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. 

Travel back in time exploring the founding of our historic towns Eatonton, Greensboro, Madison, and Milledgeville, and the figures that helped shape Georgia’s history. Then if you’re ready to explore more, dive into the literary landmarks and grand historic homes that are nestled amid the natural beauty of Georgia’s Lake Country.

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 Friday and Saturday mornings, immerse yourself in a one-hour fully narrated 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 or by calling 478-452-4687.

Piedmont History Museum at Madison-Morgan Cultural Center in Madison: Delve into the land’s intricate history, from its time as part of the Creek Nation to the 19th century, at the Piedmont History Museum within the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. Here, the past unfolds, and the legacy of this region is celebrated. The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is located in Madison’s 125-year-old schoolhouse and is open Tuesdays-Saturday 10 am – 5 pm. 

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 am to 4 pm, with self-guided tours offered on Tuesday-Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Scull Shoals in Greensboro: Explore over 10,000 years of history, from early Native Americans to DeSoto (the 1540s), to Georgia’s first paper mill in 1811. Take a gentle hike along the historic ruins of the old Scull Shoals Village on the banks of the Oconee River. If you wish to drive up to the site from Greensboro, take HWY 15N and make a right on Macedonia Road then turn left at the sign for Scull Shoals. You will drive down a dirt road for about 10 minutes before reaching 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 am – 4 pm and Sunday 2 pm – 4 pm Tours begin on the hour and the last tour begins at 4 pm.

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 – Satruday from 10 am – 4 pm.

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 am – 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm – 4 pm. 

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 delve 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, 10-4, and Sunday, 2-4 with tours every hour on the hour.  

Rogers House, Rose Cottage, and Heritage Hall in Madison: Heritage Hall, dating back to 1811, offers a captivating glimpse into life in the 19th century. It remained a private residence until 1977 and is now lovingly preserved by the Morgan County Historical Society. The Rogers House, circa 1809, stands as a prime example of Piedmont Plain architecture, representing the standard for middle-class homes of its time. The charming Rose Cottage, built around 1891, tells a remarkable story of Adeline Rose, born into an enslaved family in 1864, who diligently worked to create this home, earning her living by washing and ironing at 50 cents a load. Tours of each home or a combination tour encompassing Heritage Hall, Rogers House, and Rose Cottage are available on the hour, offering an immersive journey into the past. Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.