Explore Central State Hospital: Comprehensive Campus Tour

Historic Heartland Milledgeville

Since its founding in 1842, the Central State Hospital Campus (originally known as the Georgia State Lunatic, Idiot, and Epileptic Asylum) has been one of Milledgeville’s most well-known and intriguing sites. The site gained national recognition during the 1960s as the United States’ largest mental institution with over 12,000 patients, 6,000 employees, and more than 8,000 acres of land. Today, Central State Hospital serves over 200 existing patients and has downsized to roughly 2,000 acres of land. For those interested in exploring the history of the former Central State Hospital campus, a guided trolley tour is your perfect chance.

Board 'Milly' the trolley and set out on a guided driving tour through the grounds of Central State Hospital, including a stop at Cedar Lane Cemetery and as available Chapel of All Faiths. Hear about the history of the institution as well as the redevelopment of the grounds from a former Central State employee and tour guide.

There will be two tours offered each day, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. There will be limited capacity, only 12 passengers (50% capacity) per tour to allow for distance seating. Tickets are $30. All ticket purchases are non-refundable and not able to be exchanged. Masks will be provided and must be worn during the entire tour. Proper sanitation measures of the trolley will be followed to ensure the health and safety of all passengers.

Tickets will go on sale on the first Monday of that tour's month. Call the Visitor's Center to reserve your tickets at (478) 452-4687.