Macon: Top 7 Best Places to Visit in Macon, Georgia

Travel Attractions – Macon
Macon, a small city of 150,000 people, has plenty to offer. This Central Georgia city was founded on the Ocmulgee River’s west bank in 1823. It is known as “Brick City” because of its extensive use

of locally-made building materials. Macon is an enjoyable place to walk around. It has a revitalized downtown that boasts wide avenues lined with trees and easy access to many of the city’s most popular attractions.

You will find some of the most beautiful public parks in Georgia here. They offer many opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and for all levels of ability. The 200-mile Ocmulgee River Water Trail connects the city to other parts of the state for those who are serious hikers. There are many reasons to spend time outside, not to mention the fun festivals and events that take place here every year like the International Cherry Blossom Festival.

The revival of Macon has provided an opportunity for residents to celebrate their cultural diversity. You should also visit points of interest that are related to the Civil Rights Movement. Make sure to stop by attractions like the Tubman Museum which features art from both local and national African American artists.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

You will need to drive from Downtown Macon towards Ocmulgee mounds national historical park, but once you get there you’ll be able to walk around. This beautiful park covers more than 900 acres and has eight miles worth of trails for you to explore. You may want to keep your walk to a shorter distance than usual, as the park is so large that parking spaces are available near all of its main attractions.

The Art Deco-style visitor centre is the best place to start your sightseeing. It was built in 1936 and tells the fascinating story of seven ancient burial mounds that were found within the park. The center also includes information about the Indigenous people who lived there for over 17,000 years. A short film accompanying the excavation sheds light on the historical significance of the site. It also contains artifacts that were discovered during the largest archaeological dig ever conducted in the USA.

A reconstructed ceremonial lodge, which was built from earth, is just a few steps away from the visitor center. However, the main mound cluster, which includes the massive Great Temple Mound, can be found a half mile away. Although you can see the mounds from the base, the true scale of the structure can only be appreciated by climbing up the wooden staircase to the top. You’ll be rewarded by magnificent views of Macon from this point.

More Details About Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

Website:	https://www.nps.gov/ocmu/index.htm
Website:	1207 Emery Hwy, Macon, GA 31217, United States
Website:	+1 478-752-8257

Johnston-Felton Hay House

The Johnston-Felton Hay House, one of Georgia’s most significant period homes, can be easily walked from Downtown Macon. This 18,000-square-foot mansion was built in 1859. It has 24 rooms and was designed in Renaissance Revival style. It was capped by a magnificent three-story cupola.

This mansion, which measures 18,000 square feet, was built in Renaissance Revival style by Italian craftsmen. Original stained-glass windows and original furniture are some of the interior highlights. There is also a large collection of period porcelain, paintings, and a substantial collection of period porcelain. On-site gift shops sell related souvenirs and offer hour-long guided tours. You should also visit the grounds which contain original plants that date back to the construction of the house.

After you have finished at Hay House, walk up the hill to the Walter F. George School of Law. Jefferson Davis visited this impressive red-brick building after the Civil War. You can sit at the Coleman Hill Park across from the building and take in the stunning views of Macon.

More Details About Johnston-Felton Hay House

Website:	https://www.hayhousemacon.org/
Address:	934 Georgia Ave, Macon, GA 31201, United States
Contact:	+1 478-742-8155

Rose Hill Cemetery

Rose Hill Cemetery is a great place to walk around Macon. It’s also known as the “Garden of Graves”, due to its stunning grounds. This park-like cemetery is located on 50 acres near Ocmulgee River. It was opened in 1840. It is the final resting spot of many Macon residents, including Gregg Allman and Duane Allman from the Allman Brothers Band. The cemetery’s horticulturalist designer Simri rose is its name.

It is divided into sections according to the religion and background of the people who are interred there. You’ll find 600 Confederate soldiers’ burial places and unidentified number of slaves just a few steps from the more elaborate burial plots of city’s prominent families. The area is fascinating and has many inclines. However, most of the paths are paved. The cemetery website has details of self-guided walking tours, as well as dates and information about the Rose Hill Ramble, which is a 1.5-hour guided tour.

More Details About Rose Hill Cemetery

Website:	https://www.rosehillcemetery.org/
Address:	1071 Riverside Dr, Macon, GA 31201, United States
Contact:	+1 478-751-9119

Grand Opera House

The Grand Opera House, which was originally built as the Academy of Music in1884, can still be proud of having the largest stage in the American South. The stage is so big that live horses and chariots were used in the 1908 production of Ben Hur.

The stage has been home to some of America’s most famous performers and stars over the years, including Harry Houdini and Charlie Chaplin. The theater is most well-known for its Christmas production of The Nutcracker, and as a frequent stop on the Broadway tour.

More Details About Grand Opera House

Website:	https://www.thegrandmacon.com/
Address:	651 Mulberry St, Macon, GA 31201, United States
Contact:	+1 478-301-5470

Museum of Arts and Sciences

The Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon (MAS) was established in 1956. It has four galleries that house temporary exhibits in a range of disciplines. The museum’s Discovery House, which is open to children under 18, is a must-see. It is packed with interactive exhibits and displays.

There’s also a mini-zoo, nature trail and planetarium. There are workshops and age-appropriate learning programmes. A souvenir and gift shop is located on site. There are also new additions to the grounds such as an amphitheater and a bat cave.

More Details About Museum of Arts and Sciences

Website:	https://www.masmacon.org/
Address:	4182 Forsyth Rd, Macon, GA 31210, United States
Contact:	+1 478-477-3232

The Allman Brothers Band Museum

The Allman Brothers Band Museum, a house museum, honors and commemorates the Allman Brothers Band. The museum, also known as The Big House, was once home to some of the original members, their families, friends, and other band members from 1970 to 1973.

Many of the archive and memorabilia belonging to the band, including hand-written lyrics and artwork, are housed in this museum. Many of the rooms were designed to look like the time they were used by the band members. There is a gift shop in the museum that sells merchandise from Allman Brothers Band, CDs and apparel.

More Details About The Allman Brothers Band Museum

Website:	https://thebighousemuseum.com/
Address:	2321 Vineville Ave, Macon, GA 31204, United States
Contact:	+1 478-741-5551

International Cherry Blossom Festival

You should plan your trip to Macon during springtime to coincide with the International Cherry Blossom Festival. This festival, which has been held every year since 1982 celebrates Macon’s claim of being the world’s cherry bloom capital. It’s supported by 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees.

The festival is held every March to coincide the spectacular display of blossoming trees. Its central location in Carolyn Crayton Park hosts numerous concerts, fairground attractions and food and drink experiences as well as a variety of other activities for the entire family.

More Details About International Cherry Blossom Festival

Website:	https://cherryblossom.com/
Contact:	+1 478-330-7050