Pulaski County: Ocmulgee River and Historic Sites

The Ocmulgee River runs through Pulaski County and passes right through Hawkinsville. The river and local history shape two distinct sides of this destination: the river is used year-round for boating, floating, and fishing, while historic buildings offer a glimpse into the region’s development.

River and Nature on the Ocmulgee

At Mile Branch Park, the river meets nature trails and facilities for spending time outdoors. The 25-acre park is located on the Ocmulgee River; its amenities include nature trails, picnic shelters, a playground, and a boat ramp. A nature trail introduces 59 tree species with informational signs. This makes the park a place to access the water as well as enjoy a more leisurely walk.

For tent camping, Mile Branch Park has hot-water showers and restrooms, as well as electric and water hookups. The park also has two concrete river ramps. If you’re planning time by the water, you can choose between activities on the river and a stay on the park grounds without having to combine them into a single outing.

Veterans' Riverfront Memorial Park also offers a connection to the Ocmulgee: it has views of the river, and downtown Hawkinsville is just a short walk away. This is a different way to experience the river than spending time at Mile Branch Park. The Enduring Farmlands Georgia Scenic Byway passes through Hawkinsville and other historic towns in Pulaski and Wilcox Counties; the 65-mile route connects several places in the region.

Architectural History and the Region’s Past

The Hawkinsville Commercial and Industrial Historic District includes 98 contributing buildings. Its period of historical significance spans approximately 1830 to 1954. The district reflects Hawkinsville’s role as a regional center for commerce and industry, as well as the transition from a cotton-based economy to peanut processing. Pulaski County itself was formed from Laurens County in 1808. The area’s history also includes its time as the capital of the Creek Confederacy.

Several buildings display different architectural influences. The Pulaski County Courthouse is a Neoclassical brick-and-stucco building, originally constructed in 1874 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance. The Merritt-Ragan House dates to 1840 and combines Classical Revival design elements with the Queen Anne Victorian style.

Taylor Hall is a two-story Greek Revival plantation house. It was originally built in 1825, moved to its current location in Hawkinsville around 1836, and rebuilt there. St. Thomas African Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1908. The Folk Victorian brick church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance to African American history and architecture. Together, these buildings represent different eras and the various reasons buildings have become part of the region’s historic legacy.

Tours and Unique Attractions

The Hawkinsville Historical Driving Tour is a self-guided tour of historic homes and buildings in Pulaski County. There is also a downloadable app, “Come Home to Hawkinsville,” available through Apple and Google Play. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, the tour offers a themed way to discover the area’s architectural history; the app provides a digital supplement.

The Hawkinsville Harness Training Facility offers a different side of the destination. It is Georgia’s only Standardbred harness training center. The facility includes a one-mile red clay track and a half-mile all-weather track. The two tracks differ in both length and surface, giving the facility its distinctive character.

Owen and Williams Fish Farm offers private and group tours. The farm raises catfish, bream, and grass carp to stock fishing ponds. If you’re planning a tour, it’s best to check availability in advance.

Explore more destinations: Hawkinsville, Stephens County, White County, Jackson County, Dawson County, Brooks, Ware, Dooly County.

For the broader travel overview: Georgia.