Discover Decatur County: Water, Nature and History

Decatur County combines expansive natural landscapes with a remarkable concentration of history and culture around Bainbridge. The Silver Lake Wildlife Management Area covers 9,200 acres in the southern part of the county. The Flint River runs through Bainbridge and shapes several destinations where you can combine water, activity and distinctive photo opportunities.

Nature Experiences Between Silver Lake and the Flint River

At the Silver Lake Public Fishing Area, nature trails lead through pine flatwoods shaped by longleaf pines and wiregrass. This makes the area interesting for anyone who wants to experience a landscape with a distinctly recognizable regional character during their stay. Those who would rather spend the day by the river will find a launch site into the Flint River with large boat ramps at the Earle May Boat Basin.

The Boat Basin also offers paved, illuminated walking paths, a pump track and a fitness area. There is also a swimming beach, a campground, a disc golf course and playgrounds. This makes it possible to combine different ideas for the day: a walk by the water, exercise on the pump track, time on the playground or a longer stay outdoors. For families with children, the combination of water, play opportunities and animals at Bainbridge Animal Park is especially useful when planning a trip. Ringo the donkey and his goat friends are happy to accept treats from visitors of all ages.

Cheney Griffen Park on the banks of the Flint River offers another distinctive setting. The railroad bridge creates a picturesque backdrop for photographers. In Willis Park, in the heart of downtown Bainbridge, a Victorian pavilion and a fountain provide a distinctly more urban setting. Downtown Station offers public restrooms and can be taken into account when finding your way around during a day in Bainbridge.

Discover Historic Bainbridge in Your Own Way

The Bainbridge Heritage Tour is a self-guided tour of 41 historic buildings and homes in Bainbridge. It is therefore particularly suitable for travelers who want to discover history not only in a museum but also in the cityscape. The historic properties also include the Donalson-Rollins House, built in 1898. The Decatur County History Museum preserves a collection of historical artifacts in downtown Bainbridge and complements the impressions gained from exploring the city.

A prominent building is the Decatur County Historic Courthouse, constructed in 1902. Its courtroom features tall windows, a gallery, woodwork and four fireplaces. St. John's Episcopal Church is considered the oldest church building in the country to have been in continuous use. Oak City Cemetery was established as a cemetery in 1853. Its western section was transferred to Temple Beth-El in 1878 and became one of the first Jewish cemeteries in southern Georgia. These places offer different ways to explore history: architecture, religious heritage, urban development and personal memories.

The former use of individual buildings is also part of the region's story. The historic double hangar complex from the time of World War II at Decatur County Airport was built in 1943 as part of Bainbridge Army Airfield. The Firehouse Arts Center building formerly served as City Hall and a firehouse and was designed by William Augustus Edwards in 1914. It is the only example of Mission architecture in this part of the state. For an evening of live performances, Bainbridge Little Theatre stages four productions each year.

Which Location Suits Your Trip

When looking for a vacation apartment or vacation home in Decatur County, you can first determine your preferred focus. For days by the water or in nature, Silver Lake, the Flint River and the Earle May Boat Basin are the defining themes. The intersection of U.S. Highway 84 and U.S. Highway 27 in Bainbridge is also an important point for orienting yourself upon arrival. The best location for your accommodation therefore depends primarily on whether you want to focus on culture in the city, experiences in nature or varied days with children.

Willis Park hosts events including Holiday Open House, Christmas on the Square and Christmas Eve in Willis Park. The local events calendar therefore also offers its own occasions to combine trip planning with a visit to downtown. As a direct next step for getting oriented locally, you can take a closer look at Bainbridge.

Other destinations in the same overview: Fulton, Stewart County, Franklin County, Bryan, Greene, Walker County, Laurens County.

For the overarching travel overview: Georgia.