Best Places to Visit in Macon

We read, write, explore, research, or create. Our mind remains indulged in high degree of brainstorming on daily basis in unearthing our nexus with the entire world around and establishing a clear understanding of it. The more we discover, the more we become confident. But, of late, we realized that our confidence turned into over-confidence unknowingly. As we are engaged into a job where we inform and educate people about the life and the things in the cities around, near or remote, we started developing an attitude that we know almost everything. But, when the last week one of our colleagues showed up in office with her latest vacation pictures of Macon, our lips got sealed. It is our honest confession that we were oblivious of the existence of such picturesque place in the state of Georgia. The pictures were so breathtaking that it questioned our knowledge as we always claim to introduce you with magnificent places around us that are worth your time. You don't need to regret like we did. Check out the below-shared article and spend some unforgettable time in Macon.

Ocmulgee National Monument

 
Famed as prehistoric American Indian site, Ocmulgee National Monument boasts of its history timeline of approx. 17,000 years. American Indians are claimed to be the first inhabitants arrived the site during Paleo-Indian period. Ocmulgee National Monument is said to be an ancestral homeland belonging to Muscogee Nation. Situated along the Ocmulgee River, Ocmulgee National Monument commences from South Carolina and sprawls all across Georgia stretching access to Alabama. Ocmulgee National Monument is a true and unparalleled epitome of environmental diversity boasting of various natural resources and myriads of habitats for different species of wildlife and plants. You can also catch a beautiful glimpse of endangered species here. Sprawling across 702-acre of land, Ocmulgee National Monument is a true delight to immerse into breathtaking views of wetlands along Walnut Creek, forests, and upland fields where you will remain in the awe of mesmerizing species of reptiles, plants, birds, and animals.

Address: Macon, Georgia 31217, United States
Phone: 1 478.752.8257
Website: www.nps.gov/ocmu/index.htm
Operation Hours: Opens daily (9:00 am-5:00 pm)

The Allman Brothers Band Museum

To preserve the memories of Allman Brothers Band, The Big House located at Vineville Avenue was creatively transformed into a museum. The foundation of The Allman Brothers Band Museum was laid in order to preserve the legacy of music that the Allman Brothers Band always wanted to pass on to its community and posterity. With the establishment of The Allman Brothers Band Museum, it was made evident how the Big House Foundation is unprecedentedly preserving the memorabilia of the Allman Brothers Band. Your eye balls will roll in different directions as every corner of the museum is so picturesque and breathtaking. The museum is dotted with The Parlor, The Filmore East Room, The Old Dining Room, The Living Room, Duane Allman’s Bedroom, Brittany Oakley’s Bedroom, The “Casbah” /Music Room, The Roadie Room, The Kitchen, The Walk-In Closet, and Candace Oakley & Gregg Allman Room. All these sections are the testaments of the Allman Brothers Band and its creations.

Address: 2321 Vineville Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31204, United States
Phone: 1 478.741.5551
Website: www.thebighousemuseum.com
Operation Hours: Thursday-Sunday (11:00 am-6:00 pm); remains closed from Monday to Wednesday

Sidney Lanier Cottage

Sidney Lanier is not a new name to Maconites and all those who possess a great passion of music and poetry. For many, he was an unparalleled poet of his time. No one could beat his level. “Song of the Chattahoochee” and “The Marshes of Glynn” are the best of the gifts from him to this world. For many, no one could ever surpass him whenever it came to music. In the world of music, he was second to none. Last but not the least, he was acknowledged worldwide for his altruistic services as a soldier. To commemorate his contributions and memories, his birthplace was preserved and restored in Gothic-Revival style in 1880. This commendable job was taken and performed well by the Historic Macon Foundation. In 1972, it also found a place on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. To get well acquainted with his life and works, take a stroll throughout his cottage and catch the glimpse of his artifacts including his books and instruments. Besides the artifacts, you can also catch the sight of its landscaped garden, a Magnolia-shaded front yard, a patio, a whopping front porch & eight rocking chairs, a kitchen boasting of ten-burner stove and two-oven, glasses and stemware, hot spot providing access to free WiFi, tables & chairs, furnishings, and linens.

Address: 935 High Street, Macon, Georgia 31201, United States
Phone: 1 478.743.3851
Website: www.historicmacon.org/sidney-lanier-cottage
Operation Hours: Monday-Saturday (10:00 am-4:00 pm); remains closed on Sundays

Museum of Arts and Sciences

 
Sprawling across 14-acre of land, the Museum of Arts and Sciences is the most breathtaking spot to witness an unprecedented amalgamation of arts and sciences. The museum is all dedicated to the people of Central Georgia and thus always strive to preserve, research, comprehend, interpret and exhibit various significant cultural, scientific, artistic, and historical values and phenomena which hold a great significance in their life and lucrative for their existence and survival. By and large, the Museum of Arts and Sciences is engaged into promoting and propagating the deep insights of humankind and its heritage. Hence, your engagement with the museum can fulfill your enrichment and enlightenment needs by evoking a great interest, curiosity in you and a positive attitude towards the new happenings and discoveries all around the world. Leadership & excellence, commitment to education, community service & accessibility, accountability & professionalism, and respect & inclusiveness are amongst the core values of the museum.

Address: 4182 Forsyth Road, Macon, Georgia 31210, United States
Phone: 1 478.477.3232
Website: www.masmacon.org
Operation Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (10:00 am-5:00 pm); Sunday (1:00 pm-5:00 pm); remains closed on Mondays

Fort Benjamin Hawkins

 
In 1806, President Thomas Jefferson and Col. Benjamin Hawkins together laid the stones of Fort Benjamin Hawkins. Benjamin Hawkins was honored by giving the fort a name after his name. It was established as an official U.S. Army Fort as well as an Indian Factory to prompt the meeting, interacting, and trading with Native Americans. Thus, the fort was seen as a site possessing military, political and economic importance. In the history of Macon, the fort is revered as an icon. Its archeological site has been placed on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. Approx. 40,000 artifacts had been recovered during the fort era indicative of the lives of different people belonging to different species. In 1993, the Fort Benjamin Hawkins was also included in Fort Hill Historic District. IN 2002, the fort was also featured in Georgia's Archaeology Month program.

Address: Emery Highway, Macon, Georgia 31217, United States
Phone: 1 478.742.3003
Website: www.forthawkins.com

Johnston-Felton-Hay House

 
Architectural wonder is what Johnston-Felton-Hay House called by people. In 1974, Johnston-Felton-Hay House was declared a National Historic Landmark due to being one of the astonishing structures based in Georgia. We are sure that you would fall for its Italian Renaissance revive style of architecture. Architecture buffs go crazy for its sense of symmetry. Sprawling across 18,000 s. ft. of area, Johnston-Felton-Hay House is dotted with 24 principal rooms. The central block of Johnston-Felton-Hay House is surrounded by two identical wings. An octagonal cupola is atop the House which serves as a ventilation system blowing hot air out of the house. To provide students with learning opportunities Johnston-Felton-Hay House conducts educational programming so that they can achieve a better understanding of cultural and historical significance of the community in which they live. These educational programmings include Teacher Training Workshops, Family events driven by education and entertainment, and School Programs in accordance with GPS classroom standards.

Address: 934 Georgia Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31201, United States
Phone: 1 478.742.8155
Website: www.georgiatrust.org/historic_sites/hayhouse
Operation Hours: Monday-Saturday (10:00 am-4:00 pm); Sunday (1:00 pm-4:00 pm)

Cannonball House

In 1853, the Cannonball House started off its journey as a planter's townhouse. If you are very fond of Greek Revival architecture, then Cannonball House is definitely going to blow your mind. Due to its architectural assets, the Cannonball House has also been placed on the list of National Register of Historic Places. The House is revered as an incredible testament of Georgia's heritage. It is indulged into acquiring, preserving, and exhibiting the artifacts that represent the heritage of the state remarkably and completely. Through its special events, exhibits, and educational programs, the Cannonball House has made an attempt to educate and inform the mass about the rich history of Georgia. Its educational tours serve the students of all age groups covering various niches that interest them the most. Civil War class, Father/Daughter night, Mother/Daughter Tea, Kid’s Kitchen, Miss Elizabeth’s Academy, and Mother/Son Event are amongst its various educational tours.

Address: 856 Mulberry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201, United States
Phone: 1 478.745.5982
Website: www.cannonballhouse.org
Operation Hours: Monday-Saturday (10:00 am-3:30 pm); remains closed on Sundays

Tubman Museum

 
If art and history is what that interests you the most, then you belong to Tubman Museum. It is an unparalleled hub of art and history where you get amazed every bit of time. It has been entertaining and educating people since 1981. Thus, visiting Tubman Museum could be an edutainment experience. The museum got its name after Harriet Tubman who was fondly called 'Black Moses'. Her contributions created a clear and clean path for her followers inspiring and compelling them to break all the chains of slavery and fight for freedom until they achieve it altogether. Hence, by and large, she was a visionary. By the course of time, the museum attained the status of the most prominent institution revered as a cultural as well as educational resource nestling in the southeast region. Thus, to get acquainted with the insights of the history, art and culture of African Americans, you ought to visit Tubman Museum at least once in your lifetime. It could be a life-changing experience.

Address: 310 Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201, United States
Phone: 1 478.743.8544
Website: www.tubmanmuseum.com
Operation Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (9:00 am-5:00 pm); remains closed on Sunday and Monday

A Map Guide on Macon's Best Tourist Spots