Explore the Legacy of Central State Hospital
Step aboard a guided trolley tour through the storied grounds of Central State Hospital—one of Milledgeville’s most iconic and complex landmarks. Established in 1842, this historic institution was once the largest mental health facility in the nation, with over 12,000 patients, 6,000 employees, and 8,000 acres at its peak in the 1960s. Today, the campus spans approximately 2,000 acres and remains operational, serving over 200 clients.
Led by a former hospital employee, this two-hour tour offers a candid and thoughtful look into the hospital’s layered past—from its founding to current redevelopment efforts. Guests will visit key sites such as Cedar Lane Cemetery and the Chapel of All Faiths, when accessible.
Tours are offered on select Saturdays at 11:30 AM and depart from the Milledgeville Visitor Information Center. Tickets are $30 per person, and advance reservations are strongly recommended by calling 478-452-4687 or visiting the center. The trolley is ADA compliant; however, moderate mobility is suggested for those wishing to disembark at tour stops.
Experience a meaningful journey through one of Georgia’s most talked-about historic sites.