12 Events To Celebrate Memorial Day at Georgia State Parks
Our list of 12 Events to Celebrate Memorial Day at Georgia State Parks has something for everyone.
Hidden Gem Series
Throughout 2016, Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites will host events that highlight secret spots few visitors notice, such as a moonshine truck that tumbled down a mountain. Visit http://gastateparks.org/HiddenGems/Eventsfor a list of statewide Hidden Gem programs. Some are listed below.
Geocaching 85th Anniversary Celebration
We’ve hidden 47 caches in 44 state parks, taking you from Cloudland Canyon to Skidaway Island, and everywhere in between. The quest ranges from easy to tricky. (Hint: you might need a tide chart for one of the bonus caches.) Best of all, any age can participate and share the fun of treasure hunting, so “Get Out. Get Dirty. Get Fit.”®!
WILD CARD Cache! Come out to our two NEWEST state parks and add Chattahoochee Bend and Don Carter wild card stamps to your Geo-Challenge PassPort! This unique stamps goes in the blank (non-park designated) squares on the end of your PassPort and counts towards your next geocoin. Newer passports now have 2 designated squares for these new parks.
Georgia Geo-Campers on Facebook
Memorial Day Commemoration
Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Help us pay tribute to our fellow patriots who served our country throughout the years with a commemoration and reenactment. We’ll have cannon and musket firings, Civil War-era demonstrations, and lots of family fun. 912-727-2339.
War of Jenkins’ Ear
Saturday, May 28, until Monday, May 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah, GA
Wormsloe will commemorate Georgia’s role in the 1739-1748 war between Britain and Spain. A brief presentation at the Visitor Center will be followed by a walking tour of the site. The program will also include military drills and black powder weapons demonstrations. $4.50 – $10. 912-353-3023.
Memorial Day at Fort Morris
Monday, May 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fort Morris Historic Site – Midway, GA
This coastal fort will present hourly Revolutionary War soldier talks and musket and cannon demonstrations. Enjoy the beautiful vista from the earthen fort, over the Medway River and out through St. Catherine’s Sound, a view that has changed very little over hundreds of years. $3-$4.50. 912-884-5999.
Memorial Day Miniature Golf Tournament
Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Indian Springs State Park – Flovilla, GA
Compete against your friends and family as you celebrate the holiday. Wear something patriotic and you may find yourself on our park Facebook page. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-504-2277.
Family Farm Day
Saturday, May 28, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site – Juliette, GA
The farm comes to life with volunteers demonstrating crafts and chores of the past. See the skills from long ago, such as sewing, blacksmithing, woodstove cooking, gardening, woodworking and many other farm activities. $4-$6.50. 478-986-5172.
Night Hike at Cloudland Canyon
Friday, May 27, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Enjoy a 2-mile hike on one of the best trails at the park. You will learn interesting facts about the geology and history of the canyon. By the end of the hike, we will be in the dark, enjoying the trail by moonlight and listening for night sounds. Ages 10 and older. Reservations required. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
[Tweet “Guided hikes, cave tours, historic enactments & more on @GaStateParks calendar www.GaStateParks.org/events Campsites, cabins, yurts too”]
Forgotten History: Hidden Gems of Richard B. Russell State Park
Saturday, May 28, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Richard B. Russell State Park – Elberton, GA
Our disc golf course and other areas are home to what remains of past homesteads that visitors easily overlook. This naturalist-led hike will replay in living history how the families lived in previous centuries. An interactive demonstration garden is also planned for a site. Meet at the disc golf course parking area. $5 parking. 706-213-2045.
Tugaloo’s Moonshine
Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tugaloo State Park – Lavonia, GA
Learn about the life of early settlers who once lived at what is now Tugaloo State Park. We will hike near unique remnants of old moonshine stills and see evidence of an old home place located on the park. $5 parking. 706-356-4362.
A Memorable Memorial Day
Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park – Lavonia, GA
Begin with our 3rd annual doggie pageant, followed by wiffleball and a campfire with s’mores, story telling and songs. $5 parking. 706-356-4362.
Gorge Floor Hike
I snapped this pic when we visited Tallulah Gorge in October of 2015. If you haven’t been in the Fall you may want to plan a trip.
Saturday, May 28, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, May 29, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, May 30, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
Explore this stunning gorge with a ranger-led hike. First travel down 535 steps to a river crossing, then climb boulders and logs to get to Sliding Rock. Wear your swimsuit if you want to cool off in the natural slide. Bring water, lunch and snacks. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
