Marshallville GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Marshallville, Georgia.
1. Massee Lane Gardens
SERENE BOTANICAL PARADISE
Massee Lane Gardens is a stunning botanical garden in Marshallville known for its exceptional collection of camellias. Visitors can wander through the meticulously maintained gardens featuring not only camellias but also various other plant species in themed display areas. The gardens also house the headquarters of the American Camellia Society and offer educational exhibits about horticulture.
2. Lane Southern Orchards
FRESH FRUIT FARM EXPERIENCE
Lane Southern Orchards offers visitors a chance to experience Georgia's agricultural heritage through its expansive fruit orchards. Guests can enjoy farm tours, pick seasonal fruits including peaches and pecans, and learn about the farming process from planting to harvest. The on-site market and cafe serve fresh produce and homemade treats made from their farm-grown ingredients.
3. The Grand Magnolia House
HISTORIC SOUTHERN MANSION
The Grand Magnolia House is a Southern Colonial mansion built in the 1860s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This historic estate features beautifully landscaped grounds spanning three acres, complete with a charming gazebo, a bamboo garden, and century-old pecan trees. Visitors can admire the tastefully appointed interior with its luxurious rooms and elegant entertaining spaces that capture the essence of Southern charm.
4. Jones-Peterson House
NEOCLASSICAL REVIVAL LANDMARK
The Jones-Peterson House is an impressive Neoclassical Revival landmark situated on a knoll just west of Marshallville, dating back to circa 1893. The historic residence showcases the architectural grandeur typical of Georgia's prosperous agricultural era with its imposing columns and symmetrical design. Visitors can appreciate this well-preserved piece of local history that stands as a testament to Marshallville's rich heritage.
5. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
NATURAL WILDERNESS ESCAPE
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest offers outdoor enthusiasts access to Georgia's stunning natural landscapes not far from Marshallville. This vast protected area features miles of hiking trails, pristine streams for fishing, and diverse ecosystems supporting abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from camping and picnicking to bird watching and photography throughout the forest's scenic terrain.
6. Atlanta Botanical Garden
URBAN PLANT PARADISE
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a renowned attraction featuring spectacular plant collections, creative exhibitions, and seasonal displays within reasonable driving distance from Marshallville. Highlights include the Canopy Walk, offering visitors a unique perspective from 40 feet above the woodland floor, and the Fuqua Orchid Center housing one of the country's largest orchid collections. The garden regularly hosts special events, educational programs, and art installations that blend horticulture with cultural experiences.
7. Fort Valley State University
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Fort Valley State University is a historically black land-grant institution located near Marshallville with a campus known for its beautiful grounds and historic buildings. Established in 1895, the university offers visitors a glimpse into the educational heritage of the region through its architecture and academic facilities. Campus highlights include the Agricultural Research Station and the Pettigrew Center, which hosts various cultural and community events open to the public.
8. Georgia Rural Telephone Museum
COMMUNICATIONS HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Georgia Rural Telephone Museum houses one of the world's largest collections of antique telephones and telecommunications equipment not far from Marshallville. Visitors can explore the evolution of communication technology through hundreds of exhibits, including switchboards, early telephones, and rare artifacts dating back to the 1800s. The museum provides a fascinating journey through the history of how rural communities stayed connected before the digital age.
9. Andersonville National Historic Site
CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL
Andersonville National Historic Site preserves the former site of Camp Sumter, one of the largest and most notorious Confederate military prisons during the Civil War. The site includes the National Prisoner of War Museum, which commemorates the experience of all American prisoners of war throughout the nation's history. Visitors can also explore the Andersonville National Cemetery where nearly 13,000 Union soldiers who died in the prison camp are buried.
10. Georgia Veterans State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Georgia Veterans State Park offers diverse recreational activities centered around beautiful Lake Blackshear within driving distance of Marshallville. The park features an impressive military museum displaying aircraft, armored vehicles, and uniforms from America's major conflicts. Visitors can enjoy golfing at the 18-hole championship course, boating on the lake, camping, or staying at the Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club located within the park.
11. The Shoppes at River Crossings
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Shoppes at River Crossings is an upscale open-air shopping center located in North Macon, offering a convenient retail destination for Marshallville residents. This shopping complex features a mix of national retailers, boutique stores, and diverse dining options in a pleasant outdoor setting. Visitors can enjoy a day of shopping, dining, and entertainment with the center's pedestrian-friendly layout and seasonal events.
12. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS HERITAGE
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park preserves ancient Native American earthworks built by the Mississippian culture over a thousand years ago near Marshallville. The park's visitor center houses impressive archaeological artifacts and exhibits detailing the area's 17,000 years of continuous human habitation. Visitors can explore the Great Temple Mound, reconstructed Earth Lodge with its original 1,000-year-old clay floor, and miles of walking trails through the historic landscape.
13. Peach Shops of Byron
LOCAL DELICACIES MARKETPLACE
The Peach Shops of Byron offers a charming marketplace experience featuring Georgia's famous peaches and other local products not far from Marshallville. Visitors can browse a variety of peach-themed goods, fresh produce, handcrafted items, and specialty foods from regional producers. The marketplace is especially popular during peach season when guests can sample fresh peaches, peach ice cream, cobbler, and other peachy treats made from locally grown fruit.
14. The Cannonball House
CIVIL WAR HERITAGE SITE
The Cannonball House is a historic antebellum home in Macon that earned its name when it was struck by a cannonball during the Civil War in 1864. This beautifully preserved Greek Revival mansion features period furnishings, historic exhibits, and two original outbuildings including a rare authentic detached kitchen. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about 19th-century Southern life, the Civil War's impact on Macon, and see the actual cannonball that hit the house.
15. H&H Soul Food
LEGENDARY SOUTHERN CUISINE
H&H Soul Food is a legendary Macon restaurant serving authentic Southern cuisine since 1959, worth the drive from Marshallville for food enthusiasts. The establishment is famous not only for its delicious fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread but also for its historical connection to the Allman Brothers Band, who were regular customers in their early days. Visitors can enjoy soulful home cooking in an unpretentious setting filled with memorabilia that tells the story of this beloved local institution.