20 Attractions to Explore Near Lake Harding

Hamilton, is a vibrant small community that is quickly becoming a hot spot for development in the area. Situated between Atlanta and Columbus, the area boasts an abundance of amenities like luxurious shops, world-class eateries, parks and more. This central city has proven to be an ideal place for house-hunting; it's diverse housing market appeals to a variety of tastes and incomes. With its low crime rate and close proximity to major freeways, Hamilton is the perfect place to settle down.

Lake Heath is a beautiful, serene 75-acre lake located just outside of Columbus. It sits majestic among its surrounding tree-covered hills and is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Lovers of nature come to the lake for long walks and peaceful moments spent bird watching or picnicking under old-growth trees beside it. With its shallow depths, Lake Heath is the perfect spot for a cool summer dip or simply admiring its sandy white shoreline.

The North Highlands Dam, is a significant part of the region's landscape. Constructed in 1903 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this impressive stone dam rises 40 feet above Macon Creek and provides power to the surrounding areas. Not only does it produce electricity, but it also acts as an iconic representation of industry in the South with its unique architecture and design.

The Chattahoochee River Walk is an outdoor oasis that provides a pleasant escape from the city. Spanning over three miles, the trail offers breathtaking views of the Chattahoochee River and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and bird watching. There are also several designated picnic areas along the route and well-shaded rest stops offering much needed respite from the summer heat.

Flat Rock Park is a small natural preserve Spanning 110 acres, this historic park features stunning creekside trails that meander along lush foliage and result in beautiful sights of native wildlife. Moreover, visitors to the park can take full advantage of the available amenities including three picnic shelters, an aviary and an amphitheatre. With its close proximity to Columbus at only two miles away and its quiet atmosphere, Flat Rock Park promotes an ideal environment.

The Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl is a truly magical experience. Located in beautiful Hutcheson Park within walking distance of the picturesque downtown area, the legendary bowl is untouched by time. An afternoon spent enjoying the lush gardens, surrounded by hills and bubbling streams is an experience not to be missed. The aroma of blooming azaleas fills the air as visitors take in the enchanting beauty that this hallowed destination has to offer.

The Eagle & Phenix Dam is an impressive man-made structure. Built near the end of the nineteenth century, the dam's purpose was to generate the power necessary for a thriving city at it provided hydroelectric power to the Eagle & Phoenix Cotton Mills. The skillfully constructed dam not only served as a great source of energy, but also played an aesthetically pleasing part in its scenic environment and formed reservoirs that added to its beauty.

Woodruff Riverfront Park is a local gem full of activities and sights for everyone to enjoy. Visitors to the park can wander its 400 acres of land with trails criss-crossing the park, offering a bit of nature and adventure. The trails are lined with trees offering relief from the Georgia sun. There are plenty of spots for lounging or picnicking, as well as play areas for children so families can have a fun day together.

This Discovery centre, is truly a natural wonder. Spanning over 20 lush acres, this outdoor recreation and education area has something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking on scenic trails that traverse through seasonal wildflowers, bird watching at the songbird sanctuary, fishing in Jessie Hollow pond or searching for artifacts in an archaeological site. Additionally, the Discovery Center includes ample educational events and activities.

The Columbus Museum is a treasure trove of regional culture and history. Founded in 1953, It is home to many fine pieces of art both from the past and the present. Through its permanent collections, rotating exhibits and interactive displays, visitors can get a unique look at this vibrant area. Not only is the museum an excellent source of information about local sites, events and organizations, but it also offers diverse educational experiences for children and adults alike.

Ma Rainey House is a must-see for those interested in exploring African-American culture. While it's true that the house wasn't originally built by the legendary blues singer Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, it was definitely where she lived in the early 1920s and wrote some of her biggest hits. The small home preserves original period furnishings and personal items like vinyl records, clothes and photographs that provide insight into the life of one of America's first giant blues stars - Ma Rainey.

This area is steeped in history, and the heritage here is something to behold. From ancient native burial grounds, to old plantation sites, visitors can admire a wide variety of artifacts that speak to the past. The park has trails, playgrounds and picnic spots so that people can come and enjoy a relaxing day outdoors. There are also tours available where trained guides can share stories about the history of the area and help visitors gain deeper insight into its cultural significance.

Spring Villa Park is a historic and scenic park located in Lee County. This park holds cultural and natural significance and offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history and natural beauty. Spring Villa Park is renowned for its historical importance. It was once the site of a grand plantation mansion, known as Spring Villa, which was constructed in the mid-1800s. The plantation played a significant role in the region's history, particularly during the Civil War era.

The Columbus Historic District is located along the beautiful Chattahoochee River. It boasts a long and storied history, featuring architecture from many different time periods. An impressive Victorian Mansion stands proudly on the corner, surrounded by antebellum houses, shops of all kinds, modern apartments and an iconic clock tower. The district was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971 due to its diverse history as a strategic center for trade and travel.

The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center is an amazing attraction for anyone interested in butterflies and nature. Located in Callaway Gardens, the center showcases thousands of butterflies from over 60 species as well as thousands of flowers to make their habitat a vibrant experience for guests. This huge habitat space has been designed with plenty of ports and tricks to give visitors a truly immersive experience.

Callaway Resort & Gardens is a scenic and luxurious destination that has something for everyone. Located on 2,500 acres of forests and lakefront property, it offers breathtaking views of nature as well as plenty of activities for all ages. Visitors can explore the award-winning gardens, challenge themselves with golf courses designed by the Masters champion Tom Fazio, take a relaxing dip in the heated pool, take an educational guided tour around the plantation grounds, or bike through trails.

Callaway Resort & Gardens stands out as a unique destination. Located just an hour away from Atlanta, its lush landscape of rolling hills and azalea gardens is the perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Nature trails wind through rich forests, offering visitors the chance to observe a wide variety of wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and even bald eagles. Ideal for families, Callaway also offers activities such as zip-lining and boat tours on Robin Lake.

Robin Lake Beach stands out as one of the most remarkable places to explore. Here visitors can relax and cool down by taking a dip in the man-made lake, which offers crystal-clear waters year-round. Swimming, boating, and fishing are just some of the activities that bring pleasure to leisure-seekers. Those who stay longer can engage in more recreational sports like beach volleyball or horseback riding along well-marked trails. Along with providing a fun retreat for vacationers.

The National Civil War Naval Museum is a must-visit for any history buff! Containing the world's largest collection of Confederate naval artifacts, as well as dozens of interactive exhibits, this museum pays tribute to the brave sailors and vessels that sailed for the cause during the Civil War. It also recounts stories from both Union and Confederate perspectives, helping visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of this critical moment in American history.

Pine Mountain, is a peaceful community that provides residents with a tranquil outdoor setting among rolling hills and forests. It is an ideal place for families to grow as it features an abundance of parks, trails, recreation centers, and churches to meet the social needs of families. Moreover, Pine Mountain's mild climate provides plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation such as camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and more.