Lakeland Georgia
our history
Lakeland Georgia was incorporated in 1925 and was named for its surroundings: first named Alapaha, after the Alapaha River, then Milltown because of the numerous mills in the area, and finally arriving at the name most descriptive of a region known as an outdoorsman’s paradise including Grand Bay Lake, Lake Irma, and Banks Lake.
In remembrance of its days as Milltown, over 30 life-size murals have been painted on downtown buildings, depicting citizens and landscapes from photographs circa the 1920s.
georgia’s historic mural city
Throughout Lakeland are 2D, life-size wall paintings called Milltown Murals. These murals depict the 1925 era when the city of Milltown was renamed Lakeland. Because of the murals, in 2006, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue issued a proclamation naming Lakeland “Georgia’s Historical Mural City.”
When you visit the murals these days, you are able to hear the real life story by scanning the QR code at each location with your mobile device!
To learn more about the Milltown Murals & to download the guide, visit www.lakelandchamber.org/historic-city-murals.
banks lake
Banks Lake is a natural Pocosin or Mill Pond. The 4049-acre site protects a unique environment and diverse wildlife. Whether fishing or paddling, or just watching the sunset from the pier, visitors to Banks Lake can enjoy a unique landscape dominated by moss-draped cypress ringed with water lilies. The best way to experience Banks Lake is from the water, and each season touches the lake with its own mood. Look closely at each tree. Dragonfly nymphs shed their larval skeletons on the cypress bark as they emerge from the water. Spider webs sparkle with dewdrops on a foggy morning. Songbirds and ospreys nest in the moss and treetops. Favored fishing holes yield bream and bass – and a few ten-pounders!
over 30 years of tradition
Lakeland is renowned for its annual Flatlanders Frolic held at the Threatte Center. Its citizenry hosts an eclectic mix of arts and crafts vendors, a road race, a beauty pageant, and musicians. For over thirty years, the Flatlanders Frolic has been a cherished tradition in Lakeland, drawing visitors from all over the Southeast.
georgia’s historic mural city
Throughout Lakeland are 2D, life-size wall paintings called Milltown Murals. These murals depict the 1925 era when the city of Milltown was renamed Lakeland. Because of the murals, in 2006, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue issued a proclamation naming Lakeland “Georgia’s Historical Mural City.”
When you visit the murals these days, you are able to hear the real life story by scanning the QR code at each location with your mobile device!
To learn more about the Milltown Murals & to download the guide, visit www.lakelandchamber.org/historic-city-murals.
banks lake
Banks Lake is a natural Pocosin or Mill Pond. The 4049-acre site protects a unique environment and diverse wildlife. Whether fishing or paddling, or just watching the sunset from the pier, visitors to Banks Lake can enjoy a unique landscape dominated by moss-draped cypress ringed with water lilies. The best way to experience Banks Lake is from the water, and each season touches the lake with its own mood. Look closely at each tree. Dragonfly nymphs shed their larval skeletons on the cypress bark as they emerge from the water. Spider webs sparkle with dewdrops on a foggy morning. Songbirds and ospreys nest in the moss and treetops. Favored fishing holes yield bream and bass – and a few ten-pounders!
over 30 years of tradition
Lakeland is renowned for its annual Flatlanders Frolic held at the Threatte Center. Its citizenry hosts an eclectic mix of arts and crafts vendors, a road race, a beauty pageant, and musicians. For over thirty years, the Flatlanders Frolic has been a cherished tradition in Lakeland, drawing visitors from all over the Southeast.
