Discover Burke County

Burke County brings together historic sites, natural areas, and recurring events. In Waynesboro, architecture and local history take center stage; the county’s Wildlife Management Areas offer a different focus. When planning your trip, it’s worth considering these themes and the range of events throughout the year.

Comparing Natural Areas

Alexander WMA is located in the Coastal Plains and comprises 1,300 acres of state-owned land. Mead Farm Wildlife Management Area covers 200 acres, while Yuchi Wildlife Management Area comprises 7,800 acres; both are located in Burke County. This ranges from the smaller area at Mead Farm to the much larger Yuchi site. Yuchi WMA is six times the size of Alexander WMA and 39 times the size of Mead Farm.

Alexander WMA offers hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, small game, and doves. Yuchi WMA has a clear rule for camping: it is permitted only in designated areas. Keep this in mind when planning if camping is among your considerations for a stay in the area.

Waynesboro’s History and Architecture

Waynesboro Ice Plant opened in 1905 and remained in operation until the early 1970s. The building also serves as the starting point for Waynesboro’s Greenway Trail. This brings industrial history and the starting point of a trail together in one place. Waynesboro’s historic district also has a walking tour. Brochures describe its route and stops, as well as the historic architecture.

The city’s history also reaches back to the Civil War: the Battle of Waynesboro took place on December 4, 1864, near the end of Sherman’s March to the Sea. The Confederate Memorial Cemetery in Waynesboro contains the graves of 49 Confederate soldiers. Memorial events for Confederate Memorial Day are held there every April.

Hopeful Baptist Church is an outstanding example of the Greek Revival style in a rural church from the late antebellum period. Bark Camp served as a camp for newly arriving settlers even before the American Revolutionary War. Bark Camp Baptist Church was organized as a congregation in early 1788. Together, these places point to different aspects of Burke County’s history, from architecture to early settlements and congregations.

The Plant Vogtle Energy Education Center offers a technical perspective, with educational exhibits on using nuclear energy to generate electricity. Burke County Museum is located at 536 Liberty Street. It is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; check the opening hours before your trip.

Events Throughout the Year

The Georgia Field Trials take place every January in Burke County, drawing owners and trainers to the county. The Field Trials include the world’s largest open competition for Shooting Dogs. A Taste of Burke County is one of the annual events held in February. Since the exact date may matter for your trip, confirm event dates in advance. The annual memorial events at Confederate Memorial Cemetery offer another recurring date on the calendar in April.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Burke County, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: the historic sites in Waynesboro, the natural areas, or an event at a particular time of year.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Waynesboro, Catoosa, Meriwether County, Pickens, Fayette, Clayton, Wayne County, Newton County.

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