If you’re camping at Lake Hartwell, these spots are worth the short drive. The Ty Cobb Museum in Royston is a quick hop before heading to Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari for some up-close animal fun. Swing through Seneca for the Lunney Museum, then wrap up your day exploring Oconee County history at the Oconee History Museum in Walhalla.

Ty Cobb Museum – Royston, GA

Nearest City:

• Royston

Admission Price: Adults:

• Adult $7.00
• Senior (62+) $5.00
• Student $4.00
• Child (5 and under) $0.00
• Active Military (with ID) $0.00

Time Spent:

• 1 to 1.5 hours

What You’ll See:

• A focused look at the life and career of legendary baseball player Ty Cobb, featuring memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts that provide insight into Cobb’s impact on baseball history. The museum also contains film, video, books, and historical archives, and the Cobb Theater features stadium-style seating accented by a beautiful mural.

Tips:

• Please be respectful of the museum and its exhibits, regardless of your personal opinions.
• The gift shop carries books, tee shirts, and more.
• Purchase admission at the gift shop.

Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari – Hartwell, GA

Nearest City:

• Hartwell

Admission Price: Adults:

• Adult $12.00
• Senior (65+) $10.00
• Child (2–12) $7.00
• Child (under 2) $0.00
• Budgie Experience (add-on) $3.00

Time Spent:

• 1 to 2 hours

What You’ll See:

• A drive-through wildlife safari where animals come directly to your vehicle for photo opportunities. Drive through as many times as you like for one admission price, then enjoy the Safari Walkabout, Tortoise Lane, Petting Zoo, and Budgie Experience. Animals include American Bison, Ostrich, Camels, Water Buffalo, Wildebeest, Zebu, Parakeets, Tortoises, and more.

Tips:

• Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00am–5:00pm. Last entry at 4:30pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
• Your car will get covered in animal drool
• Rental vehicles are available for $20 plus admission.
• Feed bags are $5 each (We recommend 1 for each person in the vehicle)

Lunney Museum – Seneca, SC

Nearest City:

• Seneca

Admission Price: Adults:

• Free (donation encouraged)

Time Spent:

• 45 minutes to 1 hour

What You’ll See:

• The only historic house museum in Oconee County, built in 1909 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A 1909 Queen Anne style “California” bungalow with arts and crafts interior, featuring a carriage house and two-seater outhouse. Educational content focuses on the history of Seneca, the Lunney family, and rural southern culture.

Tips:

• Pair this with the nearby Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum just down the street.
• Tours are available by appointment but walk in is available
• Street parking is available.

Oconee History Museum – Walhalla, SC

Nearest City:

• Walhalla

Admission Price: 

• Free (donation encouraged)

Time Spent:

• 1 to 1.5 hours

What You’ll See:

• Housed in an 1892 tobacco factory in historic downtown Walhalla, the museum features Oconee County artifacts and interpretive exhibits covering history from prehistory to present. Of special interest are two fully preserved dugout canoes rescued from local rivers, plus a walk-in Stump house Tunnel exhibit, a children’s corner, and the Oconee Ancestor’s Gallery.

Tips:

• Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00am–5:00pm. Ample free parking in front of the museum on Brown’s Square.
• Pimento Cheese (The Cat) roams the museum. She’s very friendly and loves pets.
• Bring water it can get hot inside the museum.