenic beauty.
And, the best part about this lake is that you can even set up a camp, and spend a night amid the nature overlooking Lake Tobesofkee. There are even parks all around the lake, so there is no shortage of fun activities to take part in once you are here. Try out swimming in the clear waters of Lake Tobesofkee too.
These are the top things to do in Macon. We hope you had a lot of fun on this trip. Stay tuned for more!