Take a journey through the historic treasures of Georgia’s Lake Country! While our picturesque lakes and outdoor activities often take center stage, there’s a rich history waiting to be discovered within the four charming communities that make up this region. 

From the remnants of Scull Shoals Mill Village, a once-thriving industrial town along the Oconee River settled in 1784, to the grand halls of the Old Governor’s Mansion in Milledgeville and humble home of a Revolutionary War soldier in Madison, Georgia’s Lake Country showcases the people, places, and stories that helped shape both the state and the nation. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, you can explore sites that trace the arc of Georgia’s history – from early industry and small-town life to political leadership and the writers whose stories let us step into the world of their time.

Discover our four communities’ favorite historic sites in four days in Georgia’s Lake Country.

Georgia History Attractions

Explore the remarkable stories of Georgia’s history through these captivating sites that weave together stories of the past.

Greene County African American Museum in Greensboro: This museum stands as a powerful testament to the African-American experience in Greene County. By appointment only, the African American Museum offers an intimate space dedicated to empowerment and truth-telling. For appointments, simply email [email protected].

Historic Trolley Tour in Milledgeville: On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings at 10 am, immerse yourself in a one-hour, fully narrated Historic Trolley Tour of Milledgeville’s historic district. Featuring grand architecture, beautiful squares, and historic neighborhoods, the sixty-minute tour provides an overview of Milledgeville’s history during its sixty-eight-year period as the capital city of Georgia. Pre-purchased trolley tickets are encouraged and may be arranged in person at the Milledgeville Visitor’s Center or by calling 478-452-4687. 

History Museum at Madison-Morgan Cultural Center in Madison: Discover the land’s intricate history, from its time as part of the Creek Nation to the early 20th century, at the Madison History Museum within the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. Located within Madison’s 125-year-old schoolhouse, the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center also features a reproduction 1895 classroom with original desks, blackboards, and other period pieces. See photographs of schoolchildren from that era and learn about the Cultural Center’s beloved caretaker. Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Old Gaol in Greensboro: Immerse yourself in an outlaw’s past at the Old Gaol, a historic jail completed in 1807. Its formidable presence, with sloping stone walls and a castellated roof line, has remained unchanged for over two centuries. The granite structure has two-foot-thick walls, two stories, and a trap door above the entry, whereby condemned prisoners were hung before being dropped to their death. Visitors can even secure a set of keys from Genuine Georgia in Downtown Greensboro to explore its intriguing interior. As part of your self-guided tour, don’t miss the solar box located outside the Gaol.

Old School History Museum in Eatonton: Located inside the Plaza Arts Center, a historic schoolhouse constructed in 1916, the Old School History Museum offers a delightful walk through time. Explore the history of Putnam County and savor the architectural beauty of this storied building. Docent-guided tours are available every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with self-guided tours offered on Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Scull Shoals in Greensboro: Explore over 10,000 years of history, from early Native Americans to De Soto’s Expedition in the 1540s, to Georgia’s first paper mill in 1811. Settled in 1784 along the Oconee River, Scull Shoals was once a thriving industrial village with sawmills, grist mills, and a four-story textile mill employing over 600 people. A historic flood in 1887 led to the town’s eventual abandonment, but visitors can still see mill foundations, chimneys, brick structures, and an old arched bridge, all slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Scull Shoals is located within the Oconee National Forest near the Oconee River Campground. From Greensboro, take HWY 15N, turn right on Macedonia Road, then left at the sign for Scull Shoals, and drive about 10 minutes down the dirt road to reach the site.

Georgia Writers

Embark on a literary journey through the heart of Georgia’s Lake Country as you explore the historic sites that bear witness to the creative legacies of acclaimed Georgia writers.

Andalusia in Milledgeville: Renowned as one of America’s greatest short-story authors, Flannery O’Connor was a visionary in the field of Southern Gothic literature. Deriving inspiration from the land and people around her, Flannery’s most productive writing years were during her residence at Andalusia Farm in Milledgeville. Today, Andalusia Farm is part of Georgia College’s campus and serves as a house museum. Open for public tours Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tours begin on the hour and the last tour begins at 4 p.m.

Georgia’s Writer Museum in Eatonton: There must be something in the soil! Three of America’s most celebrated authors called Central Georgia home. Alice Walker, Flannery O’Connor, and Joel Chandler Harris began their literary journeys within 20 miles of Eatonton and together, their writing chronicles more than a century of creative Southern traditions. In total, more than 90 writers from across the state are recognized at the Georgia Writers Museum for their literary success. Open Thursday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Uncle Remus Museum in Eatonton: Explore the history of Joel Chandler Harris and the Uncle Remus Stories at the Uncle Remus Museum. This museum invites visitors to delve into the history and literary contributions of Joel Chandler Harris. The Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 

Historic Homes

Discover tales of the past through guided tours of these enchanting historic homes in Georgia’s Lake Country. 

Bronson House in Eatonton:  Dating back to 1817, the Bronson House stands as a living testament to a bygone era. Inside, you’ll discover an impressive collection of historic furniture and accessories spanning the decorative arts periods since 1815. Find this historic gem at 114 North Madison Avenue, Eatonton, GA 31024, and schedule a private tour to dive deeper into its rich history.

Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion in Milledgeville: Completed in 1839, Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion is one of the finest examples of High Greek Revival architecture in the nation. It served as the official residence for Georgia’s chief executives for over three decades, bearing witness to the state’s antebellum, Civil War, and early Reconstruction periods. The Mansion is open for public tours Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday, 2 – 4 p.m. with tours every hour on the hour.  

Rogers House (pictured above), Rose Cottage, and Heritage Hall in Madison: Discover three historic house museums that reflect the region’s complex past. Start with a tour of The Rogers House (c. 1809), a Piedmont Plain style home that was typical of the area when Madison was settled as the edge of the frontier, on lands recently ceded by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. This home has seen 17 owners, beginning with Revolutionary War soldier Thomas Norris, who served as a private in the 1st Company Maryland Regiment and won farmland in Morgan County with a draw in the 1807 land lottery. Heritage Hall (1811) showcases the lifestyle of the town’s wealthiest 19th-century families, the planter class whose wealth was multiplied through multiple investments as well as hundreds of acres of land and enslaved people to work those lands. Rose Cottage (c. 1891) tells the story of Adeline Rose, born into slavery in 1864, who built her own home through years of hard work. Visitors can tour the homes individually or together to explore Madison’s architectural and social history.

Tours of Heritage Hall are offered Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., while Tours of Rogers House and Rose Cottage are offered Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.