Hawkinsville: History, River and Historic Sites

Hawkinsville brings together historic architecture, the Ocmulgee River and a scenic byway that runs through the city. These distinct attractions can help you plan your stay: explore historic buildings, plan a performance or seasonal activity, or learn about recreational opportunities along the river.

Historic Buildings and Culture

The Hawkinsville Commercial and Industrial Historic District includes 98 contributing buildings. Its period of significance extends from approximately 1830 to 1954. This span makes the district a good starting point if you’re interested in Hawkinsville’s architectural history.

One specific example is Taylor Hall, a two-story plantation house in the Greek Revival style. The house was originally built in 1825, moved to its current location at 55 Kibbee Street, and rebuilt around 1836. The details about its construction, relocation and reconstruction mark distinct stages in its history.

St. Thomas African Methodist Episcopal Church also connects architectural history with African American cultural heritage. The brick Folk Victorian-style church was built in 1908 at the corner of North Dooley and Second Streets. In 2000, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance to African American cultural heritage and architecture.

The Hawkinsville Opera House was built by W. R. Gunn in 1907 and is still used for cultural events and performances. Tours are also available for visitors. Another way to explore historic sites is the Hawkinsville Historical Driving Tour: this self-guided drive takes you to numerous historic homes and buildings in the community. This gives you two distinct ways to discover local history: a tour of the community and a venue for cultural events and performances.

The Ocmulgee River and Its Surroundings

The Ocmulgee River is part of both Hawkinsville’s history and its recreational offerings. The city’s location on the river made it an important freight transportation hub. Today, activities on the river include kayaking, canoeing, swimming and fishing.

Mile Branch Park is on the water just south of Hawkinsville and covers 25 acres. The park includes a boat ramp on the Ocmulgee River. Those interested in the river will find a designated waterfront park with a direct connection to boating. The Enduring Farmlands Scenic Byway offers another perspective on the area: it runs through Hawkinsville and is 65 miles long in total.

The Veterans' Riverfront Memorial Park can also be viewed from the riverbank. It overlooks the Ocmulgee River and is a short walk from downtown Hawkinsville. Downtown is also home to Veterans Memorial Park, which has a splash pad, a dog park, a skate park, a playground and pickleball courts. The two parks offer different ways to enjoy the area: one overlooks the river, while the other has several recreational and sports facilities.

Seasonal Activities and Tours

Every spring, Hawkinsville celebrates the Hawkinsville Harness Horse Festival. As no set date is listed, check the event dates before your trip. The Hawkinsville Harness Training Facility is another option for a visit at a particular time of year: tours are offered from October through May, allowing visitors to watch trotters and pacers train. The clay track is about one mile long. Check in advance whether a tour is available during your planned visit.

Tours of the facility are available at Owen and Williams Fish Farm. The farm raises catfish, bream and grass carp to stock fishing ponds. Individuals and groups are welcome on tours. The tour’s focus differs from the historic offerings: it centers on fish farming and raising the species used to stock fishing ponds.

Whether your trip is focused on architectural history, culture, river activities or seasonal tours, Hawkinsville offers a range of subjects to explore. If you’re planning around a specific event or tour date, it’s worth checking the dates and availability for your visit.

For the broader travel overview: Pulaski County.