Fantastic Fourth of July Ideas in Milledgeville

Just a short ride from Atlanta, July Fourth weekend in Milledgeville offers classic American favorites like sunshine-filled lake days, BBQ galore, river tubing, and an abundance of patio dining. Get your red, white, and blue ready for a patriotic weekend filled with sun and fun!

Fireworks

A booming display of fireworks is traditional Americana fun. The City of Milledgeville will be hosting its annual fireworks show on Saturday, July 1, 2023, just after dark on the campus of Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC). The parking lot at CGTC will be closed off to viewers but suggested viewing areas for the fireworks include Walter B. Williams Park and the parking lot of the Board of Education. Details of the radius of suggested viewing areas for the show can be found HERE. 

Memorable Lake Days

Nothing says all-American summer like a lazy day playing lakeside on Lake Sinclair! If you are looking for a bit of fun in the sun, Milledgeville’s recreation outfitters have you covered.

As an added bonus to your lake day, many local residents and homeowners display fireworks over the water which may be viewed from the comfort of your own boat. With July 4 being on a Tuesday fireworks are guaranteed all weekend long! Keep your eyes to the sky near Nancy Branch Cove, the log cabin house near Sinclair dam, the Country Club section of the lake, and the Crooked Creek area for well-known magical star spangled displays! First-timers beware that this is a popular evening on the water so boat responsibly and slowly as the wake can be choppy and traffic levels high. 

Be sure to tune in to local radio station 97.7 from 9 pm-10 pm on Independence Day, they will be providing a soundtrack for all of your festivities and memory-making! 

Traditional Family BBQ’s

Fire up the bar-b-que grill and enjoy a good ol’ fashioned charcoal cooking at one of the area’s local campgrounds. For tent camping check out Little River Park Campground and Rocky Creek Park or pull the RV up at Scenic Mountain Campground as well as Little River Park Campground. 

Not feeling like camping or firing up the grill yourself? Grab some quick, local BBQ from Old Clinton BBQ which is known for its tasty pit-smoked pork and chicken. 

Beautiful Natural Wonders

There’s a reason this country is known as “America the Beautiful” and this Fourth of July is the perfect time to get out and explore the beauty of Milledgeville’s natural wonders! Immerse yourself in nature's beauty with a family picnic on the sprawling grounds at Lockerly Arboretum, take a leisurely stroll beside the river at the Oconee River Greenway or hit the trails with your mountain bike at Bartram Forest. 

A Refreshing Cool Off!

This Fourth of July’s warm temperatures make for the perfect opportunity to cool off with some fun water sports and activities! Mak’s Yak Kayak’s or Oconee Outfitters will make kayak rental drop-off and pick up a breeze for those looking for a paddle down the Oconee River. Oconee Outfitters also rents additional items like paddle boards and bikes! 

If you already own your own kayak or canoe, the Oconee River Greenway has a boat ramp for easy unloading with another ramp located at Central State Hospital for easy out access. 

Tasty Patio Dining

Enjoy a shared outing with your closest inner circle at more than fourteen local spots that offer outdoor dining services. From breezy water views at Aubri Lane's to international eats at Metropolis to burgers and a beer at Buffingtons, we have more than enough dining options to keep the family’s hunger at bay! 

Looking for an after-dinner drink? Celebrate with margaritas al fresco at Bollywood Tacos or cocktails at a historic bar at the Reel Grill.

America, we love you!