July 2017 Events in Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites
Below is a sample of July events at Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. For more programs, visit www.GaStateParks.org/events and the parks’ web pages. More information on accommodations and recreation can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275.
4th of July Celebration
Monday, Jul 3, 2017 10 AM to 3 PM
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha, GA
Enjoy crafts, boat rides and even make your own homemade ice cream. $1-$5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706
Independence Day Celebration
Monday, Jul 3, 2017 10 AM to 4 PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Celebrate Independence Day like it’s 1864. Join us for old-fashioned fun, games, and fun for all. $5-$9 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
Fireworks At The ‘Nole 2017
Monday, Jul 3, 2017 10 AM to 10 PM
Seminole State Park – Donalsonville, GA
See dazzling fireworks light up the night sky over Lake Seminole. Our annual 4th of July celebration will feature food, music, vendors, and of course fireworks. $5 per car $5 parking. 229-861-3137.
Cannons Across the Marsh
Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 10 AM to 4 PM
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien, GA
Join the soldiers at the fort for a day of artillery drills, musket firings, and soldier’s life activities to honor Independence Day. Free watermelon and lemonade will be served. $4.50- $7.50 912-437-4770.
Independence Day Celebration
Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 10 AM to 4 PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Celebrate Independence Day like it’s 1864. Join us for old-fashioned fun, games, and fun for all. $5-$9 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
Independence Day Colonial Faire
Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 11 AM to 3 PM
Fort Morris Historic Site – Midway, GA
Celebrate the 4th with colonial games, contests of skill, colonial music, musket firings, cannon firings and activities. Prizes will be awarded to all participants. $3-$4.50 912-884-5999.
Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
Wednesday, Jul 5, 2017 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site – Brunswick, GA
Take an eerie journey back in time at coastal Georgia’s most haunted rice plantation. As you walk beneath centuries old Live Oaks, explore the out-buildings on the plantation and a lantern tour of the main house you will hear tales of recent ghostly encounters, plantation folklore and the rich but tragic history of the Low County rice fields. $15. 912-264-7333.
Birding at the Break of Dawn
Thursday, Jul 6, 2017 7:30 AM to 9 AM
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA
Wake up to the melodious calls of our native bird species. Join the interpretive ranger for some early morning birding at Smithgall Woods. From phoebes and gnat-catchers to red-shouldered hawks, early morning is the time to hear and see birds at their best. $3 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Stars of Red Top (Star Gazing) & Cold Lemonade
New Time – Starting at 9:00 p.m.
Friday, Jul 7, 2017 9 PM to 10:30 PM
Red Top Mountain State Park – Acworth, GA
Join us on Friday evenings to observe the stars above us. Telescope and Gazing Binoculars on hand, or bring your own equipment. We will learn about well-known constellations and celestial events. Meet at the Visitor Center by 8:45 p.m. and we will carpool to the gazing location. Heavy cloud cover and/or rain cancels this event. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Sunset Stroll to Sunset Point
Saturdays 5 PM – 9 PM – Jul 15, 2017 until Nov 25, 2017
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
Take a stroll with the park ranger to one of Cloudland Canyon State Park’s best kept secrets. Enjoy views of Trenton, Lookout Valley, Sand Mountain, and more while the sky turns colorful at sunset. Meet at the West Rim Access Parking Lot. 45-minute program. Start time varies according to time of sunset. Inquire for specific time at visitor center. $5 parking. 706-657-4050.
Flat Creek Kayak Adventure
Saturday, Jul 15, 2017 9 AM to 1 PM
Don Carter State Park – Gainesville, GA
Join us on this 2 – 3 hour excursion to one of the wildest parts of the lake. This rigorous trip will take us to Flat Creek Island, the northern-most island on Lake Lanier. Bring food and water for this trip; it takes a lot of energy. 3 single kayaks and 4 tandem kayaks available for rent if needed. Meet at the boat ramp. $20 with personal kayak/canoe. $30 with kayak rental. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Geocache – Summertime Prizes
Saturday, Jul 15, 2017 5 PM
Don Carter State Park – Gainesville, GA
Enjoy exploring nature with family while finding Don Carter’s treasures. Bring a GPS device or smart phone. Wear closed-toed shoes, bring water, and insect repellent for this off-trail program. Meet at the trail-head parking. Call to pre-register. Limited registration. Download the Geocache mobile app at: www.geocaching.com/play/mobile $5 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
No lakeside restroom. Bring a flashlight. $2 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Overnight Paddle Trip on the Ocmulgee River
8 AM – 3 PM from Jul 21, 2017
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls, GA
Join us for an overnight canoe trip on the Ocmulgee River. Trip will consist of two days and one night on the Ocmulgee River, with an overnight stay at Ben Hill Landing off GA Hwy 107. All meals and transportation from and to General Coffee State Park will be provided. Bring all needed personal items, along with sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. $150 plus $5 parking. 912-384-7082.
Movies under the Stars
Friday, Jul 21, 2017 8:40 PM to 10 PM
High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA
Bring a blanket and some popcorn to watch family films at the park on an outdoor inflatable screen. Movies will start at dark. $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
Stars of Red Top (Star Gazing) & Cold Lemonade
New Time – Starting at 9:00 p.m.
Friday, Jul 21, 2017 9 PM to 10:30 PM
Red Top Mountain State Park – Acworth, GA
Join us on Friday evenings to observe the stars above us. Telescope and Gazing Binoculars on hand, or bring your own equipment. We will learn about well-known constellations and celestial events. Meet at the Visitor Center by 8:45 p.m. and we will carpool to the gazing location. Heavy cloud cover and/or rain cancels this event. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
Twilight Lake Lanier Paddle
Saturday, Jul 29, 2017 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Don Carter State Park – Gainesville, GA
Join a ranger-led sunset outing to look for wading birds and raptors. Open to anyone who can swim. No pets, kids must be 8 or older and with an adult. Meet at the boat ramp, bring water, flashlight, and binoculars (optional). Bring your own kayak/canoe or rent here, limited rentals available. Pre-registration required. $15 with personal kayak/canoe – $25 with rental. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.
Water Wonders
Saturday, Jul 29, 2017 4 PM to 5 PM
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA
Take a net to dip in and see what inhabitants live in our lakes. Look for fish, frogs and lots of insects. We provide the nets, viewing scopes, and lots of interesting discoveries. Children must be accompanied by adults. Meet next to the Boathouse on Lake Delanor in the campground. Correct change only, or pay at the park office and bring receipt. $2 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Edible Plant Hike
Sunday, Jul 30, 2017 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Fort McAllister State Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Learn helpful tricks to identifying edible wild plants in Georgia. We will explore Red Bird Creek Trail, which is 3.1 miles long. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a 6-foot leash. $2 plus $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
Wildflower and Waterfall Get Fit Level 1 Hike
Sunday 9:30 AM – 11 AM – Jul 30, 2017 until Aug 13, 2017
Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth, GA
Join a Ranger on this easy to moderate hike around the Lake and Big Rock Trails. Hike will take around 1.5 hours. A great way to get fit while learning about the park and wildflowers. Wear closed toed shoes. Meet at the Group Shelter near the beach. $3 plus $5 parking. 706-422-1932.
