Milledgeville is a city located in Baldwin County, Georgia. It is the county seat and is bordered on the east by the Oconee River. The city’s location was a natural attraction for residents due to the river’s swift current.

Old State Capitol

The Old State Capitol is a historic building located in Milledgeville, Georgia. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 13, 1970, it is now a museum. It was once the state’s capitol, and before that, it was located in Louisville, Georgia.

The building was home to Georgia’s government for 60 years, and was also where the secession convention was held. It is also where Sherman’s soldiers held a mock legislature during the March to the Sea. Today, the Old State Capitol is a museum, and it’s free to visit.

The state capitol was constructed between 1805 and 1807, and was originally located in Louisville. The south wing was built a few years later, and the north wing was added in 1825. In 1861, Georgia’s secession vote took place in the Milledgeville capitol. It later served as a courthouse for Baldwin County and as Georgia Military College. This Gothic styled structure was the only capitol in the US to be built in a Gothic style.

Despite the building’s age, the Old State Capitol was also a site of significant historical events in Georgia. In 1861, Georgia’s Secession Convention was held in this building, and the vote was carried on January 19. Governor Joe Brown conducted the affairs of the state militia and engaged in conflict with C.S.A. President Jefferson Davis. The Governor’s Mansion was located nearby.

The Old State Capitol in Milledgeville, Georgia is a historic landmark that houses the state’s government. It was the capital of Georgia for 65 years. The building’s rotundas feature portraits of each of the state’s governors. The Gothic architecture was considered the first Gothic revival style building in the United States.

Bartram Forest

The 1343-acre Bartram Forest is a place for outdoor recreation in Milledgeville, Georgia. This wooded area features three looping trails through pine forests and meadows. Visitors can hike, run, or bike on these trails. The trails are graded from green to red, and are ideal for people of all fitness levels. The forest is home to several species of birds, and there is also archery hunting during certain seasons.

For nature lovers, the Bartram Forest is the perfect place to go hiking, biking, or bird watching. There are also several education kiosks to help visitors understand the ecosystem. The Bartram Forest also has several wetlands and effervescent evergreens, which make for a diversified eco-system.

If you’re traveling with kids, Milledgeville has several nature camps and regular events. The city is also home to 50 acres of gardens, making it a great place for a picnic. There are also several historical sites in the area, including the Greek Revival-style house Rose Hill. The house is available for tours for a small fee. Milledgeville is also located near the Antebellum Trail, which starts in Macon and ends in Athens.

The Haunted Cemetery, Memory Hill, and Bartram Forest are just a few of the many attractions in Milledgeville. Mountain biking is also a great way to get around the area. On Thursdays, Oconee Outfitters organizes mountain bike rides through the woods. You can also take a walking tour through the town’s historic district. The city was founded in 1803 and boasts some beautiful historic buildings.

The Old Governor’s Mansion is a national historic landmark and is furnished with period-specific antiques. There are two walking tours available: the Collection’s Tour and the Curator’s Tour. Both tours provide information about the mansion’s restoration and history.

Lake Sinclair

Lake Sinclair is a family-friendly lake located in Milledgeville, Georgia. Its mild climate allows you to enjoy water activities year-round. You can find boat ramps, picnic areas, and campgrounds here. The lake has unsupervised beaches and is also a popular spot for fishing tournaments.

If you’re looking for the ultimate thrill at Lake Sinclair, consider renting a boat for the day. This is an affordable, easy-to-do activity that is fun for the whole family. The man-made lake is one of the largest in the state, and it has several public beaches and plenty of recreational opportunities. It was created in 1953 by damming the Oconee River.

If you have an interest in history, you should visit the nearby Central State Hospital. This former psychiatric hospital was Georgia’s first public psychiatric hospital. The hospital is now closed, but the Local Redevelopment Authority offers tours. Visitors can also visit the Cedar Lane Cemetery, where rows of iron markers have replaced traditional gravestones. More than 25,000 people were buried here.

The nearby Oconee River Greenway and the Bartram Forest are great places to go birding. Birds are very common in the area, and the lake is home to some bald eagles. The lake is also home to 92 species of butterflies.

Milledgeville offers six parks and recreation areas for outdoor enthusiasts. A variety of trails make it perfect for hiking and biking. The Bartram Forest is a beautiful natural setting with pine trees that touch the sky. Bike rentals are also available at Oconee Outfitters.

Rose Hill at Lockerly Arboretum

Visitors can experience the beauty of nature at Rose Hill at Lockerly Arboretam, Georgia. The park-like setting is home to mature hardwood trees, ferns, and wildflowers. The property also features a beautiful Greek-revival mansion. It has been preserved as a museum and educational facility.

The original structure on Rose Hill was built in 1839 by R.J. Nichols, an entrepreneur from Connecticut, who named the place Rose Hill due to its abundance of Cherokee Roses. However, Nichols’ estate became involved in litigation, and in 1963, the house and 100 acres were put up for auction.

The Arboretum is located at 1534 Irwinton Road. The Arboretum features gardens, a cactus greenhouse, and a collection of azaleas and iris. It is open to the public for tours and picnics.

Lockerly Arboretum is a 50-acre arboretum that focuses on horticulture, education, and history. Its collection includes more than one hundred types of plants, including some that are native to the area. Visitors can stroll through the grounds, enjoy a picnic at the pond, and observe wildlife as they feed. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Owners should also clean up after their pets.

Oconee River Greenway

The Oconee River Greenway is positioned east of downtown Milledgeville and features a network of paved trails, boardwalks, and open green areas. The area was once a major water power source in the area and is now a beautiful recreational destination. The area features a variety of native plant and bird life and offers a great way to get in touch with nature.

The park is open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Free parking is available. There are also numerous outfitters offering kayaks and paddle boards for rent. The Park also has a boat ramp. However, boaters should be aware that the river is swift and shallow in some spots.

Oconee River Greenway offers several activities for visitors of all ages. It features a boardwalk and nearly 3 miles of trails and paths. The park also has a dog park and multiple fishing stations. It is also adjacent to the Oconee River, so visitors can kayak on the river in comfort. If you have a kayak, you can rent one from Mac’s Yaks or Oconee Outfitters.

The Lower Oconee River Water Trail begins at the base of the Sinclair Dam and provides a scenic stretch of flat water. This stretch of water is close to downtown Milledgeville. However, it can be rocky at low water levels and expose shoals, so you should wear good shoes if you plan to walk in the river. Additionally, the river has two diversion dam remnants, which create Class II and III rapids. Boaters should be aware of these and use a safer alternative route.