Macon, a small city located in the center of Georgia, is often called the ‘Heart of Georgia’. It has a rich history and beautiful old buildings from the antebellum era. Macon also offers interesting museums and parks.
The city is situated on the west side of the Ocmulgee River, and its downtown area has many historic houses, churches, and tree-lined streets. In spring, the city becomes even more charming with the colorful cherry blossoms that cover everything in pink.
Apart from exploring the famous ancient earthwork mounds, there are many other exciting things to do in Macon. You can immerse yourself in its vibrant cultural scene and attend lively festivals.
12. Ocmulgee Mounds
Just on the other side of the river from downtown lies one of the state’s most impressive archaeological sites: the Ocmulgee Mounds. Often regarded as one of the nation’s best-preserved Native American settlements, the site’s earthworks, trenches, and burial mounds are fascinating to explore.
Although travelers have known about these magnificent mounds for centuries, serious excavations only started in the 1930s. Surprisingly, archaeologists found conclusive evidence of over 17,000 years of continuous human habitation at this extensive site.
Aside from climbing the ceremonial mounds and marveling at their impressive size, visitors can hike around the national historical park and enjoy its beautiful scenery and nature. There’s also an excellent archaeology museum showcasing discoveries from the excavations and providing insights into the prehistoric indigenous peoples who inhabited the site.
11. Allman Brothers Band Museum
The remarkable Allman Brothers Band Museum, situated just outside the city center along Vineville Avenue, is filled with their original instruments, art, and personal mementos. Considered among Macon’s most famous residents, the band gained prominence in the late sixties, composing some of their most popular songs in the city.
During the years 1970 to 1973, the band members, along with their families, friends, and roadies, lived together in ‘The Big House,’ which now serves as the museum. Inside this spacious mock-Tudor house, you can explore their former rooms, view authentic artifacts, and engage with interactive exhibits that delve into their lives, lyrics, and legacy.
After immersing yourself in the atmospheric old house and learning about the band, you can visit the gift shop to pick up CDs, souvenirs, or merchandise.
10. Amerson River Park
The Amerson River Park is a beautiful place with woods, wetlands, meadows, and waterways. It offers many outdoor activities for people to enjoy. Even though it is close to the city center of Macon, it feels peaceful and far away from the busy downtown area. The park used to be a water treatment plant but was transformed into a public park in 2015.
Now, it has playgrounds and pavilions along with its natural areas. The park is surrounded by a u-shaped section of the Ocmulgee River, so people can swim, kayak, and tube in the river. There are also over seven miles of nature trails where visitors can hike and see scenic bluffs, forests, and the winding river.
9. Tubman Museum
Right next to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, you’ll find the Tubman Museum which is a must-visit attraction in the city. The museum is named after an important American abolitionist and social activist. It focuses on the African American history, culture, and heritage of the city and state.
It was established in 1981 and is now housed in a large modern building. Inside, you’ll find galleries with fascinating artifacts, exhibits, and artworks. Some sections of the museum showcase contemporary artists, culture, and inventions, while others shed light on the sad history of slavery and segregation.
In addition to exploring the amazing folk art and historical displays, residents can also take classes in dance, drumming, and drama to gain even more knowledge about African American culture.
8. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church is a prominent and impressive building in town, standing out above the rest of downtown. It has tall twin towers that catch your eye, along with a beautifully detailed exterior and elegant interior. The church was built in 1889 and showcases incredible Neo-Gothic architecture.
One particularly striking feature is a delicate rose window positioned above three decorative entrances. Inside, the church is just as breathtaking. The walls are adorned with sixty stained-glass windows, which are complemented by white marble carvings, large columns, and statues of religious figures.
There is also a grand altar and a massive organ with over a thousand pipes. Besides admiring the church and its remarkable artwork, you can attend a daily mass or find solace by sitting on one of its many seats.
7. Rose Hill Cemetery
The Rose Hill Cemetery is a beautiful place with majestic marble statues, tombstones, and monuments. It is located by the Ocmulgee River, just a short walk from downtown. Originally designed as a garden cemetery, it has many old graves in stunning locations on hillsides, near bushes, or under magnolias.
Since 1840, this cemetery has been the burial site for thousands of people, including Confederate soldiers, Jewish individuals, and unknown slaves. The tombs and monuments here are architecturally impressive, with intricate sculptures and engravings.
This National Historic Landmark is also famous for housing the graves of members from the Allman Brothers Band and various Georgian politicians.
6. Hay House
Not far from the ‘Garden of Graves,’ you’ll find another captivating structure in the city: the historic Hay House. Known as the ‘Palace of the South’ due to its exquisite Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, guided tours now allow you to explore its lavish interior.
Constructed between 1855 and 1859, this massive mansion sits atop Coleman Hill, surrounded by immaculate lawns and gardens. A charming cupola peeks from its roof, and a grand staircase and portico lead to the entrance.
The real treasure lies inside, where every inch is adorned with fine furnishings, period pieces, and valuable artworks. During tours of its more than twenty spacious and ornate rooms, knowledgeable guides highlight state-of-the-art innovations for its time, such as central heating, an elevator, and an intercom system.
5. Tattnall Square Park
Tattnall Square Park is a peaceful and beautiful place to spend time. It is located right next to the Mercer University campus. The park has a playground, picnic area, public tennis courts, playing fields, and a pavilion for community events. People are drawn to the park because of its many amenities.
Students, locals, and even some adventurous tourists come to enjoy the gorgeous green park. Some people relax on the lush lawns or under the towering trees, while others play tennis, soccer, touch football, or frisbee. There is always enough space for everyone, even with all the activities happening.
In the summer, the park comes alive with concerts, festivals, cultural events, relaxing yoga classes, and vibrant farmers’ markets.
4. Cannonball House
Just a short walk away from the opera house, you will find another stunning building in the city. Known as Cannonball House, it earned its name because it was damaged during the Civil War by a Union Army attack. This magnificent house, built in 1853, is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
It features exquisite Greek Revival architecture and encompasses two floors filled with period furniture, artifacts, and exhibits. Visitors can take a guided tour and explore interesting areas such as the Servants’ Quarters on the upper floor and recreated meeting rooms of the world’s first sororities.
Outside, there is an old cannon from the Civil War era, and you can admire the impressive details of the house’s facade.
3. Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is both interesting and entertaining, and it’s conveniently located near the city center. Inside the large galleries, visitors can explore exhibits that cover a wide range of sports, including college sports, professional teams, and Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
It’s worth noting that this hall of fame is the largest of its kind in the United States, with over 3,000 items in its collection. Alongside learning about the 400 inductees, guests can admire shiny NASCARs, old NFL helmets, and beautiful trophies.
The building itself is quite impressive as it resembles a turn-of-the-century ballpark, and it houses informative plaques and artworks throughout. Additionally, the hall offers interactive experiences such as NASCAR simulators and basketball games, as well as hosting concerts and talks.
2. Grand Opera House
If you’re in town and want to see an amazing show or concert, you should definitely check out the Grand Opera House. It’s located right in the center of Macon and its interior is really fancy, so it’s a place you won’t forget.
The theater was originally built in 1884 as an Academy of Music and it had the biggest stage in the Southeastern United States at the time. While there are no longer live horse races happening, you can still watch awesome Broadway shows, concerts, and community theater performances.
The theater has grand balconies and galleries where you can sit and look out over the famous stage. Many famous people such as Charlie Chaplin, Harry Houdini, Ray Charles, and the Allman Brothers Band have performed there.
1. Museum of Arts and Sciences
Even though it is located a little farther away from other popular attractions in the city, the Museum of Arts and Sciences is definitely worth a visit if you have the opportunity. The museum is loved by families and offers a wide range of exhibits, a mini-zoo, and a planetarium.
It was first opened to the public in 1956 and has since become a highly influential institution, covering various topics including fine arts, local literary figures, science, space, and the unique species found in the state.
The museum keeps visitors engaged with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, ensuring that you won’t get bored while exploring its numerous galleries. Some notable highlights of the museum include a forty-million-year-old whale fossil and visually striking art pieces that go beyond traditional boundaries.
Afterward, visitors can enjoy seeing monkeys, snakes, and an alligator at the mini-zoo or attend an impressive science show at the museum’s planetarium.
