Looking for the best things to do in Jackson GA? The beautiful city of Jackson is located in historic Butts County just 40 miles south of Atlanta, Jackson is a progressive and diverse city, rich in history and culture.

There is always a fun thing to enjoy in this small fascinating town ranging from restaurants, coffee shops, shopping malls, lakes, and parks.

Jackson is a highly recommended location if you want to get away from the hectic pace of rural Atlanta. For your better trip experience here are the top recommended things to do in Jackson GA.

Things to do in Jackson GA

1 Visit Lake Jackson

One of the oldest reservoirs in Georgia, Lake Jackson lies roughly an hour’s drive southeast of Atlanta. The lake is owned and operated by the Georgia Power Company.

This ideal lake is family-friendly and suitable for people of all ages. Visitors can engage in some of the lake’s most popular pursuits, such as swimming, fishing, and boating on the peaceful waters of this 4,750-acre lake.

2 Dauset Trails Nature Park

If you’re looking for things to do in Jackson GA go over to the Dauset Trails Natural Park for the ideal hiking trail. The trails offer beautiful, scenic experiences for hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts of all skill levels.

The park offers facilities for hikers of all ages, including a gift shop, meeting rooms, picnic grounds, picnic shelters, public restroom rentals, and self-guided tours.

At the park, you’ll discover the nature center, ponds, creeks, wildlife, wildflower fields, and woodland trails.

3 High Falls State Park

Located northwest of Macon, High Falls State Park is known for tumbling cascades on the Towaliga River.

The park’s lake, which is renowned as one of Georgia’s finest hybrid and white bass fishing locations is accessible via boat rental, ramps, and fishing docks.

Visitors can hike along the river’s edge and through the hilly forest to the remains of a hydroelectric power plant foundation.

Overnight visitors can choose from a spacious campground or lakeside yurts, which are like canvas and wood tents.

There is furniture, a ceiling fan, and electrical outlets inside each yurt in addition to a small deck, grill, and picnic table outside. The park also has swimming for tourists visiting it during the summer.

4 Visit Stone Mountain Park

Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park features a wide variety of fun family activities to keep self busy.

The stone park is a perfect destination to visit with your vibrant kids. Start your tour at the Camp Highland Outpost with your energetic kids in the household.

You may find fun outdoor tasks for the whole family here. Take on the ropes course with numerous line bridges or test your mettle on the rock climbing walls.

A visit to Stone Mountain Park is among the things to do in Jackson GA with kids.

5 High Falls Water Park

High Falls Water Park is the only water park on the south side of Atlanta. This stunning state park has lots of covered areas and a fantastic campground.

Enjoy the water features, soak up some sun by the pool, and indulge in some delicacies from their concession stand in the summer. High Falls Water Park offers activities for people of all ages.

The family-friendly pool is an ideal place to spend your weekend.

6 Museum of Arts and Sciences

Learn about the earth and the universe by going to the Museum of Arts and Sciences! You should visit this location if you wish to learn about various animal species, experience becoming an archaeologist, and learn about works of fine art, among other things.

Explore The Universe at the Museum of Arts and Sciences which is Georgia’s biggest general-interest museum and the only place of cultural significance devoted to both art and science.

In addition to a variety of art and science exhibitions, a full-dome planetarium, a Mini-Zoo with more than 70 live animals, an interactive Discovery House, lovely nature trails, a 200+ seat auditorium, a Museum store, and more other things to see at the museum.

The Museum, which was founded in 1956 in the basement of the former Wesleyan Conservatory, is housed in a 55,000-square-foot facility on 14 acres on Forsyth Road in Macon.

7 The Creeks Recreational Trail System

The Creeks Recreational Trail System is 10.75 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails connecting users to Dauset Trails Nature Center and into Indian Springs State Park.

The Creeks consist of 4 sections, each color-coded and well-marked by directional signage.  Section I at the beginning of the trailhead off Brownlee Road is home to Town Branch Creek; Section II features The Aboothlacoosa Creek; Section III features Big Sandy Creek, and Section IV is near The Long Branch Creek.

The four creeks and routes that make up The Creeks highlight the surrounding virgin forests’ natural beauty as well as the lush flora that serves as a haven for a wide variety of birds and other wildlife species that are frequently sighted in their various habitats.

8 Ocmulgee National Monument

This park is an American Indian prehistoric site where a variety of American Indian tribes once lived here for millennia. The earliest American Idians arrived here to hunt Ice Age mammals during the Paleo-Indian Period.

The Mississippian Era began around 900 CE at which time people built mounds for their elite that are still standing today.

Every September, indigenous communities and visitors gather at the Ocmulgee Mounds for the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration which celebrates Southeastern Native American culture. Traditional vendors, food, demonstrations, dance, and activities make up the two-day festival.

Every year, the International Cherry Blossom Festival’s Lantern Light Tour offers a unique opportunity to see the mounds. Take a lantern and wander from the Visitor Center to the top of the Great Temple Mound along the path decorated with luminaries.

9 Indian Springs State Park

A 528-acre Georgia state park called Indian Springs State Park is situated close to Jackson and Flovilla. The park was given its name after the numerous springs that the Creek Indians had long used to treat their illnesses. These springs’ water is reported to taste and smell like sulfur.

In the 19th century, the area developed into a resort town. In 1927, it was designated as a State Forest Park. In addition to swimming, fishing, and boating, visitors are still permitted to taste the spring water at the park.

10 Zoo Atlanta

If you’re looking to see wild animals in their numbers, head over to the Zoo Atlanta. Zoo Atlanta has located in historic Grant Park 800 Cherokee Ave. SE Atlanta.

There are more than 1,000 animals in the zoo, representing more than 200 different species from throughout the globe.

Nonetheless, the giant panda exhibit is as fine a place as any, especially because twin pandas Xi Lun and Ya Lun, the only pair of pandas to be born in the United States were born there on September 3, 2016.

Zoo Atlanta is open seven days a week except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Do well to add Zoo Atlanta to the list of things to do in Jackson GA.

11 Mesquite Mexican Grill & Bar Jackson GA

If you want to sample great food that has been heavily influenced by Mexican cuisine, go to Mesquite Mexican Restaurant & Bar.

The restaurant serves several mouthwatering Mexican dishes, like Nachos Supreme, Taco Salad, Fajita Tacos, Tinga de Pollo, Lunch Fajitas, Burrito Supremo, Pollo Asado, Burrito Mesquite, and Burritos Breakfast.

12 Mister John’s Music

For the whole family, Mister John’s Music offers free community events and music lessons! Now functioning in the Olive and Pine neighborhood of Avondale Estates and providing entertainment at Lawrenceville Art Center.

Along with being incredibly gifted, he is also deliberate about the concepts and themes he so expertly incorporates into each 45-minute class. Mister John’s Music will surely delight families traveling to Jackson GA with kids.

13 Fort Yargo State Park

One of the top things to do in Jackson GA is to visit the Fort Yargo state park. The Park is a well-liked family park located not far from Jackson, boasting a historic log fort that settlers constructed in 1792 as a defense against the Creek and Cherokee Indians.

Families visit Fort Yargo State Park for its wide variety of outdoor activities and landscapes.
During the hot summer months, you may cool down at the lake’s expansive bathing beach which lies on 260 acres or you can go fishing with the family.

14 SeaQuest Stonecrest

One of the top things to do with kids in Jackson Georgia is to visit the SeaQuest Stonecrest. SeaQuest Stonecrest Aquarium offers hands-on encounters that let you connect with animals and wildlife from around the globe.

Explore the Amazon Rainforest, the Caribbean, the Mayan Jungle, and Pirate Island with SeaQuest as it offers thrilling exhibits and activities for kids and families of all ages.

15 Saki Japanese Steakhouse

Those who are aware of the popularity of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and other Asian cuisines are aware of how difficult it may be to locate a restaurant that serves them properly. Fortunately, Jackson, Georgia has a ton of outstanding Asian restaurants for you and your group to check out if you’re in the region and have a hankering for delicious Asian food.

From exquisite steak and sirloin entrees to reviving sushi rolls, Saki Japanese Restaurant offers all the traditional Japanese delicacies. The menu of this restaurant features both traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes that are sure to please any fan of Asian food.

The restaurant serves a variety of foods, including Nigiri Raw delicacies including Sufi Clam Hokkigai, and Flying Fish Roe Tabiki. We suggest the Volcano Roll, the Philadelphia Roll, and the Tokyo Roll if you are more in the mood for a completely cooked sushi roll.

Best time to visit Jackson GA

The best time to visit Jackson GA based on tourist activities is from late April to early June and from late August to mid-October.

Frequently asked questions about Jackson GA

Q: Where is Jackson located in Georgia? A: Jackson is a city located in Butts County, Georgia, United States. It is situated in the central part of the state, approximately 45 miles south of Atlanta.

Q: What is the population of Jackson?

A: The population of Jackson was approximately 5,000. Please note that population figures may change over time.

Q: Is Jackson a historic city?

A: Yes, Jackson is known for its rich history. The city was founded in 1826 and has a number of well-preserved historic buildings and sites. The Butts County Courthouse, built in 1898, is a notable example of the city’s historic architecture.

Q: Are there any notable attractions in Jackson?

A: Yes, Jackson offers several notable attractions. Indian Springs State Park, located nearby, is a popular destination known for its natural springs, camping facilities, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The historic district in downtown Jackson features a variety of shops, restaurants, and the aforementioned Butts County Courthouse. Additionally, the Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site, which showcases a preserved 19th-century plantation, is located a short drive away.

Q: Can you swim in the springs at Indian Springs State Park?

A: Yes, swimming is allowed in the springs at Indian Springs State Park. The park features a sandy swimming beach area where visitors can enjoy swimming in the cool spring waters.

Q: How do I get to Jackson?

A: If you are traveling to Jackson by air, the nearest major airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located approximately 45 miles north of Jackson. From the airport, you can reach Jackson by car via Interstate 75 or other local roads.

Q: Are there accommodations in Jackson?

A: Yes, Jackson offers a range of accommodations to cater to visitors. There are hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast establishments located in and around the city, providing options for different budgets and preferences.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Jackson?

A: Jackson hosts several annual events and festivals. The Butts County Fall Festival is a popular event that features live music, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and activities for the whole family. Additionally, the city organizes various community events, parades, and holiday celebrations throughout the year.