Culloden GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Culloden, Georgia.
1. Culloden United Methodist Church
HISTORIC BRICK CHURCH
Culloden United Methodist Church stands as the oldest brick Methodist church in Georgia, built in 1893. The historic structure showcases unique architecture and serves as a testament to the area's religious heritage. Visitors can admire its historical significance and distinctive design while exploring Culloden's past.
2. Birthplace of Jo Ann Gibson Robinson
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY
The Birthplace of Jo Ann Gibson Robinson honors the civil rights activist who played a crucial role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Robinson, born in Culloden, went on to become a professor and key organizer in the civil rights movement. This historical site preserves the legacy of a significant figure in American history.
3. Grave of William Culloden
TOWN NAMESAKE MEMORIAL
The Grave of William Culloden memorializes the local merchant after whom the city was named. William Culloden was a significant figure in the establishment of the settlement around 1739. The gravesite offers visitors a connection to the founding history of this small Georgia town.
4. Oldest Magnolia Tree
NATURAL STATE LANDMARK
The Oldest Magnolia Tree in the State of Georgia stands as a living monument in Culloden. This magnificent tree has witnessed centuries of the town's history and represents Georgia's natural heritage. Nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike appreciate this impressive botanical landmark.
5. Dickey Farms
HISTORIC PEACH PACKING
Dickey Farms is a beloved specialty and gift shop near Culloden known for its fresh Georgia peaches and country store products. Operating since 1897, it's one of Georgia's oldest continuously operating peach packinghouses. Visitors can enjoy homemade ice cream, fresh produce, and a charming shopping experience in a historic setting.
6. The Rock Ranch
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE
The Rock Ranch offers a 1,500-acre working cattle ranch created by Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy as a wholesome family destination. The ranch features seasonal festivals, zip lines, locomotive train rides, and various outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. It combines agricultural education with family entertainment, making it a popular destination near Culloden.
7. Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site
19TH CENTURY FARM
Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site preserves a working middle-class farm from the 1800s located near Culloden. The site features original buildings, including the farmhouse, sawmill, cotton gin, and other structures built by the Jarrell family. Visitors can experience authentic 19th-century rural Georgia life through exhibits and guided tours of this remarkably preserved homestead.
8. High Falls State Park
WATERFALL RECREATION AREA
High Falls State Park centers around a series of cascades where the Towaliga River falls about 135 feet over massive rock outcroppings. The park offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, kayaking, and camping facilities in a scenic natural setting. Visitors can enjoy the historical remains of an abandoned 19th-century industrial town while exploring this outdoor recreational area near Culloden.
9. Whistle Stop Cafe
FAMOUS MOVIE LOCATION
The Whistle Stop Cafe gained fame as the fictional Whistle Stop Cafe featured in the movie 'Fried Green Tomatoes.' This authentically preserved eatery serves Southern classics, including its namesake fried green tomatoes, in a nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors from around the world make pilgrimages to this charming restaurant to experience both film history and traditional Southern cuisine.
10. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park preserves traces of over 17,000 years of continuous human habitation, featuring ancient earthen mounds built by the Mississippian culture. The park includes a reconstructed ceremonial Earth Lodge with its original 1,000-year-old clay floor and museum displaying artifacts spanning millennia. Visitors can explore hiking trails through the historical landscape while learning about Native American heritage not far from Culloden.
11. Dauset Trails Nature Center
WILDLIFE AND RECREATION
Dauset Trails Nature Center offers over 1,200 acres of forests, meadows, and streams with extensive hiking and biking trails near Culloden. The center features a native animal zoo where visitors can observe indigenous wildlife including bears, bison, and various birds of prey. Educational programs, fishing ponds, and seasonal events make this a popular destination for nature lovers and families.
12. Macon Museum of Arts and Sciences
INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The Macon Museum of Arts and Sciences combines art galleries, science exhibits, and a mini-zoo in one engaging cultural institution. The museum features a planetarium, discovery house, and rotating exhibitions that appeal to visitors of all ages. This educational attraction offers an enriching experience for those looking to explore beyond Culloden's boundaries.
13. Hay House
ITALIAN RENAISSANCE REVIVAL MANSION
Hay House is a stunning 18,000-square-foot Italian Renaissance Revival mansion built between 1855 and 1859 in Macon, a short drive from Culloden. Known as the 'Palace of the South,' this National Historic Landmark features elaborate details including a three-story rotunda, stained glass, and intricate plasterwork. Tours of this opulent residence offer glimpses into 19th-century luxury living and architectural brilliance.
14. Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL FOREST SANCTUARY
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 35,000 acres of protected forest habitat established to demonstrate land restoration and wildlife conservation. The refuge provides a haven for numerous wildlife species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and hiking on maintained trails throughout this natural sanctuary near Culloden.
15. Thomaston-Upson Archives
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Thomaston-Upson Archives houses an extensive collection of historical records, photographs, and genealogical resources from the region surrounding Culloden. Researchers can access materials dating back to the early settlement period, including family histories and documentation of local development. The archives offers a window into the past for those interested in exploring the rich history of Central Georgia.