Visit Warner Robins

by Visit Middle Georgia

The International City – Warner Robins

Initially known as Wellston, dramatic changes occurred when the area was chosen as the site for the Army Air Corps Depot known as the Georgia Air Depot.  In 1940, it was renamed Robins Air Force Base  in honor of Brigadier General Augustine Warner Robins.  After World War II, the community languished as the Depot was no longer needed.  The Korean conflict changed that, and the Depot was reactivated.  While growth has slowed a bit from time to time, it has always been steady.  Today, the city boasts a population of more than 60,000. 

Warner Robins has a good variety of hotels that will meet the needs of those wishing to visit and explore the area.  The city is centrally located and is about twenty minutes from Perry, Ft. Valley, and Macon.  It’s ideal for those wanting to experience the entire Middle Georgia region.

Warner Robins isn’t called the International City for nothing.  The wide range of restaurants is a perfect example.  In addition to the expected American, Southern, Italian, Mexican, and Chinese establishments, you can find Indian, Greek, Jamaican, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Cuban.

For more Warner Robins’ flavors, check out:

Robins Air Force Base

RAFB is not only the South’s largest Air Force Base occupying 6,935 acres as well as 350-400 acres of upland forest and 2,200 acres of wetlands; it is the biggest single employer in Georgia.  More than 20,000 military and civilian employees provide vital support services in defense of this country.  The annual payroll of more than $600,000,000 sustains the Middle Georgia area and is critical to Georgia’s economic success.

The Base is home to the Headquarters of the Air Force Reserve, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center (WR-ALC), Air National Guard’s 116th Bomb Wing, 19th Air Refueling Group, 93rd Air Control Wing, 5th Combat Communications Group, and 78th Air Base Wing.  The WR-ALC is responsible for the maintenance of the C-141B/C Starlifter, F-15 Eagle, C-5 Galaxy, and C-130 Hercules in addition to the E-8C Joint STARS, special operations forces aircraft, U-2, helicopters, air force vehicles, and numerous avionics and missile systems.

The Base has the largest runway in the state.  It can handle the largest aircraft, including NASA’s space shuttle piggybacked on the Boeing 747 and the C-5B.  It would take $5.7 billion to replace it.

Museum of Aviation

It is impossible to do justice to the Museum, which was established in 1981.  It occupies 43 acres and is home to 90 historic aircraft.  They offer assistance in planning to the 700,000 annual visitors because they know they have so much to offer.  These are just some of the exciting activities and events sponsored by the Museum.

  • ADULT PROGRAMS AND GUIDED TOURS – History-based guided tours are directed by qualified members of the staff from the Museum of Aviation Education Center.  They offer a chance to go inside an airplane.  Educators can take advantage of the programs offered by the NASA Regional Education Resource Center.
  • VIRTUAL REALITY SIMULATOR – This is virtual reality at its most exciting.  The motion platform mimics reality as it pitches, elevates, and rolls in precise movements controlled by a computer.
  • SPACE WEEK – This year, the event is scheduled for April 24 through May 1, 2021.
Entertainment

If you’re looking for a place that offers fun for the whole family, Rigby’s Entertainment Complex fits the bill.  It offers laser tag, roller skating, bowling, miniature golf, bowling, go-karts, and an arcade.  It also offers a variety of foods that will make everyone happy.  You can find tennis courts at Jessie E. Tanner Junior Park.  Olympia Skate Center only offers roller skating, but they have summer specials for those planning a summer vacation.  If you want a place that will let the kids play to their heart’s content, then Monkey Joe’s indoor playground offers loads of fun that can’t be ruined by bad weather.

Events
Independence Day Concert and Fireworks