Macon, Georgia: Gateway to America’s Next National Park
This story was created in partnership with
Visit USA Parks.
Just an hour south of the Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport lies a mid-size city at the crossroads of middle Georgia. This isn’t just any other pass-through town at the interchange. This is Macon, Georgia: future home of America’s 64th National Park.
Macon, Georgia, is known for many things: the International Cherry Blossom Festival, an illustrious musical legacy, and its convenient proximity to Atlanta, to name a few. But soon it will be recognized globally as the gateway to America’s newest national park and the first national park in the state of Georgia.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
America’s Next National Park
The national park designation of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is still pending, but when the legislation passes, it’ll be a big deal. That’s because the Ocmulgee Mounds will be the first national park co-managed by the Indigenous Muskogee (Creek) nation and the first national park in Georgia.
History of the Ocmulgee Mounds
The Ocmulgee Mounds are the ancient remnants of what was once a thriving center of commerce and community. The Mississippians came here at the end of the last Ice Age and remained for over 12,000 years. They constructed expansive earth mounds to use as ceremonial chambers, which are still intact today. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation occupied the area until the Indian Removal Act in the 1830s. The Mounds later endured Civil War battles and eventually hosted the largest archeological dig in American history.
Ocmulgee Today
After the archeological dig of the 1930s, the Ocmulgee Mounds were designated as a national monument and later as a national historic park in 2019. Today, seven mounds survive, situated among several miles of scenic trails for visitors to explore. Notably, Earth Mound was where important tribal meetings were held, and the Great Temple Mound has some of the best views of the Ocmulgee River and the surrounding area. Throughout the year, guided tours, special events, and Indigenous celebrations are held to honor these sacred lands. Maybe that’s why Time Magazine named the Ocmulgee Mounts one of “The World’s Greatest Places of 2025.”
Why 2026 is the Year to Go to Macon
Between the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta and the America 250 anniversary, 2026 is primed to be the perfect time to visit Macon, Georgia. Make the most of your World Cup experience with an extended trip to one of Georgia’s most popular nearby cities. Around the same time, America 250 celebrations and events will be underway across the country. With Macon’s Ocmulgee Mounds poised to become the 64th national park soon, nothing says “Happy Birthday, America!” like witnessing history before it happens.
Small Town Charm, Big Personality
Just an hour or so south of the Atlanta airport, Macon provides a more local, affordable, and distinctly southern experience compared to the concrete jungle of Atlanta. In fact, thanks to charming small-town vibes paired with big culture and personality, Macon is a destination that stands apart all on its own.
As if the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park wasn’t a big enough deal for this otherwise quiet crossroads in middle Georgia, Macon has even more unique experiences packed into its relatively small radius. To name a few, the Museum of Aviation, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Tubman Museum and Museum of Arts & Sciences all offer fascinating glimpses into different facets of Georgia history.
Other Things to Love About Macon, Georgia
Georgia’s Music Mecca
Macon’s musical legacy is unparalleled. Timeless greats like Otis Redding, the Allman Brothers Band, and Little Richard all called Macon home, Capricorn Studios and The Big House Museum, where their bodies of work are celebrated in respective museum experiences.
There’s also the Macon Music Trail app, which takes you on a self-guided tour to some of the biggest sites in Macon’s music history. For something more structured and customized, Rock Candy Tours builds professionally-guided experiences based on your interests, from music and booze crawls to ghost tours.
On the weekends, live music serenades just about every brewery and bar in Macon. Poke your head into the 570 Dueling Piano Bar for something extra lively. Other popular live music venues in Macon include the Piedmont Grand Opera House, the Douglass Theatre, and the Atrium Health Amphitheatre.
Macon Bacon & Other Culinary Delights
Macon has lovingly embraced this rhyme and taken the unexpected pairing of Macon and bacon to new heights. First, you have the Macon Bacon baseball team, part of the Coastal Plain League. This wood bat summer collegiate league is where you can see rising stars destined for future spots in the Major Leagues. Then you have the Macon Bacon Trail, a culinary experience unlike any other. More bucket list than tour, an app-less guide directs you to local Macon businesses where all-things-bacon await.
Beyond bacon, Macon is bursting with southern flavors. A wide variety of restaurants and cafes keep the city well-fed with everything from regional favorites to international cuisines.
As the future gateway to Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve, Macon, Georgia, is the place to go before the word gets out. Whether you’re going to Atlanta for the World Cup or taking a road trip through the South, Macon is one stop on your route that’s as convenient as it is authentic.
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