Memorial Day in Milledgeville

Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of summer, a time to embrace warm days and plenty of sunshine. Just under two hours from Atlanta, Milledgeville, Georgia is the perfect destination to kick off the season. Head to Lake Sinclair for an early-season getaway filled with outdoor activities, making the most of your long weekend with three days of fun and relaxation in this charming Southern town.

Set Sail on Lake Sinclair

Soak up the sunshine with a full day of fun on Lake Sinclair, where the best way to cool off is by jumping right in! Spend the afternoon sailing across the lake’s 15,300 acres, stopping to make a splash, casting a reel, or zipping around on a jet ski. If you don't have a boat, no problem, many local outfitters rent them by the half or full day. For boat rentals, try Sinclair Marina. Boats and jet skis are available from Twin Lakes Jet Ski, Sinclair Wild Watersports, as well as Jere Shai Lakeside.

Enjoy a Day of Family Fun

Opening Memorial Day weekend, Rocky Creek Park is the perfect place for a family day. With a dedicated fishing dock and easy boating access to Lake Sinclair, it’s a great spot to cast a line for bass, catfish, and more. The park also features a swimming beach, shaded pavilion, picnic grills, and open space for kids to play and families to unwind. Located on the southeast side of the lake, Rocky Creek Park is open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offering everything you need for a full day of fishing, floating, and firing up the grill.

Kayak the Oconee River

Next up on your Memorial Day weekend, grab a paddle and hit the Oconee River. Perfect for paddlers of all experience levels, the Oconee River offers a scenic, laid-back way to enjoy the water and take in the natural beauty of Milledgeville. Rent a kayak for a half or full day from local outfitters, Oconee Outfitters or Mac's Yaks Kayak Rental. Ride solo or join a group paddle—it’s a great way to relax, explore, and make memories. And don’t stop at just one weekend—the river’s calm waters and welcoming outfitters are ready for adventure all season long.

Enjoy Delicious Local Dining

If you're looking for a break from the lake, downtown Milledgeville’s revitalized historic buildings are just minutes from Lake Sinclair and offer a variety of delicious dining options. Grab a made-to-order brick oven pizza at local favorite The Brick, or enjoy Southern classics with a fresh twist at Greene’s. For international flavors, try Bollywood Tacos, a flavorful fusion of Indian and Mexican cuisine, or Metropolis Cafe, known for its fresh Mediterranean dishes.

Browse the Downtown Shops

As you make your way through our charming downtown area, explore our local shops and boutiques. From antique treasures to fashion-forward clothing to Georgia-made products, local shops have a variety of treasures just waiting to be discovered. Treat yourself to a new outfit or little souvenir as you browse about the quaint city of Milledgeville. 

Take a Historic Trolley Tour

Throughout Memorial Day weekend, there are multiple opportunities to dive deeper into historic Milledgeville. The Historic Trolley Tour will run on Thursday, May 22nd, Friday, May 23rd, and Saturday, May 24th at 10:00 a.m., departing from the Visitor’s Center in downtown Milledgeville. 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. Interested in a trolley tour? Call the Visitor’s Center at (478) 452-4687 to purchase your tickets in advance. 

Find Your Stay

In Milledgeville, our vacation rentals offer a genuine taste of Southern hospitality, making you feel right at home. Whether you’re drawn to lakeside sunsets, charming historic homes, or scenic country views, Milledgeville has the perfect accommodations to make your stay unforgettable. If lakeside lodging isn’t your preference, most of the town’s hotels are conveniently located between Lake Sinclair and downtown, providing easy access to all the area has to offer.

Whether you spend your Memorial Day weekend boating on the lake, sunbathing on the shore, grabbing food downtown, or kayaking down the river - we’re just glad you’ll be spending it with us.