Discover Ben Hill County: Nature, History, and Fitzgerald
Accommodation in Ben Hill County
Ben Hill County combines nature-based experiences with an unusually rich urban history. Nine recreational parks are jointly maintained by the county and the City of Fitzgerald. In addition, there is a river access park on the Ocmulgee River, the Milton “Buddy” Hopkins Nature Preserve with an approximately 1-mile boardwalk loop around a grassy wetland, and historic buildings that give Fitzgerald a distinctive character. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home can therefore plan their trip around their own interests: nature observation, culture, events, or a combination of several focuses.
Nature Between the River, Wetland, and Birdwatching
The Paulk Park Nature Trail is an approximately 150-foot boardwalk loop through a compact natural setting. More time for observation can be set aside at the Milton “Buddy” Hopkins Nature Preserve. There, an approximately 1-mile boardwalk loop runs around a grassy wetland. The preserve is suitable for birdwatching year-round and is home to approximately 100 different bird species. These different trail formats offer a clear choice for planning the day: a short loop or a longer route with particular attention to the landscape and its birdlife.
A river access park is located on the Ocmulgee River. Ben Hill County Landing is on Mobley Bluff Road, which branches off Highway 107 East, and offers a wooded, natural setting for camping. Those who want to make outdoor activities the focus of their stay can consider these locations when choosing the right area for accommodations, without mixing the nature experiences with Fitzgerald’s cultural offerings.
Fitzgerald: Historic Streets and Special Stories
An important cultural focus is Fitzgerald. Listed on the National Register, the Downtown Historic District encompasses more than 26 blocks with a historic streetscape. The historic residential streetscape includes Queen Anne, Victorian architecture, Neoclassical, Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Gothic styles. For trip planning with an interest in architecture, it is worth making this diversity of styles an experience in its own right.
Individual institutions also tell stories about the city’s past. The Carnegie Center is housed in a historic Carnegie Library that opened in 1915. It offers a changing program of visual art exhibitions, performances, events, and classes. The Blue and Gray Museum displays a rare collection of relics and artifacts from the American Civil War. The restored Fitzgerald Grand Theatre dates back to the 1930s as a movie theater. The Ben Hill County Courthouse is still in use and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
The Depot provides another historic stop. It offers a mystery dinner theater and a tour of the historic A, B & A Railroad Depot. This adds a narrative and entertaining facet to the stay. Fitzgerald Evergreen Cemetery is also a historic cemetery and the final resting place of numerous historical figures.
Spring with Festival Tradition
In spring, several events add another dimension to Ben Hill County. The Wild Chicken Festival takes place every spring in Fitzgerald’s historic Downtown District. The Ebony-in-Arts Festival and the Colony City Chase are also associated with Ben Hill County and take place annually in spring. Visitors who plan their trip for this time of year can combine nature, urban history, and a festive atmosphere.
Choosing Ben Hill County as a Travel Base
Georgia Bike Route 20 runs through Fitzgerald and provides another specific point of reference for trip planning. Overall, the range extends from an approximately 150-foot boardwalk to the roughly 1-mile loop, from the river access park to the historic district. When looking for a vacation rental in Ben Hill County, first consider which of these experiences should be the focus of your stay.
For the overarching travel overview: Georgia.
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