Discover Pulaski County: Ocmulgee River and Hawkinsville

Pulaski County combines the Ocmulgee River with an unusually rich history centered around Hawkinsville. The river crosses the county and runs directly through Hawkinsville. Those planning a trip that includes nature, water activities, and historical discoveries will find a variety of options for structuring each day. When searching for a vacation rental or vacation home, you can therefore consider whether your trip should focus more on the river, the historic buildings, or a drive through the cultural landscape.

Water Activities on the Ocmulgee River

The Ocmulgee River is used year-round in Pulaski County for boating, tubing, and fishing. An important destination is Mile Branch Park, a 25-acre park on the water with nature trails, picnic shelters, a playground, and a boat ramp. Amenities also include tent camping, two paved river ramps, hot showers, and restrooms, as well as electrical and water hookups.

The park also features a nature trail with 59 labeled tree species. This makes it possible to complement a stay by the river with a peaceful exploration of the plant life. This creates a varied itinerary for travel groups with different interests: While some spend time on the water, others can enjoy the park, nature trails, or a picnic shelter.

Historic Hawkinsville and Pulaski County

The Hawkinsville Commercial and Industrial Historic District comprises 98 contributing buildings. Its period of historical significance extends approximately from 1830 to 1954. The district reflects Hawkinsville’s history as a regional commercial and industrial center, as well as the transition from the cotton economy to peanut processing.

Notable structures include the Pulaski County Courthouse, a neoclassical brick-and-stucco building originally constructed in 1874. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its architectural significance. The Merritt-Ragan House dates from 1840 and combines Classical Revival design elements with the Queen Anne Victorian style. Taylor Hall is a two-story Greek Revival plantation house. It was originally built in 1825, moved to its present location in Hawkinsville around 1836, and rebuilt there.

St. Thomas African Methodist Episcopal Church is also part of the area’s historic character. The Folk Victorian brick church was built in 1908 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its African American ethnic history and architecture. The area’s history goes back even further: The Pulaski area was the capital of the Creek Confederacy.

Tours, Landscapes, and Special Experiences

The Hawkinsville Historical Driving Tour is a self-guided tour of historic homes and buildings in Pulaski County. It includes the downloadable tour app “Come Home to Hawkinsville.” Those who prefer a longer landscape perspective can explore the Enduring Farmlands Georgia Scenic Byway. It passes through Hawkinsville as well as other historic places in Pulaski and Wilcox counties.

A special local facility is the Hawkinsville Harness Training Facility. It is the only Standardbred harness training center in Georgia and features a one-mile red-clay racetrack as well as a half-mile all-weather track. Southern Hills Golf Club adds hilly terrain, terraced greens, risk-and-reward fairways, and ponds and streams at nine holes to the selection.

M&T Meats represents regional products, offering locally raised pork and high-quality beef. It also offers locally grown or produced products such as homemade jams and jellies, seasoned jerky, and handmade pies. Owen and Williams Fish Farm offers individual and group tours of a facility where catfish, bream, and grass carp are raised for stocking fishing ponds.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Accommodation

When choosing your vacation rental or vacation home, you can use your preferred daily activities as a guide. The Ocmulgee River and Mile Branch Park favor a stay focused on water, nature, and a camping atmosphere. The historic buildings and driving tour offer different highlights, while the scenic byway allows for a drive through several historic places. Veterans' Riverfront Memorial Park offers views of the Ocmulgee River and is just a few minutes’ walk from downtown Hawkinsville.

You can consider Hawkinsville as a base for further discoveries. Additional travel ideas include Toombs, Chattooga, Effingham County, Candler County, Lamar County, Hart County, and Early.

For the broader travel overview: Georgia.