Lakeland, Georgia, located about 20 miles east of Valdosta has a history of being named after its surroundings, first Alapaha Station in reference to the nearby 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. Lakeland was incorporated August 11, 1925.

In remembrance of its days at Milltown, twenty-five life-size murals have been painted on downtown buildings, depicting citizens and landscapes from photographs circa 1920s. A map of the murals is available from the Lakeland-Lanier County Chamber of Commerce on Main Street.

Lakeland is renowned for its annual Flatlander's Frolic held Labor Day weekend, its citizenry hosting myriad arts and crafts vendors, a road race, beauty pageant, bluegrass musicians and cloggers. Thirty years and going strong, the Flatlander's Frolic is a cherished tradition in Lakeland drawing visitors from all over South Georgia and North Florida.

With a population of over 2,700, Lakeland is a haven for those desiring a scenic small community lifestyle yet with comfortably close access to the amenities of a metropolitan area. For more information call Lakeland Lanier Chamber of Commerce at (229) 482-9755 or e-mail llcoc@windstream.net. Lakeland Community History “Georgia’s Historic Mural City”

Click to View City Map of Lakeland