Greensboro combines historic sites and cultural attractions with an easy hike among the ruins of Scull Shoals. Regional markets and events can also be possible focal points when planning your trip. Historic Downtown Greensboro is just a few minutes from the shore of Lake Oconee. For your stay, you can weigh whether to set aside more time for architectural history, museums, art, or outdoor activities.
Historic Downtown and Architectural History
In historic Downtown Greensboro, buildings and architectural styles from the 19th century offer a glimpse of the architecture of the period. A flyer for a historic walking tour is also available for Downtown. One notable building in Greene County is the courthouse: designed and built in 1849, it is in the Greek Revival style. Festival Hall is located in the heart of historic Downtown. The venue is dedicated to the performing and visual arts and also serves as an event space.
These places offer different ways to explore local history: the architectural styles reveal one aspect, while museums and historic sites cover additional subjects and periods. As you explore Downtown, you can use the walking-tour flyer as a guide to its historical highlights.
Museums, Cemetery, and Historic Traces
The Greene County History Museum features exhibits about the lives and work of notable Greensboro residents, Greene County’s agriculture-based economy, and the effects of the construction of Lake Oconee in the 1970s. The Greene County African American Museum is dedicated to strengthening African American communities and presenting an accurate portrayal of African American life in Greene County, Georgia. The two museums take different approaches to local history.
Greensboro City Cemetery is another historic point of interest: it dates to the 18th century and contains numerous monuments. Those buried there include pioneer settlers, prominent politicians, community leaders, and eight soldiers of the American Revolutionary War. The cemetery and museum exhibits offer different themes for a cultural and historical stay, without requiring you to focus on the same period.
Scull Shoals: Explore History on Foot
At Historic Scull Shoals Mill Village, an easy hike follows the historic ruins of the old Scull Shoals Village along the banks of the Oconee River. What makes the site special is its broad span of history: you can explore more than 10,000 years of history, from early Indigenous peoples to de Soto in the 1540s and Georgia’s first paper mill, built in 1811. Unlike the buildings and museums in Greensboro, Scull Shoals combines a historical perspective with a hike along the riverbank.
Art, Markets, and Local Products
The Iron Horse is an abstract iron sculpture by Abbott Pattison, created in 1954. It stands 12 feet tall and weighs 2,000 pounds. Its material, dimensions, and date of creation give the work a distinctive place alongside Greensboro’s architecture and historical exhibits. Genuine Georgia complements the art and culture offerings with an arts and crafts market featuring products made exclusively by Georgia artists.
Scratcher's Creek City Market offers local produce, meat, artisan breads, and other specialties, including beer and wine. The selection may change. If you are interested in local food and handmade goods, the two markets are clearly distinct: Genuine Georgia focuses on arts and crafts, while the City Market offers food and other specialties.
Events, Parks, and a Place to Stay
Southland Jubilee is an April event that has been held for more than two decades. Its program includes live music, demonstrations of regional heritage, classic cars, children's activities, and arts and crafts. If you are planning an April trip, check the event dates in advance. That way, you can decide whether Southland Jubilee fits your travel dates rather than planning on the festival being part of every trip to Greensboro.
Old Salem Park offers day-use picnic areas, a swimming beach, a playground, a boat ramp, grills, and a pavilion for events and family gatherings. Parks Ferry Campground offers fully equipped campsites and basic sites, as well as a boat ramp for launching boats. This makes the campground a specific accommodation option for travelers considering camping. Seasonal operations may change, so check availability before booking.
For the main travel overview: Greene.
