5 Best Things to Do this Memorial Day Weekend in Madison & Morgan County, GA
Imagine strolling through one of Georgia’s largest historic districts, where stunning homes surround a downtown with flag-lined streets. The sun is shining, birds sing in the trees overhead and summer is just around the corner. But why just imagine this scene when you can actually be a part of it? From its small-town charm to its patriotic spirit, Madison in Morgan County, Georgia promises a truly unique Memorial Day weekend getaway.
Here’s a list of the 5 best Memorial Day Weekend events in Madison & Morgan County.
1. Attend a Real Country Fair
On Saturday, visit downtown Rutledge for the annual Country Fair, taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Live music, craft and food vendors, special performances, a petting zoo and more make this a fun event for the whole family. Be sure to arrive early to catch the patriotic parade that begins at 11:00 a.m.!
2. Visit Rutledge's Tribute to Service Members
While in the “Small but Special” town of Rutledge, see the military mural entitled “Never Forgotten” on East Main Street that commemorates service members throughout our nation’s history. Painted by students from the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art in 2017, the mural came about through a collaboration with the Rutledge Garden Club.
Within the mural is a depiction of Anne Lesnikowski (1921-2018), one of the first women to fly U.S. military aircraft as a member of the Women Aircraft Service Pilots (WASPs) during World War II.
Down the street is Veteran’s Park, dedicated to past, present and future veterans. Flags fly in tribute to all the branches of the military with a tree planted for each by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2557 alongside a playground, skate park, and tennis and basketball courts.
3. Spend a Night Under the Stars
Saturday evening, head over to the Observatory at Hard Labor Creek State Park. From 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., experience the vast night sky at one of Georgia’s premier stargazing locations, where powerful telescopes offer a breathtaking view of the cosmos. The observatory is operated by Georgia State University as a resource for professional and amateur astronomers, away from the light pollution of Atlanta, Conyers, and Covington. Public nights are held the last Saturday of the month from March to October.
As we spend Memorial Day weekend honoring those who served, the night sky can be a poignant reminder of the generations who came before us. Whether you’re marveling at distant galaxies or simply taking a quiet moment of reflection, this is a unique and meaningful way to spend the evening.
On your way back to Madison, go over the railroad tracks alongside downtown Rutledge to view crosses bearing the names of local veterans. Then, drive down Highway 278 and pass beneath a striking American flag hoisted by a crane and displayed exclusively for Memorial Day weekend in honor of those who served.
4. Watch Motorcyclists Ride for America and Take Part in a Memorial Day Ceremony
On Monday, stay in downtown Madison and watch more than 1,000 motorcycles come into town during the American Legion’s Ride for America. This annual ride begins in Loganville and ends at Madison Town Park. Lining the streets, onlookers wave flags and cheer on the motorcyclists who proudly show their patriotism while supporting scholarships, local charities, and veterans in need through this fundraiser.
Following the arrival of the motorcyclists, the city of Madison will host an annual Memorial Day Ceremony in Town Park at 11 a.m. City officials and veterans will take time to recognize the sacrifices made in service to the United States of America and those who have lost their lives doing so.
A special part of the ceremony includes the performance of songs from each branch of the military and the invitation for veterans to come to the front of the pavilion as their branch is recognized.
5. Explore Downtown Madison's Patriotic Memorials
After the ceremony, explore downtown Madison to discover more patriotic sites. First, stop by the Morgan County Courthouse where a prominent doughboy statue stands. The statue was erected in remembrance of World War I veterans by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Looking down, you’ll see the Morgan County Veterans Memorial Walk, created by the American Legion, Post No. 37, with bricks sharing the names of local veterans.
To the left of the courthouse lies the Madison-Morgan Memorial Garden in front of the Morgan County Archives. The garden was created in 2008 by the Morgan County Board of Commissioners “to honor the memory of those who lost their lives fighting terrorism at home and abroad.” Take a seat on the bench for a quiet moment of reflection before continuing further into downtown and the Historic District.
Don’t forget to visit the Welcome Center for recommendations on additional activities and sites to explore during your visit. If you plan to extend your visit for the entire weekend, consider spending the night at a local bed and breakfast, inn, hotel, farm stay, or campground.