There are so many best things to do in Macon, Georgia. People traveling between Atlanta and Florida oftentimes overlook this quintessential southern city, but they probably just don’t know how happening it really is. It might not be a town that often shows up on lists of top travel destinations, but it’s a city that is deeply proud of it’s musical heritage, historic parks, interactive museums, and numerous dining options.
There is very good reason why Macon has earned it’s nickname of ‘The Heart of Georgia’. Not only is it centrally located in the great state of Georgia, but it also boasts a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times and moves through the Civil War and Civil Rights eras. Macon is a city that has a little something for everyone. It’s located right along the Ocmulgee River, and nearby Lake Tobesofkee is a perfect place to take part in family-friendly outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and fishing.
If you aren’t all that familiar with Macon, it might be a bit difficult to know where to begin. Join us as we explore the numerous sights, attractions, events, and festivals that make as the best things to do in Macon, Georgia, a must-visit destination whenever you’re passing through the middle of the Peach State.
Tubman Museum
The Tubman Museum, named after the influential American abolitionist and political activist Harriet Tubman, is a well-curated and popular museum that shares African American history and culture. It’s notable for being the largest museum of its kind in the American Southeast.
The Tubman Museum makes a powerful statement about Black History at a time when the world needs to hear it the most. Famous and historically significant Black men and women are celebrated here, and their stories are told in such a way that everyone can grasp their significance.
You can learn about military heroes such as Crispus Attucks, the first black man to lay down their life in the American Revolution, Rodney Davis, Macon’s one and only Medal of Honor recipient, Otis Redding, the famed black entertainer, and Reverend Pearly Brown, the blind singer-songwriter and guitarist.
The museum also features several exhibits that used to be on display over at the now-defunct Georgia Music Hall of Fame and it is important to visit this as one of the best things to do in Macon.
Amerson River Park
Here we have an often overlooked park that deserves a bit more attention. It was at one time was the Macon Water Authority’s water treatment facility, but when the plant was destroyed in flood in 1994, it was relocated. The area was then converted into this gorgeous green space complete with hiking trails, bike paths, and playgrounds.
The park reopened in 2015 after undergoing several significant upgrades. In addition to the features we already mentioned, the park also offers breathtaking views of the Ocmulgee River, several picnic areas, and canoe launches.
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Hay House
The Hay House was built in 1860 and was owned by William Johnston. When it was constructed, it was the pinnacle of innovation and modernity. It featured such contemporary amenities as hot and cold running water, heating and cooling systems, and even walk-in closets! To put that into perspective, even the White House didn’t have all of those comforts at the time.
Johnston earned his riches in the real estate, insurance, and banking industries. Today, the Hay House is owned by the National Historic Trust. It’s open to the public and has been carefully preserved as a museum. Guided tours of the house and grounds are held regularly for folks looking for a bit more in-depth history of the opulent mansion. For an additional fee, you can also see the upper floors of the house, which we feel is well worth it.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
This park celebrates the 17,000 years of continuous human habitation of the region. It also serves as a memorial of the unique relationship between the native peoples and natural resources of the area throughout the ages.
Native Americans first settled here way back in the Paleo-Indian period in order to hunt ice age mammals for their pelts and meat. Multiple cultures have called this land their home for millennia – with each leaving its own unique mark on history.
Around 900 AD, the Mississippian people arrived here and started constructing mounds for the higher-ranking members of their tribe. Today, these mounds remain virtually unaltered for visitors to see and appreciate.
The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House
The Allman Brothers Band was formed back in 1969 by the legendary guitarist and songwriter Duane Allman. After the band was offered a recording contract with Capricorn Records, the band found their way to Macon. There, Duane and his bandmates, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jaimoe, fine-tuned their signature sound, which blended blues, jazz, rock, and country to form an entirely new genre of music.
In 1970, Berry Oakley and Linda, his wife, rented a gorgeous Tudor-style house out on Vineville Avenue. Duane and his brother Greg then moved in, as well, forming one big happy family. That house, which is affectionately called the ‘The Big House’, became the epicenter of the band’s activities during those formative years.
Today, ‘The Big House’ has been fully restored and has been transformed into a museum that celebrates The Allman Brothers Band’s history. Guests can see the band member’s original guitars, musical gear, clothing, pictures, posters, gold records, and a ton of other memorabilia.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
This historic church is beautiful both inside and out. Cathedrals this beautiful in the United States are quite rare – especially in towns as small as Macon. It took 14 years to construct and was christened in 1903. It’s adorned with 60 wildly intricate stained glass windows, massive marble columns, a pipe organ, white stone carvings, and bronze bells that ring out three times daily. Sunday mass is at 8:30 am, 11:00 am, and 5:00 pm every Sunday, but you can swing by for a tour any day of the week.
Museum of Arts and Sciences
This museum started off as just a single rented room featuring a few articles of historical significance. Today it’s a state-of-the-art 50,000 square foot facility sitting on a 14-acre campus. The museum celebrates the intersection of the sciences and arts through numerous interactive exhibits that are designed to stimulate curiosity while instilling in guests a passion for learning. There is also a full-dome planetarium, a mini zoo featuring over 70 live animals, an interactive Discovery house, beautiful nature trails, and an auditorium.
After spending the day learning about art and science, swing by the Museum store to pick up a souvenir. Admission price is very reasonable, and discounts are offered for children, military personnel, the elderly, and students.
The Cannonball House
This Civil War-era house earned it’s name for the cannonball that still resides there. It’s a great spot to take a guided tour and to learn about local history.
At the Battle of Dunlap Hill, the cannonball in question became lodged in the home of Judge Asa Holt. The person who shot said cannonball was William Butler Johnson, who at the time was the Treasurer of the Confederacy. If that name sounds familiar, Johnson was the individual who owned the Hay House that we mentioned earlier.
When he fired his cannon, the cannonball bounced off one of the house’s columns before passing through a parlor wall where it landed at the bottom of the stairs. It still can be seen sitting there today. You can even take a selfie with it if you want.
When you make your visit, make sure that you visit the original servants’ quarters and kitchen around back.
Douglas Theater
This theater is one of just a few historic theaters built, designed, and operated by an African American. Charles Douglas was the owner and proprietor of this theater, and for all intents and purposes, he was a man that was ahead of his time. Visitors to his theater could see three or four short films on its golden screen. Traveling Vaudeville performers also frequently put on a show at the theater. Some black entertainers that have performed at the theater are James Brown, Duke Ellington, Little Richard, and Otis Redding – just to name a few.
When television sets became commonplace in American homes in the mid-20th century, theaters like the Douglas Theater struggled to draw in patrons. Because of this trend, the theater was forced to close it’s doors back in 1972. But it’s doors didn’t stay closed for long. The Theater reopened after being renovated and upgraded in 1997. Out front, you’ll find a Walk of Fame that recognizes some of Georgia’s most significant musical stars.
Macon’s Annual Festival
Every September, Macon hosts their annual Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, which is one of the largest Native American gatherings in the Southeast, with more than 200 dancers, storytellers, and craftsmen coming out to celebrate the Ocmulgee peoples rich history and culture.
In October, the city hosts the Central Georgia Greek Festival. Attendees can immerse themselves in all things Greek such as Greek music, dancing, food, and taking tours of the beautiful Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church.
The Macon International Cherry Blossom Festival is held in March. If you attend, you can enjoy the natural beauty of more than 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom as they help bring in spring. The festival also features numerous exhibits, concerts, events, and vendors.
Georgia Sports Hall Of Fame
This sports museum and hall of fame is the nation’s largest state sports museum. The 43,000 square feet facility houses more than 3,000 artifacts dating back to the early days of Georgia’s existence as a state. Immediately as you walk through the museum’s old-school ticket booths and see the lit brick columns in the museum’s rotunda, you’ll feel as if you just stepped into another time. Visitors to the museum can learn the history of sports in Georgia by exploring 14,000 square feet of exhibit space and a hall of fame hallway that honors and celebrates the storied careers of more than 400 inductees.
So, have you booked your hotel rooms yet? Macon, Georgia might not be a town that’s known for it’s tourism, but that’s actually part of it’s appeal. It has a small-town feel while still offering some big-city draw. It’s especially worth visiting if it happens to be along your route, either going down to Florida or heading north up to Atlanta. While you probably couldn’t make a weeklong vacation out of your stay, Macon is certainly a decent place to spend a long weekend.
Have you been to any of the attractions that we mentioned in this video? Know of any that we forget to mention? Let us know in the comments section below.
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