Georgia's National Parks
Some of the best trip destinations in the U.S. are in the
South, and Georgia is a leader in travel. For those wanting
to experience the best in Georgia
travel a stop at a few of the historic and natural national
parks is a must. The National Park Rangers are highly skilled
and friendly individuals that are ready to help you and
educate you ensuring your visit is great. Find out more
about travel in the U.S. at our travel
and tourism page.
Andersonville National Historic Site
Just northeast of Plains, Georgia, on the Highway 49 is
the Andersonville National Historic Site, and the site of
Fort Sumter. For the Civil War historian, Andersonville's
Fort Sumter is synonymous with inhumane treatment and conditions including starvation,
disease, overcrowding and death for its Union prisoners.
When you visit the Andersonville historic site, you can
hear the a/v program, Echoes of Captivity that tells the
story of Fort Sumter and its inhabitants. Also available
is an audio recording that you can rent and listen to, as
you take a driving tour of the park, interpretive programs,
the National Prisoner of War Museum, and picnic areas.
496 Cemetery Rd., Andersonville, GA 31711
912-924-0343
www.nps.gov/ande/
Andersonville Prison
Chattahoochee River National Military Park
The Chattahoochee River National Military Park area makes
up 38 miles and four of Georgia's counties. The Chattahoochee
is 430 miles long flowing southwest from the north Georgia
Mountains. The park is home to several 19th century historic
sites as well as Native American Archeological sites. While
there, you can fish in a well stocked trout stream with
23 species of game fish, (be sure to check out the regulations/requirements
with the Department of Natural Resources-- www.gadnr.org)
picnic, trek all you desire of the park's 50 miles of hiking
trails or, when in available, rent canoes or rafting equipment.
www.nps.gov/chat/
1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30350
678-538-1200
Chickamauga National Military Park
Chickamauga National Military Park, located just 9 miles
south of Chattanooga
on US 27, is the site of one the South's victorious battles
during the Civil War. The park, established in the end of
the Civil War, is the first of its kind in America and is
a tribute to the more than 600 Confederate and Union soldiers.
While visiting, you can watch a 30 minute film at the visitor's
center, take a tour of the park that will help you understand
the major engagements of the War, explore horse trails,
historical tablets, and visit the Craven House. Also, in
the Visitor's Center, gun enthusiast will want to see
the Fuller Gun's Collection.
www.nps.gov/chch/
P.O. Box 2128, Ft. Oglethorpe, GA
706-866-9241
Fort Frederica National Monument
As you visit St. Simons Island, be sure to see Ft. Frederica
National Monument and Fort Frederica. Built by General James
Oglethorpe in 1736, Frederica was said to be the"most
elaborate fortification in North America." At Frederica,
you can watch a film on the sites history, see artifacts
and exhibits, or spend a couple of hours walking around
the grounds. While there, be sure you make time for a visit
to Christ Episcopal Church, whose congregation began when
John Wesley preached under the oak trees. The church's cemetery
gives rest to many of St. Simon's leader of the early 19th
century.
www.nps.gov/fofr/
Rt. 9 Box 286, St. Simons GA 31522
912-638-3939
Ft. Pulaski National Monument
While visiting Savannah, you don't want to miss taking
trip to Fort Pulaski, located just 16 miles east on US 80.
At Fort Pulaski, you can see the remains of 19th century
masonry at its best. The fort's construction was overseen
by Lt. Robert E. Lee, who was a recent graduate of West
Point. Although believed by many to be indestructible, the
Union troops were eventually able to reduce it with 30 hours
of artillery shells shot from over a mile away.
When you visit Fort Pulaski, you can observe living history
demonstrations and a museum documenting the fort's history
and Civil War involvement. Other outdoor activities include
hiking, fishing, biking, and bird watching.
www.nps.gov/fopu/
Fort Necessity National Battleground, PO Box 30757, Hw.
80 East, Savannah, GA 31410
912-786-5787
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site
Do you love to learn about our nation's leaders? Then Plains,
Georgia is a must. The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site
is located in the former Plains County High School. The
museum's displays will teach you all about the life of President
Jimmy Carter. Also in Plains, you can visit the Carter
Campaign Headquarter which showcases campaign posters, and
memorabilia as well as plaques and displays detailing his
accomplishments while in office. For a look at his childhood
in Plains, be sure to visit the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm.
There you can see the restored and reconstructed barn, blacksmith
shop, buggy shop and other buildings as they looked before
1937.
912-824-4104
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
 Just
west of Marietta on Highway 120, you can visit Kennesaw
Mountain National Battlefield. Kennesaw Mountain, one
of the largest and easily accessed parks, is also one of
the sites of the Atlanta Campaign of the Civil War. It was here that the
Confederate Army held off the Union Troops for more than
2 weeks. Kennesaw offers numerous trails to explore, earthen
breastworks to be examined, and many picnic locations for
your family to enjoy. While in Kennesaw, you don't want
to miss visiting the Big Mountain Shanty Museum which is home
to the General, a Civil War steam engine.
www.nps.gov/kemo/
900 Kennesaw Mt. Dr.,
Kennesaw. GA 30152
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Site will
enlighten you about the life of this great civil rights
leader. You can go on guided tours focusing on details and
his accomplishments in Atlanta. While at the King Center,
you will find the beginning of the tour for The Martin Luther
King, Jr. Historic District. On the tour, you will visit
his birthplace, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, as well as
Dr. King's tomb. The King Center also has books, audio and
video cassettes, film, TV, CDs and web pages to educate
you about Dr. King.
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30312
404-33-6922
Ocmulgee National Monument
One of the oldest and most important sites in Macon is
the Ocmulgee National Monument. The Monument was built,
basketful by basketful, by the people of the Late Mississippian society
who lived there from A.D. 900-1100. The Mississippian' built
temple mounds and structures, some of which, like the Great
Temple, rise up 45 feet.
The Ocmulgee offers opportunities for hiking, and anthropological
study. During the month of March there is a special Lantern
Light Tour and in September you can enjoy the Ocmulgee Indian
Celebration.
www.nps.gov/ocmu/
1207 Emery Highway, Macon GA 31217
912-752-8257
Ocmulgee Indian Mound
Learn more about Georgia's
State Parks and visit the best museums in Georgia to learn more about our great state.
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