While most Georgia College students spend their days moving between lecture halls and downtown Milledgeville, a lesser-known campus just minutes away offers forests, trails and outdoor programs designed to take learning beyond the classroom.
“One of my friends introduced me to fishing out there a few years ago, and since then, we go out there all the time, it’s very peaceful,” said Maddie Marx, a senior business management major.
Students like Marx get introduced to the facility by word of mouth and attend East Campus regularly for outdoor activities. The 83 acres of land include forests, a lake, a challenge course and cabins used as classrooms for certain programs and major classes.
Within this slow-paced and peaceful setting, Andrew Carey, a senior business management major, uses the space as both a way to focus on academics as well as enjoy his favorite activities.
“I love to sit at the pavilion and do my school work,” Carey said. “ I also go fishing here pretty often.”
The pavilion, located right on the lake, has an abundance of picnic tables and rocking chairs for students to sit back, relax and take in the view. It is large enough for students to host special events or occasions to enjoy with family and friends.
That sense of calm and separation from the main campus is something multiple students emphasized. Whether fishing by the lake, walking the trails or sitting at the pavilion, East Campus offers an environment that allows students to slow down and reset.
In addition to its recreational aspect, East Campus also serves as a space for hands-on learning and group activities. The challenge course, which includes climbing elements and team-building exercises, is often used by student organizations and classes, making it stand out from a traditional classroom setting.
For students like Marx, the appeal is simple.
“I think people who enjoy the outdoors and exploring would like it the most, anyone who is active and loves to discover new places to get away,” Marx said.
Despite its range of offerings and activities, East Campus remains relatively less well-known than other parts of campus. Students who are familiar with it say that a lack of awareness is the main reason students don’t take advantage of the facility more.
“Whenever I recommend it to students, they usually don’t know what I’m talking about, but the nature trail, pavilion and pond are all beautiful places,” Carey said.
Students who frequently visit East Campus often describe it as something many on campus simply haven’t discovered yet.
Madison Ginsberg, a senior marketing major, only recently learned about the space despite spending several years at Georgia College.
“I would definitely consider it a hidden gem,” Ginsburg said. “I never knew about it until last year, and I do not think many people know it’s here either.”
The experience might offer more to students than they expect at first glance. The mix of fresh outdoors and quiet atmosphere can appeal to many different types of students here on campus, whether they are looking to stay active or just wanting a break away from the campus noise.
As more students look for ways to balance academic pressure with time outdoors, East Campus provides an option just minutes away, one that many say is worth discovering and checking out. The Outdoor Center’s address is 315 Lake Laurel Rd NE, Milledgeville, GA 31061.