Things to do...

Things to do...

Warner Robbins Museum of Aviation

Visitors to Warner Robins will discover the "Crown Jewel" of Middle Georgia -- the Museum of Aviation, now the second largest museum in the United States Air Force. Displaying 93 aircraft and hundreds of exhibits on a beautiful 51 acre site, the museum has grown into a significant exhibit, education and cultural center drawing more than 700,000 visitors a year.

Go visit: Warner Robins Museum of Aviation Website

Georgia Music Hall of Fame

Visitors to Warner Robins will discover the "Crown Jewel" of Middle Georgia -- the Museum of Aviation, now the second largest museum in the United States Air Force. Displaying 93 aircraft and hundreds of exhibits on a beautiful 51 acre site, the museum has grown into a significant exhibit, education and cultural center drawing more than 700,000 visitors a year.

Go visit: Warner Robins Museum of Aviation Website

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

Located in Macon, Georgia, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is the country's largest state sports museum at 43,000 square feet. Created in 1956 as the Georgia Prep Sports Hall of Fame, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame has been in existence for more than 40 years. It was expanded in 1963 to encompass prep, college, amateur and professional sports. The stucture resembles a turn of the century ballpark with a red-brick exterior and green roof. From the old style ticket booths to the brick columns in the rotunda and special lighting, the museum invites visitors to experience the history of sports in Georgia with more than 14,000 square feet of high-energy exhibit space and a Hall of Fame Corridor that honors the nearly 300 members. In addition, there is a 205-seat theater with exposed steel trellises based on the design of Ponce de Leon Park in Atlanta. Also, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame offers visitors an extensive research library and gift shop.

Go visit: Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

Andersonville Civil War Prison

Andersonville, or Camp Sumter as it was officially known, was one of the largest of many established prison camps during the American Civil War. It was built early in 1864 after Confederate officials decided to move the large number of Federal prisoners kept in and around Richmond, Virginia, to a place of greater security and a more abundant food supply. During the 14 months the prison existed, more than 45,000 Union Solders were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure to the elements. The pen initially covered about 16 1/2 acres of land enclosed by a 15 foot high stockade of hewn pine logs. It was enlarged to 26 1/2 acres in June of 1864. The stockade was in the shape of a parallelogram 1,620 feet long and 779 feet wide. Sentry boxes, or "pigeon roost" as the prisoners called them, stood at 30 yard intervals along the top of the stockade. Inside, about 19 feet from the wall, was the " DEADLINE ," which the prisoners were forbidden to cross upon threat of death. Flowing through the prison yard was a stream called Stockade Branch, which supplied water to most of the prison. Two entrances, the North Gate and the South Gate, were on the West side of the stockade. Eight small earthen forts located around the exterior of the prison were equipped with artillery to quell disturbances within the compound and to defend against feared Union cavalry attacks. The first prisoners were brought to Andersonville in February, 1864. During the next few months approximately 400 more arrived each day until, by the end of June, some 26,000 men were confined in a prison area originally intended to hold 13,000. The largest number held at any one time was more than 32,000- about the population of present-day Sumter County- in August, 1864. Handicapped by deteriorating economic conditions, an inadequate transportation system, and the need to concentrate all available resources on the army, the Confederate government was unable to provide adequate housing, food, clothing, and medical care to their Federal captives. These conditions, along with a breakdown of the prisoner exchange system, resulted in much suffering and a high mortality rate. On July 9, 1864, Sgt. David Kennedy of the 9th Ohio Cavalry wrote in his diary: ' Wuld that I was an artist & had the material to paint this camp & all its horors or the tounge of some eloquent Statesman and had the privleage of expresing my mind to our hon. rulers at Washington, I should gloery to describe this hell on earth where it takes 7 of its ocupiants to make a shadow.'

Go visit: Andersonville Civil War Prison Wesite

Georgia Veterans State Park

Established as a memorial to U.S. veterans, this park features a museum with aircraft, armored vehicles, uniforms, weapons, medals and other items from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. The Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club is a privately operated conference center with 78 lodge rooms, 10 cottages and a restaurant. The SAM Shortline Excursion Train runs through the park on its way from Cordele to Plains, allowing riders to see an antique telephone museum, Habitat for Humanity's Global Village, President Jimmy Carter's boyhood farm and other attractions. An 18-hole golf course and pro shop, along with 8,600-acre Lake Blackshear, make this one of Georgia's most popular state parks.

Go visit: Georgia Veterans State Park Website

Southwest Georgia Excursion Train

Cordele - While you can board the Southwest Georgia's Excursion Train at any of its stops, the official beginning is at Cordele. While you are waiting for the train to depart, you can enjoy a cup of hot coffee and a pastry in the depot. Browse through our unique shop located at 105 East 9th Avenue in Cordele. Numerous SAM souviners and other gifts for you to remember your trip. Georgia Veterans State Park - Next on the route is Georgia Veterans State Park, one of Georgia's most-visited state parks, featuring championship golf, sparkling Lake Blackshear and fascinating military exhibits. While at Georgia Veterans Park, visit Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club where you can enjoy golfing, dining and stay in a beautiful lodge. Each room is elegantly decorated with your own patio and view of Lake Blackshear. Leslie - Your next stop will be Leslie, home of one of Georgias most unique museums. The Rural Telephone Museum is situated in a beautifully restored cotton warehouse that showcases antiques, switchboards, classic cars, colorful murals  and, of course, antique telephones($3 Adults and $1 Students). Americus - The Victorian town of Americus is your next stop. Tour Habitat for Humanitys new Global Village. Admission charge for Global Village is $5.00 adults; Srs. 55+ $4.00; Students of any age $4.00 and under 6 is free. While in Americus, browse all the wonderful and quaint shops. The award-winning 1892 Windsor Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to turn your train excursion into a relaxing weekend vacation. You can even take in a show at the breathtaking 1921 Rylander Theatre. Download pdf document of the Directory Listing of Downtown Americus. Plains - The small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter is your next stop. While in Plains, browse President Carter's campaign museum and an antique mall, then buy a bag of peanuts from local merchants. Visit the Plains Trading Post to see the latest trading items. A must place to visit is the Plains Inn recently refurbished and tastefully decorated. Archery - A bit further down the tracks is the community of Archery, featuring the presidents boyhood home. The train will stop just steps from his old front porch, and you'll have plenty of time to explore the farm before the SAM Shortline returns to Cordele. Fare Structure FOR RESERVATIONS Call toll free 1-877-GA-RAILS Visit it on the web at Southwest Georgia's Excursion Train

Go visit: Southwest Georgia's Excursion Train

Flint RiverQuarium

The highlight of the Flint RiverQuarium is the amazing 175,000-gallon 22-foot deep RiverQuarium Blue Hole Spring, showcasing Southwest Georgias unique underwater world. Explore it from the surface to the depths through a panorama of discovery points. See more than 100 kinds of fish, turtles, alligators, snapping turtles and other creatures that make the RiverQuarium Blue Hole their home. The Flint River Gallery features both freshwater and saltwater tanks, plus a live fish hatchery, to give you a first-hand look at life all along the rivers path. Follow the Flint Rivers amazing 350-mile journey and learn about the vital role the river plays in sustaining life for thousands of curious creatures. Discovery Caverns puts you in control of nature with fun games and eye-opening exhibits. Control the weather. Change the way a river flows. Explore an underground cave to uncover mysterious subterranean creatures. The World of Water gives you an insiders view of other rivers around the globe that share similar features and challenges with the Flint.

Go visit: Flint RiverQuarium Website

Georgia National Fairgrounds

Magnolia Arabian Spring Classic Horse Show April 21-23, 2006 Thirteenth Annual Magnolia Arabian Spring Classic Horse Show Hosted by the Magnolia Arabian Horse Association Classes in Reaves Arena, Covered Horse Arena, Outdoor Horse Arena Times not available No admission fee for spectators Observe the majestic Arabian horse at its best! Classes include halter, both English and Western riding, jumping, dressage and many more. For additional information contact Lynn Daniel at (478) 955-3030 or visit their Web-site, www.magnoliaaha.com Located at the Ga. National Fairgrounds

Go visit: Ga. National Fairgrounds

Providence Canyon State Park

Park (229) 838-6202 Visitors are amazed at the breathtaking colors of Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon." The rare Plumleaf Azalea and other wildflowers, as well as the pink, orange, red and purple hues of the soft canyon soil, make a beautiful natural painting at this unique park. Visitors can enjoy views of the canyons from the rim trail, and backpackers who set off before 4 p.m. can stay overnight along the backcountry trail. Camping and cottages are available nearby at Florence Marina State Park on beautiful Lake Walter F. George. An interpretive center explains how the massive gullies (the deepest being 150 feet) were caused by erosion due to poor farming practices in the 1800s. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Park Hours: September 15-April 14, 7AM-6PM; April 15-September 14, 7AM-9PM Office Hours: 8AM-5PM year-round Go visit Providence Canyon State Park

Go visit: Providence Canyon State Park

Henderson Village

Henderson Village is a collection of 19th century homes and cottages situated on 18 bucolic acres, in the heart of Central Georgia and located at what was once a thriving stagecoach intersection and home to many wealthy planters in the rural South. The century old dwellings, with sprawling verandas and white columns, recall the beauty and romance of the Old South. With twenty-four elegant guest suites, fine Southern cuisine, lush Gamelands and picturesque gardens, your time with us at Henderson Village will be unforgettable. We look forward to welcoming you. Henderson Village is the only AAA Four Diamond resort style bed and breakfast in Middle Georgia, and a recipient of the Conde Nast Johansen's Award of Excellence and member of Select Registry and Distinguished Inns of North America. Visit on the web at Henderson Village.

Go visit: Henderson Village.

Ocmulgee Indian Mounds

Ocmulgee is a memorial to the antiquity of man in this corner of the North American continent. The National Monument preserves a continuous record of human life in the Southeast from the earliest times to the present. From Ice-Age hunters to the Muscogee (Creek) people of historic times, there is evidence here of 12,000 years of human habitation. One period stands out. Between AD 900 and 1200 a skillful farming people lived on this site. Known to us as Mississippians, they were part of a distinctive culture which crystallized about AD 750 in the middle Mississippi Valley and over the next seven centuries spread along riverways throughout much ofthe central and eastern United States. The Mississippians brought a more complex way of life to the region and here they left behind eight earthen mounds and the remains of a ceremonial earthlodge. The Monument today consists of two units separated by two miles of riverine wetlands along the Ocmulgee River. The Main Unit is adjacent to the city of Macon, an urban area with a population of 118,000. The isolated Lamar Mounds and Village Unit can be visited by special permit.

Go visit: Ocmulgee Indian Mounds Website

Cannonball House & Museum

This handsome Greek Revival home was built by Judge Asa Holt in 1853. It is noted for its fine proportions, Ionic columns, and delicate drawn wire (hand-fashioned) railing and small overhanging balcony. There were several brick out-buildings, of which two survive - the original kitchen, now the Museum at the rear of the house, and the carriage house on the right. It was on July 30, 1864 during the Battle of Dunlap's Hill that the house became known as The Cannonball House when it was hit by a Union cannonball. General Stoneman's Union battery was positioned on a bluff overlooking the Ocmulgee River at a point that is now the location of Ocmulgee nation Monument. The battery was firing at the Johnston-Hay House on the next corner, known to store, from time to time, funds of the Confederate Treasury. The cannonball stuck the sand walk close to where the historical marker now stands, bounced, struck the second column from the left and ricocheted, going through the house over a parlor window and landing in the hall.

Go visit: Cannonball House & Museum Website

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